2024: Week 4, Term 4

Principal's Message

Dear JB Parents & Carers

MEMORIAL GARDEN

A special garden has been designed and constructed in our ampitheatre (due for completion today) that will, in a small way, honour the legacy of Mrs Jansen and her incredible contribution to the John the Baptist school community. The garden will feature flowers that were special to her, including plants from her own garden. A date will be announced when we have the opportunity, as a community, to bless the garden and celebrate the life of such a special person. Stay tuned for details. 

REFLECTION - THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL

All things come and go. We are coming to our the end of our Church year and preparing for the New Church year, at Advent. The woman in the Gospel story has come to the end of her material possessions. She gave the last of them to her God - no one knew it, but only Jesus.
Our generosity is often called upon. Whenever we do GIVE let us do it quietly and happily - no person may see us, but our God will - and He will reward us as only He can.                                         

GOD AND LIFE

Too often we are afraid to do things, or we put a taboo on things, or we divide it as either right or wrong. In fact all things are good…..well they start of good anyway…… but they can lead to bad, because we have a tendency to abuse them. Christ has given us the world and it is all there for our enjoyment. What we fail to do is enjoy the pleasure for what it is.
So our wishes, our dreams our desires are ultimately good. So dream of love, wish for happiness and desire health. Take the life God has given and make the most of it. So treat all things as gifts, learn to appreciate the abundance of life and be thankful for whatever comes your way. Be happy with opportunities and applaud changes. Go on, go for it. In seeing everything as God’s gift to you, you will soon forget about fearing to commit a sin, or abusing life.
If we take all things as an act of generosity and kindness,we will always find an abundance of good things that will make us happy and draw us closer to God, whom we will come to realise, is the greatest gift of life.

2025 CLASS PLACEMENT REQUESTS

It is now the time of term where the school begins class placements for 2025. Often we receive requests from parents for consideration for their child. We now invite requests from families if you have a genuine reason for the school to consider as we prepare this process. Some important reminders:

• requests are to be forwarded to info@jbbonnyrigg.catholic.edu.au and addressed to The Principal
• The window for requests is 1 week only - Friday Nov 8-15
• If a request was made last year, it will need to be repeated again this year, as previous communication has not been archieved
• Not all requests will be granted - we will do our best to grant a request if it is deemed suitable

JOHN THE BAPTIST CELEBRATION OF LEARNING - NEWMAN SYMPOSIUM

All are invited to our 2024 Newman Symposium, which promises to be bigger and better than ever! We will showcase the amazing learning opportunities provided for our students on a this day. Full details are as follows:

Date: Thursday December 5

Time: 12.00pm - 2.55pm

Showcase Items: Music, Digital Technology, Science/STEM, Critical Thinking, Dance, Choir, Band, Public Speaking, English, Maths

ROAD SAFETY

I have had the opportunity this week to be present at the Gloucester St exit as cars leave the carpark at the completion of the day. I am there to discourage drivers from making a right hand turn onto Gloucester St. Although I appreciate the inconvenience this causes some families who live in Abbotsbury, Cecil Hills, etc, and with an awareness of the traffic issues at this time of day on Gloucester St and Wilson Rd, it is illegal to turn right as it causes significant safety issues for all. 

I will continue to be present at the exit gates during the afternoon, however Council is aware of the situation due to neighbour pressure and will be in contact with relevant authorities to provide a greater presence from next week. In the meantime, it's nice to wave everyone goodbye to all - thanks to those who have wound down their window to have a quick chat!

CAROLS - FRIDAY DECEMBER 6

Save the date! Please keep a note of the regular reminders that will be in our newsletter, social media etc. It promises to be a great night, with all children having a chance to be involved. 

Wishing everyone a great week ahead. 

Brendan O'Connor  Principal

Assistant Principal

Dear Parents, 

Kinder Orientation for 2025

We have had a great start to our Kinder Orientation sessions for 2025. It is wonderful to see so many excited faces as we prepare them to join our school community next year. 

Parents of students commencing Kinder in 2025 are asked to attend a brief information session and parent social gathering during the last Orientation session on Thursday 28 November 2024 from 8:45-10:30 am. 

School Expectations

As we approach the end of the school year, it is important that we remind the students to be 3 things - that is, to be Safe, Respectful and Responsible. We encourage you to use these 3 expectations at home also when discussing behaviours with your children. 

We also remind all students that wearing our school hat is part of our uniform. Students who do not have their hats will be asked to engage in passive play in a shaded area. 

Entering Absences into Compass 

A reminder for all parents to please enter any absence into compass as soon as possible. It is important to maintain accurate and up to date records for our students. 

Seat Belts Save Lives

Seat belts are important in preventing deaths and serious injuries in a crash and should be worn by all people travelling in vehicles. Everyone travelling in a motor vehicle must be wearing a child restraint, booster seat or seat belt that is properly adjusted and fastened. Understand the rules you must follow, and how to choose and install a suitable approved car seat.

Child car seat rules

Children aged under 7 years must use an approved suitable child restraint when travelling in a vehicle. A child restraint is a forward‑facing or rear-facing child car seat (also referred to as a baby car seat or baby capsule), or a booster seat.

To be approved, child restraints must meet Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754.

Suitable child car restraint

The driver is responsible for ensuring that children under 7 are secured by an approved child restraint suitable for their age and size.

• Children up to the age of 6 months must use a rear-facing child car seat.
• Children aged between 6 months and 4 years must use either a rear-facing child car seat or a forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness.
• Children between the ages of 4 and 7 must use a forward-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat.

Children aged 7 years and over who are too small to use a seat belt should use an approved booster seat or an anchored safety harness. The suggested minimum height for using a seatbelt is 145 cm or taller.

Natali Tomic  Assistant Principal

Family Educator News

Family Educator  Term 4  Week 4

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

Stop Pray and Reflect (SPaR) is on!! 

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! ALL are very welcome.

ADVENT GROUP will be held during SPaR the last weeks of term More information coming soon!

JB Juniors on every Wednesday

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

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

Note :

***No Playgroup on Wednesday 13th November due to Family Educator Meeting. 

Nov 20- Christ the King- Crown- making!

St Vincent De Paul WINTER APPEAL

A note will be sent home next week with the news of our Winter Appeal and how we can assist our local Vinnies with some donations to make hampers and stock their pantry for the coming festive season and holidays.

Many families face significant challenges through financial difficulties, domestic violence, illness and bereavements. Our donations will make Christmas hampers to be distributed in the weeks before Christmas, and other food items will stock the local Vinnies and can be used over the holidays when so many find themselves in need.

NOVEMBER- a month to REMEMBER our departed loved ones.

During the month of November we pray for all our loved ones who have passed away. 

May we remember the time we shared and the rich legacy they leave behind in our lives.

When Jesus prepared to leave this world he gave the disciples,and all of us, the gift of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. “Do this in memory of me,’ he taught us. A part of HIm to be with us always through that offering.

AS a family, maybe gathered around your own dinner table, recall the happy memories of shared times with those no longer with us. Keep them alive in your hearts.

You may also wish to offer a mass in their memory,and attend that mass as a family.

Dear Jesus our Redeemer,

 During November we prayerfully remember our loved ones who have died. May they be at peace in God’s loving hands eternally. 

Thank you for our memories of them and the good times we shared. 

We ask you to deepen our faith, strengthen our hope and increase our love that we, too, may someday stand before You, ready to enter Your Holy Kingdom. 

Amen

PARISH NOTICE

JORDAN YOUTH GROUP- Saturday November 23rd

Years 5, 6 and 7 students are welcome to join the Jordan Youth Group on Saturday November 23rd,  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

ICAS News

ICAS

Last term a number of John the Baptist students (Years 2-6) participated in ICAS. We congratulate all students on their efforts in undertaking these assessments!

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Distinction:

Digital Technologies:  Eva Jekki and Grace Nguyen

English:  Isabella Banh, Marcus Settineri, Angelo Mitreski

Mathematics:  Marcus Settineri, Nathaniel Shimshon-Tleige

Science:   Thomas Taylor, Isabella Settineri

Spelling:   Audrina Somo, Nathaniel Shimshon-Tleige

Writing:   Kristiana Otayek, William Taylor, Marina Toma

Congratulations to Isabella Settineri who was awarded a High Distinction in English and Writing.

Enrolment Information

Applications are now open in Compass for Kindergarten 2026 and Year 7 2027 enrolments (for current Year 4 students).

To apply, click the cog wheel on the top right-hand side of your existing parent Compass account and then “Family and Enrolments” in the drop-down. If you are applying for your currently enrolled child please click on their name in Student Profile, complete the profile to get to 100% and you will then be able to create an application. For new students (e.g. Kindergarten), please create a new student profile before submitting an application. You must select at least two school preferences to submit. Upon submission, you'll receive a confirmation email, and your Compass account will display the status as “submitted.” Please see below step-by-step guide if you need assistance.

Open days will be held in early Term 1 2025 (Monday 3 March 2025 at 6pm and Thursday 6 March 2025 at 9.15am), and final enrolment applications are due in late March/early April. Each school will confirm their deadlines during the open days. Feel free to share this information with friends, family, and community members who may be interested in enrolment.

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

Please check your account balance in compass.  All school fees need to be paid in full by the 28th of November 2024.

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.

Year 7 2025 Freeman Catholic College

STUDENTS ENROLLED AT FREEMAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE

FOR YEAR 7 2025

Reminder to all families there will be a Parent Acceptance Information evening on Monday 18 th November, 2024 commencing at 6:30pm in the Michael Addicoat Centre at Freeman Catholic College.

At least one Parent/Carer and enrolled child must attend. We request for student to wear their current school uniform.

REMINDER: Year 7 2025 Orientation Day for students is on Wednesday 27 th November 2024.  More information will be given at the Parent Acceptance Evening.

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

LOWES 20% OFF SALE 3 DAY EVENT

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

Student School Travel

School student travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from 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