Week 10, March 28th, 2022: Newsletter #9

Acknowledgement of Country

St. John’s school community respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.

Week 10 Prayer

From the Principal

Greetings everyone,

Welcome to another week of schooling.

VACPSP Conference: I was fortunate to attend the Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principal's conference last week where the central theme was; Hope, for now and what lies ahead in the future. A number of presenters challenged us, through their personal stories, to inspire hope in our actions and in our thoughts. As leaders in Catholic education and in spite of all that occurs in modern society, may we all be hope bearers. 

Deakin University: This week we welcome three 3rd Year Deakin Students who will spend the next two weeks learning from our outstanding staff team. We welcome Michael Burrell into Foundation, Maggie Wooles into 3/4 and Sam Murrihy into 5/6. We hope that they have a wonderful two weeks in our school. 

Enjoy your week, Ben. 

School Advisory Council AGM

The School Advisory Council (SAC) is the leading advisory group for the Principal, as an active forum for parent and community participation, providing support and advice in strategic planning, school improvement, educational outcomes and stewardship of resources.

I would like to welcome Glenn Cuzens to our SAC, Glenn will fill the vacancy created by Darren Shiell concluding his 4 year tenure.

Our SAC will hold its AGM on Tuesday 5th April where will elect new office bearers for the 2022 year. With Glenn's appointment to the SAC, the 2022 will consist of;

SAC Parent Representative Members: Mary-Ellen Hose, Leah Kermeen, Ben Marsden, Jen Milne and Glenn Cuzens.

P&F Representative: Malynda De Bono (or her delegate)

Principal: Ben van de Camp, Business Manager: Gayle McPherson & Staff Representative: Damien Webster

Covid 19 Reminders

Parents on Site

A reminder that all parents entering the school must only do so at the office, you will be directed to where it is necessary for you to go. You must show evidence of double vaccination and wear a mask.

Rapid Antigen Testing

My thanks to all families who have been undertaking this regime at home, we appreciate the work you are doing. As previously advised, we are encouraging testing in the mornings before school, preferably Monday and Wednesday. It is important to remember testing is encouraged, not compulsory. Please notify the school if your child receives a positive test only.

Continuity of Learning

Our school community has been fortunate that we have not had significant staff numbers impacted by COVID such that we have continued to provide quality learning and teaching and student care. I remind families that this could change quickly and the school may be required to ask some classes or year levels to stay home if we do not have adequate staff numbers onsite. We hope that this is not the case, but if it does become a necessity, we will work hard to minimise any disruption.

Rapid Antigen Testing- Twice weekly testing to continue until the end of Term 1.

Mask Mandate- this is still in place for all visitors to the school, staff and children Gr 3-6. 

Important School Reminders

1. Lunch orders are available to order Wednesdays and Fridays. Families can send their orders into school or take directly to the Dennington Store by 11.00am on a TUESDAY for delivery WEDNESDAY and by 11.00am on THURSDAY for delivery FRIDAY. 

2. Assembly will be held each Friday at 2.40pm in the Stadium and we are inviting parents/guardians only to attend. Double vaccination requirements will be enforced, social distancing is required and masks must be worn. For assemblies only, parents/guardians are to go directly to the Stadium, not via the front office. For those unable to attend in person, assembly is live streamed via our Facebook page. If you are taking your child home after assembly please let the classroom teacher know.

3.  Every Thursday Breakfast Club runs from 8:15am-8:40am in the Gathering Space.  If anyone has connections to businesses that may support us by donating milk or grocery items such as cereals etc. we would love to hear from you. You can email Jasmine- jkoch@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au or make contact with her at school on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

4.  Please log into PAM and complete your child's Medical Profile and accept the school policies that have been uploaded to Connect. There have been numerous requests sent to parents for this to be completed and we can't stress enough how important it is that is done. If you are having trouble or need assistance please contact Julie Bartlett. 

School Photos; Friday 29th April

Annual School Photos will be taken by Arthur Reed on Friday 29th April, being the first week back after the holidays. ALL students are to come to school dressed in their sports uniforms. Individual, class and sibling photos for all students will be taken.

There is no need to return any forms or money to school.

A flyer containing a unique image code will be issued to all students on photo day so families can register online to view images when they become available in the webshop. When images are ready to view and in the webshop, all parents who have registered will be notified by SMS and email.

Project Compassion 2022

A program that we support at St. John’s is the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world to have access to clean water, fresh food and education.

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion.  St John's Primary School is proud to support Project Compassion. Coming home today is a donation box for each family to collect donations and put their spare change in, no matter how little or big, every bit helps. 

Each week we will share the story of a person who has been assisted by Project Compassion which helps us to see, first hand, the role of Caritas in supporting people worldwide. 

Sports News with Mrs Smith!

Last Tuesday 22nd March we had 52 students represent St. John’s at the District Athletics at Brauerander Park.

Congratulations to all of the students who did themselves and St. John’s very proud.Thank you to the teachers and support staff who assisted on the day.

Students who came first or second in their age group in a track event, and first overall in a field event, will now go on to participate in the Regional Athletics in early Term 2. 

DAMSWAK Athletics Carnival

Ride to School Day

Our school community fully embraced the sprit of Ride to School day with many students walking, riding, skooting, skating or catching the bus to school to school; check out the stats! We had 73 students walk, 30 ride, 7 skate and 6 catch the bus.

Congrats to our award winners featured below!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Dusty B, Shanna M, Layne G, Arlo B, Evie R and Lily V who celebrate their birthday this week.

Best wishes, we hope you all enjoy your special day!

Student Awards

Parents and Friends News

Dennington's Day Out meeting - This WEDNESDAY!

Our first meeting will be held this Wednesday, 30th March at 7.30pm in the Gathering Space.

Our current coordinator Sommer Faulkner has decided to hang up the fairy floss so we are on the hunt for a person/persons to take the lead of this fantastic event. The DDO was created 10 years ago to bring together the numerous community groups of Dennington in a way that celebrates all things Dennington. 

The coordinator role is important in overseeing the many aspects of the day and the people taking charge of each aspect eg. food or rides or the raffle as examples. If this seems something that you, or a group of people could be interested in then please contact Sommer who can give you the warts and all account of  what the role entails. 

Even if you're not interested in the Coordinator role but are just keen to come along and help out in some way, then please do so. We'd love to see you there!

Uniform Shop

Make sure you order your winter uniform ASAP. If you already know the size you are after please email uniform@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au and your order can be left at the office for collection and payment.

Uniform orders need to be in by the 1st  April please.

Easter Raffle

Each year we hold an Easter Raffle at St. John’s. It is a fun and easy fundraiser for the school and the kids get very excited when it is drawn at the final assembly of Term 1.

Students are bringing home raffle tickets today, each family will bring home two books. Please see the flyer for more information.

Thank you for your support.

Wednesday Treats are back!!

Wednesday Treats are available in Term 2 and Term 3 each year. 

Families have the option of purchasing a treat for their child on Wednesdays. There are different options each week such as pizza, dim sims, hot chips, potato cakes, nuggets and drinks. An order form will be sent home and orders and money must be returned by 9.00am Tuesday. 

To run Wednesday Treats we need volunteers. When orders are returned on Tuesday parents count up the orders and money and get organised for the volunteers who serve the food on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays volunteers collect and distribute the food and drinks to the students.

If you are interested please fill out the form and return it ASAP. Thanks for your help.

Cake Raffle

The following families are rostered on this Friday.

Chapman (Maleah), Chisnall, Clark and Clarke.

All students will be able to buy a raffle ticket for 20c each Friday. Grade 5/6 students will come around to the classrooms during the day to write out tickets and collect money. 

All funds raised throughout the year will be donated to the Good Friday Appeal the following year. If assembly is cancelled on your rostered week you will not be required to bring in a cake/slice.

School Sponsorship

A big thank you to Fry Painting, Brownies Shed and South West Pipe Relining who support our school!

Would you like to advertise your business in our school newsletter? Businesses can advertise for only $100 a year and will have a business card sized listing in every school newsletter.

Please contact parents@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au for more information.

Star of the Sea Bulletin

Emmanuel College Opening Evening

Community Noticeboard

Upcoming Events

Wednesday 30th March: DDO meeting - 7.30pm in the Gathering Space

Tuesday 5th April: SAC AGM: 5.30pm in the Gathering Space

Friday 8th April: Easter Raffle

Friday 8th April: End of Term 1- School concludes at 2.30pm

Tuesday 26th April: Term 2 Commences

Tuesday 26th April: P & F Social Group meeting - 3.30pm in the Gathering Space

Friday 29th April: School Photos

Sunday 1st May: Bunnings BBQ

Wednesday 4th May: Mother's Day stall