2023: Week 10, Term 1

Principal's Message

REFLECTION - GOSPEL

Where was I on the First Easter Sunday? Where were you, on that great day? Was I one of the guards at the Tomb hardened men, reduced to utter fear? Was I with the Pharisees, gloating over the events of the last few days? Was I with Pilate, wondering how did it all go awfully wrong? Was I with the disciples- afraid, sad, guilty, yet - still trying to have a glimmer of hope? Was I with the women - practical in their distress, ready to anoint the Body? Was I with Mary His Mother- distressed, but deeply believing that her Son would fulfil His words - and rise again? Where was I? Where were you? Then and Today? For it is Easter Day - the greatest day of the Church Year. And because of this day, we can all have an absolute trust in a Final Resurrection for all of us.                      Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

EASTER WORDS

How quickly Easter has come upon us. How quickly the Lenten period has passed. Hopefully, for all of us, Easter will bring much Grace and Peace. There are so many issues in our world which need our prayers - and God’s grace. We in Australia, are indeed fortunate people. It is any wonder that so many less fortunate people are seeking refuge, safety, and new life in our country.

If Resurrection is about New Life,  then surely we need to pray on Easter Day  for all those who are so desperate for a New Life. Their means of coming to our country may be less fortunate - but seeking refuge is no crime, has never been and never will be. Let us as a nation, respond with overwhelming generosity and good will to those who seek our assistance and a small share in the blessings, graces, and gifts our God has given us.

Thank you for the wonderful manner in which you continue to support the school. The staff here at John the Baptist love what they do, and appreciate your support. It is when we work together that great things happen. 

A reminder that our Primary Athletics carnival will take place on the first day of Term 2, Monday April 24. Regular classes will begin on this day for our Infants students. The following day will be the ANZAC Day Public Holiday. The school will be closed on this day. School will then resume for all on Wednesday April 26. 

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

What an absolutely incredible Term 1 we have had. Our students have all learnt so much and their growth is evident in all of their work. Together we have celebrated Harmony Day, had open classrooms, engaged in Public Speaking, Critical Thinking, Sport, Science and Music lessons, introduced Armadeus to JB, started our building works and so much more. We look forward to Term 2 and all that it has in store for our students and community. 

Term 2 SMILe Days

We have had a change to Term 2 SMILe Days

Week A: Monday (Year 6), Tuesday (Year 3), Wednesday (Year 4), Thursday (Kinder)

Week B: Tuesday (Year 1), Wednesday (Year 2), Thursday (Year 5)

Sport Uniform Days - Term 2: 

Monday - Kindergarten, Year 2

Tuesday - Year 1, Year 3

Wednesday - Year 4, Year 5

Thursday - Year 6 

Friday - All Classes K-6 

Winter Uniform

A reminder that all students are expected to be in full winter uniform from the start of Week 4 next term. 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. 

In Weeks 1-3, students are permitted to wear either their FULL Summer Uniform or their FULL Winter Uniform  - students should not be wearing a mix of these uniforms. 

Clothing Pool Sale 

Back by popular demand… our clothing Pool will be open in Week 1, Term 2 on Thursday 27th April (after Mass - approx 10:30am) and Friday 28th April from 8:30am. 

Our parent volunteers will be there selling all WINTER & SPORT items. 

All items are $5, with the exception of anoraks which are now only $10 and ties which are $2. There will also be some special mark downs of items so make sure to come along and grab a bargain! 

Please bring correct money with you as this is a cash only sale. 

Staff Development Days for 2023

Please note the following dates in your calendar for our proposed Staff Development Days. Any changes will be communicated to you via Compass. 

Monday 31st July 

Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd September 

Monday 9th October (to be confirmed)

Friday 15th December (Last Day of the year for students will be Thursday 14th December) 

Facebook & Instagram 

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

https://www.facebook.com/jbbonnyrigg

https://www.instagram.com/johnthebaptistbonnyrigg/ 

I pray that you are able to enjoy this Easter break with your families and that the coming weekend is a special and Holy time for you all as we celebrate Easter as a faith community. May the holidays be a safe and relaxing time for you all. 

