2022: Week 2, Term 4

Principal's Message

Dear JB Parents and Carers

REFLECTION - GOSPEL

NEVER LOSE HEART - PERSEVERE- BE PERSISTENT AND PRAY ALWAYS. These are themes from last week's Gospel. They are firm warnings to us. But let us not look just at ourselves. Let us look at our God also. Perhaps our Gospel is saying to us that our God wants us to be persevering in our dealings with Him. Perhaps He 'tries' our patience at times. Maybe, just one more attempt, and we will have, the answer we seek.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. Smile when you are answering the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice. Remember the three R’s  - Respect for self - Respect for others - and Responsibility for all actions. Never laugh at anyone’s dream. Never interrupt when you are being flattered. When you realise you have made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. If you make a lot of money, put it to helping others while you are living. That is wealth’s greatest satisfaction. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

Late Father John Langtry

SCHOOL OF ROCK

It was a pleasure to witness our students participate in the largest combined performance ever undertaken by Sydney Catholic Schools, the 'School of Rock' production. What a performance it was! Over the course of three very exhausting days (1 rehearsal day and two perfomance days) our students had an experience they will always remember. 

Special thanks in particular to the teachers who helped prepare the students and look after them across the three days - Ms Bissell, Ms Ohanessian and Ms Mircevska in particular. Thanks to the parents who supported their children with early drop off's, late pick-ups and coming to see the show! Thanks to everyone who also bought tickets to see the show and support our school. Special thanks on behalf of the participating teachers who received an acknowlegement of their efforts from the parent community yesterday - it was very much appreciated. 

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY - MONDAY WEEK 4 ( OCTOBER 31)

A reminder that our school will engage in a pupil free day on Monday of Week 4. Students will return to school on Tueday November 1. Thank you for your support. 

SWIMMING PROGRAM

Thanks to all of our parents and carers for preparing your children for our swimming program. A reminder was entered into COMPASS last week of the appropriate clothing and shoes for the program. It is really important for our children to be safe at all times. 

KINDER ORIENTATION

We begin our Kinder Orientation sessions THIS THURSDAY as we welcome our first group of the 2023 cohort to JB. How the year has flown! We have lots to look forward to in the coming year. 

PLAYGROUND UPDATE

In the coming weeks you may see additional workers on our Top Playground, Netball Court and Grandstand, as we begin preparations for some significant capital works projects that will be undertaken for the school. Hopefully we will be able to see the completion of these projects before the beginning of the school year in 2023. 

With my best wishes for the week ahead. 

Mr Brendan O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to Term 4. It has been a busy start to the term and the students have engaged so well in their learning, already creating so many wonderful projects, taking part in the Year 6 Archdiocesan RE test, showcasing talents through choir and dance, writing out wishlists at Book Fair and applying critical and creative thinking skills daily in their classrooms. 

Kinder Orientations 

Over the next few weeks we will welcome our new Kinder families to JB as part of the Orientation process. We look forward to showing them how wonderful JB is and welcoming them to our community. An email has been sent to all families who have a child starting next year with relevant dates and times. 

Freeman Orientation - Year 7 2023

Please note the following dates for Freeman Orientation for students commencing Year 7 in 2023. 

Acceptance Information Meeting will be on Tuesday 15th November, 2022 commencing at 6.30pm 

Year 7 2023, Orientation day is on Wednesday 23rd November, 2022.

Sports Uniform 

A reminder that Sports Uniform is only to be worn on allocated days, and this includes white socks that are visible and above the ankle (without logos). We ask for your assistance in ensuring students are wearing appropriate socks as it contributes to the overall look and standard of our uniform. As communicated, either FULL summer or FULL winter uniform can be worn until the end of Week 3. 

Recording student absence in Compass

A reminder to all parents that if your child is away for any reason, please record the reason for their absence in Compass as soon as possible. It is important that accurate records are maintained for each child's attendance at school. 

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

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

Religion News

Confirmation   - Year 6  

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the end of  Term 3. Thank you also to all those who kept them in prayer as they prepared for this great day- their group leaders, parents, sponsors, Father Dominic and all those behind the scenes who worked to make it a reverent, prayerful and meaningful sacramental experience. Thank you also to the Year 5 Altar servers- Ruby Nissan, Leon Kovacevic and Chelsea Gorgees - who served at the Confirmation Masses.

October-the month of the Holy Rosary

Every Friday, students gather around the grotto during lunchtime and pray a decade of the Rosary. In place of the Angelus on all Fridays this month, the Student Leadership Team will lead the whole school in a decade of the Rosary. It was very pleasing to see the number of younger students who attended lunchtime Rosary last week and the effort of the older students who made time to show them how to use the rosary beads.  

Thank you.

God Bless. 

Mrs Jansen  Religious Education Coordinator

Confirmation Photos

CONFIRMATION PHOTOS will be available for collection from the Church Meeting Room on Monday 24th and Wednesday 26th October between 7:00pm and 8:30pm.  Any enquiries please contact Maria on 0407 662 535.

Family Educator News

Term 4 Week 2

Cuppa and Catch up-

Come along to our Parent gathering on Monday mornings in the gallery as soon as the bell goes- there will be a hot cuppa waiting for you! 

We have a VERY quick SPaR (Reflection) and then you can stay and make a new friend or catch up with an old one! 

Mondays in the Gallery (or demountable) - we start about 8.50am after morning announcements.

JB Juniors-

See dates below!

Lots of fun in Term 4 

All preschoolers are welcome to join  our playtime group from the start of school day(about 8.50am) on Tuesday in Weeks 4,6,8,10.  There is story and music time followed by craft. This term our focus will be on Advent and Christmas Crafts, so lots of fun!

Great for parents and carers to make some friends too! We usually finish by about 10am.

Dates Coming up this term:

Tuesdays-

November 1st, 15th and 29th

December 13th 

Wednesdays-

October 26th 

November 9th and 23rd

December 7th

Rosary Colour in Competition 

This week students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and year 2 will be given a colour in competition sheet as we celebrate October, the Month of the Holy Rosary. This beautiful prayer tradition calls us to reflect on events in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Please also look out for a Rosary gift pack  for each student in the coming week.

JB Men’s Group-

Men’s Event- John the  Baptist Men’s Group Presents…

“Fan or Follower of Jesus?” Saturday 22nd October from 8.30 am registration

This is a day retreat THIS SATURDAY here in our own parish. The day will conclude at 3.30pm

A great opportunity to meet some other men in the parish and share your faith journey. Several of our school dads have been organising this and Bishop Danny Meagher is a very popular and engaging speaker.

Come and celebrate a day of fellowship, worship and discussion.

See Details on topics and registration  here

Grade masses each Friday-

Don’t forget to keep checking the calendar for grade masses on Fridays- you are most welcome to join us  at Mass (bring grandparents too!) and stay for a cuppa afterwards. This is at 9am in the church.

Mass is also held at 8am on Tuesday morning if you and the children are early- a great start to the day. This mass usually runs about twenty minutes. 

Thought for the Week:

Roses for Our Lady-

In October we celebrate the Month of the Holy Rosary. This traditional devotion remembers the events in the lives of Mary and Jesus. Why do we call it the Rosary? It is believed that each Hail Mary said is like laying a rose at the feet of the Blessed Virgin Mary as we ask for her intercession on our behalf with her son Jesus. Three colours are especially consecrated to Mary: white roses as symbols of her joys, red roses as emblems of her sufferings, and yellow (golden) roses as heralds of her glories. Roses have shown up in some of the miraculous Marian apparitions that people worldwide have reported.

Have you seen the roses blooming around the church and near the Grotto of Mary? 

Take some time to pray together to Mary this month.

KEEP THE DATE:

Carols by Candlelight- Friday 2nd December from 5pm with food trucks. Carols begin at 7pm. Special guest arriving at the end of the evening!!!

 Find the latest John the Baptist church bulletin  HERE

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Term 4 Week 2

Welcome back to another exciting Term of reading and learning together.  We have been busy sorting all of the wonderful Spring Reading Challenges.  The entries are as spectacular as always.  Congratulations to all the students and families who participated.  Class winners will be announced this week and the overall winners will be presented at next week's assembly.  

The Lexile Reading Program is continuing to flourish with many children reading over 1 000 000 words this year already!  A huge congratulations to those children who are also trying really hard to read a wide variety of books.  I know that we often have favourite books or favourite authors, but it is also important to read a wide variety of books and read about different topics.  Research suggests that it is important to read a variety of materials in order to keep your mind healthy and active.  This will also help build a greater understanding of the world and also broaden knowledge about new ideas, different cultures and even important information about the world.  All lexile winners will be announced at assembly next week.

Check out these interesting lexile books on a variety of different topics:

• True Stories of Survival by: From sinking submarines and blazing airstrips to shark attacks and exploding spacecraft, the people in these real stories hovered on the brink of death, yet survived to tell what happened! Ten exciting tales include both the details of the disasters and the story of the survivors.  Word Count: 25,962. 
• The Lorax: The Once-ler is a fantastic character created by none other than Dr Seuss himself.  In this classic Dr Seuss story, the character describes the results of the local pollution problem.  Word count: 1,869 words.

• Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda: What has happened to the stream that flows through Rowan's village? The six strongest villagers must brave the unknown terrors of the Mountain to find out its secret. Rowan, an unwanted seventh member must go also. It is up to Rowan to solve the witch's riddle and save his home of Rin.  Word Count: 31,132.

  A reminder that Early Bird Reading is held in the library every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 8:20 am.  Why not remind your child to come along and read with their friends, read with a Freeman Senior buddy, or even read with one of the teachers.  It is always fun to start your day with reading a good book!

  Remember: READ! READ! READ!

  Happy Reading Everyone… stay tuned in our next newsletter to hear about all our fantastic Reading Champions!

  Teresa Wojwiticz  Literacy Coordinator 
  

Newman News

UNSW Australian Schools Competition

Congratulations to all the students who completed the ICAS Competitions. We have received some of the certificates and the results have been pleasing. Unfortunately, some of the certificates have been delayed for different competitions. We will award these results and certificates at our assembly once they have been received.

Thank you for your patience!

Newman Symposium - Tuesday, 30th November - SAVE THE DATE!

In celebration of all of our learning success over the year, John the Baptist is holding its annual Newman Symposium on Tuesday, 30th November. The Newman Symposium is a showcase of the gifts and talents that students at our school possess. 

Look out for more information in the coming weeks!

Mrs Francine Bushby  Newman Facilitator/Gifted Coordinator

Library News

Book Fair Winners

Congratulations to these lucky winners of the ‘Caught Reading’ raffle! Each winner was awarded a $10 voucher to spend at the Book Fair!

Kinder - Claudia Vella

Year 1 - Imogen Siciliano

Year 2 - Dylan Xiao

Year 3 - Mattais Milostic

Year 4 - Cristiano Butres

Year 5 - Andrew Toma

Year 6 - Emerson Oliveri 

Book Returns

Thank you to all those students who have returned their library books so far this term. Please ensure any books you still may have at home from the holidays are returned ASAP, so that children can continue to borrow. 

Natalie Fedrigo  Teacher/Librarian

Sport News

Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival

Our Primary Swimming Carnival will take place on Thursday 10th November 2022.  The students will receive notes this week.

JB Colour Fun Day Challenge

Save the date! Our major fundraiser for this year will take place on Friday 18th November 2022.  This will be an opportunity for all students to participate in a range of fun activities while trying to earn money for the school and points for their class.  Notes will be sent home soon.

Parramatta Eels South League Tag 7’s Carnival
Our Year 5 and Year 6 students will have the opportunity to participate in a free Touch gala day on Wednesday 9th November 2022.  A note will come home to interested students soon. 

Frances Oliverio  Sports Coordinator

Notes from The Office

LEAVING STUDENTS 

As we are in our final term, we request any family that may be leaving JB at the end of the school year, to kindly advise the office at the earliest.  A Cessation of Enrolment form will be required to be completed and returned to the office by week 4. Please call or email to inform the office on info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au if your family is in this position.

STUDENT HEALTH INFORMATION FORM

As previously informed via Compass last week, in the safety interests of all children at John the Baptist Primary School, it is important the school holds current records of children who suffer from any health issue which may cause concern or affect your child whilst at school, eg. Chronic Hay Fever; Asthma; Allergies &/or Anaphylaxis; Epilepsy, Diabetes or other medical conditions.

In an effort to streamline past year’s processes, we no longer require a form for each child or family. Rather, ONLY if your child has a medical condition which the school is unaware of OR if any incidents or changes have occurred throughout this year, we ask you to complete this Student Health Information Form for our attention. Kindly note this form is NOT required for every child as in previous years. 

Going forward and throughout the remainder of your child’s enrolment with John the Baptist, we urge parents to ensure any changes or major events relating to your child’s health are notified immediately to the office as they occur. Please note an updated medical report must be provided in this instance. If you are uncertain as to the latest information the school has on record for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

For your convenience, the Student Health Information Form is available for your completion anytime as required, via the Star – School Favourites links in your Compass Parent Portal.

We thank you for your support in assisting our school take the best care of your child.

SICK CHILDREN 

We ask for your ongoing assistance to please keep child/ren home if they are showing any signs of illness. It is also important to remind your child/ren to practice good hygiene habits, particularly while at school.

Thank you for your understanding & support in this matter.

OTHER REMINDERS

Parents, as with the Student Health Information Form; a gentle reminder that you will also find our links to the Clothing Pool Order Form and Change of Personal Details Form via the Star – School Favourites in your Compass Parent Portal for your convenience, should you wish to make a Clothing Pool purchase or need to update any of your / emergency contacts personal details at any time in the future. 

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