2023: Week 6, Term 3

Principal's Message

REFLECTION - THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL

Jesus questioned His Disciples as to who they thought He really was.  What is my answer to Jesus? And if I believe He is the Son of God, do my words and actions always show my belief? Do I say one thing, but do not act out what I say?

“But whom do you say I am?” It is a question for every age, for every person. We may very well believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but do we express our belief publicly, no matter what the response might be. And perhaps more important is the question- do our words and actions truly reflect what we profess? This is how people and God will judge us not just by a Profession of Faith, but how we LIVE that Profession. Today, let us make a very personal Profession of Faith in Jesus.

In the circle of God’s love  God is waiting to use your full potential 

Growing old is inevitable……..growing UP is optional. There is no key to happiness…….the door is always open. Silence is often misinterpreted…….but never misquoted. Do the maths…….count your blessings. Faith is the ability…….to not panic. Laugh every day…….it is like inner jogging. If you worry, you didn’t pray……if you pray don’t worry. The most important thing in your house…….are the people. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still…….. God wants us to be still so he can untangle the knot. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

Have a great week!!!!! The SON is shining and He can certainly use you!!

FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST - THIS COMING THURSDAY!

We welcome all dads and other family members to our Father's Day Breakfast NEXT Thursday, August 31. Gates will open and all will be welcome from 7.30am. Cheese & bacon rolls and croissants will be served. This year, we will be joined by Freeman families on the Playing Field, so it should be a fun event! If you are a dad with children at Freeman and JB, we've made life easier for you! Be sure to arrive early. During the morning, Father will join us for a special blessing, so we are really looking forward to seeing everyone. 

YEAR 6 GRADE MASS - THIS SUNDAY 10.00am

I look forward to seeing our Year 6 familes (and their siblings of course) at this week's JB Parish Mass, which will celebrate our Year 6 community. As you are aware, many of our Year 6 students are preparing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, which will take place on Sunday September 17, here at the JB Parish. This is a change from the original plan of Confirmation taking place at St Mary's Cathedral. 

JB READ-A-THON AND BOOK WEEK PARADE

Congratulations to all of our JB families who worked so hard to raise funds towards the school as part of our JB Read-A-Thon. The total amount raised so far is $16 871.80. In our next newsletter, we will outline where these funds will be directed to keep making our school even better!

Our Book Parade and fitness activities were a huge success. Thanks to all of our families who were able to be present during the morning of the parade to witness the colour and excitement. The childen had a wonderful day. I'm sure they all slept well that night!

UPCOMING DATES - REMINDERS

A reminder that school will finish for Term 3 on WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20. Thursday Sept 21 and Friday Sept 22 have been set aside as Staff Development Days. 

With my best wishes for the week ahead. 

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

Southwest and Aerotropolis Public Speaking

We are very excited to be hosting the combined Southwest and Aerotropolis Public Speaking Competition here at John the Baptist next Tuesday 29th August. Students from 10 local primary schools will gather to participate in the event. On the evening, they will speak to one of four topics:

1. If I could travel through time.
2. It’s never too late.
3. The best surprise ever.
4. What I cannot live without.  

Congratulations to our students representing John the Baptist at this event. We look forward to celebrating their success with you in the coming weeks. 

Year 5:

Sienna Nguyen 

Danijela Hambrook

Jacob Pisani

Elizabeth Palermo

Year 6: 

Nathan Nietes

Chloe Chechuti 

Chloe Georgies 

Hagob Tatian 

REMINDER: Student Attendance

We have again sent home letters to explain absences in Compass. This is a requirement by law and also forms part of the Sydney Catholic Schools Attendance Policy. 

For some students, this is the third time a letter has been sent home asking parents to explain absences dating back to February.

Can you please ensure you check your child's bags for this letter. Moving forward, we ask all parents to promptly explain absences in Compass as they occur.

We appreciate your support and cooperation in maintaining accurate records for your child. 

Staff Development Days:

A reminder that all students will conclude Term 3 on Wednesday 20th September. Thursday 21st September and Friday 22nd September are designated Staff Development Days. 

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/ 

Mrs Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal 

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 3  Week 6

Remember to keep checking the COMPASS Calendar for Masses and events so you don’t miss out on anything! 

This week-     August 27- Year 6 invited to Parish Sunday 10am Mass

Next week- Father’s Day Breakfast Thursday Morning 31st September

CATCH UP CUPPA!

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

SPaR is a great way to start the week- Monday mornings in the demountable classroom on the top playground. We have a VERY short reflection (under ten minutes) followed by coffee and conversation- we have the coffee machine on and ready to go early!

Mon 28th- SUNFLOWERS, ROSES and everyone else - Which flower are you?

Mon 21st August- Are you a Good Bench sitter? 

 Coffee and conversation! Come along and bring a friend.

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!. Open to those children aged 0-6 years. 

Wednesday 30th August- Father’s Day Craft

We pray, sing and play and usually have fun making something crafty- great for all ages! 

HSC Prayer Partner Postcards-  THANK YOU!! PLEASE SEND THEM BACK ASAP!!

Thank you to the MANY families who have volunteered to write a postcard to a Year 12 student. Remember- just a few lines of encouragement, an affirmation, a poem, drawing or a prayer- these will be gratefully received.

****** These postcards will need to be returned by Friday 1st September.******

CONFIRMATION CRAFT-

If you would like to make a gift for your child of the wooden or crystal bead bracelet- please complete the note you have received in your classes or contact me on 0439 492920.

These bracelets only take about fifteen minutes to make, and are as unique and individual as your child! You choose the design!

Sacraments CONFIRMATION UPDATE:

Please ensure you are attending lessons and staying informed of any changes to the date/venue of the sacrament as plans are finalised for the celebration!

We will continue to pray as the children prepare for this special sacrament.

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Parish Matters- because it does!

KEEP THE DATE- JB Spring Fair - October 22nd

 CALLING anyone with a business to promote or product to sell!

12 WEEKS TO GO!! Jumping Castles, Popcorn, Fairy floss, Face painting and many more for a gold coin only.

Have you thought about volunteering yet? Or promoting your own service or business?

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. 

WHERE ARE YOU? Croatia, Assyria, Middle Eastern, Mauritius, Fiji, Tongan – Come share your cultural food. 

Can you help out on the day? One or two hours of your time to volunteer would be greatly appreciated.

 Can you sing and/or dance? Have you entertained family and/or friends as a magician? Are you a DJ? Are you a Choir looking to showcase your group’s talents? Why not perform at our Spring Fair!

 We still have places for external businesses at $25 per spot to market your products or services. Payment can be made at our Parish Office to secure a spot. Please contact: Susan 0419606683 (after 3:30pm) or Sharon 0410494700 (after 5:30pm)

Church Bulletins can be found here

Maths News

Dear Parents,

At John the Baptist, our students love to dive into math with a hands-on approach. When they use real materials and tackle real-world math problems, they're not just learning numbers – they're experiencing the magic of math in action. This kind of exploration builds stronger problem-solving skills and makes math come to life. By embracing this approach, we're giving your child a fun and tangible start on their math adventure.

Thanks for being part of this journey with us!

Michael Hobson/Daniella Kokkinis  Mathematics Coordinators 

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Week 6 Term 3

As parents we naturally want the very best for our children.  One of the most important roles that parents play in their child’s education is supporting and nurturing their reading abilities.  However, for many parents, helping their children learn to read can be very intimidating.  Children develop a variety of literacy skills at school and reading at home is another chance to practise these.  Therefore, every opportunity to practise their reading skills at home works towards further development of your child’s reading abilities.  Here are a few important things to keep in mind when reading at home:

Don’t tell them, guide them! 

If you tell your child every word they get stuck on, they won’t learn or practise word attack strategies that they have been learning at school.  In addition, they will continue to rely on you and as the words get harder the more difficult reading will be come for them.  Instead, why not allow them time to attack the word they are stuck on by using the strategies they learn at school.

