2022: Week 4, Term 2

Principal's Message

Newsletter Week 4 Term 2

In preparing for this week’s Gospel, the sixth Sunday of easter (Year C) we reflect on the
words of Fr John Langtry, founding Parish Priest here at JB.

REFLECTION- GOSPEL

The last gift that Jesus gave His Disciples before His Ascension was the GIFT OF PEACE. “Do
not let your hearts  be troubled or afraid. Peace I give to you, a peace the world cannot
give, this is my gift to you.”

We have met many people at some time who are deeply at peace, no matter what is
happening in their life. Invariably such people are close to their God. The measure of
Peace in our heart may well be the measure of Peace of how close we are to Jesus.

Isn’t it worth the effort to give a little more time to prayer and good works - come closer to
Jesus - receive His peace and His special gift to us.

SEVEN STEPS TO HEALTHY FAMILIES 

1. Talk freely and listen well - Good communication is right at the top of the list.
2. Be quick with praise and affirmation - Did your Parents praise you for something you did?
3. We are all different  - Thank God! Differences are risky when security is low.
4.  Share out the jobs - and the power. Sharing power promotes mutual trust.
5.  Know where and when to seek support. Families who cope well can count on help as
needed.
6.  Make time for family life. Even if time is short, quality of presence can make up.
7.   Treasure family rituals - attend Weekly Mass and Pray together.  Come good times or
bad, spiritual resources will add strength and meaning.

Late Father John Langtry 

Kindergarten Enrolments 2023

It has been a pleasure meeting families who wish to enrol their child in Kindergarten for
2023. This Friday, we welcome current JB families with siblings to our combined interview
session – at 9.15 or 12.00.

Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod

We wish all of our students representing John the Baptist in the upcoming SCS School’s
Eisteddfod the best of luck as they perform across a variety of disciplines – soloists, bands,
ensembles and choir. What an exciting opportunity!

With my best wishes for the week ahead.

Brendan O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

I hope you are all well and enjoying Term 2. It has been wonderful to see the learning of your children and the growth achieved every day. Our NAPLAN tests are underway and the students have once again navigated these online tests so well. We are so proud of them all. 

Winter Uniform

A reminder that all students are expected to be in full winter uniform now. This includes ties for the boys and stockings for the girls.  Our uniforms are available for purchase from Lowes, we also have a large selection of 2nd Hand Uniforms which can be ordered online via the Clothing Pool Sale form available on your Compass Favourites links or through the office. 

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches at School

The school requests that children from K-6 not bring mobile phones or smart watches capable of making phone calls to school. If children bring mobile phones or said smart watches to school, it must be understood that the school is NOT RESPONSIBLE for them. If parents give permission for their child to bring a mobile phone or a smart watch to school e.g. your child catches the bus and has a long walk from the bus stop, the phone/smart watch is to be brought to the office on arrival at school and collected at home time. The child’s name MUST be clearly labelled on the phone/smart watch. Mobile phones are not to be taken into the classrooms or onto the playground. In certain circumstances messages can be left with the Office Staff who in turn will pass the messages on to the students.

World Support Staff Appreciation Day

On Monday 16th May, we celebrated the World Support Staff Appreciation Day. We thank our Learning Support officers, Office Staff, ISO and Family Educator for all they do in support of the staff and students at John the Baptist - we appreciate you all. Here are some of our wonderful support staff enjoying some sweet treats. 

Sibling Interviews - Kindergarten 2023

Our Sibling Interviews for Kindergarten 2023 will be held on Friday 20th May. At least one parent and the student enrolling are to attend the interview, which will be held in the library. The Gloucester Street car park will be open for your convenience. 

9:15-10:15am: Siblings (A-K Surname)

12:00-1:00pm: Siblings (L-Z Surname)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email through to info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au 

Facebook

Be sure to like our school Facebook Page - we will be regularly posting some of the exciting things taking place at JB. 

https://www.facebook.com/jbbonnyrigg

Reminder: Family Support Worker

Lisa (Our Family Support Worker) is able to offer free confidential support for families going through challenging times. She can help you and your family with issues you may be facing, including some of the following:

• Child behaviour concerns
• Domestic and family violence
• Advocacy and referrals
• Financial hardship
• NDIS
• Traumatic events
• Housing stress

Lisa is available every Friday and can be contacted directly on - 0419 223 677 or via email - lisa.harris@catholiccare.org 

Please feel free to contact Lisa directly for further information or to make an appointment. 

Once again, thank you for your continued support and partnership. 

Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal

Family Educator News

Parent SPaR

We will meet each Monday morning at 8.50am in the gallery to Stop, Pray and Reflect on a different theme. This usually lasts about ten minutes. Please just let the staff on gate know you are attending and come on up to make a cup of tea or coffee. A great chance to make some connections with other parents too!

JB Juniors- FUN FOR PRESCHOOLERS!

Dates for this Term

Tuesdays fortnightly-  31st May, 14th June and 28th June.

This Playtime group begins at 8.50am on Tuesday Morning in the demountable classroom on the top playground. We share a prayer, a story/craft and playtime.

It is open to children aged 0-5 years. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children at all times. We finish approximately 10am. 

Please let gate staff know you are attending this event when entering the grounds.

Sacramental Craft

Any parents of children preparing for First Communion who would like to make a set of Rosary beads for their child please contact Mrs Dunn- 0439492920 or send in the note provided by your group leader. Sessions include some afternoons and one extra night on Monday 30th May at 5.30pm in the church meeting room if that time slot suits you.

