Week 9, November 28th, 2022: Newsletter #37

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 9 Prayer

From the Principal

Greetings everyone,

Gr 5/6 Camp: The children are super excited about camp this week, its set to be a big few days for them. My thanks to the staff for their planning and preparation of the camp. 

School Fee Statements: All families with an outstanding balance on their 2022 school fees will have received an updated statement via email last week. We ask that these outstanding balances are paid as soon as convenient. As always, anyone experiencing financial difficulty is encouraged to speak with Gayle McPherson or Ben van de Camp. 

F-4 Swimming Program: My thanks to all families for their efforts in ensuring the swimming program went as well as it did. We appreciate the constant washing and organisation.

Enjoy your week, Ben. 

Understanding the Advent Tradition

Advent is the season of new beginnings. A new liturgical year begins on the First Sunday of Advent and it beckons to us with images of transformation and hope. It is the season of new possibilities, the season of the impossible becoming possible. Week by week, stories are told, candles are lit on the Advent wreath signifying our longing for the arrival of Christ.  

Humans are captivated by story – stories may be told orally, through written word, music or via the visual arts. Story engages our head and hearts, they dig deeply into our beings. Many of the best stories I have encountered involve adventure. These stories captivate, entertain and help us to reflect critically on the world and our place in it. “Stories are designed to force us to consider possibilities.” (William Baush) Each of our lives involve adventure and our own stories. I wonder what your most exciting adventure has been? Adventures come in all shapes and sizes. Some are exhilarating, others terrifying!!! The word adventure comes from the Latin word ‘adventurus’ meaning “a thing about to happen”. 

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, the Season that is at the beginning of the Church’s Liturgical Year. There is a strong connection between the concept of adventure and Advent. It goes far beyond seeing the word Advent in the bigger word adventure! 

Adventures often change people. Sometimes people gain new insights into themselves and to those around them. They may grow in confidence, resilience or even wisdom by the experience of the adventure. During an adventure there may often be times to stop and take stock of the situation. Like the example of the young man who travelled overseas for the very first time after finishing school. After six months of backpacking he had very little money left or nowhere to live. At this point in the adventure he had to reflect upon the options available to him. Should he go home? Or find a job and experience life living in a foreign city? Maybe get a loan from his parents to continue his travels? - so so many things to think about!

Advent is an invitation for Christians to reflect and get ready for “the thing that is about to happen”. Maybe the Advent adventure is about reflecting upon Jesus being born each and every day – not just a celebration of an historical event. Christians in Advent may be called to reflect upon how they invoke the new, to bring something into the world. What of this Jesus story can be “born”  or brought forth into the world today?

Understanding the Advent Wreath

The custom of lighting an Advent wreath of candles originates in the ancient Northern European custom of having a fire wheel at the winter solstice in December. The fire wheel was lit to celebrate the gradual return of the sun after the shortest, darkest days of winter. Christians adapted this symbol to celebrate the coming of Christ, the light, who transforms the darkest depths of our world. 

Many people celebrate Advent by lighting the candles of an Advent wreath each day, accompanied by a prayer. One candle for Week 1, two candles for Week 2, and so on. The wreath comprises three purple candles and one rose-coloured, for the joyful Third Week of Advent. They are set in a circle of evergreen leaves, symbolising God’s endless life and love. A fifth candle, a white ‘Christ’ candle, may be placed in the centre to be lit at Christmas. The gradual lighting of the candles represents the increasing light of Christ as his coming draws near.

PAM Accounts

As previously communicated, next year the PAM (Parent Access Module) will move to each parent having their own PAM account rather than one account per family. All existing PAM logins will be turned off on 16th January 2023 and new accounts will be created. To prepare for the upcoming change, we need to ensure we have a correct email address for each parent recorded.

Click here to complete the google form by Friday 9th December.

Carols by the Merri

This Friday evening is the Annual Carols by the Merri.  This is the first time it will be held outdoors and live since 2019. 

It is held on the G. G. Payne reserve on the Esplanade in Dennington overlooking the Merri.  It is a great occasion supported by the school and in different ways and a super opportunity for us to gather with our community.

Everyone should dress “Christmassy!” for the event and be ready for dinner; enjoying the entertainment and food stalls throughout the evening. Maybe the Jolly Man in the red suit may even pop in.

Our children in Foundation are gracing the stage early in the evening, followed by a combined Grades 1,2,3 & 4.  They will sing up a storm with some carols we have been practicing.

The evening commences at 6.00pm and concludes around 9.00pm. We will advise the exact times the childrem are performing within the next couple of days when we are informed.  Stay tuned.

Foodshare

Its Christmas Giving Appeal time. Any donations for foodshare can be dropped off to the front office, our thanks in advance for your support of this organsiation which supports so many groups and people across the south west.

Grandparents Day

Last Friday we welcomed Grandparents and special visitors into our school, it has been a few years since we have been able to do this and we definitely made up for lost time. What a terrific day it was, we had an amazing turn out! We hope all of our special guests enjoyed the afternoon as much as we did and we look forward to hosting this event again next year.

Covid 19: Term 4 Updated Guidelines

On October 13th, the Victorian Government has announced the end of the pandemic declaration and associated pandemic orders. Requirements for close contacts, like continually testing negative on a rapid antigen test (RAT), will become strong recommendations – joining the strong recommendation to wear a mask indoors, which will remain in place. 

For now, we note the following key changes:

It is strongly recommended that students: 

• Who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.
• Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.
• Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.

Where students become symptomatic at school, they should: 

• Be collected by their parents/carers.
• Undergo testing for COVID-19. 

It is strongly recommended that staff: 

• Who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.
• Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.
• Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.

COVID-19 reporting requirements: The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform those with whom they have recently been in contact, including their workplace, school and household. Schools no longer have to alert their school community of positive cases. 

Face masks: Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so, and schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors. The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home. Additionally, the department recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home. 

Close Contacts: A close contact (a person who has spent more than four hours with someone who has COVID 19 inside a house, accommodation or care facility) is no longer required to quarantine, as long as they follow the additional safety measures:

• Notify the school if returning within the 5 day period.
• Undertake RAT testing on school days within the 5 day period (unless the 4 week exemption applies)
• Wear a mask indoors if an adult or a student (aged 8 years or above).
• Not visit hospitals or care facilities.
• Avoid contact with people at higher risk of infection.

If symptomatic take a RAT or PCR test.

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.

Important School Reminders

1. Student Absences: Can all parents and guardians please remember that if a child is absent then we require you to contact the school via schoolzine, PAM, or phone to notify us as to why they are absent. This is a government requirement. 

2.  Sign in and out: Parents collecting their children throughout the day for appointments must come into the office and sign them in and out via the ipad. This also applies to students arriving late and leaving early from school. Please ensure you allow enough time to come in and complete this process. It is a requirement that parents complete this task, not office staff. However if you require assistance, we are more than happy to help!

3.  As part of our SunSmart practices we require that all children and staff wear hats whilst outside this term. Please ensure that your child has a school bucket hat and that it is also clearly named. NO HAT = NO PLAY. Children without hats will have to stay in an undercover area during 1st and 2nd lunch. Please note we do not keep spare hats at school.

4.  Our school uniform provider is now Lowes at Gateway Plaza. A number of items are now available to purchase from the store including hats and polar fleece jumpers. We have been informed the entire range will be available by January.

5.  There are still a number of athletics and basketball tops yet to be returned. If your child (Years 3-6) was involved in school athletics or basketball could you please help them check around home for any tops and return them to school asap. These tops are brand new and we would like to keep all the sets together for as long as possible.

Their Care- Meeting Tonight at 5.30pm

To be held in the Gathering Space at 5.30pm tonight. If you are unable to make it but would like information sent out, please call the office on 5562 5362 or email admin@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au

Student Awards

Happy Birthday

Best wishes to James D, Morgan B, Izaak M, Austin S, Stella B, Savanna M and Robert R who celebrate their birthday this week. Happy Birthday, we hope you have a terrific day!

Parents and Friend's Social Group News

Parents and Friend's Social Group

Meeting Summary

The P & F held their meeting last Wednesday to discuss the many social events happening as we begin to wrap up the year. 

The committee was very impressed with the amount raised by the children on crazy hair day and have decided to match their efforts to donate a total of $1,400 to the Clarke Family. We thank all families who got on board with crazy hair day or who have also donated to the GoFundMe. It is great to see our school community come together and rally around a school family.

Planning is well underway for all events to take place before the school year comes to a close. It has been great to see all of our school families jump on board with each and every event or fundraiser we have put together. A few notes will be coming out in the coming days for our end of year Christmas raffle and Family BBQ night.

