2022: Week 10, Term 4

Principal's Message

2023 STAFFING LIST

I am pleased to announce the JB teaching staff for 2023

REFLECTION

This week at Mass we will light the Fouth Advent candle. 

The fourth candle is called the Angels Candle to remember the heralds of Christ's Birth. Generally, we don’t like waiting, but for each of us this time before Christmas can be a time to reflect on our lives in a positive way. The morning of this traditional waiting time before Christmas can be lost, or forgotten in all the preparation for Christmas. We find ourselves worrying about gifts, decorations and shopping, often missing the real meaning. Advent reminds us that we are waiting for the birth of a baby. We light candles in the week leading up to Christmas to remind us that a light is coming to show us the way. “I am the Way, the Truth  and the Light”. During this period of Advent let us take time to reflect on -* How life has been for us this year?* What attitudes and actions have given us hope?* Where have  we seen the light of Christ in our world?* How have we helped to bring that light to others?

With each step I climb closer to you, Lord, help me to remember that if I concentrate on the regrets and sorrows of yesterday and dwell on the worries of tomorrow, I have no energy to be thankful for today.

LATE FATHER JOHN LANGTRY

SCHOOL HOLIDAY SUPPORT

The school holidays can be a difficult time for students, with time away from supportive
people, routines and activities. Parent support is very important at this time. Headspace
is hosting parent/carer webinars: 'Supporting young people in school holidays: practical tips for parents and carers' which may be of interest to parents and the  'Supporting your young person during the holidays' resource also from Headspace, may be helpful to the parent community.

Vulnerable students in particular may experience increased feelings of isolation or mental-ill health. The kidshelpine website provides opportunities for students from 5 to 25 to join in fun games and engage in quizzes, listen to podcasts etc. Of particular importance is the 'get help' link which allows students to call, email or chat to someone online. 
Parent Line is available throughout the holidays. It is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW.

FINAL STAFFING ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR 2022

We congratulate Ms Raquel Hoch who has accepted a temporary full time classroom teaching position at Sacred Heart Primary School Villawood. We also wish Mrs Miriam Boschetti Zanotti our best wishes as she begins Long Service Leave for Terms 1-3 2023. Enjoy the break!

APPRECIATION FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR

It is with great pride and appreciation that we draw upon the end of the school year. To all of the wonderful JB families, I thank you for your support. In particular I congratulate and thank the parents of our Year 6 students for the final time, especially those who will celebrate their final Graduation this evening. Your years as part of the JB family will always be treasured. 

To the staff of JB - such a wonderful dedicated team. I thank them for their service and commitment to the students and families of our community. 

We also thank Fr Dominic and Fr Ben for their support of the parish. and our school. We are sincerely grateful. 

Wishing all of our JB families a safe, happy and holy Christmas break. We look forward to welcoming you back to school on Monday January 30 (Years 1-6) and Tuesday January 31 (Kinder). 

Mr O'Connor Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

Thank you for a wonderful year, there has been much to celebrate and so many wonderful memories made. Our community is truly a special one, and each of the children that attend JB bring such joy to our day. 

I hope you have a wonderful and Holy Christmas, and that 2023 is filled with great things for you all. I look forward to seeing you all next year. 

Dates to remember:

Year 1-6 2023

Kindergarten 2023

A reminder to have a look at our Kinder 2023 website. Here you will find helpful tips, important updates and who your 2023 Kinder teachers are! 

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

Mrs Geraldine Jansen  Religious Education Coordinator

Family Educator News

Dear Parent Helpers- 

It’s that time of year when we like to recall,

The many great deeds you have performed for us all.

You have read, you have counted, covered books by the score,

Helped at carnivals, excursions and so many times more.

Sizzled sausages, cut bread rolls, served the hungry their meal,

When I think of your good deeds, so TIRED I feel!

But thank you for sharing the gift that is You!

There is something so special about all that YOU DO!

Thank you, Thank you- parent helpers so dear,

And we’d love to see ALL of you come back next year!

Many thanks to all who have shared their gifts and talents for the benefit of our children.

**My personal thanks to all those who have attended initiatives this year and brightened my day with your presence! If you have not been able to join me, please make some time in the NEW YEAR- look out in newsletters and come along and say hello.

If you get a chance in the next two weeks- take some time to visit St Mary’s Cathedral and watch the light display- sit a while and listen to the choir sing carols.

 Show the children the lights in your local area or nearby, and enjoy the look of awe and wonder on their face! Soak up the goodwill that is so special during the Christmas season.

“Let there be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me…”

Wishing you all a very Happy and Holy Christmas.

Church Bulletins HERE

Children’s Christmas EVE  Mass Rehearsals-

 If you would like your child to participate in the 5:30pm Christmas Eve Mass, please attend the following rehearsals Wednesday 14th December at 3:45pm and Thursday 22nd December at 3:45pm. Both rehearsals will be held in the church. If you have any questions please contact Rosalie: 0404276332 or Sylvana: 0417197357

Do you know anyone in Need?

If you know of anyone who is having a difficult or challenging time this Christmas, please let Father Dominic know- Email pp@johnthebaptist.org.au  or call 98232572.

Alternatively you can contact me on 0439 492920- perhaps we can assist in some way.

JESSE TREE of GIVING in CHURCH

There is a tree inside the church with envelopes for donations- all funds are to benefit flood victims in NSW this year. IF you are more fortunate than some, you might be able to assist in this good cause.

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Week 10 Term 4

This week at assembly we announced our Term 4 Lexile Champions.  Congratulations to the following students in each class, who read the most words this term.

As we fast approach the end of the 2022 school year, we are excited to launch our Summer Holiday Reading Challenge. An initiative that promotes the success of student reading over the holiday break. 

School reading data indicates that many of our students who participate in the Reading Challenge maintain their reading skills over the holiday break. Developing and further building on reading skills for our students is always a priority.

The Summer Reading Challenge has been set up to be both challenging and fun. Students can choose to present their holiday reading activities in any format they wish. They will then return their entries by  Week 2 in Term 1 to be included in the race for all our wonderful prizes.  We hope that you will encourage your children to take up this challenge to build on their reading skills over the holidays. 

There are also a number of exciting local initiatives that are being offered throughout the holiday break.  You may like to check out our local libraries in Fairfield, Wetherill Park, Cabramatta or Carnes Hill to join in the fun. 

I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to all the wonderful parents and carers that continue to offer support to all our literacy initiatives.  Without your care, diligence and contribution many of our programs and events would not continue to thrive.  The partnership between school and home is truly valued and I look forward to working with you all again next year.

The summer slide is real - it refers to children who do not read over the holidays and often regress in their reading progress.  

‘Avoid the summer brain drain and make this the summer of the brain gain!’

Remember to: READ READ READ!

Best wishes to Parents, Carers and Students for a wonderful break with lots of reading!

Teresa Wojtowicz  Literacy Coordinator

Newman News

Newman Symposium

On Wednesday 30th November, our school came together to celebrate the learning of all students here at John the Baptist. It was a wonderful day that showcased many of the fantastic talents of our students. Click here to see a little clip made on the day.

We look forward to another exciting year next year, filled with many opportunities for the students here at JB.

Mrs Francine Bushby  Newman Facilitator/Gifted Coordinator

Writing News

To end the year, Year 5 explored a form of performative poetry called Slam Poetry. It combines aspects of traditional poetry with performance and evokes emotion.

On Friday the 12th of December, ten finalists performed their poems to the grade as part of a Slam Poetry competition. They captivated the audience with their humour, creativity and talent.

A tremendous congratulations to our finalists!  

First Place: Luc Thomas
Second Place: Ella Paiano
Third Place: Rosemary Alyass

Finalists: Ava Calipari, Alessandro Bonvino, Chloe Georgies, Andre Louis, Giulia Vaccari, Ivan Ivankovic, Chloe Chetcuti, Julian Ascic, Guilietta Nemet and Eva Govic
To experience some of the slam poems keep an eye out on our Facebook page!

Daniella Bitar  Writing Coordinator

Library News

2022 Premier’s Reading Challenge           

Congratulations to the following students who received their Gold (4 years) and Platinum (7 years) PRC certificates this year! 

Gold - Oleen Abouna, Chloe Davino, Kate Mounes, Tomislav Stanic, Grace Toma, Marina Toma, Imogen Darke and Charbella Warda.

Platinum - Chelsea Bautista, Leonardo Davalos and Adriana Stivala

Borrowing eBooks

Don’t forget, all students in years 2-6 can borrow and read eBooks through Oliver Library.

Go to: oliver.jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au

Need help with borrowing eBooks? Watch Mrs Fedrigo’s video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmsKo5-8gE4

If you are reading on your iPad, you might also like to download the Sora app (don’t forget, the school to select is ACEN Member Collection)

Thank you Library and Book Covering Parent Helpers!

This year we have purchased hundreds of new library books and without our wonderful library and book covering parent helpers, we wouldn’t be able to get new books onto the shelves so efficiently. A huge thank you to our library and book covering parent helpers for your wonderful work this year!

Thank you!

Natalie Fedrigo  Teacher/Librarian

Sports News

Congratulations JB! 

We have had an amazing year in sport.  You have participated in athletics carnivals, swimming carnivals, Dance Fever challenges, gala days, after school sports programs and sports trials across a range of sports.   

Things to look forward to in 2023 include:

Primary Athletics Carnival- Monday 24th April 2023

Infants Athletics Day- Term 1

Mark Taylor Shield- We will invite the students in Years 4, 5 and 6 to participate in this inter school cricket challenge.

After school sports programs- We have secured funding for Term 1 2023 so look out for Compass alerts.

Conference Sports Trials-In Term 1 we have students participating in the soccer and netball Conference 4 sports trials.

We look forward to a sport-filled year in 2023. 

Frances Oliverio  Sports Coordinator

Notes from the Office

2022 SCHOOL FEES

Dear Parents,

As you are aware, your 2022 School Fee Statements have been emailed to you.

All fees are due to be paid NOW. 

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

Attention Year 6 families: If you have a credit amount on your school fee statement, this credit will be transferred to the  SCS high school your child would be attending. If your child will be attending a non-SCS high school, please contact the office.

Attention school leavers: If you have a credit amount on your school fee statement, this credit will be transferred to the  SCS school your child would be attending. If your child will be attending a non-SCS school, please contact the office.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

NSW Back to School Voucher Program

Lowes will be participating in the NSW voucher program for schools when it commences.

 Lowes is set up to redeem the NSW Service vouchers when they receive them.

Lost Reading Glasses

Dear Parents,

We would ask  you to check if any of these reading glasses belong to your children.

Please note that glasses that are not claimed will be donated. 

Canteen News

Please see the letter of introduction and information from Brooke's Canteen who will taking over our services from 2023. We look forward to welcoming Brooke and her staff to JB in the new year!

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember