2021: Week 10, Term 4

Principal's Address

2021 Thanksgiving 

Looking back at 2021 it would be easy to feel  disappointed, sad or even angry however as I was thinking about 2021 here at John the Baptist I came across this quote:

I’m thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength. ~Anon

With this in mind, we (the students, families and staff of JB) should look back on the year 2021 not with disappointment and not with thoughts about things being unfair but rather with gratitude. We should be thankful for the opportunities we have been given. We should be grateful for the challenges we faced because these challenges have made us think differently, explore new ideas and find better solutions.

The challenge of the Term 3 lockdown seemed to eclipse everything that happened in Terms 1 and 2 however in Terms 1 and 2 there was much to celebrate:

• Our new 2021 Kindies made a great start - friendships, literacy and numeracy skills all blossomed
• We developed new partnerships at the parent, student, teacher Meet & Greets
• We had the JB ritual of burning the palms in preparation for Ash Wednesday
• We prayed through Lent and celebrated the Resurrection at Easter
• We had the SCS Inquiry & Review process that applauded John the Baptist and gave recognition to both the amazing learning and the deep partnership between Home, School & Parish.
• We completed NAPLAN online and achieved our best ever results.
• After three wet tries we held the Athletics Carnival and even in the pouring rain nobody wanted to go home early.
• We sent home reports and had fruitful parent,child, teacher meetings.

Term 3 certainly set some challenges for everybody. Teachers were asked to ‘pivot’ to remote learning and to do home learning for their own children. Parents were asked to be teachers and to work or run a business from home. Our children were asked to learn in a different way, they missed their teachers and even more importantly they missed their friends.

Through our ‘lockdown’ struggle we did find our strength. We did manage to be teacher/parents or parent/teachers. Our children did learn and grow, they did connect and they developed a deeper appreciation of friends and friendships. Kinder to Year 6, teachers and students,  displayed amazing technological skills, we all learnt to Zoom and use Google classroom and Seesaw, casetify, audacity and more.

Term 4 has tested us again. COVID was not done but again together we managed remote learning, coming back to school in a staggered start, exposures, being close or casual contacts, and then more remote learning. And yet quality learning and teaching continued, friendships grew and the home/school/parish partnership flourished.

All of these challenges showed that our greatest strength by far was the connections we made. When we connected on the phone, in a zoom session, by email or Google classroom and Seesaw we shared the problem, we worked together to find solutions, we took time to celebrate successes and to support each other and see the other person’s point of view. Importantly we did this together.

So it is a time of thanksgiving, it is a time to celebrate all that we have achieved together. One of the best things about thankfulness is that the more you choose it, the easier it gets. The more you profess gratitude, the more you notice things to be grateful for. The thankfulness muscles respond to exercise!

We are blessed with a God that loves us, but we always need to remember that God’s plan for each of us can take us down a different road than the one we think we should travel, He only gives us challenges that make us stronger.

I go back to that quote:

I’m thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.

God Bless

Anne Blake

Acting Principal

Assistant Principal Message

Dear Parents,

As we approach the end of 2021,  we take time to reflect on the year that was and celebrate all, we as a school community, have achieved. Our students have shown such strength and resilience throughout 2021 as they adapted to an ever changing learning environment and world. We are so proud of each child and the way they have continued to grow and learn. I am also so thankful for the partnerships we have created and continue to nurture between the school, parish and home. 

As we approach Christmas, I pray that each member of our school community has a Holy and blessed Christmas. 

"May you be blessed...

With the spirit of the season, which is peace,

The gladness of the season, which is hope,

And the heart of the season, which is love."

I look forward to working with you all next year, and am honoured to share with you all the SRC and Sports Captains for John the Baptist Primary School in 2022. 

                           SRC 2022                                          

Sports Captains 2022

Mrs Natali Tomic

Acting Assistant Principal

Pastoral Care

As another unusual year draws to a close, it is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to the community of John the Baptist. While it has been brief I have enjoyed working with the staff, students and parents.

As we approach the Christmas break, I would like to wish you all a happy, holy and safe Christmas. I am sure many of you are looking forward to spending quality time with friends and relatives you may not have seen for some time.

As always, I share with you a link to our Family Wellbeing site which has plenty of resources, including activities for you and your children to engage in should you wish. It also has contact details for support services should you need to reach out.

School Holiday Fun

Learning Links offers a range of fun and educational group programs for children aged 4-12 years during the NSW school holidays. The 2-day and 3-day programs run from our Bella Vista, Gledswood Hills, Liverpool and Peakhurst Learning Centres and have been specifically tailored for small groups of 3-6 children to ensure each child’s individual strengths and needs can be focused on. School Holiday Programs are a fantastic way to support learning and skill development, to help children achieve their best at school or in their early childhood setting.

I have also provided information for the  Woodville Alliance school Holiday program for the upcoming holidays. The activities are free and will follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Take care,

Mrs Michelle Coupland

Pastoral Care/Diverse Learning Coordinator

Newman News

ICAS Assessments

Over the last few weeks, over 60 students from year 2 - 6 completed ICAS assessments in the areas of Writing, English, Spelling Bee, Mathematics, Science, and Digital Technologies. 

The ICAS Competition is an initiative of the University of New South Wales. It is an opportunity for high achieving students to compete nationally. 

Students are awarded a participation, a merit, credit, distinction or high distinction. 

High distinctions place the awarded students in the top 1% of Australia, and distinctions which place them in the top 10%. 

An extra special mention goes to: 

Marina Ner - for receiving a High Distinction in the ICAS Writing assessment

Sofia Dahdah - for receiving a High Distinction in the ICAS Spelling Bee.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Distinction in the assessments they completed:

Many of our students also received credits. Those students achieved in the top 25% and these students should be very proud of their efforts.. 

Congratulations to every single student who participated in the ICAS tests. The content is very difficult, with most questions being beyond grade expectations. 

I’m looking forward to a fun-filled year with many opportunities for our Newman students to participate in.

Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition

Thank you to Amelia Vukosa for entering the Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition held by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, and Diocese of Wollongong and Bathurst. 

“A Mother’s Pure Love” By Amelia Vukosa

“3 men known as the Magi saw a star one night, it was brighter than all the others. They followed where it led, hoping it would lead them to where the sacred one was. After some time travelling, the magi finally approached the place where they saw the messiah with his mother Mary. She was gazing into the child’s eyes with a loving smile and holding him up to the sky. 

The bright white shining star is placed in the top right hand side of my artwork, in order to represent the star in the East. The symbolism of mother Mary holding the infant Jesus up to the sky is of her presenting him to God and the Magi and for people to look up to and respect him. The silhouette of Mother Mary and her newborn resembles a heart for everlasting love.

The mediums I used were: Acrylic paint, Water colour, Sharpie and Paint pens. I also used a paint brush. I used techniques such as blending and shading."

Nikolas Finn kept himself busy during lockdown completing this amazing Diamond Dotz image of the Holy Family.

Thank you all for a wonderful 2021. I’m looking forward to an amazing, fun-filled year with many exciting learning opportunities for the students at JB to participate in.

Mrs Francine Bushby

Newman Facilitator

Library News

2021 Premier’s Reading Challenge

Congratulations to the following students who received their Gold (4 years) and Platinum (7 years) PRC certificates this year! 

Gold - Abram Awad, Valentina Davalos, Marco Ishak, Patrick Jekki, Giuseppe Lagana, Dominik Loncar, Emily Nguyen, Sienna Nguyen, Isabel Pelle, Jacob Pisani, Benjamin Portelli, Giovanni Rositano, Isabella Settineri, Pandora Silaphet, Nicola Zangari

Platinum - Sienna Bautista, Andre Hanas, Valentina Leonello, Daniela Loncar, Amelia Vukosa

 Borrowing eBooks

Don’t forget, all students in years 2-6 can borrow and read eBooks through Oliver Library.

Go to: oliver.jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au

Need help with borrowing eBooks? Watch Mrs Fedrigo’s video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmsKo5-8gE4

If you are reading on your iPad, you might also like to download the Sora app (don’t forget, the school to select is ACEN Member Collection)   

 Thank you Book Covering Parent Helpers!

This year we have purchased hundreds of new library books and without our wonderful book covering parent helpers, we wouldn’t be able to get new books onto the shelves so efficiently. A huge thank you to our book covering parent helpers for your wonderful work this year!

Thank you!

Mrs Fedrigo

Teacher/Librarian

Literacy Corner

As our last days of school for 2021 come to an end, 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 the majority of our students that participate in the Reading Challenge maintain their reading skills over the holiday break. Developing reading skills for our students is always our main focus. 

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 2 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.  There are some details provided below.

Fairfield City Council Mayor's Summer Holiday Program

This year Fairfield City Council are celebrating the wonderful world of children's literature with the theme 'Reading is Magic!'. Join them in this fun summer learning program that encourages literacy. There are two different passports depending on the age of the participant. 

Mayor's Summer Holiday Program Junior: Ages 0 to 4 years

Mayor's Summer Holiday Program: Ages 5 to 13 years

Registrations open Monday 22 November 2021 9.30am and close Monday 31 January 2022 5pm.

Collect your passport when you register. Registration for the Mayor's Summer Holiday Program must be completed in-person. For opening hours and locations, please visit the Fairfield City Council website.

Liverpool City Council Summer Reading Challenge

Liverpool City Libraries are running a Summer Reading Club over the Summer School Holidays. The program encourages children to engage with reading and storytelling over the break.

 It is open to all children aged 2-12 from Wednesday 1 December 2021 - Friday 4 February 2022. Become a library member, if you aren't one already and download the registration form from the Liverpool City Library website.

Carnes Hill Summer Reading Challenge Scavenger Hunt

Find the clues then solve the puzzle for a sweet reward! Drop into your local branch for craft activities, and a balloon twister at Carnes Hill Library and Liverpool City Library!

Friday 7 January

10.30am - 11.30am

Carnes Hill Library

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!

Mrs Teresa Wojtowicz

Literacy Coordinator

JB Dance News

Dear parents, 

As 2022 is fast approaching we have an exciting opportunity for students who have a passion for dance! Students who will be in years 5 or 6 in 2022 are invited to audition for the JB Dance Team. If you are interested in auditioning, please send an email to express your interest titled 'JB Dance 2022' to info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au by the end of Week 11 (Friday 17th December 2021). Miss Bissell and Miss Ohanessian will then send you an email explaining the online audition process. All auditions will need to be submitted as a video during the school holidays. 

We look forward to seeing our talented students in action!

Miss Bissell and Miss Ohanessian

JB Dance Team Facilitators 

Family Educator

TO all who have supported and attended Family Educator Initiatives this year it has been an absolute joy and pleasure to share some quality time with you on our faith journey. Things got a little complicated in the middle of the year, but I was privileged to make many calls and connect with so many of you at a time when connections were so vital- especially to me personally!

 I look forward to renewed opportunities to share our Faith, making new friends and seeing old ones again, in the New Year.

God bless and enjoy a Happy and Holy Christmas.

Congratulations and well done JB on being the WINNERS of the INAUGURAL JB vs MIPS Trivia Challenge.

We had such a great night with over 50 families joining, so we have decided to do this once a term with a trophy to pass between schools. Look out for details Term 1 next year as we look at LENT and EASTER! 

GO JB CHAMPIONS!!!!

Celebrate the birth of Jesus by attending a Mass this Christmas.

Christmas Eve Children’s Mass 5.30pm

Christmas Eve- 8pm and Midnight Mass

Christmas Day 8am and 10am

*For those who wish to be involved with the Nativity and readings at the Christmas Eve Children’s mass there will be rehearsals at the following times-

Monday 13th December at 3.45pm      and Wednesday 22nd December at 3.45pm

Please, for the sake of everyone's health,  remember to only attend any of these masses and events if you are well and not subject to any NSW Health self-isolation orders.

Thought for the YEAR-

When the wise Men paid their visit to Jesus they were guided by the star, and after being warned by the angel chose to find a different path home so as to avoid King Herod and not place Jesus in further danger.

Just as our journey through this year has not been the one we all expected to make- so we too should not return by the same way. 

Let us learn and remember the lessons of  2021.

Let us value those we love and those we could not hold close, and the simple things that brought the greatest joy.

Let us value moments taken for granted and pause the next time we experience a GRACE moment in God’s presence- the sunrise on the beach or the laughter of a new grandchild you could not visit with for so long.

Let us celebrate new skills learned to cope with distance and isolation and embrace connection in all forms. We are meant to be connected!

Just LET US find the new and different way home!

LET us BE in the moment this Christmas and ENJOY it- know we are loved and  know that God is with us- always!

Tina Dunn

Family Educator

Parish Matters-

Thought of sharing your Faith with others??

Due to the Covid situation last year and this year many of our scripture classes were cancelled and the students have missed out on almost a year of scripture. It is sad to announce that we have lost some amazing catechists due to health problems, others have needed to return to work, and the number of Catholic children in the classes has grown considerably. As such there are at least 6 vacancies in our schools for 2022. Being a Helper is an invaluable service, assisting the Catechist in the classroom and working as a team. The CCD offers all catechists/helpers a variety of support, in the form of training courses to help in what we teach, how to teach and why it has to age appropriate, resources, Retreats and Reflection Days. Do something of eternal significance- be a Catechist or helper! We invite you to join this mission and our wonderful JB Team. Any enquiries please contact: Nina Laureti 0408465149 Vicki Scutella 0447310204 or Connie Giannone 0413694007

Notes from the Office

LEAVING FAMILIES

We ask any family of children in Years K-5 who may be leaving John the Baptist at the end of this year to please inform the office immediately via info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au. A Cessation of Enrolment Form must be completed and arrangements in this regard will be made with you.

SCHOOL FEES 

We thank all families who have finalised their 2021 school fees in what has been a most difficult year. It would be appreciated if any outstanding accounts can be finalised this week or arrangements be made by contacting the finance manager for a confidential discussion, or  email: accounts.13344@syd.catholic.edu.au  if you have concerns around financial hardship.

We thank you for your ongoing support of your child/ren’s education and John the Baptist Catholic Primary School.

Awards

Assistant Principal Awards 

Congratulations to the following students on achieving an Assistant Principal Award:

	Kindergarten	Year 1	Year 2
Emerald	Fiorella Palomina	Marcus Stefanescu	Jessey Pashley
Gold	Jayden Tobia	Mateo Odak	Aulola Sikahele
Ruby	Mikhaela Pioz	Marko Zubonja	Ruby Grech
Silver	Christina Gorgis	Luciano David	Christian Tobia

	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Year 6
Emerald	Giuseppe Lagana	Orlando Olivero	Mary Poljak	Celeste Gulle
Gold	Rameros Shaao	Katerina Srdanovic	Teresa Zoro	Tina Vo
Ruby	Tarisa Boyajian	Chloe Audish	Alexavier Sibi	Lynette Kyriakous
Silver	Charlotte Fulton	Eva Govic	Patricia Zakria	Harry Dang

Dates to Remember

Staff 2022