Orders have closed for Crazy Camel which saw a total of 113 orders placed. These orders are expected to arrive at school the last week of the school year and will be sent home with the children.

All of the planning for this year's Dennington Dash can be attributed to one lady. An outstanding effort by Vanessa Vickery. Lots of thanks for bringing back the Dash. We will now set in motion planning for the event to return in March of next year to spread out the social calendar.

Planning for The Carols by the Merri St John’s cake stall is well underway with a taste test of the famous jam donuts being offered at the Dennington dash. The roster of volunteers will be sent out, with requests for more helpers on the night. A good response from families to bake slices for the night. We look forward to a night of eating hot jam donuts and listening to the children from Foundation to year 4 singing Christmas carols.

DDO went off with a bang and the committee had nothing but praise to give Sommer Faulkner who lead the DDO team this year. Suggestions were made to help the DDO continue in its success for next year. A feedback form will be uploaded to facebook for parents to give their opinions on DDO, what you loved and what you think can be improved at a later date.

Our Major $5,000 raffle profit was announced and the group decided to bring it back again next year in 3rd term. Discussions will be had around changes to be made at a meeting closer to then.

Discussions were had around some things the committee would like to see its fundraising go towards. Ideas were raised such as new play equipment, artwork on the school building, and new readers for the junior school. These plans will be decided on at our final meeting for the year.

I would like to thank all parents who were involved in fundraisers and events throughout the school year. These events would not go ahead without your help. If you have helped organise an event throughout the year and have not yet updated the drive please send through any information to parents@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au 

More discussion was had around the Parents Participation Levy and I would encourage anyone who would like to give their feedback to do so before final decision is made at the SAC meeting on December 6th by emailing either principal@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au or parents@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au 

The last meeting for the year will be held Wednesday 7th December 6.00pm at Rafferty's Tavern. A facebook post will be made closer to the date to RSVP. I would love to encourage all parents who have helped out throughout the year to come along and celebrate with the committee.

Malynda De Bono - President

Dennington Dash

Thank you to all who attended the Dennington Dash on Friday night! A massive thank you to all sponsors who made the event possible! 

This event would not go ahead without the dedicated planning from Vanessa Vickery. Thank you for the countless hours you have put into making the event a success!

The Dash will be returning in March 2023! We would love to see some extra parents help with the planning of the event. Jobs range from securing sponsors to collecting raffle prizes and everything in between. If you are interested in organising the event please email parents@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au

Carols by the Merri- December 2nd

Carols by the Merri is THIS Friday!

Thank you to the many people who have volunteered to bake some slices and/or help on the day. If you haven't returned your note you can still bring in a slice.

Please bring all UNCUT slices to school on Friday morning by 9.00am. We will be cutting them up and putting them in packages to sell at the Carols. You can drop them at the office or canteen.

Here is our current volunteer roster. If you are able to help sell slices on the night during any of the highlighted spaces please message Alyce Atkins (0422941244) or Janelle Mentha (0428288098).

Christmas Raffle

Coming home with students this week will be some information about our annual Christmas Raffle. They will also have a book of tickets to sell. More tickets are available from the office if you require them.

Tickets are only $1!

Tickets and Prizes will be due back Monday December 12th.  Winners will be drawn at Final Assembly to be held at 11.00am on Friday 16th December.

Family BBQ

Our annual Family BBQ night is being held on Tuesday 13th December.

If you are able to assist with the preparation for this event eg organising food for the BBQ please email parents@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au

Please return the form below or click here to place your order, by Tuesday 6th December.

Cake Raffle

The following families are rostered on this Friday:

Stacy, Stewart, Shannahan, Stonehouse and Toleman.

All students will be able to buy a raffle ticket for 20c each Friday. The Johnnies 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. 

School Sponsorship

A big thank you to Fry Painting, Brownies Shed, South West Pipe Relining and gforce employment & recruitment 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

Sunday Mass is held at 10.00am 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

TODAY: Thier Care Parent Information Session in the Gathering Space at 5.30pm

Friday December 2nd: Carols by the Merri

Tuesday December 6th: SAC Meeting

Wednesday December 7th: P & F Dinner- Raffertys Tavern at 6.00pm

Tuesday December 13th: Orientation Day. Family BBQ at 6.00pm

Wednesday December 14th: Mass of Thanksgiving at 10.00am

Wednesday December 14th: Gr 6 Graduation at 6.30pm

Friday December 16th: Students Last day- Assembly at 11.00am