2024: Week 4, Term 3

Principal's Message

Dear JB Parents & Carers

REFLECTION - GOSPEL

Last week, Jesus asked us to stop COMPLAINING. This week He ask us to stop ARGUING. Interesting. How much effort do we spend in these two activities? Jesus actually singled them out - He must have realised how negative and destructive they are. Complaining is when we see ourselves as“badly done by”. Arguing is when we see our opinion as more important. Either way, we hurt others, and ourselves. What a waste of time, really. How about we follow Jesus’ advice.

Make more time for prayer: Spending time together is the best way to get to know God better.

Practice sharing: God wants us to take care of each other. Look for more ways to share your money, time, and talents with someone who needs them. 

Celebrate the Sacraments: Make weekend Mass the highlight of your week. Go to confession and celebrate God’s forgiving spirit.

Be a voice of the wilderness: When you notice an injustice, be the first to speakout and take action. Treat all people with dignity they deserve as children of God.

Share your faith: Talk about God with anyone who wants to listen. We shouldn’t keep his love to ourselves. There is more than enough to go around.

ANNOUNCEMENT - RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR

I'm pleased to announce that Mr Michael Hobson has been appointed as the substantive Religious Education Coordinator for John the Baptist, beginning 2025. 

You are all aware of Mr Hobson's impact as Numeracy Coordinator here at JB over the last 2 and a half years. We are grateful for his efforts in this area and know that many of our practices have improved under his leadership. 

Mr Hobson brings a deep faith to his work and is a committed member of his Parish, St Declan's, Penshurst. He will bring a broad range of skills to the role and will continue to strengthen the relationship between school and Parish. As part of the interview panel, Fr Dominic has endorsed his appointment. 

We also take this opportunity to thank Mrs Felysha Knight who stepped into the role of Acting REC for 2024 under the most difficult of circumstances. Her flexibility, energy and dedication has seen the school maintain its strong and deep religious presence in all facets of what we do. We thank her for accepting the challenge and continuing to support our students in maintaining the presence of their faith in their education. 

Yesterday's wonderful mass served as a reminder of what it means to work and learn in a Catholic school. The reverence, participation and expressions of faith demonstrated by students, parishioners, staff and parents was truly heartwarming - our purpose of catholic education is primarily academic excellence, however our collective faith is a visible presence that inspires us.

Congratulations again to Mr Hobson on his appointment. 

NAPLAN 2024

Congratulations to our Year 3 & 5 students for their excellent results in this year's NAPLAN assessment. Our results continue to affirm the great work undertaken by the dedicated staff and students here at our wonderful school. 

There has been a great deal of media coverage this week in regards to declining results nationally in NAPLAN. What not is mentioned is the factors that have contributed to this: a mandated change in Syllabus (directed by both State and Federal government), a new, post COVID world which has impacted teaching and learning, the ongoing staffing issues (which unfortunately impact most workplaces), among other significant factors. However, these are all obstacles that can be overcome when you have a team working together to achieve a common goal - parents, system leaders, school leaders, class teachers, support teachers, students all aligned with the 'will' and the 'skill' to achieve their best. 

The following table shows the number of students who achieved an 'Exceeding' or 'Strong' assessment grade across all domains by percentage. The categories 'Exceeding' and 'Strong' indicate proficiency. 

SCHOOL / PARISH CARPARK

A reminder to all parents that the Mount St carpark is for JB and Freeman staff and members of the Parish community attending mass and/or appointments with Fr Dominic. 

There are a small number of parents who have received passes to come into the carpark under special circumstances. These are currently being reviewed. It is absolutely imperative that parents do not enter the exit driveway at any time. Thank you for your support on this important safety matter. 

I'm looking forward to seeing our Year 3 families at our 10am Family Mass this Sunday here at John the Baptist. 

With my best wishes for the week ahead. 

Mr O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal News

Dear Parents, 

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. 

Every Minute Counts!

Sometimes just a few minutes late of a morning can set your child back for the whole day - it’s all lost time which they can’t get back. Sometimes children worry about their parents when not with them. Reassure your child that you’ll be safe while they’re at school.

If they do stay home, don’t make it more fun than school. Video games, TV, toys, snacks and parental attention are all high reward items for kids. This isn’t easy for parents and you might find yourself becoming pretty frustrated. Remember, it will take patience and time to resolve this. Be open to getting support, and know that occasionally you might have to change your approach to find what will work for you and your family.

Important Road Safety Message: Drivers Can Help Keep Pedestrians Safe

Your child is a vulnerable road user. They are still developing the skills that help them to judge the direction of the sound and the speed and distance of vehicles. Your child is physically small, making it harder for drivers to see them. They may be easily distracted and tend to only be able to focus on one thing at a time. This means that they find it difficult to deal with sudden changes in the traffic environment.

Drivers can help support child safety when picking up and dropping off their child by following the road rules which help create a safer environment. Here are some tips to remember when driving;

• Drive at 40 km /hr in the school zone. 
• Slow down when approaching the Kiss and Drop zone, and be prepared to stop.
• Do not perform U-turns. This is considered a dangerous maneuver due to this area having high volumes of young pedestrians who are at times out of sight of drivers.

We can keep your child and the school community safer by working together and following the rules. 

With thanks, 

Mrs Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal 

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 3  Week 4

Parent Catch up CUPPA- Monday mornings in the demountable classroom. 

Coffee machine will be on early! 

Please consider coming along for a quick cuppa on a Monday morning. We often share a VERY SHORT and light reflection (ten minutes TOPS) followed by a cuppa and chat that lasts until you are ready to go home and face the week ahead!

JB Juniors on every Wednesday

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

Wednesday 20th August -Space themed

Wednesday 27th August- Father’s Day Craft and story

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.

DADS ROCK night out at the Marconi- Monday 19th August

Celebrating our fathers and Father figures, the Aerotropolis Family Educators invite you to a relaxed night at the local Marconi club on Monday 19th August- music, food and guest speakers including a football hero!!!- all included in the low cost of $10 per person.

REGISTER HERE

A FEW MORE PRAYER PARTNERS for Freeman Year 12 students NEEDED PLEASE!!! 

If you would like to be a Prayer partner for a Year 12 student please fill in your details on the form HERE- and a prayer postcard will be sent home to you in an envelope which you can reuse to return it to me

Each year we encourage our JB families to complete a card for a graduating Year 12 student as they undertake their last exams, move into apprenticeships or take on employment opportunities. We ask your family to pray for the student over the coming months as 13 years of education comes to an end and a new adventure begins. (ALL cards are supplied to you)

 I will then make up a gift pack with a small token religious gift, your card and other prayer cards for inspiration to be given on their last days of school later in the term.

CONFIRMATION SACRAMENTAL CRAFT

Notes with craft session details will be included in your Confirmation lesson packs. This year we are again offering parents  bracelet making for boys and girls.

 There is a wooden and Howlite (boys favourite) and crystals (girls favourite) choice. You make the bracelet as unique as your child! The design is yours. If there is anyone else who would like to make a bracelet during these sessions for other children or themselves I will advertise the dates in the next newsletter. Or contact me on 0439 492920 and we might be able to arrange an alternative date/time

Cost of resources is only $5 and craft takes about half an hour.

Monday 2/9-2-4 pm        Wed 4/9-1-3pm, 

Thur 5/9 2-4pm               Mon 9/9 2-4pm,

Wed 11/9 12-2pm            Thur 12/9 1-3pm

KEEP THE DATE-  Friday 25th October

“There’s Something about Mary…” 

A retreat for women on Friday 25th October (TBC 10-2pm)

as we complete  the month of October. Come enjoy PAINT and SIP (non alcoholic SORRY!),a  bead craft session to make a lovely gift for yourself and a day to learn just a little something more about Mary that you perhaps did not know!

 This will be run by ME and several other lovely local  family educators at Horsley Park parish and I would love to see YOU there.Lunch and morning tea provided- details to come at a later date- BUT SAVE THE DAY!!!

Parish Notices- Church Bulletin LINK

Next Men’s Group is THIS Friday 16th August-

JORDAN YOUTH GROUP meets again on Saturday 31st August

 Years 5, 6 and 7 students are welcome to join the Jordan Youth Group in our Parish on Saturday August 31st 2024 at 3-5pm in the Parish Hall. Afternoon Tea will be provided at no cost. Our aim is to encourage young people within our community to come together to socialise and learn about our Catholic faith. Children will participate in prayer, social activities, games, short films and group discussions. The Jordan Youth Group is run by a group of regular parishioners from our community who hold current Working with Children checks. To register complete the form at:

 https://www.trybooking.com/CQATW

Tina Dunn  Family Educator

Sports News

 JB Mini Olympics

We raised over $17000!!!!

A big thank you to all our parents, students and teachers for their amazing efforts, energy and enthusiasm with our JB Mini Olympics. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

Conference 4 Athletics 

On Tuesday 13th August, our JB students attended the Conference 4 Athletics. 

Congratulations to Oleen Abouna, Alexia Asonitis, Sebastian Bonvino, Jonah Borg, Martina Brcic, Patrick Brcic, Emilia Bruzzese, Yolanda Butrus, Luca Corvelo, Marissa David, Chloe Davino, Luca Dileo, Mira Hanako, Marco Ishak, Joseph Joseph, Gianluca Liberatore, Sophia Lipari, Antonio Macnamara, Luca Milostic, Dante Moriana, Aria Ngo, Emily Nguyen, Aria Oke, Rozalia Olic, Rosario Patronaggio, Jacob Pisani, Antony Rakvin, Gabriel Sulfaro, Siana Tatian, Cove Trajcevski, Emma Tran, Gianluigi Vaccari and Rocco Vaccari.

A special congratulations to the following students who will represent JB at the Sydney Conference Trials.

• Alexia Asonitis: 2nd Long Jump, 2nd 100m 
• Jonah Borg: 4th 100m
• Martina Brcic: 3rd 200m, 4th 100m
• Aria Ngo: 3rd 100m
• Rosario Patronagio: 3rd 800m
• Gianluigi Vaccari: 2nd High Jump

Good luck!!!

Frances Oliverio  Sports Coordinator

SCS Sport Holiday Program - Term 3

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is providing a number of exciting opportunities for students to participate in the upcoming Term 3 holiday period.

Registration for these programs closes on Tuesday 10 September so your assistance in sending the information out to your parent community would be greatly appreciated.

Amadeus Reminder

Please remind your children to bring their instruments on their specified day, Fridays. 

Many children are leaving their instruments at home.

We are no longer able to accept forgotten instruments for students on their Amadeus Day. 

Thank you for your understanding.

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!

LEAVING STUDENTS

If any families are leaving the school at the end of the year, please let the school office know as soon as possible. We have families who would be interested in spaces if any spots open up for 2025.

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.

Lost Reading Glasses

If anyone has lost any of these glasses this year, please collect them from the DL Room. 

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Year 7 2025 Freeman Catholic College

Dear Year 6 Parents and Carers,

Please note the following important dates regarding the Year 7 2025 Freeman Information Evening and Orientation Day:

Year 7 2025 Parent Acceptance Information Evening: Monday, 18th November 2024, commencing at 6:30 pm. (Please note this date has changed from Tuesday, 19th November.)

Year 7 2025 Orientation Day: Wednesday, 27th November 2024, for all Year 6 students.

New School Uniform Item

We are pleased to advise a new track pant design is now available in store for purchase at the LOWES Wetherill Park store for $50.95.

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 Careline

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.

Awards

Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:

Dates to Remember