Keep the books easy! 

The books that children read at home should be at a slightly lower level that what they are reading in the classroom.  This means that they should be able to read most words in the book easily and enjoy the book.  When the book is easy they practise their comprehension and understanding as well as the way their reading sounds.  It will be a much more enjoyable experience if the books are easy and engaging for the children.  Reading at home is not meant to be a stressful experience, instead it is a chance to relax and enjoy.

Introduce the book before you read it!

It is important to think about the book before you read it.  Have a discussion about the title, the illustrations, the topic or anything else that relates to the book.  This will help build understanding before reading the words.  Introductions also give children an opportunity to think about the content and prepare for the vocabulary that will be in the book.

Above all else, remember HAVE FUN!

READ! READ! READ!

Teresa Wojtowicz & Francine Bushby  Literacy Coordinators

Sports News

Athletics News

A special congratulations to our JB Athletics Team who represented JB at the Conference 4 Athletics Carnival on Thursday 10th August. 

Well done, Alexia Asonitis, Lucas Giorgis, Oleen Abouna, Cove Trajcevski, Chloe Davino, Patrick Brcic,  Martina Brcic, Antony Rakvin, Merel Alhadaya, Daine Trajcevski, Savior Yaco, Emilia Bruzzese, Luca Corvelo, Siana Tatian, Massimo Marando, Talia Cavicchia, Alessandro Rafoo, Allegra Lentini, Ethan Mitri, Eliana Bayoudh, Antonio Macnamara, Evelia Abdal, Giuseppe Brunetta,  Andre Lalic, Gianluigi Vaccari, Santana Rodi, Gisele Blanda, Jazel Esho, Severio Rofael, Adrian Al-Giorgees, Alana Tripodina, Mia Kewilahuo and Alvin Yousif.

The following students will now represent John The Baptist at the Sydney Athletics Championships.  Train hard, team!

Alexia Asonitis-1st 8 Years 100m

Giselle Blanda- 3rd Junior High Jump

Mia Kewilahuo- 3rd Senior Shot Put

Andre Lalic- 3rd Senior 800m

Allegra Lentini- 3rd Senior DiscusEthan Mitri-3rd Senior High Jump

Antony Rakvin- 2nd 11years Long Jump, 2nd 11yrs High Jump

Cove Trajcevski- 4th 100m 

Junior Girls Relay Team- Siana Tatian, Gisele Blanda, Alexia Asonitis, Chloe Davino

Senior Boys Relay- Alessandro Rafoo, Ethan Mitri, Antony Rakvin, Daine Trajcevski

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 Property and 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 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. 

Please ensure ALL of your children's items are labelled including drink bottles, lunch boxes and containers as we have numerous lost property items collected everyday which remain unclaimed and ultimately have to be thrown away. 

Notes from the Office

APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENDED LEAVE – TRAVEL

Parents, kindly note Sydney Catholic Schools has updated the Application for Extended Leave requirement to now 5 days or more, which supersedes the previous 10 days or more policy. Any families planning or considering family travel for 5 school days or more must apply with an Application for Extended Leave – Travel, 4 weeks in advance of your child/ren’s intended leave wherever possible. This application must also be accompanied by copies of travel documentation, if applicable. 

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.

We thank you for your co-operation with this process when making travel plans with your child/ren. 

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!

Students Commencing Freeman Catholic College Year 7 2024

TO ALL PARENTS/CARERS WHO HAVE A CHILD THAT WILL BE COMMENCING AT FREEMAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE FOR YEAR 7 2024.

There will be an Acceptance Information Evening on Tuesday 14th November, 2023 commencing at 6.30pm in the Michael Addicoat Centre at Freeman Catholic College.  Parents and students are required to attend.

Year 7 2024 Orientation Day (for students only) will be Wednesday 22nd November, 2023. Students will be required to be at Freeman Catholic College all day.

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember