2024: Week 8, Term 1

Principal's Message

REFLECTION - GOSPEL

The great week for the Church Year. The Last Supper. The Death of Jesus - The Wonder of Resurrection. We are invited to make our Ceremonies this week

TOP PRIORITY. Could we tell Jesus 'To do it. All again on His own?' Or will we tell Him 'I/We will do it all with you?????'

PALM SUNDAY - Welcome Jesus into our hearts and homes as our Lord and King. We will rejoice with Jesus, as he enters His own city of Jerusalem.

HOLY THURSDAY - Could you spend an hour with me in Prayer? Celebrate His Last Supper again with Him.

GOOD FRIDAY - We will sorrow with Him as we see Him carry our cross to His death on Calvary. Stand and support His Mother Mary - repent for our sins.

EASTER SUNDAY - We will rejoice with Him, and his Mother, Mary, on Easter Day. Share, and celebrate, with great joy, His Resurrection. United with the risen Jesus we can face, and overcome,anything this world would place in our path.Share this week with Jesus - and be AT PEACE.

We will do these things if we make the journey of this week with Him - it is our choice. What will our choice be?

Over the last two days we have been priviledged to witness the retelling of the events of Holy Week by our students in Years 2-6. What wonderful faith and devotion comes from our children! Let us all take their lead this Easter and give our hearts to Jesus as we remember, reflect, and ultimately celebrate with joy and hope. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  - SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS - ANNOUNCEMENT

You will have received an email by now of the announcement that the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Mr Tony Farley, has made the decision to stand aside after 5 years of service. During this period, our system of schools undertook it's most dramatic change. His leadership was influenced by COVID and the subsequent response. We congratulate and thank Mr Farley for all of his support for our schools during this time, and wish him every success in the future. 

JOHN the BAPTIST EASTER MASSES

I look forward to seeing many of our families at our JB Parish services in the coming days. Please be reminded of our Good Friday service tomorrow, the Easter Vigil Mass on Staurday and Easter Masses on Sunday. We journey together with joy and hope. 

We look forward to seeing all of our families on Tuesday. Enjoy the 4 day break. 

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

Let me wish each of you all the blessings of the Easter Season. Let us find joy in the simpler things we are being invited to notice. Let us find hope in the resurrection and in each other. This Easter Season may your hearts fill with the hope of new life.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to our Year 3 and 5 students who have completed their NAPLAN tests for 2024. They all did a wonderful job and went through the exam period with enthusiasm and a sense of pride, to show how much they have learnt and know. I look forward to being able to share the results with you when they are available later this year. 

Staff Development Day:

Our next Staff Development Day will be held on Monday 29th April, students will return to school following Term 1 Holidays on Tuesday 30th April. 

REMINDER: Carpark and Wet Weather Procedures 

Thank you for your support and cooperation of our drop off and dismissal routines and structures here at John the Baptist. These procedures have been well considered and are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and parents. They also act to maximise learning time in the classroom for all students. 

 A few reminders as we move forward throughout the year:

• Parents are asked to drop off their child at the gate in the morning and not enter the school. 
• If you need to place an order at the canteen, this can be done via Mount Street - with access to the canteen available on the church side of the canteen.
• ​The Gloucester Street carpark closes and locks at 8:45am. This is an automated timer. 
• Dismissal times are from 2:55 -3:10pm in the classroom and 3:10 -3:30pm on the Undercover. We ask you to please be patient and respectful of other parents as you navigate the Gloucester Street car park in the afternoon. 
• The Gloucester Street car park has a clear NO RIGHT TURN sign that must be observed at all times.
• Parents should NOT under any circumstance enter the carpark on Mount Street or Gloucester Street via the exit. 
• In the event of wet weather, parents are permitted to walk their child to their classroom in the morning. 
• ALL students should have a raincoat only, umbrellas pose safety risks for students when in use, and also too, throughout the day. We ask for your assistance in providing your child with a raincoat only - and not an umbrella. 

Staff who are on carpark duty are acting in the best interests and safety of our students. We remind all parents to please be patient and respectful at all times. 

Amadeus

A reminder for all students to please bring their instrument to school each Friday for Amadeus. Notes will go home if your child continues to forget their instrument for lessons. 

Attendance 

Please enter any absences into the compass portal as soon as possible. This assists us in maintaining up to date records for your child. If you are not entering explanations for absences, then a note will be sent home. 

KINDERGARTEN: AEDC Data Collection

Building a national picture of child health

From May 2024, our school, along with thousands of others across the country, will participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).

The AEDC is a teacher-completed census (similar to a questionnaire) which provides a comprehensive picture of how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school.

 The AEDC is an Australian Government Initiative and is completed nationally every three years.

 Children don’t miss any class time while the AEDC is completed, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information.

The data collected through the AEDC is used by schools, communities and governments to better understand children and families’ needs, and identify the services, resources and support they need.

AEDC data is reported at a school, community, state/territory and national level. AEDC results for individual children are not reported and the AEDC is not used as an individual diagnostic tool.

Participation in the AEDC is voluntary, however the AEDC relies on all schools with children in their first year of full-time school participating in the collection. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census.

To find out more about the AEDC and how it is being used to help children and families visit: www.aedc.gov.au.

If you have any questions, you can contact me via the school office on info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal 

Religion News

Religious Education Newsletter Term 1 Week 8 

Jersey Day 

During Lent, we partake in Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal, Project Compassion. On Monday 25th March, we had our JB Jersey day, where students donated a gold coin to support this cause. In supporting Jersey day, the students of JB who donated $1164.15, what an incredible achievement. This brings our total contribution to over $2000, during Lent. 

These contributions help raise the funds critical to the work of Caritas both in Australia and developing countries around the world. The theme of Project Compassion 2024 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. 

Thank you to all who have donated and supported Project Compassion for 2024.

Mrs Felysha Knight  Acting Religious Education Coordinator 

Holy Week Liturgy Student Reflection  

This week at John the Baptist, we had our Holy Week Liturgy, Years 2, 3, 4, and 5 presented the Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday performances. They depicted Jesus entering into Jerusalem, The Last Supper, The Agony in the Garden and the Crucifixion of Jesus. Each grade took the time to bring to life the events of Holy Week. It was great to witness and be a part of, the detail and emotion presented gave it a realistic touch and felt like you were there. The images, music, and effects used throughout the performances made it an amazing experience, which thoroughly engaged all students who were watching. 

Written by Mary Sarkesyan (6 Emerald)

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 1  Week 8

Weekly Parent Gathering and CUPPA- Mondays in the demountable classroom. 

Coffee machine will be on early! 

Term 1 SPaR will conclude on Monday 8th April.Come along and share a short reflection followed by a cuppa, chat and company. Everyone is welcome. Just let the gate person know you are headed up to the room and they will let you enter.

Thank you.

Parent Stations of the Cross Excursion and Picnic-

 19th March- St Joseph’s Day

Over 70 JB Parents and parishioners joined with other school communities to walk the way of the Cross. It was a wonderful morning led by Father Dominic and several other priests, as we followed in Christs’ footsteps. 

It is always a beautiful tradition to walk the way of the Cross at least once during Lent- to relive and connect with that journey as we make our own way to Easter. We take our sufferings and burdens, (the scourging and the carrying of the Cross), we are assisted on the way(Simon of Cyrene), many ease our pain (Veronica) and still Christ is doing this ALL for US!

Please try to come along on Good Friday at 10am in the school grounds, as Freeman students re-enact those last steps of Christ.

Resurrection GARDEN next Wednesday 20th March!

Come along and make an Easter garden with your preschooler.

Children aged 0-5 years are welcome to join us at our JB Juniors Playtime Group on Wednesday mornings from 9-10 am. We meet in the demountable classroom on the top playground beside the church when the bell goes. 

There is prayer, song, story and craft followed by some playtime out on the school play equipment by the library.

Last week we made the Resurrection garden planting our wheat seeds, ans including three crosses made from sticks, the empty tomb and the rock rolled back. From the seeds dying and opening in the ground comes NEW LIFE- and it will be abundant by Easter Sunday.

No playgroup on Wednesday 3rd April due to the Harmony Day liturgy.

Last one for term will be 10th April.

CONGRATULATIONS-to the many children of JB who made their first Reconciliation last week in the parish. What a grace-filled night it was!

Thank you to the amazing Core group who organised a most beautiful liturgy. Next term we prepare for First Communion.

Parish Notices

Good Friday Mass at 3pm - you are invited to bring along a pebble/rock that represents your burdens and worries. These can be placed at the foot of the cross during veneration.

Parish Newsletter Bulletins can be found here

Community Care 

If you or someone you know is experiencing any kind of difficulty that the parish may be able to assist with financially or spiritually, please contact Father Dominic or the parish office on 9823 2572 in confidence.

Thought for the week:

Wishing all families a most Blessed and Holy Easter. May the Peace and love of the Risen Lord bring you comfort and joy.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Remember that after the solemnity of Good Friday there is always Light and Celebration.

 Easter Sunday is a day of joy and we are called to journey together as joyful witnesses to hope! There can be no greater hope than that offered by the Resurrection. 

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Harmony Day

Harmony Day 2024 

 Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect 

 and a sense of belonging for everyone.

On Wednesday 3rd of April John the Baptist will be celebrating Harmony Day. To celebrate the day students can wear a splash of orange, along with their sports uniform (hair tie, socks, hat, t-shirt, wrist band etc.). Parents are invited to join our K-6 Harmony Day assembly, featuring performances by the Infant and Primary JB Choir. The  assembly will commence at 8:50am on the Top Playground. We look forward to celebrating Harmony Day as a school community. 

Warm regards,

EAL/D Team 

Canteen News

Dear Parents, 

Please note the following information regarding ordering from the school canteen.

BREAKFAST ORDERS:
Breakfast orders are available from 7:30am - 8:20am from the CHURCH side window for parents and students.

After 8:20am only students can order via the TOP playground window.

LUNCH & RECESS ORDERS:
Online orders MUST be placed prior to 8am on the day your child requires lunch.
If you miss the 8am deadline, there are 2 options;

Option # 1 9 (preferred) Write your child's name on a paper bag/envelope, place the correct money (if possible), the child will then place the order in their class tub when they arrive in class.

Option # 2 Call the school office, we can transfer the call to the canteen to place your order. Please be mindful the canteen staff are busy and you may need to wait on the line.

Please note the bottom gate into the school closes at 8.45am
 
Thank you for your kind understanding.

Administration Staff

Kindergarten 2025 Enrolment Information

Enrolments are now open for our school for Kindergarten 2025 and will close on 5 April 2024. Start your younger child’s application NOW at https://sydcatholicschools.nsw.edu.au/enrolment/enrol-now.

If there are any issues when trying to submit your application, please send an email with the new student's details including date of birth to info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au and Mrs Pietrantonio (Enrolments Officer) will be in contact with you.

Kind regards,

Melanie Pietrantonio

Enrolments Officer 

IMPORTANT - Information for driving & parking in and around school zones

Notes from the Office

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Parents, a gentle reminder regarding the importance of informing our school of any changes that may  occurr during the year 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 2024 school fee statements have now been emailed to you. 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!

CANTEEN

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

LOST PROPERTY

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Student School Travel

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are fortunate that school students in NSW are afforded free public transport to and from school.  Opal data gathered by tapping on and off is used to determine the demand for bus services.  If Students do not tap on and tap off, services may be cancelled due to the lack of patronage.  Additionally, some bus services may become overcrowded as the bus companies do not have accurate data as to how many students are genuinely using a particular bus route.

With this in mind, we ask that parents remind their children that they must have their Opal cards with them every day and that they must tap on and off every time they use a bus.  This is one of the conditions of being granted a free student Opal card.  If students lose their Opal card they must apply for a new one, no student should be travelling on a bus without a valid Opal card.

Your support is appreciated and helps the bus companies ensure they provide the appropriate level of service to our students.

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember