Term 3 Week 6

From the Principal

Building Update

During the July school holidays, external refurbishments began on the Kindergarten/Year 1 building to restore its original brickwork. However, after removing the paint, it became clear that the bricks underneath were not able to be exposed due to the wear over time. Therefore, in consultation with community historians and architects, it was decided to repaint the building in light grey to complement the rest of the building. The project is expected to be completed during the September school holidays. I appreciate the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese for financing this project to ensure the history of this building and its appearance is maintained. 

Staffing - Pathway to Permanency

I wanted to update you on an important initiative, the "Pathway to Permanency," which affects how staff positions are managed within the diocese.

Over the past year, the Maitland Newcastle Diocese People and Culture team have been reviewing temporary staff positions to determine eligibility for permanent roles, in line with Fair Work legislation. As a result of this process, some positions that might have been advertised will not be, as we are working to transition eligible temporary staff into permanent roles. This initiative ensures we are complying with legislation and maintains a stable, experienced team for our students. 

Animals at school

It is wonderful to hear about students pets and the positive relationship that they have with them. At times, students request to bring these pets in to share with the class or with staff member, unfortunately this is a request that we can not approve due to the risk associated with having the pet on site. As with all school, we are not able to have animals, including dogs in the school ground including drop off in the morning or pick up in the afternoon. 

As a school we do have a therapy dog, Bear who visits the schools once a week. Bear, like all visitors, has gone through the required risk assessments to be here and has been trained for this position. 

If you have any questions about animals or pets at school, please contact the front office.

Fortnightly Frame - Around St John the Baptist

From the Assistant Principal

Debating 

Debating is part of our Stage 3 curriculum. It is a powerful teaching tool as it covers a range of skills, including: 

• Learning to find evidence to support an argument or position  
• Learning to distinguish credible sources of information  
• Finding and interpreting data  
• Reading and summarising information  
• Considering different perspectives on a topic  
• Collaboration and teamwork skills  
• Public speaking skills  
• Developing confidence in working with others and communicating ideas  
• Learning how to speak or write persuasively  

Yesterday we had the privilege of hosting the Lower Hunter Debating Competition. We welcomed debating teams from St Aloysius, Chisholm, St Joseph’s, East Maitland, St Patrick’s, Lochinvar, Rosary Park, Branxton, St Paul’s, Rutherford and St Patrick’s, Cessnock.  We had 2 debating teams ourselves and each team took part in 2 debates. 

Members of Team 1 included Billie, Roxy, Rosie and Phoebe. The first team they debated against was St Paul’s, Rutherford and the topic was “Movies are better than books.” They were the negative team. Their second debate was against St Aloysius, and this time they were the affirmative team. The topic was “Children have a bright future.”

Members of Team 2 included Penny, Sienna, Lachlan and Gabby. Their first debate was against St Joseph’s, East Maitland and they were the affirmative team for “Competitive sports do more harm than good.”  The second team they debated against was St Patrick’s, Cessnock, and their topic was “It is better to live in the country.” 

While neither of our teams won the competition, both teams debated and argued their points incredibly well. I was very proud of how well they participated and represented our school! A special thanks to Mr Tobin and Mrs Murdoch in worked so hard in preparing our students for the competition! 

A special mention to Miranda, Sophie and Vera who assisted in chairing the competition and to Lana and Nicholas who assisted our adjudicators Mrs Nepia and Mrs Tihema (from ASC) in timekeeping.  

Religious Education

 Communion 

Congratulations to the SJB students who have made their First Holy Communion over the past week and the students who will be making their First Holy Communion over the coming weeks. Congratulations on making this sacred milestone! We pray for God to bless them on their journey. 

Harper A, Nicholas A, Ruby, A, Billi A, Meila A, Marianne B, Oliver B, Cooper C, Zoe C, Sophie C, Lily C, River C, Jessie C, Archer D, Kaylani D, Marlowe D, Josie F, Hannay-May F, Phoebe F, Hugo G, Ayla H, Ollie H, Halle H, James J, Sienna J, Lawson J, Luka K, Hudson M, Jack M, Lainey M, Georgia N, Thomas N, Olive P, Georgia P, Luke R, Austin S, Meeka S, Nancy S, Leo T, Nate V. 

 Socktober 2024!  

This year we are raising awareness and funds for the Caring Centre in Mongolia. In preparation for our term 4 activities, we are requesting donations of the following types of recycled materials – t-shirts, socks, rags (clean), packaging paper, bubble wrap, plastic bags, string. Donations can be brought to the office.  

Sport

Sporting School’s Grant

For the next 4 weeks on Thursdays, our primary students will be participating in 30-minute AFL sessions. Primary students are to wear their sports uniform to school on Thursdays. Teachers will be in touch with their class regarding if they are required to wear their sports uniform on their usual allocated sports day.

Child Protection Week

‘Every conversation matters’

Next week is Child Protection Week. Throughout the week, our students will be taking part in various activities. These activities assist in teaching our children tools which help keep them safe if they ever find themselves in a tricky or dangerous situation.

Please find below a great resource for parents from the Office of Safeguarding.

Resources for Parents and Carers padlet

In 2024, the National Child Protection Week message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘Every conversation matters’.

Conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well.

Conversations can help us understand issues, craft solutions, value community knowledge, and build the brains and social connections of children and young people.

Conversations between
…children and their caregivers matter (from the very earliest days)
…children and their peers matter
…families with teachers, doctors, and other professionals matter
…friends or neighbours matter

…decision-makers and the communities they serve matter.

And, of course, conversations in the public realm and media matter…

So this National Child Protection Week we invite you to speak up – and speak together – about what needs to change for every child in every community to have a fair go.

This theme provides a platform to:

• engage in important conversations,
• promote the value of conversations, and
• equip us to have conversations that keep kids safe.

Class Awards Week 5 & 6

Congratulations to our class award winners for Week 5 & 6!

Kindergarten - Phoebe C, Myles G, Allie F, Farrah K, Elvie H, Florence H, Frankie D

Year 1 - Chayse, Aya, Chloe, Arianna, Mackenzie J, Violet M, Hope N, Willa T

Year 2 - Georgie K, River M, Vincent N, Arlo B, Thomas O, India S, Jasper O

Year 3 - Elliot P, Lily C, Jack M, Jack M, Cooper C, Georgia N, Leo T, Meeka S

Year 4 - Hamish M, Maddalyn M, Leilani D, Archer D, Ethan M, Poppi K, Ethan B, Avielle C

Year 5 - Luca H, Zali D, Patrick B, Archer F, Matilda F, Zavier N, Zachary P, William H

Year 6 -Capri F, Madison C, Addison P, Eliza M, Ruby B, Halle H, Brayden M, Mason D

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!

ACTiv8 Youth Ministry

Kids Mass September

SVDP Volunteers Needed

Forming the Sacramental Life of the Church