Term 3 Week 4

From the Principal

Assumption of Mary - 15th August

On the August 15th, we were delighted to celebrate the Assumption of Mary, a significant feast day in our Catholic tradition. This special day commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed into Heaven at the end of her earthly life, body and soul. It’s a profound reminder of her unique role in our faith and her unwavering devotion to God.

For our students, the Assumption of Mary offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the virtues of humility, faith, and devotion. As we explore this feast day, we encourage our students to think about Mary’s example of trust in God’s plan and her selfless service to others. Her life teaches us the importance of following our values and supporting each other in our community. Thank you to our year 2 students who lead our liturgy.

Student safety after school

At our school, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. While we work diligently to create a secure environment within our school grounds, it’s essential that we also prepare our students to handle situations they may encounter outside of school.

Here are a few key points to discuss with your child to reinforce the importance of safety:

* Recognise and Avoid Strangers: Teach your child to be cautious around adults they do not know. Remind them that if someone they don’t recognize approaches them, they should keep a safe distance and avoid engaging with the person.

* Stick to the Plan: Encourage your child to follow the plans you’ve set for their journey home. Whether they walk, bike, or are picked up, they should stick to the agreed-upon route and times. Changes to this routine should be communicated clearly to both you and the school.

* Stay in Groups: If possible, students should travel with friends or family members. 

* Report Suspicious Behavior: Encourage your child to report any unusual or suspicious behavior to a trusted adult immediately. We regularly talk with studnets about their safety network, 5 adults that they feel safe to talk with.

To support these efforts, our school staff will continue to be vigilant and provide supervision during dismissal times. We will also conduct refresher sessions on safety procedures with our students to reinforce these important messages.

Your partnership in this matter is invaluable. Please take the time to discuss these points with your child and ensure they understand the importance of staying safe. 

Fortnightly Frames: Around St John the Baptist

Hour of Power - HOP

This year, we have trialled a new initiative across Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. In responding to student needs, Hour of Power (abbreviated to HOP) aims to deliver intensive teaching and support to students across the grade level. Students are placed in small groups according to their learning needs and our specialist and support educators provide them with explicit, small group teaching and instruction for one hour each day. The focus is on literacy, including reading, writing, spelling, and vocabulary. The HOP teaching team supports one grade per term, and we are currently working with Kindergarten. The response from our students (and staff!) has been overwhelmingly positive and this is reflected in our student data.

National Science Week

National Science Week 10th-18th August, 2024This year's theme, "Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability," aims to highlight the importance of innovation and scientific research in maintaining robust ecosystems globally. This year, we will be acknowledging and celebrating Science Week during Week 10 where students will take part in activities with their classroom teachers.

For more information on National Science Week including some free local events being offered, please click on the website below. https://www.scienceweek.net.au/ 

Mrs Stacey Whiting

Assistant Principal

Dominican Faith Formation

Last week, SJB students participated in an enriching Dominican Faith Formation event, where they engaged in a variety of meaningful activities designed to deepen their understanding of our Dominican values and their understanding of God. 

Through interactive activities, reflective discussions, and community-building exercises, students explored the Dominican pillars of Prayer, Study, Community, and Service. The formation afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for our students to grow spiritually and build lasting connections with their peers, all while embracing the spirit of our Dominican tradition.  

Mrs Fiona Stretton

Religious Education Coordinator

ASPIRE Young Actors Program at SJB

Congratulations to Stella L (Year 5), who is involved in the Young Actors Program, an ASPIRE program initiative created due to the overwhelming number of students auditioning for the drama ensemble in ASPIRE. Stella was selected to be a part of this program, and has worked incredibly hard over the past term creating an original one act play called ‘Trapped’.

Stella will be performing on Friday 30 August 2024 at the Warners Bay Theatre.  There will be a matinee at 11.00 am and an evening performance at 6.00 pm. Tickets for these performances are available via the Ticketebo service. We can't wait to see you perform Stella!

Year 6 Science Incursion

Year 6 really enjoyed their science incursion with The Newcastle Museum. Students learned about explosive pressure and the digestive system and demonstrated great scientific knowledge.

Student Representative Council

A very big thank you to our SRC representatives from Semester 1: Penny T, Parks B, Cleo L, Hunter T, Axel L, Ayla H, Marianne N, Beau G, Ethan C, Aurelia C, Simon L, Jack W, Dylan G, Darcy M, Maeve E, Luca H, Mason D, Harvey D, Maddie C, and Emma L. These students did a wonderful job representing their peers during Semester 1. Their achievements include drafting and finalising the St John the Baptist Handball Rules, promoting World Asthma Day, and recommending a range of school improvements including seating for the Gillieston Heights/Louth Park bus waiting area.

This semester, we welcome the following students to the SRC: Alexander B, Madeleine B, Harvey A, Charlotte B, Hannah-May F, Yoannis N, Hugo G, Kaylani D, Zoe C, Patrick P, Ameree C, Thomas W, Lucille F, Declan B, Zali D, Patrick B, Braith C, Halle H, Miranda S, and Lachi C. We look forward to hearing their ideas and the ideas they bring on behalf of their peers.

Sporting News

Well done to Billi and Scarlett who have had an incredible 4 days of representing Polding at the NSW PSSA Touch Championships.
A huge congratulations to Scarlett who was named Captain of the Polding Team and Players Player! Scarlett has also been selected to represent the NSW PSSA Team at the State Championships in Brisbane. Well done Scarlett!

NSWPSSA Netball Championships

Scarlett is also currently representing Polding at the PSSA Netball Championships. Congratulations Scarlett!

Battery Recycling

Our school is ‘charging ahead’ with the ‘Power Up’ battery recycling program in conjunction with Maitland City Council and being held in Terms 2 and 3.

Our school community has recycled 45kg of batteries during Term 2!

Did you know that it is best to tape used batteries with clear sticky tape to reduce a fire risk?

Please keep sending the following batteries to our school office- D, C, AA, AAA, 9V, Button (small round types)

Here is how we are going to compared to other schools in the Local Government Area:

APA Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline Community Grants Program

We are very grateful for the $3000 grant from APA Kurri Kurri Lateral Pipeline Community Grants Program! We are excited to use this grant to run the Top Blokes program for our Year 5 boys. 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!

Class Awards - Week 3 & 4, Term 3

Kindergarten - Harper R, Isla H, Nate S, Niall M, Isla T, Jesse K, Ivy M

Year 1 - Teddy T, Madeline M, Mack H, Ellie M, Huxley A, Charlotte J, Edie L, Theo P, Mason VH

Year 2 - Hunter T, Elle W, Bella C, Oakland C, Jackson G, Lukah G, Charlie D

Year 3 - Harper A, Hugo G, Lainey M, Ashton S, Riley P, Austin S, Nate V, Aviella G, Sophia H

Year 4 - Thomas W, Annabelle T, Joe M, James B, Madison K, Elliot P, Elle A, Chloe M

Year 5 - Siobhan M, Billy D, William D, Emmett R

Year 6 - Yasmin H, Lana M, Indy T, Kobi J, Daniel B, Arlow M, Charlie C, Rosie P

Forming the sacramental life of the Church

The Maitland Catholic Region will be hosting formation sessions to renew our sacramental life as part of our preparation and celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025 . The first step in formation will focus on sacrament and liturgy. Two identical sessions are available. The sessions will be held in the library at All Saints College, Maitland. Everyone is welcome to attend.