Any parents who are interested in this craft-even if your child is NOT making their first Communion- please also contact me and we can arrange a time. The cost is only $5 and the craft is relatively simple! There is a chance for discussion about the Rosary, the sacraments and to ask any questions you may have.

Attitude is Everything

Life is about 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how YOU react to it. Check out this little fun clip HERE

 Each time we are dealt another of life’s ‘setbacks’ we might reconsider how it affects us and those around us. SO much of our attitude to events affects our children and familie- or even those we encounter in our day. They perceive these things through OUR reactions. St Francis gave us the beautiful Prayer of Peace and so we can  change our attitudes to reflect those values just a little more-

Lord, Let me be  a bearer of a positive attitude,

Where there is hatred, unkind or harsh words or hurt- let me have an attitude of love,

Where there is hurt or wrong doing- let me have an attitude of forgiveness and pardon.

Where there is doubt or uncertainty- let me have an attitude of faith and belief:

Where there is despair- let me have an attitude of hope:

Where there is darkness- let me have an attitude of Happiness:

And where there is sadness- let me have an attitude of JOY.

AMEN

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Parish Matters- because it DOES!

Link to LatestParish Bulletin HERE

JB Men’s Group

Invites you to our May Men’s group meeting Friday 20th May in the Church Hall 

7pm-8:30pm - BBQ 

We are called to walk together with our Lord, sharing our meals and nurturing our spiritual life. All men are invited to this companionship 

8:30 to 9:30pm - Fortunato’s presentation on the first Beatitude - “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

 What does poor in spirit mean? Does this describe you? Weather permitting, we will have the presentation and then the discussion around a fire outside, so bring some warm clothing! Together we empower each other to become Christ-like role models in our families and community. 

To join the men’s group or to find out more, email jbmg@johnthebaptist.org.au or call/SMS Daniel on 0411 254 520.

Literacy News

Newman News

Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod

This Friday 20th May, two JB bands will travel to Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College in Burwood to participate in the SCS Band Eisteddfod. These students have been staying back and working with our teachers after school each week in order to prepare for this exciting event. We are very proud of their achievements and wish them every success! 

We would like to thank Miss Mircevska and Miss Valdez for helping these students to prepare for the eisteddfod.

Over the next few Saturdays, some of our talented musicians will also be attending the SCS Eisteddfod for a solo performance! We wish Christian Vergara, Isaac Smolcic, Marcus Krsevan, Alvin Xiao and Trinity En all the very best and congratulate them for their achievements so far!

The JB school choir and dance group will also be competing at the eisteddfod later this term. 

Francine Bushby  Newman Facilitator/Gifted Coordinator

Library News

Sport News

Cross Country

We wish our cross country team all the best at the Cross Country Championships on May 25. 

Soccer

Lukas Curjak will represent JB at the MacKillop Soccer Trials on May 27th.  Best of luck Lukas!

Softball

Liam Bushby will represent John The Baptist at the MacKIllop Trials on June 9th.  Good luck Liam!

Primary Athletics Carnival

Our carnival will now take place on Monday 6th June at Rosford Street Reserve.  We are hoping for good weather!

Numeracy News

Kindergarten Maths Fluency 

In Kindergarten students are learning to be fluent when counting forwards and backwards. Students have been practising their skills with different resources to apply their knowledge of counting at a deeper level. 

The best Mathematicians practice, practice, practice.

Look at Kindergarten in action as they develop their counting skills!

Michael Hobson  Numeracy Coordinator

Kindergarten Counting Skills

Religious Education News

Mothers Day Liturgy - 6th May                                                                                

The community of John the Baptist celebrated and gave thanks for our Mums, Grandmas and carers who, like Mary, are the heart of our homes and families. Thank you to all who were able to join us for this celebration,  Father Dominic who led us in prayer, our school choir, Mrs Bushby and Mrs Dunn for helping make this day special. It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the beautiful sunshine and a picnic lunch together, after the Liturgy.                                                             

God Bless,                                                                                                                                                                                        Geraldine Jansen  Religious Education Coordinator

Notes from the Office

ENROLMENT PERIOD FOR 2023 KINDERGARTEN IS NOW CLOSED

Please be aware the enrolment period for Kindergarten 2023 has now closed. If you have a sibling due to commence Kindergarten in 2023, please urgently contact the office to discuss the possibility of placement.  Applications can still be submitted, however, will be placed on a Waiting List and may be considered should second round offers become available.

APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENDED LEAVE – TRAVEL

For those families who may be considering a holiday, whether locally or internationally, please be aware that any travel request for 10 school days or more must be applied for at least 4 weeks prior to your child/ren’s intended absence.

Please email the office for an application and we will be happy to send this home. Kindly note when returning the application, it must also be accompanied by evidence of travel destination such as flight tickets &/or itinerary. 

Of particular importance, any family intending to take leave from 27th June to 5th August must complete this process as a high priority.

Any holiday absence for 9 school days or less, please be sure to submit an attendance note via Compass, before your child/ren’s absence.

VISA FAMILIES          

For our families from overseas, it is important that the school has details of your current            residency status. Please provide us with your new visa grant notice or Australian citizenship documents, if:

•       there has been any change in your visa subclass or the expiry date, or
•       if you previously had a visa but have now become an Australian citizen

2022 SCHOOL FEES

Dear Parents,

As you are aware, your 2022 School Fee Statements have been emailed to you. It would be appreciated if your payments are made by the scheduled dates as listed on your statement.

Payments can be made by BPAY, Compass Parent Portal, Cash, Eftpos or Centrepay.

Please contact the office if you did not receive your statement, or have any queries in relation to your fees.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember