Week 2 Term 3

From the Principal

Dear St John the Baptist Families,

I hope you enjoyed a restful break with your family over the holidays. As we gear up for Term 3, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our recent Annual School Visit at St John the Baptist, held last term, which was a wonderful occasion to reconnect and celebrate our school community.

During the visit, the whole student community joined with guests from the Catholic Schools Office to celebrate prayer which remined us of our origins and the values that guide us each day at school. It was a beautiful reminder of the journey we’re on together as a school family and the importance of nurturing our students’ growth, both academically and personally. I invite you to view this reflection using the following link

Our Annual School Visit provided a wonderful opportunity for the Catholic School Office staff to witness firsthand the incredible work being done by our students and the vibrant community fostered by our staff. Throughout the day, I was joined by our Leadership Team to discuss the school's growth and development. Fiona Stretton, our Religious Education Coordinator, highlighted our Catholic Identity alongside Father George. Stacey Whiting, our Assistant Principal, led classroom visits and showcased our students' academic progress, while Sara Murdoch, our Primary Coordinator, focused on our commitment to student wellbeing. Additionally, the visit allowed me to address the need for landscaping improvements on our oval space with the Diocese Properties and Building team. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss and demonstrate the necessary enhancements for this area.

Respectful Relationship Parent Session

On Monday All Saints College hosted a parent information session with Melinda Tankard Reiss about 'Respectful Relationships'. This event discussed the ever changing world that our kids are growing up in, the pressures that they feel and identified strategies parents can use to support our growing children. If you were unable to attend this night I strongly suggest you attend the upcoming session at St Bede's Catholic College. 

Location: St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm

Date: Wednesday 28^th August, 6pm

Please RSVP here: Respectful Relationships RSVP Chisholm

I am excited for the opportunities and learning experiences that lie ahead in Term 3. Our dedicated teachers have been working hard to plan engaging activities that will continue to inspire our students and foster their love for learning.

All the best for the fortnight ahead,

Kate Ferguson

Fortnightly Frames: Events at St John the Baptist

Upcoming events at St John the Baptist

Please ensure that you check Compass for up to date information and events.

Week 3, Term 3

Sunday 4th August -

• 6:00 - Kids Mass at St Joseph's, East Maitland

Tuesday 6th August - 

• Year 6 Incursion with the Newcastle Museum
• Good luck Billi and Scarlett at the NSW PSSA Touch Championships!

Wednesday 7th August - 

• P&F preparing gifts for the Father's Day stall in the hall. Are you able to help? Please come to the hall at 9:00 if you can offer any assistance.

Thursday 8th August - 

• 9:00 - St Dominic and St Mary of the Cross Feast Day Liturgies

Week 4, Term 3

Thursday 15th August

• 9:00 - Assumption of Mary Liturgy
• Book week character dress up day - "Reading is Magic!"
• 11:15 - 1:00 - Grandparents day
• Book Fair

Friday 16th August

• 2:00 - Year 6 showcase in the hall followed by Year 6 open classroom

Vinnies Winter Appeal & Upcoming Feast Days

Vinnies Winter Appeal

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent PJ, Pizza and movie day where we were fundraising for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Together, we have raised $806 which will provide much needed support for those in our community experiencing hardship during these cold winter months. Thank you to the P&F, students, parents and staff who contributed!

St Dominic & St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Days

On August 8, we will celebrate the Feast Day of St Dominic and Australia’s first saint, St Mary Mackillop. Mary was a person who spent her life reaching out, giving, and connecting. God’s presence was a dominant feature of her life. Dominic founded the Dominican order and dedicated his life to preaching, education and missionary work. Our school was the first, and therefore is the oldest, Dominican school established in Australia. Our school was first established by Dominican sisters in 1856. We celebrate our Dominican history and strive every day to live our lives reflecting the four Dominican Pillars of Service, Community, Study and Prayer.

As a staff, at the beginning of the term, we gathered to contemplate the spirituality of the Dominicans. We did this with the guidance of Adam Frost from the CSO’s RE&S team. We reflected on how Dominican spirituality helps us to make meaning for ourselves, for our school community and different ways to extend this to students. On the Feast Day of St Dominic, students will gather within grade groups where students will participate in formation activities developed by staff on this day.

Prayer of St Dominic

May God the Creator who made us, bless us. 
May God the Son send his healing among us. 
May God the Holy Spirit move within us and 
give us eyes to see with, ears to hear with,  
and hands that your work might be done. 
May we walk and preach the word of God to all. 
May the angel of peace watch over us and lead us at last by God’s grace to the Kingdom.

Amen. 

St Dominic, Pray for us

St Mary MacKillop, Pray for us 

St John the Baptist, Pray for us 

St Mary of the Cross, Pray for us,

And may we always remember, To Pray for one another 

Fiona Stretton
Religious Education Coordinator

Teaching & Learning: Anchor Charts

Anchor Charts 'Anchor charts' is another term you may have heard your child talking about. These are visual posters that help students remember important information and skills they've learned in class. As we teach a lesson, we create these charts together with the students, highlighting key points and strategies. The charts are then displayed in the classroom, providing a reference for students to use during their learning activities. Similar to learning intentions and success criteria, these charts are not laminated and may look messy as they can often be added to throughout the unit. This helps reinforce their understanding and supports them in becoming more independent learners.  

Kris Lindus and Stacey Whiting
Pedegogical Mentors

Year 5 Great Aussie Bush Camp

On Wednesday of Week 1, Year 5 and some teachers hopped on a bus to head to Tea Gardens. Some students were feeling a bit worried as it may have been their first time away from their families. Others were absolutely ecstatic and wouldn’t stop talking about how excited they were to get there and experience camp. Some might say they were a bit…too energetic. The bus ride to camp was like waiting for a musician to come onto stage, it was that loud!  

 Here's what some of the students thought of camp: 

“The archery was so fun. I shot the arrow so far and fast lots of people had to help with looking.” – George A 

“My favourite activities were flying fox and high ropes (which I got a little stuck).” - Ruby 

“After lunch, we went canoeing, and they told us there was a crocodile in it, and its name was Gummy, as it doesn't have teeth.” – Cohen 

“After we ate dinner, we had ice cream that was heavenly.” – Billy 

“We had SHOWER HOUR!! That was so chaotic. I was so happy when we got out of there and played commando. It was so much fun, but my team got found 9 times.” – Maeve 

“Sas told us a scary story that scared us so, we almost couldn’t sleep at all, but it was funny at the end.” – Jemimah  

“After lunch we went to High Ropes, and apparently, we got the best type of High Ropes, ours was in the trees! I finished the whole course and there was a flying fox at the end.” – Lucille  

“The giant swing was as high as heaven!” – Antonio  

Class Awards - Week 1 & 2, Term 3

Kindergarten - Theo M, Pippa N, Archie C, Jude S, Gilbert H, Blake W, Harlow R, Amalia B

Year 1 - Arlow, Alby, Charli, Georgie, Arnie B, Alianna G, Luka H, Stella K

Year 2 - Victoria M, Liam W, Jaxon N, Parks B

Year 3 - Harlow, Tommy, Sophie, Alex, Luka K, Axel F, Yoannis N, Mila C

Year 4 - Miranda, Ameree, Ethan, Jamie, Darcy L, Allie B

Year 5 - Maeve E, Jemimah F, Emily T, Cooper C

Year 6 - Scarlett C, Billi A, Emma L, Jake H, Sienna J, Sophie S, Elektra O, Rory E

APA Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline Community Grants Program

We have been successful in obtaining a $3000 grant from APA Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline Community Grants Program! This grant is to be used to run the Top Blokes program for our Year 5 boys during Term 3. The Top Blokes program’s aim is to enable young men to live their best lives by guiding them though the complexities of early adolescence with a focus on promoting healthy and safe lifestyles.

For more information see https://www.topblokes.org.au/

We are very thankful to the from APA Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline Community Grants Program for this wonderful opportunity.

SchoolTV: Eating Anxiety - Special report

The complexity of eating anxiety stems from a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors. Young people may develop this anxiety due to social pressures related to eating in front of others, fears about body image, or due to more ingrained issues such as eating disorders. Additionally, cultural norms or dietary restrictions can also play significant roles, as can direct experiences like bullying or teasing related to food choices or eating habits.

Whilst not a formally recognised condition, eating anxiety is a genuine and often overwhelming experience that can significantly hinder a young person's ability to participate in everyday activities comfortably. This condition can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and social withdrawal, impacting overall health and academic performance.

Recognising and addressing eating anxiety is crucial for parents, carer, and educators. Through education, policy changes, and community support, we can help young people manage their anxieties and improve their relationship with food, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and social interactions.

This Special Report will help you understand how best to support a child experiencing anxiety around eating.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://maitlandsj.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-eating-anxiety-au

Information about Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Are you interested in finding out what is involved in becoming a Catholic or know someone that is?

Are you/they feeling called into a relationship with God?
Perhaps married to a Catholic, have Catholic children, and would like
to know more about the Catholic faith?

Maybe the realities of life are awakening deeper questions within you/them?

Becoming a Catholic is a spiritual journey that is firstly about developing a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

This journey, referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA),
and is highlighted by ceremonies or “rites” which help you to experience the love and support of a caring faith community.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Catholic and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process, please note there will be an Enquiry Evening on August 7th 2024 commencing at 7PM, in the THERRY CENTRE, East Maitland.

If you are in any way interested, would you please register your name and contact details and advise if you plan to attend the Enquiry Evening by contacting the Parish Office on 49338918 or chisholm@mn.catholic.org.au

Or alternatively, a representative of the Maitland Catholic Region RCIA Team directly, either Margaret 0419 335 878 or Wayne 0448 924 771.

Should you have any enquiries in the meantime, please get in touch with any of the abovementioned contacts.