2023: Week 10, Term 4

Principal's Message

THE THIRD CANDLE: called the Shepherd’s Candle after the first ones to worship the new born Jesus.

REFLECTION - GOSPEL

Today’s Gospel begins with the absence of the light. A man came, sent by God. His name was John the Baptist. He came as a Witness - a witness to the Light. I think we can all say we are called to be Witnesses to the light. Which is Jesus Christ. John’s role can be appreciated fully only when the light does come in the person of Jesus. Only then can people realise the true measure of John’s worth and unique place he has in the history of salvation.

There are many problems in our world today - we become fearful. But is our world better or worse than a hundred years ago - a thousand years - two thousand years ago? Has instant communication and incredible technology made our world seem worse than before?  In any case, nothing, absolutely nothing can extinguish the Light of Christ. In that Light let us trust.

TIME IS TO SLOW FOR THOSE WHO WAIT, TOO SWIFT FOR THOSE WHO FEAR, TOO LONG FOR THOSE WHO GRIEVE, TOO SHORT FOR THOSE WHO REJOICE, BUT FOR THOSE WHO LOVE, TIME IS ETERNITY.

It is hard to believe but the end of the school year is upon us. We have so much to be grateful here at John the Baptist, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our parent community for your continued support - we are most grateful. Our JB students, however, are the inspiration behind everything we do. It is a wonderful privilege to serve the girls and boys who come to school each day full of wonder and curiosity. We have had a very successful year, and look ahead with great confidence that 2024 will be even better!

We celebrated with great joy and appreciation at our Year 6 Graduation on Monday evening. Fr Ben and Fr Dominic led our liturgy beautifully, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Year 6 team and Mrs Dunn for your thorough preparation. Congratulations to all of our graduating Year 6 students, and our best thoughts and wishes as you venture on new and exciting times. 

A very special acknowledgement to Fr Ben who has served the JB community with great commitment and faith. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Fr, and wish him all of our love and best wishes. Fr Ben has assured us he will return to JB to come and visit as soon as possible. In the new year, he will assume the role of MC for His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, and be based at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney. 

STAFFING ANNOUNCEMENTS 2024

I am pleased to announce staffing for the 2024 school year:

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Mrs Natali Tomic

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR: Mrs Geraldine Jansen

WELLBEING COORDINATOR: Mr Christopher McInerney

CURRICULUM COORDINATORS: Mrs Melanie Moore (English) Mr Michael Hobson (Numeracy), Mrs Daniella Kokkinis (Curriculum & Innovation)

COORDINATORS: Mrs Marcia Siciliano (Writing), Mrs Julia Tiberio (Diverse Learning), Ms Caddie Ruster (Gifted), Mrs Felysha Knight (Reading), Mrs Laura Raco (Numeracy)

K EMERALD: Ms Kristina Kokkinis

K GOLD: Ms Mikayla Valdez

K RUBY: Ms Laura Raco and Mrs Nahrin Audisho

K SILVER: Mrs Rozanna Alfonsi

1 EMERALD: Ms Hope Bowden

1 GOLD: Ms Jessica Dulka

1 RUBY: Mrs Emilia Chorobski

1 SILVER: Ms Antoinette Ferraro

2 EMERALD: Ms Lisa Giovenale

2 GOLD: Ms Alyssa Spiteri

2 RUBY: Ms Jennifer El-Gergian

2 SILVER: Ms Nadine Rapisarda

3 EMERALD: Mrs Kathryn Smith

3 GOLD: Ms Elena Cabara

3 RUBY: Mrs Alysia Ussia

3 SILVER: Ms Tammy Tran

4 EMERALD: Mrs Geraldine Jansen and Mrs Jennifer Azzi

4 GOLD: Ms Annalise Morabito

4 RUBY: Ms Daniella Rak

4 SILVER: Ms Maree Lainez Lozada

5 EMERALD: Ms Renee Lo

5 GOLD: Ms Josephine Yako

5 RUBY: Mrs Rebecca Anitei

5 SILVER: Ms Elise Ohanessian

6 EMERALD: Ms Kristina Rostankovska

6 GOLD: Ms Sarah Mammone

6 RUBY: Ms Carol Rosales

6 SILVER: Mr Adrian Gonzalez

EAL/D: Mrs Marcia Siciliano, Mrs Erika Austidillo, Mrs Marriella Chiappazzo, Mrs Caterina Furia

DIVERSE LEARNING: Ms Julia Tiberio, Mrs Lisa Di Fillipi, Mrs Rosemary Borg, Mr Joseph Aquilina, Mrs Elena Karatsioli, Mr Ashor Isaac

SMILe TEACHING TEAM: Mrs Speranza, Mrs D'Amico, Mrs Nguyen (Science), Ms Ruster, Mrs Komadina (Critical Thinking), Mrs Oliverio (Sport), Mrs Audisho (Public Speaking/Drama), Mrs Ristevska (Music)

FAMILY EDUCATOR: Mrs Tina Dunn

OFFICE STAFF: Mrs Gabby Klaser, Mrs Alicia Tsolomiti, Mrs Melanie Pietrantonio, Mrs Christina Gatt, Mrs Juliet Mearns

LEARNING SUPPORT OFFICERS: Mrs Deborah Penna, Mrs Meeghan Connaughton, Mrs Grace Garzaniti, Mrs Therese Bowen (Library), Mrs Dena Kanoon, Mrs Lisa Muratore, Mrs Sarita Chiaraville, Mrs Melissa Chetcuti, Mrs Tania Klaser, Mrs Francesca Tedesco, Ms Natasha McGraw, Mrs Teresa Vartuli, Mr Jarrad Micallef, Mrs Angela Callipari, Ms Angelina Tsolomiti, Ms Sophia Paiano, Mrs Belinda Davino 

Wishing all of our JB families paece and joy over Christmas and the new year. We look forward in anticipation to a wonderful 2024. 

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

What a wonderful year it has been. There have been so many success stories, a variety of authentic and engaging learning experiences, excursions, incursions and challenges that we have overcome as a community. 

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your support throughout the year and for the way in which you engage with our school and your child’s education. I truly value the partnership we share. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas break and hope that the spirit of the season fills your home. I pray that you are able to unite in your faith during this special time and know that 2024 will continue to bring brilliant learning experiences and memories. 

School Returns for 2024

Year 1 -6: Wednesday 31st January (Full Day 8:45am - 2:55pm) 

Kinder: Thursday 1st February & Friday 2nd February (9:30am - 2:15pm)

Monday 5th February (Full day K-6) 

Meet the Teacher Interviews: Open for all parents to make bookings throughout Week 3 (19/2-23/2). Compass Portal will be opened for bookings. Late evening for interviews will be held on Tuesday 20/2

Staff Development Days 

On these days you will need to arrange supervision for your children as teachers will be engaged in Professional Learning.

Term 1: 

Week 5 - Friday 8th March 

Term 2: 

Week 1 - Monday 29th April & Week 6 - Friday 7th June 

Term 3:

Week 4 - Monday 12th August & Week 10 - Friday 27th September

Term 4:

Week 3 - Friday 1st November & Week 10:  FINAL DAY for students Wednesday 18 December

Parent Volunteer Induction Dates

We will hold Parent Volunteer Induction Meetings on the following dates. Any parent wishing to be a volunteer at excursions/ carnivals or a parent helper in classrooms must attend this induction each year. Parents are asked to register their attendance via the following link. 

Monday 19th February 5:15pm 

Wednesday 21st February 8:20am 

Friday 23rd February 3:15pm 

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/ 

Have a happy and Holy Christmas. 

With thanks, 

Mrs Natali Tomic 

Assistant Principal 

Religion News

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEST 2023  - YEAR 6  

Every year students from Year 6 across the Archdiocese sit a Religious Education Test. The school recently received our Year 6 Religious Education Test Results. We are extremely pleased to say that our results were outstanding again this year. There was a significant difference between our school and the rest of the Archdiocese.

108 Year 6 students sat the test which consisted of 50 multiple choice questions based on their knowledge and understanding of Church & Community, God, Religion & Life, Scripture & Jesus, Prayer, Liturgy & Sacraments, Morality & Justice, and the Liturgical Year. We achieved 16 High Distinctions, 47 Distinctions, 36 Credits and 9 Participation certificates. The Archdiocesan average score was 35.4 and the average score for John the Baptist this year was 40.7, which places us 5.3 points above the Archdiocese. 

Congratulations in particular to the following students, who achieved a High Distinction: 

Emmanuel Adomako, Mark Dinh, Katie Hamoo, Christian Jedinak, Kristian Komadina,      Noah Korkis, Giulietta Nemet, Andrew Toma, Tyler Ung, Christian Vergara, Rosemarry Alyass, Adam Brcic, Leonardo Ishak, Chloe Georgies, Abonoub Markhani and Wassim Raihan. 

A very special mention and a huge Congratulations to 

ANDREW TOMA who scored 100% and placed in the top 1% of almost 5000 students across the Sydney Archdiocese.  

We congratulate all the children for these remarkable results. We are extremely proud of your wonderful achievement. We also give thanks to all the teachers over the years who have been part of our children’s journey and learning in Religious Education with a very special mention of the Year 6 teachers who worked with me - Mrs Nguyen, Mrs Rosales, Miss Rostankovska and Mrs Chiappazzo who worked tirelessly with their students all year. Congratulations Year 6!

FAREWELL YEAR 6 ALTAR SERVERS

Thank you Year 6 Altar Servers for your commitment and service at the Altar over the last 3 years and for mentoring the Year 5 and Year 4 who have volunteered to take up this ministry. We wish you well and pray that you continue your personal faith journey and ministry in High School.  

Wishing all families and students a very Happy Christmas. May the Blessings of the Christ Child live on in your hearts and homes in the coming New Year. 

God Bless.

Mrs Jansen  Religious Education Coordinator

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 4  Week 10

CATCH UP CUPPA!

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

Consider coming along next year as we gather each Monday to begin our week with a VERY short reflection (under ten minutes) followed by coffee and conversation- we have the coffee machine on and ready to go early!

Come along and bring a friend.

JB Juniors Playgroup for 0-5 years commences again in the new year- look out for COMPASS updates.

Playgroup is on each Wednesday from 9am-10am, first thing in the morning after the bell goes! Consider joining us in the New Year as we will have openings due to many starting kindergarten in 2024. Prayer, Play, Story and Craft! Fun!!

 Open to those children aged 0-6 years. 

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! Vinnies Appeal!

This year we received MANY donations for the Vinnies Hampers and also for those local children who needed stationery supplies for the new school year-

 A VERY BIG AND HEARTFELT THANK YOU for your amazing generosity.

It was my privilege to accompany several parents to our local Vinnies and sort and pack the many items donated, and then to hand out hampers to some very grateful families.

Vinnies Appeal

MOVIE NIGHT SUCCESS!!!! Journey to Bethlehem

Thank you also to the more than 200 people (over 60 families) who attended our recent movie night at HOYTS! Not ONE but TWO cinemas full of beautiful JB people!!!

This movie was a lovely retelling of the story of Mary and Joseph and their courtship and trip to Bethlehem- a little creative, but earnest in the promotion of the GREATEST STORY ever told.  What a great start to our own ADVENT journey!

Movie Night

Christmas Wishes

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all who have supported me in my initiatives this year. Each time I send home something or present something to parents I hope the Holy Spirit ensures it will reach the right person at just the right time. I organise events and pray someone turns up! I have been humbled and in AWE of your enthusiasm for recent events like the movie night. Our Carols night was also a wonderful testament to the links forged between schools and the parish in our JB Community. 

I have to practise what I preach and Give it Up to God- he will do His work no matter what I DO- and sure enough we have made some beautiful memories this year.

Thank you for the gifts and good wishes as I end another year in this amazing role. I look forward to being of assistance to you and continuing our journey together in faith in 2024. 

Wishing you a Happy and Holy Chrsimtas and a New Year filled with many graces and blessings!

Christmas Even Children’s Mass- REHEARSALS

There will be a Christmas eve Children’s Mass at 5.30pm and children are welcome to dress as shepherds and angels etc  (please, no feathers!)

If you wish your child to have a role in the Gospel re-enactment or a reading during the Mass, please come along to a  rehearsal on Tuesday 12th December at 3.45 pm, AND Thursday 21st December at 3.45pm.

RECONCILIATION & COMMUNION SACRAMENT PROGRAM 2024- ENROL NOW!!! 

Enrolment for the Sacrament Program for Reconciliation and Communion is now open. Children who have been Baptised and are in Year 4 or above in 2024 are welcome to enrol.

LESSON INFORMATION

Reconciliation Lessons - 4 weeks in Term 1, 2024 (1hr each week held in the Church) ending in March. Communion Lessons - 4 weeks in Term 2, 2024 (1hr each week held in the Church) ending in June. Enrolment Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 6 February 2024 at 7pm in the Church. Parents can select their lesson times in early February 2024. To enrol complete the form by visting https://www.trybooking.com/CNAHI 

Any questions please call Tamara 0424 166 248

Christmas Eve Masses-5.30pm, 8pm and Midnight

Christmas Day Masses- 8am and 10 am

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Literacy News

Literacy Corner Week 10 Term 4 2023

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

Lexile Champions

As we fast approach the end of the 2023 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 1 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. 

Book Club

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 & Francine Bushby  Literacy Coordinators 

School Captains Farewell Address

Message from Year Six 2023

On behalf of Year 6 2023, we the School Captains, would like to reflect on the positive times we have experienced throughout our precious, yet seemingly quick time at John the Baptist School. We have supported each other through our growth and development from Kindergarten to this, our Graduation night. There are a myriad of amazing memories created, shared and cherished between each and every one of us.

John the Baptist School has given us the opportunities to be involved in multiple extra-curricular activities and challenging work, providing us the chance to become the amazing students we are today. We have been united in our faith in God during our years together and in our friendships. Together, we have overcome many obstacles and stayed strong, survived covid and enjoyed the wild rollercoaster ride of Primary School. 

 The Year 6 students wish to recognise those who have caringly helped us to evolve into the young adults we are today. We acknowledge everything our wonderful teachers - Miss Rostankovska, 

Mrs Jansen, Mrs Nguyen, Ms Rosales, Mrs Chiappazzo, Mr Aquilina, Mrs Kanoon, Mrs Vartulli and Mr Micalef have done each day for us. 

We thank them for the gifts they have given to us - knowledge, wisdom and right judgment. 

We appreciate the hard work and gratitude of the SMILe teachers; Mrs D’Amico, Mrs Bowen, Mrs Oliverio, Mrs Ristevska, Mrs Lemaic, Mrs Audisho and all the amazing grade teachers and support teachers over the last seven years for the extensive opportunities which have shaped and transformed us into the upstanding students we are today, prepared for all the challenges of High School.

 We  also wish to express our sincere thanks to all the Staff of John the Baptist, especially the Office Staff and the Support Staff for their care and hard work that has contributed to our educational success.

We express our gratitude to Father Dominic and Father Ben for strengthening our faith and making our liturgical celebrations so meaningful and vibrant. 

 We’d also like to acknowledge Mr O’Connor and Mrs Tomic, who are always working on ways to help improve our school, education and safety. We extend our gratitude and thanks to Mrs Jansen, our Religious Education Coordinator and Grade Leader and Mrs Dunn, who both helped us nurture our faith and develop Gospel values. 

The community of John the Baptist has been one big family for the majority of us for the past seven years. It is a sad but memorable farewell tonight for us all as we walk for the last time through the doors of the Church as students of John the Baptist School and emerge as young adolescents continuing our journey of faith and growth.

We will never forget the experiences we have had at John the Baptist.

JB you will live in our hearts FOREVER!!

Katie Hamoo and Nicholas Zamprogno  2023 School Captains 

Canteen News

Please contact the school office 9823 5042 for any communication with the Canteen. 

The canteen are NO LONGER using a mobile telephone number.  Please ONLY contact the school office for contact with the canteen.  Do not contact ANY mobile telephone number previously provided.

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. 

The clothing pool welcomes donations of school uniforms. Please ensure that all items are clean and in good condition (no rips or stains as we have no washing facilities). Only official school uniform items are accepted and please note we cannot accept socks or stockings.

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. 

Thank you.

The Administration Team

Notes from the Office

YEAR 6 STUDENTS LEAVING SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Parents of Year 6 students who will be attending a non-Catholic School High School will need to download all school reports from Compass (for your records) as these will no longer be available to you after 15 December 2023.  These student's google drive will also no longer be accessible and if your child has anything they would like to keep from their google drive please store in another personal location.

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

The end of year is approaching!  Please note all school fees needed to be finalised by 28 November 2023 (unless you have a payment plan agreement with the school).

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

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated!

School Student Travel

Please see below information from Transport NSW in relation to school student travel.

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember