2023: Week 6, Term 1

Principal's Message

REFLECTION- GOSPEL

In this week's Gospel, we read the incredible meeting of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, initially she did know who Jesus was but came to believe Him to be the Messiah. I wonder how often we meet Jesus in other people - but do not recognise him? And again Jesus initiates the conversation by asking for something - He requests a 'drink of water.' 
Sometimes we are so fearful of really allowing our God into our lives - He might want us to do difficult, even impossible things. And generally, all He wants of us are simple, ordinary, everyday things. Jesus asked for a drink of water - and the woman actually received the greatest gift of all - Faith in Jesus. Let us allow Jesus to ask us whatever He wants - He gives far, far more in return.
And if the Gospel is THE GOOD NEWS for us how often do we really go forth and tell all whom we meet of the Good News that is Jesus? We are supposed to be “Good News” people. Are we? What would be the impression of our neighbours as far as their impression of us and what we believe. The “Good News” of its nature is infectious. Let us go infect our world.

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

We are commencing a new initiative at JB 'Wellbeing Week' - this will take place each term in Week 7. Whilst we always look to promote the wellbeing of students, Week 7 will provide us with an opportunity to highlight some key strategies and promote wellbeing with the students. We encourage you to speak to your child each day about what they have focused on throughout this week. 

Sibling Enrolments 2024

A reminder if you have a child ready to commence Kinder in 2024, that you must enrol them online as soon as possible. A link to enrol can be found here. 

If you require any assistance completing the form, please contact the office. 

NAPLAN

NAPLAN commences this week. We know our Year 3 and 5 students will do their best. A big thank you to all of the teachers, leadership team and parents who have helped to prepare them so well.

Personal Belongings at School

A reminder that any personal belongings brought to school should not be valuable items and should be clearly marked with your child’s name. 

We have had several instances where students are trading or finding items and claiming them as their own. Please speak with your children about this and ensure that any items are clearly marked, and if they do not find something, that it is important that this is handed to their classroom teacher. 

Students are not permitted to engage in any trading of toys or cards at school.

 With thanks,

Mrs 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

Project Compassion

Together, we have raised $847.70 - towards Project Compassion so far. As the Lenten season continues let’s remember to make those small sacrifices and help Caritas continue the amazing work it does. These are the words of Thu (Vietnam) “I am grateful to Caritas Australia for the help they give to people living with disability, like me and my wife”. Thu and his wife joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program which helps people living with disabilities establish small savings and loans groups.   

Thank you parents and teachers for constantly motivating and inspiring your children to think of others more than themselves.  

God Bless. 

Mrs Jansen  Religious Education Coordinator 

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 1 Week 6

Remember to keep checking the calendar for Masses and events so you don’t miss out on anything.

Mondays- from 8.45 am Coffee and SPaR (Stop, Pray and Reflect) 

LENTEN GROUPS

Our Lenten group will meet on the following MONDAY SPaR mornings in the demountable classroom

(No Lenten Group on 13th March due to meetings)

Monday 20th March Week 4 and 5

Monday 27th March Week 6

(Parent Excursion this week also- see note below)

Monday 3rd April Coffee Morning

COME join Father Ben at Stations of the CrossParent  Excursion 30th March to BRINGELLY

You are invited to attend a parent excursion to walk the Stations of the Cross, followed by a picnic lunch on the grounds at St Joseph’s Conference Centre, Bringelly. Father Ben will lead us on our way around the beautiful statues as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

The Stations are life sized marble and the path is concreted and easily accessible for prams etc.

Some of our neighbouring schools will be joining us also- the more the merrier. Preschoolers are welcome.

Register your interest HERE

Wednesdays- 9am-10am JB Juniors Playgroup for 0-5 years

Thank you to those who have begun attending the playgroup on Wednesdays at 9am. The group is currently at capacity. If we are able to find an alternative time that suits I will advertise again through the newsletter. Dates this term are-

March 15/22/29  and April 5

Reconciliation/Lenten Craft- The Good Deed Beads of St Therese-

The beads may be used to count the good deeds you do or the choices you make during Lent. Simple and quick to make- you can keep them in your pocket/give them to your children. Cost $5 only for materials and information sheet.

If you are interested in doing this craft please contact me on 0439492920 or send  a note via the office. There are various session times.

Lenten thought for the week- how hard could it be to…

Give up complaining —focus on gratitude.

Give up pessimism —become an optimist.

Give up harsh judgments —think kindly thoughts.

Give up worry —trust Divine Providence.

Give up discouragement —be full of hope.

Give up bitterness —turn to forgiveness.

Give up hatred —return good for evil.

Give up negativism —be positive.

Give up anger —be more patient.

Give up pettiness —become mature.

Give up gloom —enjoy the beauty that is all around you.

Give up jealousy —pray for trust.

Give up gossiping —control your tongue.

Give up sin —turn to virtue.

Give up giving up —hang in there!

Anonymous

God bless.

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Parish Matters- because it does!

Bulletins can be found here

Have you considered exploring your Faith a little more? WOW- what a great first session in February- thank you for coming along!

Father Ben is conducting a group called  “GLUE”- GOD-LIFE-UNIVERSE-EVERYTHING-

The next Meeting date is on Tuesday 28th March- two sessions-9am and 7pm- Please call the parish for more details.

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Week 6 Term 1

The ability to be able to read is absolutely essential for everyday life.  However, the ability to read has the potential to be so much more than a chore that we do to get through our day.  Reading has the power to transport us to new worlds and provide endless hours of enjoyment.  It has the power to provide endless opportunities to be fascinated as we learn more about certain topics, the world around us, or even ourselves.  The ability to read can connect people and enrich their lives each and every day.  

As we read, our brain develops new skills and concepts that are important to be a successful reader.  Therefore, reading aloud EVERY DAY is important to help children progress in their reading journey.  Choosing what to read is also important in not only sustaining their interests, but also in continuing to develop their reading skills.  Just as we do not eat the same thing every day, it is important not to necessarily only stick to one type of book or text.

As we read, our brain develops new skills and concepts that are important to be a successful reader.  Therefore, reading aloud EVERY DAY is important to help children progress in their reading journey.  Choosing what to read is also important in not only sustaining their interests, but also in continuing to develop their reading skills.  Just as we do not eat the same thing every day, it is important not to necessarily only stick to one type of book or text.

Here are some reading materials you and your child might like to explore further:

• Picture books
• Graphic Novels
• Novels
• Information books (non-fiction)
• Comic strips
• Poetry
• Newspaper articles 
• Recipes
• Procedures to make and do 
• Electronic news articles (visit kidsnews.com.au)

Teresa Wojtowicz & Francine Bushby  Literacy Coordinators

Numeracy News

Dear Parents and Carers, 

This week John the Baptist celebrated World Maths Day! Students competed against classes around the globe in a worldwide celebration of mathematics. Students raced against the clock to answer as many questions as possible within the 60 second time limit. For each question students answered correctly they earnt 1 point. 

Congratulations to all students who participated in the World Mathematics Challenge. It was amazing to see the excitement and enthusiasm from everyone at JB!

Michael Hobson & Daniella Kokkinis  Mathematics Coordinators

World Mathematics Challenge

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Sports News

Sports News

Tennis News

Clara Smolcic will represent John The Baptist at the upcoming PSSA tennis trials.  This is a phenomenal achievement and we wish her the very best.

Cluster Swimming Championships

We congratulate Audrey Alcantara, Renata Giuliani-Bruno, Amelia Hughes, Allegra Lentini, Melanie Romero, Alana Tripodina, Zane Borg, Luca De Boucherville, Marc De Boucherville, Joseph Gabara, Giuseppe Gauci, Tobias Romero, Daine Trajcevski and Kosta Triantafillou who represented JB at the Conference Swimming Trials. 

We achieved amazing results and the following students will represent JB at the Sydney trials on the 27th March.Tobias Romero1st -Breaststroke2nd- Backstroke3rd - Butterfly3rd - Freestyle3rd- Senior Boys Relay

Melanie Romero 1st- Backstroke1st- Freestyle
Joseph Gabara 3rd- Breaststroke4th- Backstroke
Allegra Lentini 3rd- Butterfly4th- Freestyle
Zane Borg 3rd- Senior Boys Relay
Daine Trajcevski 3rd- Senior Boys Relay
Marc De Boucherville 3rd- Senior Boys Relay
Giuseppe Gauci 4th- Freestyle
Luca De Boucherville 5th- Freestyle
Alana Tripodina 4th- Freestyle
Renata Giuliani-Bruno 5th- Breaststroke

Good luck team!

Netball Trials- Wednesday 1st March
Play well Alyssa Cabrera.

Frances Oliverio  Sports Coordinator

Harmony Day

Share your culture, share your time, share your story

Save the Date! On Tuesday, 28th of March, JB will celebrate Harmony Day. Parents and students will participate in festivities on the day that celebrate and embrace the many different cultures in the JB community. More information to follow in the coming weeks!

EAL/D Team

Notes from the Office

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Parents, a gentle reminder regarding the importance of informing our school of any changes that may occur to your family’s personal details such as an address, mobile numbers, emails, emergency contacts, etc. For your convenience, these details may be updated via the Personal Details Form available on your Compass Favourites links.

Of equal importance and in the best interests of your child/ren, we ask if there has been a new event or update in relation to your child’s health, once again, we ask this information be provided at the earliest. A Student Health Information Form is also available on your Compass Favourites link, to assist you in this process.

SCHOOL FEES

Your 2023 school fee statements have now been emailed to you. Please contact the office if you have not received your statement as yet. It would be appreciated if your payments are made by the scheduled dates as listed on your statement.

Payments can be made by CompassPay, BPay, Cash, Eftpos or Centrepay.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated!

CLOTHING POOL 

Parents, should you wish to make a purchase of good quality second-hand clothing at any time, a reminder you may do so via your Compass Favourites link via the Clothing Pool Order Form.

ADDRESS DATA COLLECTION

From time to time, we are required to provide student details and background data to Government agencies, particularly during Census time. Our school will be undertaking these processes during February and March. For more information regarding this, please refer to the Australian Government Collection Notice below, in addition to the SCS Privacy Policy and Standard Collection Notice

Parents are not required to do anything for these collections, however, it is important that your personal records are up to date, as mentioned in the important reminders above.

Compass News

Dear Parents,

As you are aware most of the school's communication is delivered via compass.  It is imperative that you are up to date with any changes to the app.

Please find attached fact sheet from compass in relation to compass updates. 

Please find attached link regarding enhanced compass mobile app functionality:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dVqs93C2sgFHWrXNYNO928HURumSDwx8EzXYJw0DkA0/edit# 

Canteen News

Please note all online orders should be placed prior to 8:05am.  If online orders are placed after this time the children will not receive their lunch order until the following day. 

There is a change of procedure with regards to frozen snacks such as Ice blocks and Moosies.

Children will receive a voucher with their name and class in the Canteen basket. They will need to take that voucher to the canteen to collect their ordered items. Without a voucher the children will NOT receive their treat - please do not misplace it.

Please do not throw out your lunch bag if you are ordering an iceblock for recess otherwise you will NOT recieve your iceblock.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember