Week 4 May 15th, 2023: Newsletter #14

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 4 Prayer

5/6JM Mother's Day Prayer

As we are learning about Australia's history and significant events that shaped Australia, we thought it would be a great idea to research the history of Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day started in the early 1900’s. Originally, the day was known as Mothering Day and it was a day that we honored and gave thanks to Mary. As time has gone on, we now appreciate Mary alongside all the other female role models that make sacrifices to care for children and raise them to be the best versions of themselves. 

Last week in Grade 5/6 we have been discussing how blessed we are to have so many women in our lives that lift us up, who guide us, who encourage us, help us pick up the pieces when we falter on our way to reaching our dreams, and believe in us even in the moments when we don't believe in ourselves. They are the women who inspire us, who represent all us and we hope that someday we will become a fraction of. 

Today we thank God for all mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and other special women who show their love to us. We also remember all the mothers and grandmothers who are in heaven.

We also thank God for the example of Mary. Who always showed love for her son, Jesus. 

From the Principal

Gr 3/4 & Gr 5/6 Camps: We are excited to again be offering camps for our our Gr 3/4 and 5/6 students. In 2023 our middle school students will be attending the Warra Gnan Camp which is located in Warrnambool whilst our senior students will attend Roses Gap. 

These camps are great experiences for children and provide lifelong memories. In order to prepare for these overnight experiences we encourage parents to do the following;

Talk with your child about what camp will be like and what is going to happen each day. Discuss the activities they may be particularly worried about and reassure them, look at the camp website and look at images and photographs of the place where they will be staying to make it real to them.

Share memories of going on school camp yourself. Maybe you found something a bit scary or strange so share that with your child but also share the positive things that happened to you on camp.

Help them rehearse their trip. If your child hasn’t slept away from home before, arrange a practice sleepover with a friend or relative in the weeks leading up to camp, so they can get used to sleeping away from home.

Let them open up. Talk about their anxiety and let your child know that it’s OK to be a little scared, acknowledge that it can be a bit scary to go away from home but reassure them that while they are away, everything will stay the same and everyone will be waiting for them when they return.

Let them take some comfort. Let them pack a special toy, favourite book or a family photo – so they can take a piece of home with them.

Encourage the experience. Encourage your child to see these few days or the week away as an opportunity to see new things and as an adventure.

Be your child’s advocate. If you have concerns about how your child will cope at school camp, talk to their teacher.

Covid-19 & Infectious Disease Management: It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they:

• • have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
  • are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
  • are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.
• The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398.
• Principals are no longer required to inform their school community of a positive case associated with the school.
• Staff or students who are positive are strongly recommended to stay home and isolate for a minimum of five days.
• Symptomatic students or staff should not attend school, even if failing to test positive on a RAT or PCR.

Communication: There is no longer a requirement for schools to inform their communities of positive cases.  All health information is held in accordance with the school’s privacy policy.

Masks: Staff and students who wish to wear a mask will continue to be supported to do so. Masks are available from the administration office for anyone wishing to obtain one. Any staff or students who are  close contacts are recommended to wear a  mask indoors.

RAT Kits: RATs are available for all Victorians from council sites. Individuals can obtain two free packs (10 tests) for themselves and two free packs (10 tests) for each household member. People with disability and their carers can get up to four free packs (20 tests) in line with existing RAT distribution for people with disability. The RATs are available at the Civic Centre (25 Liebig Street) and the Archie Graham Community Centre (118 Timor Street). We also have RAT tests available from the front office.

Medically At Risk Students: Students who have chronic health conditions, especially affecting the respiratory system ie Asthma, must have up to date health support plans. Families who are unsure about the status of their child’s plan should make contact with teh school administration office.

General Illnesses: As we approach the winter months we encourage all families to be cautious when sending children to school who are still symptomatic with contagious diseases such as cold, flu etc.

Enjoy your week, Ben.

Financial Support for Concession Card Holders

Family Fee Assistance Scheme: The FFA scheme supports affordable Catholic education for families of primary students. Schools receive a grant allocation of per student eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund (CSEF). Under the FFA scheme families who hold a means tested Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Pensioner Gold Card automatically qualify for a fee concession.

Parents/guardians holding a valid concession card on Monday 24th April, 2023 should submit an application form for the Camps, Sports & Excursion Fund (CSEF) allowance to Gayle McPherson by Friday 23rd June.

The CSEF allowance is valued at $125 per student and is for holders of a health care card, or are a foster parent, or a Veteran Affairs pensioner. Payments are made to the school and will be deducted from a family’s school fees.

The attached flyer outlines the scheme, and the attached Family Fee Assistance Scheme Concession Form can be used at the school for families making FFA applications.

Further details about the CSEF allowance can also be found on the Department of Education and Training’s website.

Update Information

Asthma Plans and Ventolin

Keeping children safe is our number one priority at St. John's Primary School. A number of families have been contacted recently in regards to out of date medication and asthma plans. It would be appreciated if families could prioritise the updating of both plans and medication as soon as possible. Thank you for your support with this important matter. 

School Emergency Contacts

Please notify the school by phone or by using the Update Contact Details in our SZApp if you have any updates to home address, contact phone numbers and email addresses. Parents are encouraged to have two alternate emergency contacts for their child in the event that parents cannot be contacted in.

Student Medical Information

A reminder that we require all families to login to PAM and update their child's Medical Information if their child's medical details have changed. This information assists with our electronic permission forms. 

Please follow the instructions below to update a medical profile for each of your children by:

1. Click on link to PAM (found on our SZapp)
2. Click on student (if more than 1 child, this will need to be done individually)
3. Click on Medical Profile
4. Check all questions and select Edit Details for updates to be made.
5. Once you get to the end of the questions please confirm by clicking on the Green “Update Details” Box found at the bottom right of screen.

As a parent/guardian you are able to access your child/rens medical profile on PAM at any time to update as needed.  If you have any queries or require your PAM login details, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the office.  

Uniform

We have a selection of long sleeve blue polos available to purchase that are left over from our Uniform Shop. They are available for $5 each in sizes 10, 14, 16 and small. Please call the office or email admin@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au if you would like to purchase one.

Important School reminders

Russell Street Crossing: If parents and children are needing to cross Russell Street then it must be done at the supervised pedestrian crossing. This is the only safe place to do.

Parking: Please refrain from parking in the designated disability car spaces in the carparks if you do not have a sticker displayed on your vehicle. It is important these spaces are reserved for families that need them.

We also ask that if you have to hop out of the car to assist your child into the car that you park your car and collect them rather than hold up the loop. 

Entering the School Buildings: All visitors during the school day must enter via the front office. This includes children late to school.

Student Messages: Please ensure change of pick up arrangement messages etc are received by the office ideally by 3.00pm and no later than 3.10pm to allow office staff adequate time to pass them on to students.

Student News: If you have some exciting news you would like to share with our school community we would love to hear about it. Please email admin@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au

Parent/School Communication: When contacting school staff please refer to our Communications Guidelines for the appropriate processes, this can be found under the forms and documents tab on our schoolzine app and in the Parent Information tab in PAM.

Parent Participation Levy: Please ensure you record the activity and the amount of hours you volunteered your time for on the following form - Parent Participation Levy Activity Record

Mother's Day Breakfast

On Friday we treated Mums, Grandmothers and special friends in our school community with a special Mother's Day breakfast. It was a beautiful morning celebrating all of the special people in our students lives. 

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National Walk to School Day

This Friday 19th May, is National Walk Safely to school day. 

We will have staff at the Dennington Store in Drummond Street from 8.10am, leaving at 8.20am sharp to make their way to school if you would like to join in. We would love to see you there!

St. John's Sports News

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified to compete at the Greater Western Regional Athletics carnival to be held in Ballarat in October;

Charlotte S - 800m and 1500m

Brooklyn P - 800m 

Greta G - 200m

Lily H - Triple Jump

Franklin, Jacob, Michael and Sam - 11 year boys relay

Kade F, Brooklyn, Hugh, Leo - 12 years boy relay

District Cross Country

We had 39 students that competed in the District Cross Country event at the Warrnambool Speedway last week. Eight students -  Jaxon B, Lexi B, Mila B, Kade F, Maddi H, Ray O, Brooklyn P and Charlotte S have moved through to the Division Cross Country this Friday and we wish them all the best!

We were very proud of all our students efforts on the day and it was great to see a smile on all of their faces after they competed like Sam, Caleb and Seth below! 

Student News

Rosa and Alices D's dog Lulu has had a litter of 5 toy Cavoodle puppies, aren't they gorgeous! She had 2 boys and 3 girls. 

They are actually looking for their forever homes from next week. If you are interested please contact the office and we will pass your details on.

2024 Foundation Open Day Tours

Registrations for 2024 Foundation students Open Day tours are now open. Please click on the link below and then Event details to select your preferred time and complete the registration form.

Link to Open Day Tours 

TheirCare

CSPV Parent Connect News - May 2023

The May edition of CSPV Parent Connect News is now available.

This issue includes opportunities for parents to contribute their perspective on various areas in education as well as several webinars of interest in wellbeing and careers conversations with children.

Student voice also features with a webinar and resources on parent engagement in learning created by a student research team.

Parent Learning Walk

Happy Birthday

Best wishes to Pippa C, Stella C, Chloe K, Nikson S, Lennox S, Jagger C, Bridget T, Evelyn Z and Elektra T who celebrate their birthday's this week! We hope you have an amazing day!

Student Awards

Parents and Friends Social Group News

 Wednesday Treats

This week's treat is Pizza!

Tuesday helpers: 8.45am - 10.30am

Emily, Nicole, Taliah G, Rebecca B and Emily S.

Wednesday helpers - 12.00pm - 1.30pm

Olivia G, Adela S and  Nick S.

Next week's order forms will be sent home on Wednesday. Order forms are due back each Monday by 3.00pm. No late orders will be accepted after this time.

                   Cake Raffle

Each week on a Friday, 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 each Friday. The Johnnies will come around to the classrooms during the day to write out tickets and collect money. 

The following families are rostered on this week:

Mitchell, Miller, McNaughton, McMahon and McLennan.

School Sponsorship

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.

A big thank you to Fry Painting, O'Brien Electrical Warrnambool, Brownies Shed, Tubbie & Rayz Indoor Batting house and Carry On Travel who sponsor our school!

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/ 

Our Diocesan Community

Click here to view the March edition of Our Diocesan Community.

Kindergarten Open Days - THIS WEEK

Community Notices

Upcoming Events

Friday 19th May: Division Cross Country

Friday 19th May: Walk to School day

Thursday 1st June: Parent Learning Walk at 9.00am

Monday 12th June: Public Holiday