Term 3 Week 8
From the Principal
Modification of School Sports Shirt
Following feedback from parents, the school is investigating a new sports shirt option. As part of the Catholic Schools Office procedure, the P & F, as parent representatives, have been consulted and have put forward options, including the option of not changing the sports shirt, for parents, staff and students to vote on.
The link below is to a survey that is being sent to all parents enrolled at the school, outlining the sport shirt options, with staff and students also having any oppurtunity to vote over the next two weeks. The survey will close on Thursday the 26th September 2026. A majority of returned surveys will determine the community’s decision. Please note that surveys not returned are not an indication of approval or otherwise and will not be counted.
It is important to recognise that the change of sport shirt, if agreed on by the community, will commence in 2026 with students having a number of years to transition from the old sport shirt to the new one. I am working closely with Ken Lane Menswear and Uniforms in Maitland through this process to ensure a quality product is produced.
What is your student sport shirt option at St John the Baptist, commencing from 2026?
Poll is closed
Staffing News
Paul O'Keefe
After 23 years at St John the Baptist, Paul O'Keefe has made the decision to retire at the end of Term 3. Paul is widely known and respected in our school community and has been a constant figure of afternoons ensuring that the school environment is ready for our return on the next day. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void, but his legacy of hard work and kindness will continue to be remembered fondly by the entire school community. As he embarks on this new chapter, we wish Paul our gratitude and best wishes. Parents and carers are invited to join us on Wednesday the 25th September at 2:15 as we farewell Paul with a school liturgy.
Cathryn Pilley
It is a great honour to announce that Cath Pilley has been appointed as Religious Education Coordinator at St Patrick's, Wallsend from 2025. Cath has been working at St John the Baptist for the past 15 years in a variety of roles, demonstrating her passion for students and the SJB community. While we are going to miss, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new journey. We wish her all the best in her new role and are confident she will continue to inspire and lead in her new position.
Ellen Morgan
Ellen Morgan, who has been a dedicated teacher at SJB since 2019, will be taking leave from her teaching position in 2025. Ellen will be relocating to Port Macquarie, where she will take the opportunity to pursue new professional opportunities. We are grateful for Ms. Morgan’s contribution to our school community and wish her all the best for her new adventures in Port Macquarie.
Kellie Abbiss
Kellie Abbiss has accepted a diocesan permanent teaching position at St John the Baptist commencing in 2025. Kellie has been a temporary teacher at St John the Baptist since 2023 and I am thrilled to be able to appoint her in this permanent position.
Fortnightly Frames - Around St John the Baptist
Our Yr 1 students were taught Science by ASC Year 10 students. They are completing an inquiry about Living Things this term and are enjoying being taught by the older students in the science labs.
This term all grades have been looking at Public Speaking. Last week we held the Public Speaking finals. Congratulations to Charlotte, Mia & Roxy who will compete at the Lower Hunter Public Speaking Competition. Thank you to Mrs McCartney & Mrs Summerville for judging our speakers.
Our students enjoying the spring weather at ASC - Year 6 challenging Yr 12 in a game of Volleyball
Yr 2 showcase was held in the classroom with each student talking about their learnings in History and Geography as well as showing their learning books to visitors.
Last week SJB celebrated 'Child Protection Week'. You may have noticed your student coming home with a white wristband, keen to tell you about their 'Safety Network', 5 adults that they feel comfortable to talk to for help.
Perpetual Day of Remembrance
Sunday September 15 is an important day in our Diocese. It is known as our Perpetual Day of Remembrance. We pause to remember that children have not always been safe. Lots of things have changed since then. You will recall that last week we celebrated National Child Protection Week when we highlighted all the good things we do these days to make sure children and young people feel safe and supported in our schools and the broader Church.
It is important that all of us do our part to make sure everyone in our school – students, staff and families – feel safe, respected and supported. On September 15 we focus on Jesus and pray that we will keep changing and growing and behaving in ways that allow all people in our community to be safe, to be respected and to be free to learn and grow.
Sporting News
Rugby
A massive thank you to our amazing parents Nathan Weir, Marty McCullum and Nick O’Toole who gave up their valuable time to train and coach our Stage 2 and 3 Rugby teams for an upcoming gala day. The boys and girls had a fantastic training session and we really appreciate you helping our students!
Author Visit in the Library
On Friday 27th September students in the Primary Grades (3 to 6) will be joining award winning author/illustrator Sami Bayly for a series of interactive workshops.
Sami Bayly is a natural history illustrator based in Newcastle, who loves to share weird and wonderful stories about the most unusual aspects of nature.
She has published 5 books, 3 of which are part of The Illustrated Encyclopaedia series. Sami will be sharing her books with us during her visit. Students do have the chance to preorder any of Sami’s books before her visit.
Class Awards Week 7 & 8
Congratulations to our class award winners for Week 7 & 8!
Kindergarten - Taya M, Ezra G, Frankie G, Romie C, Skyla S, Henley W, Milla S
Year 1 - Hugh, Ruby, Archer, Phoebe, Aria L, Chloe S, Layla T, Isabella T
Year 2 - Aysha K, Adeline W,Abigail H, Caleb R, Charlie D
Year 3 - Quinn D, Georgia P, Josie F, Elsy B, Ayla H, Geronimo G, Gabriella G, Jaxon L
Year 4 - Penelope S, Joe M, Leilani D, Jamie C, Jacob P, Patrick P, Patrick G, Sophie C, Oliver L
Year 5 - Evie W, Stevi T, Lachlan H, Logan H, Lucille F, Ollie H, Gracie S, Elizabeth S
Year 6 - Flynn A, Harvey D, Hugh D, Miranda S, Maddison C, Grace M, Lola S, Jesse C
ASPIRE Holiday Workshops
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!