2025: Week 2, Term 2
Principal's Message
Dear JB Parents & Carers
THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL (ACCORDING TO JOHN)
Jesus said: ‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me. The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father.
REFLECTION 'The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me' says the Lord. How many different voices do we hear in the course of a single day? The family at breakfast, the people in the workplace, or in the office, or at home, the radio voices, the voices on TV. So many voices -so many different messages.
WHOSE VOICE WILL WE FOLLOW?
This weekend is traditionally called 'Good Shepherd Sunday'. Our Gospel tells us some images - ideas of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We also use this Sunday to reflect upon, and pray for Vocations in our Church. The Spirit of God knows of the urgent need for more Vocations. But He is unable to achieve this end without our human co-operation. It is the duty of all of us to pray for more Vocations. And we are called, as Priest, parent and family to support anyone who may feel God’s call in this way. Our God will always do His part. Are we willing and generous to do our part?
A MOTHERS DAY PRAYER
Our Father in Heaven, whose love is divine
Thanks for the love of a Mother like mine
And in thy great mercy, look down from above
And grant this dear Mother, the Gift of your Love.
And all through the year, whatever betide her
Assure her each day, that you are beside her
And Father in heaven, show me the way
To lighten her tasks, and brighten her day.
And bless her dear heart, with the insight to see
That her love means more, than the world to me.
May the Lord bless all Mothers 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 on this beautiful day.
Mr Brendan O'Connor Principal
Assistant Principal News
Dear Parents,
As we approach Mother's Day, we take a moment to celebrate and give thanks for the incredible mothers in our community. Thank you for all you do and the love and care you show to your children each day. We also hold in our hearts and prayers the mothers who are no longer with us, and give thanks for their love and the memories shared.
Walk Safely to School Day - Friday May 16
The National Walk Safely to School Day will take place on Friday 16th May. This initiative is an excellent opportunity for us to reinforce important pedestrian safety messages and promote safe habits among our students.
Below are key pedestrian safety messages:
For Kindergarten and Year 1 and 2 Students:
- Hold a Grown-Up’s Hand When You Cross the Road
- Hold a Grown-Up’s Hand When You’re on the Footpath
- Hold a Grown-Up’s Hand When You’re in a Car Park
For our youngest learners, safety is paramount. We encourage Kindergarten and Year 1 and 2 students to always hold a grown-up's hand when navigating roads, footpaths, and car parks. This simple practice helps keep them safe and reinforces the importance of adult supervision.
For Year 3 and 4 Students:
- Hold an Adult’s Hand When You Cross the Road
- Use a Safe Place to Cross the Road
As students grow older, they gain more independence. However, it's crucial for Year 3 and 4 students to remember to hold an adult's hand when crossing the road. Additionally, they should always use designated crosswalks or safe crossing points to ensure their safety.
For Year 5 and 6 Students:
- Stop! Look! Listen! Think! Every Time You Cross the Road
- Use a Safe Place to Cross the Road
Year 5 and 6 students are expected to demonstrate greater responsibility as our oldest students. They should remember the fundamental rules of road safety: stop, look, listen, and think before crossing. Using safe crossing points is imperative for their safety and the safety of others.
We encourage all parents and guardians to reinforce these safety messages at home and to practice them with their children regularly. By working together, we can create a safer environment for our students on National Walk Safely to School Day and beyond.
Entering Absences on Compass
It is important that parents are entering valid reasons for student absence as soon as possible after the absence date.
If you require assistance in entering absences via compass, please read the attached instructions.
If your child brings home an unexplained absence notice from the school you can either:
- enter the absence details via compass and discard the notice
- complete the notice, providing reason for absence and return this to your child's classroom teacher
The Resilience Project
‘GEM’ Chats to try at home with your children:
- Describe one of your happiest memories.,
- What made you smile today?
Mrs Natali Tomic Assistant Principal
Religion News
Month of May
During the Month of May, we have dedicated our prayers to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Students are invited to attend the Rosary each Friday at lunchtime. Our Religious Education leaders are also visiting classrooms to lead students in prayer and guide them through the Rosary, helping to deepen their understanding and devotion.


Thank You for Supporting Project Compassion
A heartfelt thank you to all our families for their generous contributions to Project Compassion this year. Throughout the Season of Lent, our school community raised an incredible $6,457 to support vulnerable communities around the world.