 Mrs Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal

Religion News

SACRAMENT OF FIRST RECONCILIATION

Congratulations to the 109 John the Baptist children who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the very first time. May this Sacrament help sustain and strengthen them on their journey of faith. Next term, these children will begin the preparation for their First Holy Communion. Thank you to all those who helped prepare the children for this Sacrament - Mrs Vella and her team, Mrs Dunn, the Freeman students, Father Dominic, Father Ben and the visiting Priests who assisted them. It was a beautiful experience for the children. 

Reconciliation Photos

PROJECT COMPASSION 

This week marked the end of Lent and we have raised $3070.20 for Project Compassion. Thank you parents, families, students and staff for your effort with the lenten appeal. We know that all funds raised will be spent helping people in need in developing countries around the world and even the needy in our own country - Australia. 

Thank you.

God Bless. 

Mrs Jansen  Religious Education Coordinator  

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 1 Week 10

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) 

SPaR will start again in Week 1 of Term 2. Come along for a cuppa in the demountable classroom.

Week 2-Ist May Parent Craft and Reflection on Mary-

Make a bracelet in honour of May, the month of Mary Bookings are essential, so I have enough resources

Book HERE

PARENT LIBRARY-

There is a small collection of parent books in the demountable that you are most welcome to browse and borrow- these are to assist you in certain areas such as how to speak to your child about bereavement, divorce, bullying etc. 

There are also some on nutrition and various topics you might find of interest. Please feel free to pop in on a Monday morning (when SPaR is on!) have a cuppa and browse the shelves.

Wednesdays- 9am-10am JB Juniors Playgroup for 0-5 years- Resume 26th April

Playgroup will resume on Wednesday April 26th, first thing in the morning after the bell goes! I look forward to seeing you back again. We pray and play and usually have fun making something AMAZING! Check out our resurrection Gardens from last week!

Term Dates- May 3,10, 17, 23, 30

BRINGELLY-

Over two hundred People joined together to walk the Stations of the Cross at Bringelly  led by Father Ben on Thursday 30th March. Ranging in age from just a few months old to almost 101 years old- it was a beautiful and emotional journey through the stations and along the path.

After the walk, Father Ben graciously offered  the sacrament of Reconciliation- and spent two hours under the shade of a tree as one by one, so many people took advantage of the opportunity.  Others enjoyed a picnic amongst friends with foods from many cultures.

There were very happy people who all felt quite blessed to spend the day in such a spiritual and tranquil way- big thank you to Father Ben for your leadership and generosity.

Bringelly Photos

NEEDED- the PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM for STATIONS OF THE CROSS!! Good Friday

 If your family is attending the Stations of the Cross here in the parish on Good Friday morning- you are invited to dress your child up as a citizen of Jerusalem or a soldier and join in the procession around the grounds. Each year this is re-enacted by our Freeman students but we need some supporting actors!

Message For Easter-

I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and Holy Easter. Please try, as a family, to enter into Holy Week and make the most of each of the very special days ahead.

On Friday- We can take  a pebble to Church on Good Friday at 3pm and lay it at the foot of the cross. Let it symbolise all our shortcomings, our worries and our sins. Give it to Jesus. These pebbles will become the stepping stones for Christ to give us Eternal Life through His sacrifice.

At the Saturday Easter Vigil Mass we celebrate the Light of Christ  returning to our lives- bring along a small candle to be lit from the new Paschal candle.

On Sunday we will be the Easter People- Joyously celebrating the resurrection of the Lord-   the promises of the Paschal Mystery are fulfilled again. 

Have a happy and safe holiday. 

God bless.

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Parish Matters- because it does!

Bulletins can be found here

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Week 10 Term 1

Kids Lit Quiz

We have been inundated with lots of excited students participating in our Kids Lit Quiz training at lunchtimes.  Over seventy children tried out for this exciting competition and have been busy showcasing their many talents.  After much deliberation, and an exciting final round competition, we have selected the students to represent JB next term.  Our JB Kids Lit Team includes the following students: Brioni Kumpoon, Patrick Jekki, Allegra Lentini, Mia Kewilahuo, Sienna Nguyen, Frank Barilla, Jacob Pisani, Alana Tripodina, Clara Smolcic, Jenel Ishak, Giuseppe Lagana, Andrew Bushby, Noah Korkis, Kobe Urrutia, Tyler Ung, Amelia Wong.  Congratulations to the selected students and congratulations to all students who came along to participate!  Next term, training will begin in preparation for our inter schools competition.

Early Bird Reading

Our Early Bird Reading Program this term has been extremely popular.  We have had many students come along and start their day with a good book.  Students have enjoyed reading with teachers, reading with friends, as well as reading with Freeman Catholic College Senior Students.  The program has been so popular that we have chosen some Early Bird Reading Super Stars who will be presented with their awards next term.  Congratulations to all students who have come along and made our program so successful.

Holidays

Holidays are almost here and that means it is time for another one of our famous Holiday Reading Challenges.  Children should have each received a copy of the challenge this week.  Our students have worked hard this term in building their reading skills and holidays are the perfect time to practise and consolidate those skills.  The JB Reading Challenge gives you many ideas for how to make reading fun.  There are lots of fantastic prizes to be won, including individual student prizes, overall major prizes and class prizes.  Remember you have to be in it to win it! 

Good luck everyone! 

Another fantastic way to keep up with reading these holidays is to continue with our Word Mania program for years 2-6, or our literacy lexile program for years 3-6.  Prizes for these will also be awarded after the holidays.  

Happy Reading Everyone!

READ! READ! READ!

Teresa Wojtowicz & Francine Bushby  Literacy Coordinators

Sports News

Sports News

Swimming News:

Sydney and MacKillop Swimming Championships

We congratulate Allegra Lentini, Melanie Romero, Alana Tripodina, Zane Borg, Luca De Boucherville, Marc De Boucherville, Joseph Gabara, Giuseppe Gauci, Tobias Romero and Daine Trajcevskiwho represented JB at the Sydney Swimming Trials on Monday 27th March. 

A special mention goes to Tobias Romero and Melanie Romero who represented John The Baptist at the MacKillop trials on Thursday. 

We are so proud of you!!

Little Athletics Day

Our K-2 students attended our Little Athletics Day on Friday 31st March. 

Our students had the opportunity to demonstrate the new skills they have developed in sport this term.  We congratulate the students on their amazing skills and fantastic sportsmanship throughout the day. 

Go Team JB!

Wonder Recycling Rewards 2023

John the Baptist has joined the Wonder Recycling Rewards Program 2023.

 Please collect your bread bags of any brand and return them to the school recycling box outside our school office.  We will then earn reward points that can be used to purchase sports equipment for the school.

What bread bags can be recycled?

If the bag has contained bread of some sort and is a soft plastic, then it’s a bread bag and can be recycled.

Do the bread bags need to be clean?

Bread bags should be as free from crumbs as they can be to keep the recycling process free from contamination (there is no need to wash them).

When does the program end?

We can collect bread bags up until July 7.

Frances Oliverio  Sports Coordinator

Amadeus Reminder

Please remind your children to bring their instruments on their specified day. 

Many children are leaving their instruments at home.

Lost School Uniforms

Dear Parents,

We have numerous items of clothing collected everyday, they are placed in our lost property basket in the office.  Each day, all labelled items are returned to the child's classroom.  Items which  which are unlabelled go to the clothing pool.  

Please ensure over the holidays you re-label any clothing your child is able to remove at school as markings can fade over time.  

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.

Alternatively, you can call the office and place an order via telephone, email info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au or complete the form below and return it to the office with your child.  

Notes from the Office

APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENDED LEAVE – TRAVEL

Any families planning or considering family travel for 10 school days or more must apply with an Application for Extended Leave – Travel, at least 4 weeks in advance of your child/ren’s intended leave. This application must also be accompanied by copies of travel documentation. 

Application forms are available from the office. For your convenience, please feel free to call or email us on info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au and we will be happy to send this home with your eldest child.

Of particular importance, any family intending to take leave from June and NOT returning to school By Friday 4th August, 2023 must complete this process as a high priority.  Please forward your application by Friday 2nd June, 2023.

We thank you for your prompt co-operation.

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!

Freeman Catholic College Enrolments Year 7 2025

ENROLMENTS FOR YEAR 7 2025

REMINDER TO ALL FAMILIES IF YOU HAVE A CHILD IN YEAR 5

Enrolments for Freeman Catholic College need to be completed either
online or a paper copy can be handed into the Freeman Catholic College
Administration office.

CLOSING DATE IS THURSDAY 6 th APRIL, 2023 @ 12noon

Any enrolments after this day will be considered as a late enrolment.

Dates to Remember