2022: Week 6, Term 2

Principal's Message

Dear JB Parents and Carers

This week is Pentecost Sunday. It is often referred to as our Church’s Birthday. The Feast of
Pentecost gives us an opportunity to reflect our sense of celebration of Feast Days. 
Next week is Trinity Sunday, and the following week is Corpus Christi. (The most Holy Body
and Blood of Christ). They all have one thing in common, in as much as we should
not presume that the only time we are influenced by them is on the Titular Feast itself.
Every Mass is a celebration of the Spirit where those who share in the fruits of Christ’s Body
and Blood are filled with His spirit and become one Body, one Spirit in Christ.

REFLECTION

Lord, so many times when I pray, I only say, “I want”. I tend to forget about you when things
go well for me.

It is only when some kind of crisis comes my way that I even remember to fall on my knees
and ask your help.

Help me to say "THANK YOU" every day of my life. I thank you for making me and giving me
beautiful things in your world. I thank you for having enough confidence in me when I am
asked to put up with things that are hard.

MOUNT ST ENTRANCE

As you are aware, our the combined JB/Freeman entrance on Mount St is closed to parents
from 8.00 – 9.00am each morning and 2.00-3.30pm each afternoon.

Our school site has always been complex (for as long as I can remember!). We share the
space with a large college and a busy parish. We were very lucky a number of years ago to
receive funding to provide a carpark and pick up zone on Gloucester St – this has improved
the process significantly. It provides us with two drop off and pick up zones.

From time to time, there may be circumstances where access needs to be provided to
people other than staff and parishioners between the hours mentioned above. A person is
employed by the schools to oversee this process.

I moving forward, this person may take your number plate details if you are coming onto
the school site for an appointment with the school or Parish during these hours. These
details will be forwarded to our office daily.

We strongly encourage all parents to avoid the Mount St entrance during these hours
(unless in pre-organised special situations) and send a very clear reminder that the lower
Mount St exit (closest to JB) is not to be used as an entrance to the carpark. It is very
dangerous and you are entering a driveway that is used by traffic as an exit.

Please contact the school if you have any questions/concerns regarding this matter – I will
happily speak to you directly. We wish to have every person in the community have a
pleasant experience across all aspects of school life. This begins at the front gate! Thank you
for your continued support.

TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEY

In the coming days, you have been invited to provide feedback on your experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at John the Baptist Primary.
The survey is anonymous. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using a URL that will be sent to you via COMPASS shortly.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 3-6 THIS MONDAY

We pray for fine weather for our upcoming Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival – next Monday, June
6.

With my best wishes for the week ahead.

Brendan O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

Thank you for all you do each and every day to support your children with their homework, preparing their lunch and uniforms and for being in partnership with their classroom teacher. In line with this partnership, we look forward to being able to share with you the wonderful learning that your child has been part of and the growth and achievements they have made this semester. 

At the end of Week 9, we will share with you your child’s Semester One Report via Compass and we will also take this opportunity to meet with you at our Parent Teacher Connect Meetings which will take place on Tuesday 28th June, 2022. More information on booking a time for this date will be made available soon.  

Recess Procedures - Canteen 

We have been trialling a new procedure for recess orders from the canteen. This has ensured that students remain on their own playgrounds and has made our playgrounds safer and has helped to minimise disruptions to play significantly. 

Students must now order any snacks or ice blocks they would like at recess in the morning. This can also be done online in the same way as lunch orders. The canteen then prepares these and they are delivered to classrooms at recess. 

Only students who have the top playground allocated as their playground can purchase directly from the canteen that day. This applies to all students K-6. 

The process for lunch orders remains the same. 

The top playground days for K-6 are as follows. Any changes to this will be communicated:

Monday - Year 1 & 3

Tuesday - Year 2 & 4

Wednesday - Year 5

Thursday - Kinder & Year 2 

Friday - Year 6  

Anaphylaxis 

Anaphylaxis is a severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threatening. John the Baptist School has a number of children at the school with Anaphylaxis. Peanuts, nuts, eggs, milk, soy, sesame and shellfish are the foods that commonly trigger anaphylaxis. Even trace levels of these foods can cause anaphylactic reactions.

JOHN THE BAPTIST IS AN ALLERGY FRIENDLY SCHOOL

In order to support and protect children the school asks all children and parents not to bring Peanut Butter, Nutella or other nut products or foods containing any advertised nut derivatives to school. Do not send Nutella or peanut butter alternatives that indicate that they are nut free as it makes it difficult for staff to monitor.

We thank you for your cooperation as we do our best to ensure every child is safe at school. 

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. Students are also expected to wear white socks on sport days that are above the ankle, and sports shoes should be regular joggers and not high tops. Secret socks are not part of our school uniform. 

Our uniforms are available for purchase from Lowes, we also have a large selection of 2nd Hand Uniforms which can be ordered through the office or purchased at our clothing pool sale. 

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 Coffee, Chat and Catch up

We will meet each Monday morning at 8.50am in the gallery to 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 remaining for this Term

Tuesdays fortnightly-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- Last chance to make Rosary Beads!

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. I am happy to make another session time for any who missed out due to illness etc.

Any other 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. ALL ARE WELCOME to come along.

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.

STOP in the name of SABBATH!!

Next week we will celebrate Sabbath (the 7th) week of school. Hopefully there is no homework and an opportunity in our busy lives to make some more time for family connections and activities. These times to stop and breathe are when we hear God the best- the gentle whisper, that little voice of calm and reassurance-THAT’S HIM at work in our lives- but only if YOU STOP WORK and LISTEN!!!

“Be Still and Know that I am GOD.” Psalm 46:10

I will be sending home some suggestions for how our families can spend some time together and also how we can assist OTHER families less fortunate. 

There will also be some information  coming soon on the World Meeting of Families which will be held in Sydney on the weekend of the 24th-26th June along with a festival in Hyde Park that is open to all! You are most welcome to attend the Mass that day at St Marys Cathedral  and then have some fun on the rides and enjoy the afternoon. If you wish to have confirmed tickets for the Mass please contact me via the office or on 0439 492920.

Parish Matters- because it DOES!

Link to LatestParish Bulletin HERE 

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Week 6 Term 2

The ability to read is vital.  It paves the way to success in school, which can build self confidence and motivate your child to set high expectations for life.  Learning to read doesn't happen all at once.  It involves a series of stages that lead, over time, to independent reading and to fluency.  One of the most important things to remember is that we need to vary the things that our children are reading.  This can include fiction texts (stories), non fiction texts (factual texts), poetry and even digital texts.

Many of our students are interested in factual texts and like to understand more about the world around them. I suggest trying the following websites that provide interesting, child focussed texts with amazingly quirky facts and information.

•  National Geographic Kids https://www.natgeokids.com/au/category/discover/science/
• Curious Kids - The Conversation https://theconversation.com/au/topics/curious-kids-36782
• Kids News https://www.kidsnews.com.au/news

Don’t forget about those classic books you may have on your bookshelf at home.  Often children love to re-read their favourite books or stories and this is wonderful.  Some all time favourite books may include: ‘Who sank the boat?’ by Pamela Allen, ‘Possum Magic’ by Mem Fox or ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak.

Even though reading a book for the hundredth time may seem annoying to some adults, to children it is a wonderful experience.  It can give them comfort and reassurance, increase their knowledge of a character or storyline, or even reignite positive feelings of enjoyment.

Do you have a favourite book that you like to re-read?  Perhaps talking with your child about why they love!  There are also some extra ideas for fiction reading listed below.

Newman News

Sydney Writers’ Festival

On Monday 23rd May a group of JB students went to the Sydney Writers’ Festival in Penrith with Mrs Kokkinis and Mrs Bushby. Here are a few creative recounts about the day, written by some of our very own students:

Sydney Writer's Festival

Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod

Congratulations to our band students who placed 2nd in the band eisteddfod last week. They are to be commended on their hard work and dedication! 

We also had some students participate in the Solo Eisteddfod! We congratulate Isaac Smolcic, for coming first in his guitar solo and Christian Vergara, for placing 2nd in his drum solo. We also congratulate Marcus Krsevan for coming 3rd in his piano solo and Alvin Yousif for receiving an encouragement award!

This Friday 3rd June, the JB dance group will travel to Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College in Burwood to participate in the SCS Dance 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 Bissell and Miss Ohanessian for helping these students to prepare for the eisteddfod. 

Lorella Palermo

Allegra Lentini

Katerina Srdanovic

Sophia Marciano

Katie Hamoo

Giulia Vaccari

Adriana Stivala

Audrey Alcantara 

Mary Polijak

Rosabella Lazar

Madeline Padilla

Ava Callipari

Amelia Wong

Marchillino Yalda

Jacinta Naamo

Isabella Faga

Ava Compolongo

Francine Bushby  Newman Facilitator/Gifted Coordinator

ICT/Stem News

Dear Parents/Carers,

Last week, students in Year 5 and 6 had a Cyber Safety talk and learned all about being safe online. This was an insightful session that we would like to extend to all parents at John the Baptist. On Thursday 30th June (Week 10), a constable from our local police station will hold a parent information session about online safety. If you are interested in attending, it will be held in the library at 3:30pm. This will be a fantastic opportunity to ask questions about how to ensure your child is being safe online. We hope to see you there. To register, please fill in your name on the registration form: https://forms.gle/mmJws9PiNJp1d2wYA 

Victoria Buedo  ICT/STEM Coordinator

Library News

One of my favourite things to do with my children is cooking. Not only is it a fun experience to share, but you can give your children the task of following the recipe to enjoy reading in a fun and relaxed environment! The end result of sharing a delicious meal or treat is probably the best part!

On Wednesday 25th May, our school participated in the 22nd annual National Simultaneous Storytime! Our students thoroughly enjoyed a reading of ‘Family Tree’ by Josh Pyke, along with over 2 million other children across Australia. What a fabulous initiative to encourage a love of reading with our students!

Natalie Fedrigo  Teacher/Librarian

National Simultaneous Storytime

Sport News

Cross Country News

On Wednesday 25th May, our JB Cross Country Team competed in the Cross Country Primary Championships.   

Well done; Benyamin Audisho, Addisyn Blanda, Adam Brcic, Martina Brcic, Patrick Brcic, Emilia Bruzzese, Liam Bushby, Talia Cavicchia, Lucas Corvelo, Chloe Davino, Julya Gilo, Kristian Komadina, Oliver Komadina, Andre Lalic, Daniella Orlando, Ethan Polistina, Alessandro Rafoo, Antony Rakvin, Valentino Sanfilippo, Clara Smolcic, Hagob Tatian, Alana Tripodina, Rocco Vaccari and Liana Vukasin.

A special congratulations to Chloe Davino who finished first in her 8/9 years race and Andre Lalic who finished third in his 11 years  race. 

They will now represent John The Baptist at the MacKillop Carnival.  Good luck!

Cross Country

Religious Education News

Mary Help of Christians Mass - St Mary’s Cathedral

On Tuesday 24th May, Mrs Campbell and Mrs Bowen took us to the Cathedral for the feast day Mass of Mary, Help of Christians - the patron saint of Australia. It is a beautiful cathedral, and we were so happy to participate in the Mass, together with students from other schools as well. We enjoyed the choir and music and we were thrilled to have this opportunity to visit the Cathedral with our teachers.                                                                         

Isabella Faga, Alejandra Matti, Emerson Oliveri, Lachlan Lowe and Massimo Zanella. (Year 6) 

God Bless,        

Geraldine Jansen  Religious Education Coordinator

Notes from the Office

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