June 30th 2025: Newsletter #21
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Prayer Week 11
- From the Principal
- First Eucharist- Grade 4
- Dental Van
- Year 4 Exhibition
- Grade 5/6 Museums in Motion
- Book Week
- Term 3 Wellbeing Day
- Wellbeing
- Student News
- Student Awards- Term 2, Week 11, 30th June
- Happy Birthday
- Around our School- Week 10
- Parents and Friend's Social Group
- Cake Raffle
- 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 as the traditional custodians of the land on which we learn, pray and grow. 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.
Prayer Week 11
From the Principal
Hello everyone, welcome to a new week at St. John's. My gratitude for all community members, families, staff and students for this term, we have had many wonderful things occur and you have all played an important role in each, enjoy a restful break!
Staffing News: I am pleased to announce that we have appopinted Emily Rooke to the positon of PE Teacher, Emily will replace Margie Smith at the commencment of term 3. Emily comes to us with extensive experience and will be a great acquisition to our school.
3 Way Conversations: My thanks to all families who attended these conversations, it is greatly appreciated.
If you feel you would benefit from also having a conversation that just involves adults then feel free to arrange with your child's teacher an alternate time to catch up.
Term 3 Student Free Days: Please note the following dates will be student free in Term 3 to enable staff to particpate in professional development. Theircare will be available on these dates for students that require care.
- Monday August 4th
- Monday August 25th
2025 Term 3 Assembly Roster:
- Monday July 21st- Grade 4
- Monday July 28th- Foundation
- Monday August 4th- Student Free Day
- Monday August 11th- Grade 3
- Monday August 18th- No assembly due to concert
- Monday August 25th- Student Free Day
- Monday September 1st- Grade 5/6
- Monday Sep 8th- Grade 1
- Monday Sep 15th- Grade 2
Enjoy the break, Ben.
First Eucharist- Grade 4
First Eucharist is a Sacramental Program for Year 4 students and older who have been both Baptised and Confirmed.
This year we will be continuing the new format of a combined Parish Parent Information session and a combined Parish schools Eucharist Formation Day, these will be both be held on the dates outlined below.
A kit containing the materials and information to prepare your child for the Celebration of First Eucharist will be provided to your child. Parents work through this booklet at home with their child (rather that the previous Family Groups after school).
Parents who wish to register their child for participation in the Sacrament, should complete the form below. Anyone who has already done so, does not need to do it again.
Key Dates
| 7pm, Tuesday 29th July | Parent Information session at St. Joseph's Church |
| Tuesday 5th August | Combined Parish Schools Eucharist Formation Day |
| 10:30am, Sunday 10th August | Mass of Committment, St Pius X School & Church |
| 9:00am, Sunday August 24th | Celebration of the First Eucharist Sacrament, St Pius X Church |
Dental Van
In great news for our community, Teeth on Wheels will be visiting our school in August, consent forms were sent home last Wednesday with students. To participate, simply return the hard copy consent form by this Wednesday, 2nd July or complete the E-form (scan QR code or click on the link below) by Tuesday 5th August 2025.
Teeth On Wheels is all about making dental care fun and stress-free while teaching children the importance of oral health. They specialise in working with children, offering services such as check-ups, cleans, and more- right here at the school!
The team is specially trained to provide compassionate and tailored care for neurodiverse patients, ensuring a respectful and supportive experience for everyone. If eligible under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), your child may even receive FREE dental care.
Year 4 Exhibition
Grade 5/6 Museums in Motion
Last Wednesday students and families visited the Gr 5/6 students Museums in Motion exhibition. The students focused on a figure from history who helped shape Australia. They worked hard on presenting their information as an interview that people could listen to. Here are a few photos from the day.
Book Week
Term 3 Wellbeing Day
Our Wellbeing Day is being held in week 2, Wednesday 30th July, which is also International Day of Friendship. Students are to wear comfortable casual clothes on this day. Further details will be provided next term.
Wellbeing
Cybersafety
We must equip young people with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. A comprehensive approach-incorporating cybersafety education in schools and empowering parents to guide responsible digital behaviour-is essential
Student News
Charlotte was selected to take part in a special program by Telstra and the Australian Ballet — an opportunity not given to all students. She earned this honor through her dedication and hard work. You can read about it here!
Polly, Amelia, and Evie play NetSetGO for South Warrnambool. On Saturday they had the special opportunity to run out with the Open Squad girls before playing their own game on a Saturday. All three played amazingly!
Over the weekend, Ida and Ella proudly represented their club, DNA Hip Hop, Fitness and Aerobics, at the FISAF State Championships held at Caulfield Grammar School in Wheelers Hill, Melbourne. Competing as part of their team Flare, the girls delivered an outstanding performance and were crowned State Champions, bringing home the gold! They will now head to the National Championships on the Gold Coast in August.
Ava Mjeda has been smashing the short course season in the pool over the past month- she continues to swim amazing times as she works on her technique and endurance.
Student Awards- Term 2, Week 11, 30th June
Miss Buwalda - Henry B for always bringing a cheerful smile and bright energy to our classroom every day.
Miss Dwyer - Tessa A for making some impressive growth when decoding and blending words. Keep up your hard work during small group reading sessions, Tessa.
Mrs Archbold - Nelson Y For demonstrating eagerness this week to read every morning before school. Well done Nelson!
Miss Kissick - Daisy R for all her effort for the Year One performance of The Gruffalo. Great work Daisy!
Miss Lucas - Lexie M for all her effort for the Year One performance of The Gruffalo. Great work Lexi!
Mr Hynes - Arlo H for trying so hard to be a more responsible learner in class each day. Good effort!
Miss Ryan - Amelia H for always offering a helping hand to classmates and making our classroom a kind and caring place.
Mr Harrington - Piper S for her amazing maturity and resilience being shown lately, keep it up Piper!
Miss Kelly - Niamh D for her fantastic efforts in literacy this week when writing her information report on MND. Great work, Niamh!
Miss Moloney - Alex R for always including others and having a positive attitude each day.
Mrs Mugavin - Louise X for always being really happy at school, being open to trying new things and making lots of new friends in Grade 4.
Miss P - Ivy M for her fantastic Mary Mackillop presentation during the Museums in Motion expo. Keep up the great work Ivy.
Mr McInerney - Nate I for his amazing Inquiry Expo research and presentation about John Batman.
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate their birthday this week: Louise X, Harvey B and Henry B. We hope you have an amazing day!
Around our School- Week 10
Parents and Friend's Social Group
Join us this Tuesday night to finish off the term with dinner at the Cally from 6:30pm on Tuesday 1st July.
Dennington Day Out
Do you have a child that might be interested in holding a mini entrepreneurs stall at this years DDO? Make sure you are following the Dennington Day Out Facebook page for the expressions of interest google form that will be posted in the coming weeks.
Dennington Day Out Sponsorship Proposal for 2025 is now available if you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring this years event please contact ddo@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au
Pie Drive
Thank you to everyone that supported the Pie Drive. Orders will be available for collection this Friday 4th July from 1:30pm - 2.20pm. We will notify school families if the time changes.
Wednesday Treats
We are now looking for volunteers to help for Wednesday treats in Term 3. If your able to help please fill out the volunteer form and return to the office by this Friday. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Emily McGennan.
This weeks treat is “Hot Dogs”. Orders close tomorrow morning, Tuesday 1st July at 8.30am.
Roster:
Tuesday 1st - Taliah, Nick S & Jennifer M
Wednesday 2nd - Theresa G, Lana I & Hayley M
Please remember: This year there will be no paper order forms going home; orders are required to be placed online via the CDFpay app. Each Wednesday the order for the following week will be uploaded to the app.
Orders will close at 8:30am each Tuesday so please make sure you get your orders in on time as we can not accept late orders or cash this year.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Taliah Gleeson, Emily McGennan or the front office.
Cake Raffle
Each week at Assembly we draw a cake raffle for students. The money raised goes to Our noimiated charity, Backpacks Beds.
School families have been assigned a week to bring in a cake. There is no obligation or pressure for you to do so, it is only if you wish to. If you have been assigned a week that is unsuitable and you would like to bring a cake in another week, please contact the office and an alternate date will be arranged.
If you choose to, please drop your store purchased cake into the office with your family name written on top.
All students will have the opportunity to buy a raffle ticket for 20c 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 Term 3, Week 1 - Monday 21st July:
Lamb, McLean, Lenehan, Li and Lyles
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.
A big thank you to O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing, Fry Painting, Carry on travel, King Cole Fruit Supply, Total Landscapes and Design and Hiensch Haulage that sponsor our school!
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
Monday 30th June: Academic Reports released via PAM
Tuesday 1st July: P & F Meeting at The Cally Hotel at 6.30pm
Friday 4th July: Term 2 concludes at 2.20pm
Monday 21st July: Term 3 Commences at 8.50am
Tuesday 22nd July - Wednesday 24th July: Grade 3/4 Camp
Wednesday 30th July: Wellbeing Day
Monday 4th August: School Closure Day (Theircare open for bookings)
Wednesday 6th August: Book Week Dress Up Day and Parade at 9.00am in the Stadium
Monday 18th August: School Dance Concert
Monday 25th August: School Closure Day (Theircare open for bookings)