Term 2 Week 6
From the Principal
Celebrating Catholic Schools Week - "Pilgrims of Hope"
Last Friday I had the privilege of joining our school captains and ST Vincent de Paul leaders at the Cathedral, alongside staff and students from all Catholic schools across the Maitland - Newcastle Diocese, to celebrate the beginning of Catholic Schools Week with Bishop Michael. It was a fabulous celebration and a beautiful way to commence Catholic Schools week, a week where we celebrate all the wonderful things about Catholic schools!
This year for Catholic Schools Week, we have celebrated with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope", reflecting on what it means to journey together as people of hope, grounded in our Catholic faith and at St John the Baptist, our Dominican pillars. .
On Wednesday, our school community gathered for a joyful liturgy led by our Year 1 students. It was made even more meaningful by the presence of so many families, who joined us afterwards in classrooms for formation activities. It was a wonderful opportunity to grow together in faith, with parents, grandparents, and siblings learning alongside our students.
Throughout the week, we explored the idea of pilgrimage in different ways, being led by our Dominican Pillars:
Pilgrims of Service: Students created a vibrant thank you banner to say thank you to those who help and support us in our daily lives at school;
Pilgrims of Study: Each students participated in learning conversations and buddy activities, reflecting on their learning from the semester and celebrating their growth.
Pilgrims of Community: In the afternoon, we came together to play, connect, and enjoy being one school community.
This week we also joined with All Saints College and St Nicholas Early Education – Maitland to visually display our students' hopes at the front of each setting. Every student across these communities shared a personal hope, for their school, Maitland, Australia, or the world. It has been inspiring to read and hear the deep and thoughtful responses from our students.
As Catholic people, we are people of hope. This week has been a powerful reminder of our shared mission to carry that hope into our learning, our relationships, and our world.
Fortnightly Frames
Year 1 students from St John the Baptist and Year 10 students from All Saints College collaborated on a shared artwork for Reconciliation Week, now proudly displayed on our front fence as a symbol of unity, respect, and hope for the future.
Students and staff from All Saints College, St John the Baptist, Bishop Michael, and P&F Diocesan leaders gathered to celebrate the beginning of Catholic Schools Week with a special liturgy at the Cathedral.
Student representatives from our Catholic community came together share their hopes for their community as part of our Catholic Schools Week celebrations. Make sure you keep an eye out for these ribbons when driving past!
Our Learning Support staff took part in a special formation activity at St Mary’s Chapel. A wonderful opportunity to come together, reflect, and grow in faith as a team.
Two of our students are proudly representing our school in the Diocesan Virtual Academy, working with a teacher and peers from across the Diocese to inquire into exciting and challenging learning experiences. I look forwrad to them sharing their work with us all later in the term.
We launched the elusive Golden Gotcha this week, with only three awarded this week across the whole school! Ask your child about it – they’re sure to have a story to share!
Assistant Principal News
As we approach the end of the semester, teachers are busy preparing student reports—a valuable tool that provides a snapshot of your child’s progress and achievements throughout Terms 1 and 2.
School reports reflect your child’s growth in key learning areas, effort, and engagement. At the primary level, we aim to celebrate each child’s progress, highlight strengths, and identify areas for further development.
Each report is based on a range of assessment tools and classroom observations. Teachers consider how students apply their knowledge and skills, work collaboratively, and demonstrate persistence and creativity in their learning.
We encourage parents and carers to read reports together with their child. This opens valuable conversations around learning goals and next steps. Recognising effort and discussing challenges in a supportive way can help build confidence and a growth mindset.
Reports will go live on Compass on 4 July. Parents will be invited to attend a student led conference during Weeks 1 and 2 where student will be able to showcase and share their learning and future goals.
Spelling Bee
Religious Education
Catholic Schools Week
This week, our school community joyfully came together to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, embracing the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” It was a time to reflect on our shared mission, celebrate our faith, and honour the vibrant spirit that unites students, staff, and families. We began our celebrations with the School leaders and Mini Vinnies leaders representing St John the Baptist at a Diocesan celebration of Catholic Schools at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of meaningful activities under the guiding themes of our Dominican Charism; Pilgrims of Study, Pilgrims of Prayer, Pilgrams of Service and Pilgrams of Community.
Students explored the rich history and beauty of our faith through virtual tours of St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. On Wednesday, the school gathered for a Catholic Schools Week Liturgy, a moment of shared prayer and reflection. Following the liturgy, students were joined by families and participated in classroom-based formation activities. Thursday saw the sun come out while we gathered as a community for our Athletics carnival. To close the week, students and teachers came together for learning conversations followed by shared play. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all staff, students, and families for making this week a meaningful and memorable celebration of our Catholic identity. Your enthusiasm and dedication truly brought the spirit of hope to life.
Catholic Schools Week Prayer
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.
Amen.
Religious Education Curriculum Update – Year 4
This year at St John the Baptist, along with all other schools across the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, Year 4 students are experiencing a new Religious Education Curriculum, which is taught using the Pedagogy of Encounter. Year 4 began Called to Serve with module 1 Called to Share our Gifts and are now working on the second module The Spirit at Work in the World. The module explores the presence of the Holy Spirit in daily lives, empowering the Church, and enabling God’s people to do God’s work. Below is an example of the work created by Year 4 in RE.
Athletics Carnival
School Athletics Carnival
It was a fantastic day yesterday at the Athletics Carnival. Thank you to the students for your sportsmanship, participation and efforts yesterday. Thank you to the staff for your assistance with the events, supervision, recording, running the canteen and organisation. A special thank you to parent helpers Reanna Lantry, Alexandra McCormack, Rachel Geelan, Samantha Prescott, Eliza Smethurst, Karen Stanwell, and Vikki Wrigley. Students progressing to the Regionals will receive letters next week.
Reconciliation Week
Recently, Year 1 and the Year 9 Visual Arts Elective students at ASC worked on a cross-stage Reconciliation Week project. Together we discussed, planned, sketched, painted and created a variety of indigenous inspired eucalyptus leaves which have been placed on our school’s front fence. They look amazing!
This year’s Reconciliation Week theme is ‘Bridging- Now to Next’. This theme emphasises the ongoing connection between past, present, and future, encouraging all Australians to look ahead and continue the push forward towards a united and respectful nation, guided by past lessons. Thank you to the Year 1 SJB and Year 9 ASC Visual Arts staff and students for their efforts and building positive connections between the two schools.
Sporting News
NSWPSSA Rugby League 11 Years Championships
On 2nd, 3rd and 4th June, Ethan participated in the NSWPSSA Rugby League Championships in Blacktown. Ethan had a great time and won 2 games. Well done Ethan.
Polding Touch
Congratulations to Cooper, Ethan and Ellie who have progressed to the Polding Touch. They will go to Port Macquarie in week 10
DIO Rugby Union
Well done to William, Cooper, Max, Zac and Patrick who trialed at the DIO Rugby trials yesterday. Congratulations to Cooper, Max, Zac and Patrick who have progressed to the Polding Rugby Union trials. They are off to Forbes in July.
NSWPSSA Tennis
Genevieve participated in the Polding Tennis Team at the NSWPSSA Tennis Championships held in Bathurst during 6th - 9th May.
Over the course of the tournament Genevieve played in 12 matches winning 8 of these against the best players from the other regional teams vying for individual selection into the NSWPSSA Tennis Team to go to the National Finals in October.
Genevieve was an instrumental member of the Polding Team as the number five seeded girl for the Team. She is to be commended for the fantastic way that she played tennis, singles and doubles and the excellent sportsmanship she showed whilst playing her tennis as part of the Polding Tennis Team at the Championships.
Geneive’s efforts helped the Polding team achieve the excellent result of 4th place overall out of the 13 regional teams that were participating at the PSSA Championships. Thank you Genevieve for your excellent efforts and leadership whilst playing at the PSSA Championships, great work! Adam Foley. Polding Tennis Team Manager 2025.
Polding Cross Country
Unfortunately the DIO Cross Country was cancelled due to the bad weather. 3 students have been selected to run at the Polding Cross Country next week in Sydney. Good luck to Alex - 8/9 boys, Hannah - 8/9 girls and Ayla 10 Year girls.
Class Awards
Congratulations to our class award winners for Week 4, 5 & 6!
Kindergarten: Sophie D, Myles P, Henryk T, Tyral R, Cooper S
Year 1: Myles G, Isla H, Aluna W, Elvie H, Lily W, Blake W, Frankie G, Remi L, Theo M
Year 2: Rohan C, Alianna G, Arnold B, Eli F, Harry B, Charli C
Year 3: Lilly B, Nash H, Miranda M, Leila C, Harper, Logan, Lukah G, Isabella N, Charlotte B
Year 4: Tommy D, Nancy S, Ashton S, Elliot P, Austin S, Jack Mc, Meeka S, Lochlan M, Lyrah F
Year 5: Mackenzie B, Zarliah J, Jack W, Jamie C, Ethan B, Zoe C
Year 6: Edison W, Patrick R, Toby G, Darcy M, Genevieve T, Zavier N, Lizzie S, Dylan G, Luke R
Finance
School fee statements are available through your Compass portal.
Please note: Joint fee accounts are emailed to only one debtor. If you are paying in instalments, you will be considered in arrears if your first payment has not been made. The bottom of your statement shows the payments required to have your account paid in full by the due date of 30 November 2025.
Payments can be made via BPAY, or you may contact us to request a form to set up a Direct Debit from your bank account.
If you choose to pay more than the required amount, any extra payments will remain as credit on your account and be applied to next year’s fees.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance on admin@maitlandsj.catholic.edu.au