2023: Week 8, Term 2

Principal's Message

REFLECTION - GOSPEL

Jesus saw the need of people around Him - His flock, and they needed Shepherds. And so, He named His Twelve Apostles - and sent them out to preach to the people. And as Jesus looks at our world today, does He see a flock very much in need of Shepherding? Is He not calling each one of us to speak in his name, act with His example, and love with His heart? And what a difference that may well make.

This weekend's Gospel reminds us that we all live in the image and likeness of God. As we prepare for our second weekend of students receiving Holy Communion for the first time, we consider the wonderful responsibility our faith bestows upon us to share with our children, our families and those around us. 

Last week's Communions were an affirmation of the joy of the Gospel and the experience of one family under one faith. I look forward to sharing this moment again with our Communion candidates this weekend. 

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

We remind all families once again that our school uniform represents the pride we have in ourselves and our school. I particularly wish to address the following specific items:

• Ties - a mandatory component of the winter uniform
• Tracksuit pants -the same type of pants as the school jacket
• Shoes - leather school shoes as part of the winter uniform, appropriate sports shoes (not multicoloured) for sport
• Hats - beanies can be worn in the morning only on colder days, but red is only permitted and prints are not

Thank you for your continued support

KINDER 2024 ENROLMENTS

Application offers to families of Kinder 2024 students have been sent to families today. We congratulate the new 'Class of 2024' and look forward to their Orientation in Term 4 this year. 

SCHOOL CENSUS - Friday 4th August

Parents, please be aware that from time to time, we are required to provide student details and background data provided through the school enrolment form to government agencies.

For our Visa student families, we ask if there has been any changes to your Visa circumstances or have recently become an Australian Citizen, to please immediately advise the office. 

In preparation of this important process, we kindly ask all families to ensure their child/ren’s date of birth and personal details are accurately recorded in the Compass Parent Portal, in addition to parent’s personal details and emergency contacts, etc.  If necessary, please promptly contact the office so that discrepancies may be rectified.

Parents and guardians are able to access information regarding this process via the attached AGDoE 2023 Census Privacy Notice and the following linked notices:  SCS Privacy Policy, SCS Standard Collection Notice

Further details are provided in our 'Office Updates' section of our newsletter. 

PLAYGROUND UPDATE

The school will undertake a final walkthrough with our builders on Monday Week 10 - we are getting very close! I'm sure you are as excited as the students and teachers for the final completion of our project. We look forward to celebrating early in Term 3 with our community. 

With thanks,

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

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/ 

With thanks, 

Mrs Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 1 Week 8

Remember to keep checking the COMPASS 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 is on each Monday morning in Term 2. Come along for a cuppa and catch up in the demountable classroom. This is a great chance to make some friends and connect with other parents.

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

Playgroup is on each Wednesday, first thing in the morning after the bell goes! I look forward to seeing you all!. We pray, sing and play and usually have fun making something- for all ages! 

Last Term Dates-  June 21, 28

A reflection at this time of year-

Some advice from the bible at report time…

As we await the release of half yearly reports- take a moment to ponder your response and reaction to them-

Acknowledge your child for their success and hard work these last six months. They have done their best. Wherever there is cause to celebrate an accomplishment- PRAISE it! 

“…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil. 4”9

Each of your children is blessed with a unique and special combination of talents and skills- no two are the same- so do not compare them!

 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:6

Not everyone gets it right all the time. (We all know that.)

“Christ accepts you as is, flaws and all. He doesn’t require your perfection…” Romans 15:7

Is there disappointment even after effort? Don’t be disheartened! Keep up the encouragement!

“..because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5

Let us thank God for the gifts he bestows on each of us- always!

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

God Bless

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Parish Matters- because it does!

GLUE- GOD, LIFE, UNIVERSE -EVERYTHING- Come along and listen, discuss or ask questions.

Father Ben has two more talks this month- Tuesday 27th June 9am and 7pm.

 JB Spring Fair 

Several parents have told me they are already booked in for the FAIR to volunteer, or with different stands or cultural foods to share- What about YOU??

BARISTA wanted -parishioners or local businesses??

We need volunteers - One or two hours of your time to volunteer would be greatly appreciated.

Any entertainers out there? Please contact Fr Dom

Our Marketing Stalls are slowly coming together. We have Gloria Lorlina Floral & Gifts, Maria handbags and Wattle Lane Designs. We need more! Hurry secure your spot! 

International Food stalls are run by our parishioners - Holland, Italy, Indian, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Australia. We need more parishioners to come forward to showcase their country of origin. Spots provided are Free of Charge. 

JB Spring Fair Committee is happy to welcome a new member, Amanda Newell. Any enquiries please contact: Josie 0407203593

Bulletins can be found here

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Week 8 Term 2

Lifelong success starts with strong reading and writing skills.  These skills continue to grow and develop as your child moves through Primary School.  Whether your child is a beginning reader, an emerging reader or a skilled reader, the importance of continuing to practise their skills is essential.  Remember that reading every day with your child is the single most beneficial activity to build their reading skills.  Young children love to share reading experiences with parents and build strong connections with literature and the world.  Older children may sometimes feel reluctant to read out loud, however, helping them develop confidence in sharing their reading skills will further build their literacy.  

Tips for younger readers:

• Talk about the books as you read them.  Point out interesting words and illustrations.
• Involve your child in the selection of a story or a book, this will help build their interest
• Make predictions about the text as you are reading, asking questions such as ‘What do you think will happen next?’, ‘How is the character feeling now?’ etc
• Connect ideas or experiences in a book with your own life and experiences

Tips for older readers:

• Ask questions about the underlying theme or message of the book
• Explore why the author may have written the book
• Discuss the social and cultural fairness in the story and how the characters are represented
• Research ideas presented in the text and how these topics relate to the world today

2023 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge NOW ON!

The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is well underway! Students in K-2 have been participating in the challenge throughout Term 2 during class time and will receive a participation certificate at the end of the year.

Students in Years 3-6 all have the option of participating in the challenge. In order to be eligible, students must read 20 books. These can be a selection of at least 10 books from any of the K-6 PRC lists, and a maximum of 10 personal choice books. Students will log books they have read directly onto the site as they read them. Remember, any book that appears on the PRC list can be included. For a list of books on the challenge, please visit https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/booklist/home.html

Next Tuesday, Lunchtime Library will be open for those students in years 3-6 who wish to know more about the PRC, including their login details! There will be a selection of PRC books to read and log! Be sure to join in the fun!

Remember everyone: READ! READ! READ!

Teresa Wojtowicz/Francine Bushby  Literacy Coordinators

Maths News

Dear Parents,

At our school, we are committed to nurturing student counting fluency and multiplication skills, which are essential foundations for their mathematical journey.

For our younger learners, we place great emphasis on counting fluency and building strong number bonds. By practising counting with accuracy and speed, your child will develop the ability to add number bonds effortlessly. This fundamental skill will enable them to approach math problems with confidence and efficiency.

For our older students, we are focused on sharpening their multiplication abilities. We believe that automatic recall of multiplication facts is crucial for their success. By consistently practising and reinforcing these facts, your child will become more adept at solving multiplication problems, improving their mathematical fluency.

Our school provides access to two exceptional online programs, Mathletics and Numerical Acumen, aimed at supporting and enhancing your child's numeracy skills. Your children have access to these programs which offer a wide range of interactive activities and resources specifically designed to strengthen counting fluency and multiplication skills.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. We look forward to witnessing their growth and success in mathematics!

Michael Hobson/Daniella Kokkinis  Mathematics Coordinators 

Newman News

UNSW Australian Schools Competition

Notes for the UNSW Australian Schools Competition were sent out this week. This Competition is designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies.

If you wish for your child to participate in the UNSW Australian Schools Competition, please visit the link below to organise payment.

Please do not send money to school. 

Access details:

Visit:  https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

JB Unique School Code - JNG044

Payments will not be accepted after Friday 30th June, 2023.

Please contact Mrs Bushby if you have any questions.

Francine Bushby  Newman Coordinator

Sports News

Sports News

We congratulate Andre Lalic, Chloe Davino, Emilia Bruzzese, Martina Brcic and Talia Cavicchia who represented JB at The MacKillop Cross Country Trials. 

Well done team.  You made us all very proud!

Frances Oliverio  Sports Coordinator

The MacKillop Cross Country Trials

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.

Unfortunately, moving forward we will no longer be able to accept forgotten instruments for students on their Amadeus Day. 

Reminder Amadeus Classes

Mondays: Year 3 & Year 4 
Friday: Year 5 & Year 6

Thank you for your understanding.

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 5 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 throughout June and NOT returning to school by Friday 4th August, 2023 must complete this process urgently.

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!

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember