2024: Week 2, Term 2

Principal's Message

REFLECTION - GOSPEL

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he commissioned His disciples to go out to the whole world - to be His witnesses - to bring the Good News to all people. Today, WE are Witnesses. How do we proclaim His good news? How do our actions and words touch the lives of people around us?  How do we “walk the extra mile” to proclaim the Kingdom? The answers to these kind of questions may well be what is asked of us when we come to our Judgement Day. Will we be judged worthy to take our place in the Kingdom of the Father?
MOTHER’S DAY

It is the month of May. It is the Month of Mary. It is the month of honouring our own Mothers. During this month, let us as individuals and as families, find some special way to honour Mary Mother of Jesus and Mother of us all. Whatever sadness may be ours, tell her, whatever joy may be ours,  share it with Her. Ask Her for a special relationship with her Son, Jesus - and that we might model our Family Life upon that of Her Holy Family.

We wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers. Prayers, Hugs, Presents and love for all of our Mothers. God alone knows how much we owe to our Mothers. May the Lord bless you all with health and a long life.
We pray for all Mothers who have left this world. May God rest their souls, and give hope and patience to their children who miss them dearly, especially on this beautiful day.

FROM the ARCHBISHOP

Over the next month, the life of the Church in Sydney will be marked by two major processions hosted by St Mary’s Cathedral.

The first will take place this coming Saturday in celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. After the evening Mass, a candlelit procession patterned after the famous Marian procession in Fatima, Portugal, will see thousands gather in prayerful witness and devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary. This procession is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to come together in faith and to proclaim the Gospel to our city.

On 2 June, another procession will take place in honour of the Feast of Corpus Christi. This annual ‘Walk with Christ’ Eucharistic procession begins at 2:30pm departing from the corner of Pitt St and Martin Place. Before the procession, a family friendly Festival will take place at Martin Place beginning at 1pm. In previous years, this procession has brought together thousands of people of all ages in an inspiring and heartening display of God’s grace working in our city and beyond.

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

Welcome back to Term 2. It has already been an eventful start to the term with excursions, sporting competitions, incursions, liturgies and open classrooms. It is so wonderful to see the way in which our community engages in these events and support and encourages one another. 

I would like to extend my best wishes to all in our community who will celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend. We value all you do to support your children and the partnership we share here at the school. I hope the weekend brings you much love and joy as you surround yourself with your children and family. 

Staff Development Day:

Our next Staff Development Day will be held on Friday June 7 - there will be no scheduled classes at school that day. 

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. 

It is important that students are arriving at school on time each day, having a familiar routine and arriving on time help to settle students and allow them to achieve their best at school. 

Important Road Safety Message:

Stop, Look, Listen and Think Around Driveways

Parents have a role to play when it comes to driveway safety. Your young child counts on you to supervise them near vehicles, separate play areas from driveways, and see where they are at all times.

Remember to:

Supervise

When your child is around driveways, they should be actively supervised by an adult who is holding their hand. Ensure that young children are placed securely in a vehicle before moving it.

Separate

Treat the driveway like a road. Do not let your child use the driveway as a play area. Separate play spaces from garages and driveways. Home features, including fences, high handles on garage doors and self-closing doors or gates, can help.

See

​​All vehicles have blind spots. Even though reversing sensors and cameras can help reduce blind spots, it can still be hard to see a small child until it is too late. Do not become complacent. Get into the habit of walking around your vehicle before starting it, especially when leaving an area where a young child could be present.

With thanks,  

Mrs Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal 

Religion News

Mother’s Day 2024

As we celebrate Mother's Day, we are reminded of the profound love and sacrifice embodied by mothers everywhere. On Thursday 9th May, we welcomed all Mothers, Grandmothers and special women in our lives to join us for a Mother’s Day morning. It was truly heartwarming to see so many family and friends gather together for breakfast, then join the students in their classrooms for a fun activity followed by a prayer liturgy. The morning allowed us to say thank you to our Mothers and all special women in our lives, we honour the extraordinary role of mothers in nurturing, guiding, and shaping the lives of our students.

In the spirit of this special day, our school community extends heartfelt gratitude to all mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures. Your unwavering support and dedication are a testament to the values of love, compassion, and faith that we hold dear.

As a Catholic primary school, we recognise the importance of family and the divine gift of motherhood. Through your example, you instil in our students the virtues of kindness, patience, and resilience, preparing them to embrace the challenges and joys of life with grace and strength.

May this Mother's Day be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments with your loved ones. We thank you for your partnership in nurturing the hearts and minds of our students, and we pray for God's blessings to shower upon you abundantly.

With warmest regards,

God Bless, 

Mrs Felysha Knight  Acting Religious Education Coordinator 

Mother's Day 2024

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 2  Week 2

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

Coffee machine will be on early!

Come along and share a short reflection which only lasts about ten minutes,  followed by a cuppa, chat and company for as long as YOU want to stay. Everyone is welcome. Just let the gate person know you are headed up to the room and they will let you enter. This is a great way to clear your head and start the week off the right way!

JB Juniors

Children aged 0-5 years are welcome to join us at playgroup from 8.50am. 

Wednesday 15th May- Pentecost headbands Craft

Wednesday 22nd May- Trinity shamrocks Craft

We pray, sing and share a story together before a craft activity. All are welcome to attend and this is a great opportunity for parents to meet each other and the children to make friends before starting school, building friendships and connections with each other in a faith filled space.

Mary Month of May Bracelet making-

Almost twenty parents attended the workshop and together we made some beautiful bracelets and also learned some things about Mary that we might have known before- Remember to keep an eye out for these offerings- free craft, cuppa, cake and company!

2024 Vinnies Winter Appeal- Keep someone warm this winter!

This week you will receive a letter with information regarding our Winter Appeal. The items listed are suggestions and we only ask IF you are able to donate ONE item per family we would very much appreciate your generosity. We understand that there are many experiencing challenges as the cost of living has continued to increase.

We wanted this opportunity to assist many in our local community who are also doing it tough this year and many find themselves homeless due to many differing circumstances.

Mini Vinnies

We are in the process of putting together a MINI VINNIES group within the school and have appealed to Years 5 and 6 for their expressions of interest. 

This group will be then empowered to do good works, raise awareness of social justice issues and contribute to making our little corner of the world a better place for all. There have been several suggestions and we look forward to speaking with the students in the coming weeks.  STAY TUNED as we work through the set up of this very worthwhile project!

FREE EVENT FOR PARENTS-

Parenting for Life and Love-

JASON EVERT- a renowned and well published Guest Speaker will be at Canterbury Leagues Club on Monday evening 20th May- This is a FREE event for Sydney Catholic Schools staff and parents! See the flyer attached for details.

 (tickets are selling for his other talks in Sydney at $100 a ticket so please come on the FREE night!)

Please register HERE

Parish Notices

Parish Newsletter Bulletins can be found here

HAPPILY EVER … Before & After

REJUVENATE YOUR MARRIAGE

Join us Saturday 25th May, 2024 @ John The Baptist Catholic Parish

This is  a great day to build on your connections and relationship, enhancing your marriage!

 9am Mass (optional)

 9:30am - 2pm (Morning Tea & Lunch $10pp)

Register via the QR code or poster outside church by 21/5/24 (for catering purposes please)

Or Register HERE

For enquiries contact: Marian & Andrew - 0421 355 857 Or Josie & Charlie - 0408 284 224 Or Father Dominic 9823 2572

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.

Have a blessed month of May!

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Year 3 Writing Competition

Year 3 Writing Competition  

Last Term our Year 3 students had the opportunity to enter a ‘Creative Writing Competition’ at school. The aim was to inspire, allow for extended practice and learning, and of course have fun writing. Students had to independently think of their writing purpose and possible audience. They could plan and write creatively using specific structures and language features. Many students entered the competition as they were eager to showcase their ideas and skills, especially those being taught in class. Not only were some of the best stories awarded, but also the stories which embraced motivation, confidence and effort. Many students who won chose toys, books and other rewards.  We congratulate our Year 3 winners and all students who had a go and participated. 

Keep up the great writing effort! 

Keep up the great learning!

Did you know that writing stimulates the brain and activates areas of learning?

Writing has many benefits:

• It allows us to entertain, instruct, explain, share experiences, express ideas and feelings, argue a point, persuade, problem solve and more.

• It boosts thinking and communication skills.

      -    Allows us to explore and clarify thoughts and ideas.

      -    Supports organisation and presentation skills.

      -    Allows for self expression and can make you feel good.

      -    Enhances language skills and vocabulary.

      -    Stimulates imagination and builds memory skills.

      -    It is essential for academic success and serves also in social, emotional and spiritual  

            ways. 

      -    No matter the purpose, writing is a skill for life!

       So….. What are you waiting for? …… 

           Write for pleasure, purpose or just

            because you can!

Erika Astudillo  EAL/D teacher

Newman News

Congratulations to William Hitchen from Year 2!

During the holidays he attended the "World Cube Association's competition for puzzle solving" and William placed 76th by solving a Rubik's cube in 40 seconds! Solving a Rubik's cube is a challenging task and to complete this in 40 seconds is even a greater achievement. What a fabulous result!

Caddie Ruster  Newman Coordinator 

Music News

Congratulations Benjamin P (6 Emerald) on receiving a Black Belt in Ukulele Karate! As part of Year 6’s study of the ukulele, students have been using the Ukulele Karate program to earn coloured ‘belts’. Benjamin has  learnt a total of 23 songs and has worked very hard to achieve this goal. We look forward to sharing more Ukulele news with you!

Mrs Ristevska  Music Teacher

SCS Eisteddfod News

CAPA News

Over the holidays, we had a number of students represent JB at the SCS Eisteddfod as part of the Solo Section of the competition. These students have been working hard all year with their vocal, dance and instrumentalist teachers to prepare for this and we are very proud of their achievements. 

Allegra (Year 6) - Encouragement Award in Dance Solo

Isabella (Year 4) - Encouragement Award in Dance Solo

Valentina (Year 6) - Participation Award in Dance Solo

Estelle (Year 5) - Highly Commended Award in Vocal Solo

Grace (Year 5) - 3rd Place in Piano Solo

Charlotte (Year 3) - Highly Commended Award in Acoustic Guitar Solo

Clara (Year 6) - 1st Place in Acoustic Guitar Solo and 3rd Place (with an Encouragement Award) in Electric Guitar Solo

We have our Dance, Choir and Band Ensembles participating in the Ensemble Sections over the coming weeks. We look forward to sharing the news of their achievements and wish them all the very best for their performances.

Mrs Ristevska  Music Teacher 

Sport News

Cross Country News

The Conference 4 Cross Country Championships will take place this Tuesday 14th May.  We wish the following students the best of luck! 

Elliano Abouna, Oleen Abouna, Frank Barilla, Gisele Blanda, Jonah Borg, Martina Brcic, Emilia Bruzzese, Andrea Carnovale, Emilia Cavicchia, Talia Cavicchia, Luca Corvelo, Chloe Davino, Tomas Horvat, Oliver Komadina, Gianluca Liberatore, Sophia Milczarek, Luca Milostic, Noah Naamo, Daniella Orlando, Rosario Patronaggio, Vincenzo Pelle, Jacob Pisani, Ariana Sculli, Mateo Sculli, Imogen Sculli, Alana Tripodina, Gianluigi Vaccari and Rocco Vaccari. 

Inter School Football Championships

On Wednesday 7th May, our Stage 3 football teams participated in the Conference 4 Inter School Football Championships.  We congratulate our boys and girls teams who both placed first on the day.  They will now participate in the Conference 3/ 4 Championships in July.

Inter School Netball Championships

On Monday 20th May, our stage 3  netball team will participate in the Conference 4 Inter School Netball Championships.  We wish our team the best of luck.

JB Mini Olympics

Our major  school fundraiser this year will be our JB Mini Olympics.  This event will take place on Wednesday 7th August. More information will be available later in the term. Please save the date!

Frances Olivierio  Sports Coordinator

Inter School Football Championships

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.

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

CatholicCare

Alex from CatholicCare would like to offer his services for anyone who feels the need to chat and discuss Family Support in Schools and/or Child and Youth Services.

Alex Ferreira

 Case Worker

Family Support In Schools

Child and Youth Services

 T 02 8784 6222 – 02 8784 6208

M 0420 653 839

13 18 19 Ccareline

E alex.ferreira@catholiccare.org

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

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.

Dates to Remember