October 21st 2024: Newsletter #32
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Week 3 Prayer
- From the Principals
- School Saving Bonus
- Lunch Orders
- Specialist Day Swap- THIS WEEK
- Cricket Carnival
- Regional Hooptime
- World Teachers Day
- Digital Technology
- Mercy Place Visit
- Wellbeing- Cost of Living
- Happy Birthday
- Student Awards
- Around our School- Week 2
- Parents & Friend's Social Group
- School Sponsorship
- Star of the Sea Bulletin
- Community Notices
- Upcoming Events
Acknowledgement of Country
St. John’s school community respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present. 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, working together towards a reconciled Australia.
Week 3 Prayer
As part of our Religious Education Program, we focus heavily on the Catholic Social Teachings. This week we are looking at Preferential Option for the poor. Caring for those who are less well off is everyone’s responsibility. Preferential care should be shown to vulnerable and marginalised people, whose needs and rights are given special attention in God’s eyes. This Wednesday when we have Mission Day, all donations will be sent to "Loved and Shared". https://lovedandshared.org.au/ This is a local organisation that we have worked closely with this year. Children are welcome to wear casual clothes and are invited to bring a gold coin. We will also be selling zooper doopers at second break for 50cents.
Dear God,
We, here at St John's, thank you for helping us to understand why people are living in poverty and encourage us to share our learning with others. This week we have all made commitments to use our time, talent or treasure to display love and respect to people in different ways, sharing what we have to make a better world. Help us with our commitments so that we can be a good example to others, like Jesus is to us.
Amen
From the Principals
Welcome everyone to Week 3. Firstly we would like to congratulate Miss Megan Kelly who successfully moved from Provisional to Fully Accrediated with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Megan presented a professional and well researched Inquiry into reading comprehension in year 5 and 6. On behalf of our school community we congratulate her on her success and wish her all the best for her teaching career.
Just a reminder that children can come in casual clothes on Wednesday- please read the Prayer section for this.
Walk to school: We have decided to have Walk to school on each Friday during November. We will start Friday the 1st November. Children can meet Miss Mellblom and some other staff at the Dennington Post Office in Drummond Street at 8.10am and we will start walking at around 8.20am.
Swimming program F-4: All Foundation and new students would have received a swimming note last week to be filled in and returned to school. Returning students did not receive one as we have their levels from last year. Children will get changed at school and travel by bus. Please ensure all goggles, towels, footwear and clothing is labelled, thank you.
Camp program: This term all children have the opportunity to participate in our camp program. This week we have the Foundations staying on Thursday after school until 5.00pm. The Grade 3/4's are going on Camp to Ballarat the following week. In week 7 the Year 1's stay at school until 7pm and the Grade 2 children sleepover at school and finally, the year 5/6's go to Melbourne in week 9. These programs are designed to build independence and resilience as well as great fun. We thank all of the teachers, Julie in Administration and our support staff who give up their time to ensure these programs run. Organising a camp takes a lot of forward planning and paper work beforehand and then a different level of energy and supervision while on these camps. The teachers will also be working closely with the children before these camps to help them with any concerns and worries about what each camp entails.
Term 4 Assemblies: The schedule for our assemblies is as follows;
- Monday Oct 21st- FNR
- Monday Oct 28th- 1EK
- Monday Nov 4th- 3/4JM
- Monday Nov 11th- 2RH
- Monday Nov 18th- FHD
- Monday Nov 25th- 1GL
- Monday Dec 2nd- 3/4AM
- Monday Dec 9th- 3/4DH
- Wednesday Dec 18th- Gr 5/6
We look forward to the week ahead, Jan & Amy.
School Saving Bonus
Not all students are eligible to receive the School Saving Bonus in Catholic Schools.
Non-government school students who will be in Foundation through to Year 12 in 2025, and who are receiving the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), are eligible for the School Saving Bonus.
Parents and carers do not need to apply, with the School Saving Bonus being paid to non-government schools for eligible students from late November 2024.
The $400 School Saving Bonus is available for each child in the family attending the school. That means an eligible family with three school-aged children will receive a total of $1,200. Importantly, the School Saving Bonus is available in addition to the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.
Additional SSB payments will be made to schools in 2025, for eligible students new to the school in 2025, after schools submit the required information to the Department of Education.
Parents of eligible students are encouraged to discuss their needs with their school prior to the SSB being distributed. SSB payments are to be managed in consultation with the eligible student’s family.
Unused money from the SSB can be transferred to a sibling at the same school if one child finishes school.
The SSB cannot be combined across different schools, and cannot be transferred between government and non-government schools.
Lunch Orders
Term 4 Lunch Orders: Commence tomorrow with Morris Road Takeaway. Lunch orders will be available on Tuesdays and Fridays. Families can send their orders into the office the day prior or directly to Morriss Road Takeaway, 116 Morriss Road Warrnambool.
Specialist Day Swap- THIS WEEK
For this week only specialist days will swap:
Juniors F - 2 will have their specialist day on Thursday and will wear their sports uniform on this day.
Middle/Senior 3-6 will have their specialist day on Friday and will wear their sports uniform on this day.
Thank you in advance.
Cricket Carnival
The Cricket Carnival that a number of our Grade 5/6 students were participating in last Friday that was postponed, has now been rescheduled to this Thursday 24th October. These students are to wear their sports uniform. A revised draw will be emailed to parents when it is made available to us.
If you have any questions about the day please direct them to Margie Smith: msmith@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au
Regional Hooptime
We have two St. Johns Teams playing Regional basketball in Hamilton. A great achievement to reach this level. Well done!
Our 3/4 St. John's Jaguars: Jaxon C, Harry M, Levi B, Carter A, Mason C, Lottie S, Maggie O and Charlotte M played today. They were coached by Mr Harrington and Mr Keay and out of five games they won one and came a draw for two. Excellent effort team!!
5/6 All Star boys: Sully G, Billy F, Jacob D, Daniel H, Franklin R, Ray O, Jaxon B, Jensen L and Archie S play next Monday 28th, best of luck to you!!
World Teachers Day
We are so lucky at St. John's to have such a dedicated, passionate and caring teaching team. This Friday 25th October is the official 2024 World Teachers Day, however we value the contribution they make to our students and school community each and every day.
Thank you so very much.
Digital Technology
Over the next few weeks we will include Parent Information from the eSafety Commissioner to help you navigate the online world with your children. This week is an App Checklist to help you navigate the app world and give you the tools to ensure you and your family enjoy safe and positive online experiences.
Mercy Place Visit
Last Wednesday the Student Leaders and Johnnies went to Mercy Place to visit the residents. While we were there, we played multiple games of Bingo with some residents and also got to chat to them about their lives. We also shared information about our lives such as our favourite hobbies.
It was such an amazing experience and we really enjoyed our time with them. We hope to visit there again soon.
By Charlotte, Jagger, Archie, Pippa, Dexter, Jasper, Imogen and Dusty.
Wellbeing- Cost of Living
In our ever-changing economic landscape, parents and caregivers are increasingly faced with the task of broaching the subject of growing expenses with their children. While the instinct may be to shield young people from life’s challenges, there's a growing belief that addressing real-world issues, including financial uncertainties, can actually foster resilience and understanding. Striking a balance between protection and education is crucial for those looking to empower their children.
To effectively introduce the topic of finances, we need to be mindful of the timing and setting of the conversation. Using straightforward, age-appropriate language helps maintain transparency, and openly discussing adjustments to the family budget can carry significant weight. By encouraging children to participate in finding creative ways to save and make thoughtful spending choices, parents can nurture a sense of responsibility.
This Special Report offers a valuable opportunity to enhance children's financial literacy, equipping them with the resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Happy Birthday
Best wishes to Oliver D, Laney O, Amber S, Jyda D and Kiara W who celebrate their birthday this week! We hope you have a fantastic day.
Student Awards
Around our School- Week 2
Parents & Friend's Social Group
Our next meeting will be Tuesday 12th November at 7.00pm in the Gathering Space.
Dennington's Day Out
The next meeting will be Thursday 24th October at 7.00pm in the Gathering Space. We would love to see some new faces if you would like to be involved.
Dennington’s Day Out is fast approaching and there will be opportunity for participation points for those wanting to help out.
We will require helpers on Saturday 9th Nov to set up and also from 7.00am on Sunday 10th November to set up and from 3.00pm to pack up.
All families should have received their Family packs now with information regarding rides wristband purchasing and raffle tickets. Raffle tickets are due back by Wednesday 6th November. Additional raffle tickets are available from the office.
WANTED - Haunted House Decorations
We are having a haunted house at DDO this year! If you have any spooky ideas or you happen to have any items that we could please use for our Haunted House at DDO it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Julie Bartlett at the office or our DDO committee.
Cake Raffle
Each week on a Monday, families are rostered on to bring in a cake which will then be raffled and drawn out at assembly. All funds raised throughout the year will be donated to the Good Friday Appeal the following year.
All students will have the opportunity to buy a raffle ticket for 20c next Wednesday with a limit of five tickets per student. The Johnnies will make a P.A announcement at first lunch, calling all students who wish to purchase a ticket, to the Library.
The following families are rostered on for Monday 28th October:
Shiell, Smith, Speed and Staaks.
Please drop your store purchased cake into the office with your child's name written on top.
School Sponsorship
A big thank you to O'Brien's Electrical, Joinery by Jarrod, Fry Painting and Carry on Travel who sponsor 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
Sunday Mass is held at 9.00am at St. Pius X Church. School families are always welcome.
The Parish office can be contacted on 5562 2231 and this weekends bulletin is featured below. Other information and contact details can be found on the Star of the Sea South West Coast website: https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/parish/southwestcoast/
Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Wednesday 23rd October: Mission Month (students can wear casual clothes, gold coin donation and zooper doopers will be available to purchase for 50cents)
Thursday 24th October: DAMSWAK Cricket Carnival
Thursday 24th October: DDO Meeting in the Gathering Space at 7.00pm
Monday 28th October: Grade 5/6 Hooptime - Hamilton
Monday 4th November - Thursday 14th November: Swimming Program F-4.
Sunday 10th November: Dennington's Day Out
Tuesday 12th November: P & F Social Group Meeting at 7.00pm in the Gathering Space