2 November 2023

Principal’s Message – Kate Ferguson

All Saints and All Souls Day 

This week we have two significant days on our liturgical calendar. We had All Saints Day on Wednesday 1st November and All Souls Day on Thursday 2nd November. These days remind us that we are part of a faith and church that has always existed and is eternal, and that we need to pray for those who have gone before us. 

The Feast of All Saints is the day on which we celebrate the lives of those who have given their lives to Christ, who have lived their lives for Our Lord, known and unknown. Those known, have been canonised by the Church. We prayer for them all, known and unknown. 

Dear Lord, 
we pray for our own loved ones, family, 
our relatives, and friends who have died. 
Many of them are not famous, their statues are not in the church, 
but their pictures are in our homes and hearts. 
Their stories are alive in our families. 
We remember them with love. 
Amen 

Staffing News

Religious Education Coordinator

Following the application and interview process involving Catholic Schools Office representative, Adam Frost and Parish Priest, Father George, it is my pleasure to announce the role of REC to Fiona Stretton at St John the Baptist, commencing in 2024. Fiona is currently at St Patick’s Primary School, Lochinvar and has worked in the role of Acting REC (St Patrick's, Lochinvar and St Kevin’s, Cardiff), Acting Assistant Principal (St Kevin's, Cardiff), GEM and Stage Coordinator. I look forward to introducing Fiona to St John the Baptist later in the term and know that she will bring a wealth of ideas and passion to the role of REC and classroom teacher at St John the Baptist in 2024.

As Chris looks towards retirement, I am incredibly thankful for his 11 years as Religious Education Coordinator and as a leader at St John the Baptist. Chris will continue to be a part of the staff at St John the Baptist in 2024.

Learning Support Teacher

I am delighted to announce that Kris Lindus, has been appointed as the Permanent 0.4 Learning Support Teacher at St John the Baptist, commencing in 2024. Kris has worked across numerous schools in a variety of roles, most recently at St John the Baptist with the Student Learning and Wellbeing Team. Congratulations on this position Kris and we look forward to continue working with you in this role.

2024 Class Placement 

We are coming close to the stage where class placements for 2024 are being considered. To commence the process, we are seeking input from any parent regarding an educational consideration for their child’s class placement. At this stage no commitment has been made regarding teacher placements for grade levels in 2024. This is an opportunity to have input into the ideal learning environment for your child – not selecting your child’s teacher or choosing friends in their class. Please note, requests only wishing to select a friend or teacher for a particular class will be discarded.  

Letters and emails to be delivered to our maj-admin@mn.catholic.edu.au with the subject ATTN: Stacey Whiting. Please ensure all requests are received by Thursday 16^th November 2023. 

Clarity 

For the past 4 years, St John the Baptist, with the Maitland Newcastle Catholic Schools Office have been working with educationalist, Lyn Sharrett to reflect on teaching practices within the school. During this time teachers have worked collaboratively across the diocese with other schools to identify key impact points of teaching and implemented them within the classroom, including Bump It Up Walls, Learning Intentions and Success Criteria, Assessment Waterfalls and Learning Ladders.  

One of the practices implemented has been Learning Walks and Talks where teachers visit classrooms and ask student 5 questions about their learning. These conversations are always full of learning feedback and have given students autonomy in their learning. These questions can also be used if you were keen to gain further insight into your own students learning.  

Today, with Pedagogical Mentors, Stacey Whiting and Kris Lindus, we met with Lyn Sharrett and discussed the future directions we will be taking to further enhance student learning at St John the Baptist, including an explicit approach to feedback in classrooms and the continual implementation of Professional Learning Teams as we further implement the new English and Mathematics Curriculum. 

Assistant Principal’s Message – Stacey Whiting

Smart Phones and Watches 

We’ve had a few parents enquire about our policy around wearing smartwatches and bringing phones to school. We are asking that if your child wears a smartwatch or brings a phone to school, that they either put them in their school bags for the duration of the day or bring them into the office each morning for safe keeping.  Please note that the school does not take any responsibility for lost or damaged watches or phones.

One of the primary reasons for prohibiting smartwatches and phones in classes is to maintain a distraction-free learning environment. These devices are often associated with notifications and messages that can quickly distract a student's attention away from their learning. By leaving these devices outside the classroom, students are more likely to stay engaged and focused during class time. If you need to get a message to your child during the day, please call the school office. 

Lunch Clubs 

This term at St John’s, we have been lucky enough to have teachers run lunch clubs! This provides an opportunity for students to engage in different activities and provides another play space for students who sometimes need a break from the playground. This term lunch clubs includes: Lego, choir, board games, chess, and drawing. The library is also open every day. Below is our lunch club timetable. Please remind your children that these clubs are on each day. All are welcome!  

Religious Education – Chris Sheridan

All Souls Day

November 2^nd every year is All Souls Day – when we remember those who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. This morning staff from St John’s, St Peter’s and St Mary’s gathered for a beautiful liturgy to pray for our loved ones who have gone to heaven.

Their names were entered into a Book of Remembrance and placed on the sanctuary.

May the souls of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace. Amen.

Chapel Mass

Our next Mass will be held on Thursday 9^th November in St Mary’s Chapel with Year 1 and Year 6. As always, we’d love to have their parents /grandparents join us. If you spot this brief departure from the topic, be the first to email me to collect your prize. Conditions apply. Mass will commence at 10:00am 

Coming Up

Nov 9^th       Year 1 Mass with Year 6. Parents most welcome

I hope you, like me, enjoyed the replenishing, cleansing rain we received this past week. What a difference it makes.

Primary Co-ordinator – Sara Murdoch

Netball Gala Day

Well done to all the children who participated in the Netball Gala Day last Friday! It was a wet and rainy day, however all the children play well, supported each other and showed incredible sportsmanship. Well done Girls!

2024 Swimming Carnival

Our 2024 School Swimming is fast approaching. The date for our carnival is Friday the 8th December, 2023. All children who are turning 8 years old in 2024 are eligible to attend. A nomination form will be sent out on Compass shortly.

We will be continuing with our 3 options:

1. Attend and compete in the swimming carnival.
2. Attend and cheer on your friends.
3. Stay at school and participate in a water fun morning with Year 6.

Class Merit Awards

Canteen

P & F News

The 2023/2024 AGM is scheduled for Wednesday 8 November 9:30am in school hall. We encourage as many parents and carers to attend as possible. For those interested in joining the committee, nomination forms are available on Compass. There is no expectation to take a committee role by attending the meeting. Please contact executive@pandf-maitlandsj.com if you would like any further information. 

Dates for the Diary

Term 4

Meeting & 2024 AGM - Wednesday 8 November @ 9:30 am (Week 5)

Christmas Family Night - Tuesday 5th December (Week 9)

Christmas Fun Day -Monday 11 December (Week 10)

Uniform Shop

Open Monday 8:30-9am in school hall.

We are asking for donations of approved uniform items in good, clean quality condition (no rips, stains etc).

Contacting the P & F Committee

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance via executive@pandf-maitlandsj.com

We welcome any suggestions, feedback, offers to volunteer with events or general enquiries.

Federation of P&F Associations Event

“Has your child ever experienced big feelings, and behaviours, that have left you wondering what to do next? If so, then you might like to attend a free event to be held in Maitland for parents and carers on the 14 November, starting at 7pm.

The event is hosted by the Diocese’s Federation of P & F Associations, and will feature internationally respected child development expert, author and speaker, Karen Young. Karen is the founder of   ‘Hey Sigmund’, a popular online resource that provides contemporary, research driven information on anxiety. She is also the author of four books, including the bestselling ‘Hey Warrior’, which creatively assist children to understand and manage anxiety.

Karen’s presentation, ‘Behaviour, Big Feelings and Self-Regulation’ is relevant for parents and carers of both children and teens and will provide you with practical suggestions on ways you can support your child to navigate these feelings and build stronger relationships with them, as well as time for Q&A. More information about the session, including how to RSVP, can be found in the attached flyer.