This year, we placed a special focus on the Walk for Water initiative, helping students understand the daily challenges faced by those without easy access to clean water. Through this powerful experience, our students grew in compassion and solidarity, truly living out the call to think of others during Lent.
Sacrament of First Holy Communion
We pray for the students completing their First Holy Communion, that they may grow in faith and experience the love of Christ in a special way
26 and 27 April Communion Commitment Mass
Mass is on Saturday at 5.30pm or Sunday 8am, 10am and 5.30pm
Week of 28 April Communion Lessons Commence:
Lesson 1: Week of 28 April
Lesson 2: Week of 5 May
Lesson 3: Week of 12 May
Lesson 4: Week of 19 May
Lesson 5: Week of 26 May
(During the 5th lesson there will also be
a Communion Mass Rehearsal with the Children)
1 June Communion Retreat Day
Communion Masses:
Will commence long weekend in June 7th-8th and weekend following
Times TBC
Family Educator News

PLEASE REGISTER your Interest -
Open to all children 0-5 years old, we meet in the demountable classroom on the top playground on Wednesday Mornings 8.45am-10 am- Starting back in Term 2 Week 1
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.
Wednesday 30th April- Autumn storytime and craft
Wednesday 7th May- Special Mother’s Day story and craft
CHECK OUT THE RESURRECTION GARDENS WE MADE IN JB Juniors IN WEEK 8!!!! This little garden project showing the three crosses on the hill and the tomb covered with a rock, is a brilliant little tool to show children the Resurrection story and the abundance of NEW LIFE that Easter brings.
SPaR- Parent Cuppa and Chat-MONDAY MORNINGS!
I warmly invite you to come along to our SPaR (Stop Pray and Reflect session) as we meet over coffee and share a short reflection. Coffee and a chat are on offer from approximately 8.30 in the demountable classroom beside the Church on the top playground. This is not formal AT ALL but an opportunity to come together as parents and share some time together. ALL are welcome.
Parent Sacramental Craft- First Holy Communion
Many parents will have received an email to register for a session to make the Rosary beads for their child. If you would like to do this craft please register as soon as possible to ensure I have enough kits made and available. Thank you.
SAVE THE DATE: Fathers and Children FUN NIGHT!
Thursday June 11th A Special evening for Fathers and Children
The Joseph Fatherhood Initiative- will be here at our school
5.45pm for a 6pm start- Dinner, games and fun! More information to follow- bookings will be opening soon.
Yours in Family and Faith Tina Dunn Family Educator
Parish Matters

40th Anniversary Mass and Picnic Lunch 4th May
What a Beautiful celebration!
As a parish we have just celebrated 40 years since our first Mass was said by founding priest Father John Langtry, in a demountable classroom on the Freeman College site.
It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how far our community has come together in faith, the church we have now compared to then and the connections we have made along the way.
Thanks to a wonderful committee including Teresa Vartuli and Tamara Vella, our picnic was a wonderful and successful family celebration with jumping castles, face painting and a sausage sizzle and afternoon tea.




Well Being News
Dear Parents and Carers,
During the school holidays, as we entered the sacred time of Holy Week and prepared to celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we wanted to connect the profound lessons of Easter with the values of wellbeing and Schoolwide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPBL) we cultivate at John the Baptist.
The Easter story is not merely a historical event; it's a living testament to the power of love, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph over adversity. The journey through Good Friday, with Jesus's crucifixion, and culminating in the joy of Easter Sunday, provides a powerful metaphor for the challenges and victories we all experience in life.
Connecting the Easter Narrative to Wellbeing and SPBL:
Sacrifice and Service (Good Friday): Jesus' selfless sacrifice reminds us of the importance of serving others and prioritising their needs over our own. This aligns with our SPBL focus on respect and responsibility, encouraging students to consider the impact of their actions on others. Just as Jesus carried his cross, we can support our children to carry their burdens and help them to understand the value of sacrifice.
Hope and Resilience (Easter Sunday): The Resurrection is the ultimate symbol of hope and new life. It teaches us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal. This message is vital for nurturing resilience in our students. We encourage them to face challenges with courage, knowing that setbacks are temporary and new beginnings are always possible.
Love and Forgiveness: The Easter story is a testament to God's unconditional love and forgiveness. We strive to create a school environment where students feel loved, accepted, and supported, fostering a sense of belonging and community. We can remind our children that just as Jesus forgave those who wronged him, we are called to forgive others.
New Life and Transformation: The Resurrection signifies a transformation, a move from death to life. We can encourage our children to embrace opportunities for personal growth and transformation, learning from their mistakes and striving to become better versions of themselves.
Reinforcing Easter Values at Home:
Reflect on the Easter Story: Share the story of Holy Week and Easter with your children, emphasising the themes of sacrifice, hope, and new life. Discuss how these themes relate to their own lives.
Discuss the Meaning of Sacrifice: Talk about the concept of sacrifice and how it demonstrates love and commitment. Help your children identify ways they can make small sacrifices for others.
Emphasise the Power of Forgiveness: Discuss the importance of forgiveness and how it can bring healing and reconciliation. Encourage your children to practice forgiveness in their relationships.
Celebrate New Beginnings: Use the Easter season as an opportunity to set new goals and embrace positive change. Encourage your children to reflect on areas where they would like to grow and develop.
Practice Gratitude: Encourage your family to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives, recognising the love and support they receive from others and God.
Find Joy in the Resurrection: Actively celebrate the joy of the resurrection, remind your children that even when things seem dark, joy and new life will always come.
We pray that the message of Easter fills your hearts with hope, peace, and renewed faith. May the joy of the Resurrection inspire us all to live lives of love, service, and resilience.
Peace and Blessings,
Frank Wassef Pastoral Care Coordinator
Sports News
Our JB Running team participated in the Cross Country Championships on Tuesday 6th May. Well done, Mariana Adam, Benyamin Audisho, Jonah Borg, Emilia Bruzzese, Eliana Canturi, Andrea Carnovale, Luca Corvelo, Chloe Davino, James Deakin, Alena Gauci, Oliver Komadina, Bronte Lim, Sophia Milczarek, Noah Naamo, Isla Ngo, Mateo Odak, Pia Ojeda, Rosario Patronaggio, Vincenzo Pelle, Sebastian Rofael, Imogen Siciliano, Noah Soro, Isabel Tantiyasawatdikun, Andrew Tomic, Alessandro Vaccari, Christian Vaccari and Gianluigi Vaccari. A special congratulations to Chloe Davino and Luca Corvelo who will represent JB at the MacKillop Trials.
Frances Oliverio Sports Coordinator
Notes from the Office
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Parents, a gentle reminder regarding the importance of informing our school of any changes that may occur 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 2025 school fee statements have 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 every day, they are placed in our lost property basket in the office. All labelled items are returned to the child's classroom and 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 every day 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.
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROVIDERS
Parents will need to arrange before and after school care providers directly with the provider. Camp Australia can be contacted on 1300 105 343 to arrange your child's enrolment with this service.
Awards
Congratulations to the following students on achieving their badges:
Bronze | Silver | Gold |
Andreas Audisho Matthew Chuong Sophie Oudish Veronica Yousif | Abigail Choukah Eva Jekki Ozvaldo Matti Julian Muratore Vincenzo Pelle | Marta Ivankovic Noah Jedinak Maya Krsticevic Cohen Lozelle Massimo La Guzza Lewis Nguyen |
Dates to Remember
Monday 12th May 2025 | 9:00am - 10:00am SPaR |
Monday 12th May 2025 | Before School Soccer Program 7:45-8:45am |
Wednesday 14th May 2025 | JB Juniors 9:00am - 10:00am |
Wednesday 14th May 2025 | Before School AFL Program 7:45am - 8:45am |
Thursday 15th May 2025 | 9:00am Year 1 Grade Mass |
Sunday 18th May 2025 | 10:00am Year 2 Family Mass |
Monday 19th May 2025 | Before School Soccer Program 7:45am - 8:45am |
Monday 19th May 2025 | SPaR 9:00am-10:00am |
Monday 19th May 2025 | ALL Students MUST be in FULL WINTER UNIFORM |
Wednesday 21st May 2025 | Before School AFL Program |
Thursday 22nd May 2025 | 9:00am Whole School Mass 'Mary Help of Christians'. |