10 August 2023

Principal’s Message – Kate Ferguson

This week we recognised the Feast Days of St Dominic and St Mary of the Cross. Two individuals who lived centuries apart but who guide our practices at St John the Baptist Primary School. Chris Sheridan, our REC reports more about this celebration below in the newsletter and I encourage you to talk with your children to hear about their own learnings.

Playground update

On the last day of school I met with Diocese representatives to discuss the final plans for the playground refurbishment. This will be going to tender shortly for imminent commencement. This project has been designed by Terras Landscapes and Architecture.

As part of this process, students were asked to provide feedback on suggested playground structures and the SRC led consultation meetings in each classroom. Student voice clearly identified the following  three designs and will be used in the creation of the new ‘playground structure’.

Annual School Visit

Last week Diocese representatives including Lisa Tierney (Chief of Operation for the Maitland Newcastle Diocese), Trish Coelho (Assistant Head of Transition & Projects), Oliver Connolly (Head of Finance), Peter Hanlan (Service Manager) and Patricia Humble (Regional Service Advisor) to gain a better understanding of St John the Baptist and its operation. These visits are occurring in all schools across the diocese and it was an amazing visit to showcase who we are to people who have never been to St John the Baptist.

This visit will help to shape our future learning direction and identify areas of growth to help students thrive in their learning and development. 

Compass

Are you able to access compass, either the app or through the website? All school announcements, notes and events are put through compass. This is the best way to stay up to date with information at St John the Baptist. If you are having difficulty can you please contact the front office at school.

Assistant Principal’s Message – Stacey Whiting

National Science Week-12th-20th August, 2023 

Science Week 2023 is an annual event that celebrates the wonders of science and its impact on our daily lives. This week long event brings together scientists, researchers, educators, and the general public to promote scientific knowledge and inspire the next generation of innovators. 

The theme for Science Week 2023 is " Innovation: Powering Future Industries.” This theme aims to showcase the latest advancements in technology in all industries, especially using artificial intelligence (AI). 

Throughout the week, students will take part in science experiments and demonstrations. Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments and engage in thought-provoking conversations with their peers and teachers. We will share our learning on our school Facebook page next week so make sure you check it out!  

For more information on National Science Week please visit  

Religious Education – Chris Sheridan

St Dominic & St Mary MacKillop

Remembering and celebrating the work of our two amazing Catholic pioneers.

Yesterday commenced with the whole school gathered in front of our ‘new’ Dominican signpost, to hear some of the history of St Dominic and Australia’s only saint, Mary MacKillop. The teaching sisters from of the order of St Dominic came from Ireland to teach in our very small St John the Baptist parish school – the first Dominican school in Australia. At about the same time – in the mid1800s, Mary Mackillop commenced a small bush school for underprivileged children in Penola, South Australia. Their common purpose, to educate children to have acknowledge and love of God and to have greater employment opportunities.

Later in the day, in smaller groups, staff and children walked between four stations, marking the ’Four Pillars of St Dominic’ = Community, Service, Study and Prayer. These pillars underpin our school’s PBL (Positive Behaviours for Learning) and guide us in ways to live by truly Christian Values. It was a peaceful, engaging and prayerful way to mark the importance of these two charismatic and determined disciples. A big thank you especially to Mrs Pilley, Mrs Haines  and Ms Wells for guiding us through each step (literally).

Walking with our students, helping them to experience another way to pray, to remember, to reflect and to show respect for those who came before us is at the core of what we are called to do in Catholic Education.

    St Dominic                                   Pray for us
    St Mary MacKillop                       Pray for us
    St John the Baptist                       Pray for us

    And may we always remember    To Pray for one another. 

First Holy Communion

Reminder!  A copy of the First Holy Communion enrolment form is available on Compass today. For those who may have not received these details, you will need to contact the Parish Office without delay. See dates below.

Chisholm Pastoral Region    302 High Street Maitland     Ph: 49338918
Email: SOIchisholm@mn.catholic.org.au 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION DATES FOR 2023

Our Lady of Lourdes, Beresfield - Cnr Delprat and Anderson Drive, Beresfield

Saturday at 6pm 19th August 2023    full
Saturday 26^th at 6pm August 2023- full

St Joseph’s, East Maitland - Cnr King & Newcastle Road, East Maitland

Saturday at 5pm 19^th August 2023-full
Sunday at 8.30am 20^th  August 2023
Sunday at 6pm 20^th August 2023
Saturday at 5pm 27^th August 2023-full
Sunday at 8.30am 28^th August 2023
Sunday at 6pm 28^th August 2023
Saturday at 5pm 2^nd September 2023
Sunday at 8.30am 3^rd September 2023
Sunday at 6pm 3^rd September 2023

Sacred Heart, Campbell’s Hill @ St Paul’s, Rutherford - 10 Young Street Rutherford

Saturday at 6:30pm 19th August 2023     full
Saturday 26^th at 6:30pm August 2023

St Paul’s, Rutherford - 10 Young Street Rutherford

Sunday at 8am 20th  August 2023
Sunday at 8am 27^th August 2023

St Patricks, Lochinvar – New England Highway Lochinvar

Sunday at 9:30am 20th August 2023
Sunday at 9:30am 27^th August 2023

Holy Family, Largs – cnr Church & John Sts Largs

Sunday at 8:20am 20th August 2023
Sunday at 8:20am 27^th August 2023

St Columba’s, Paterson – cnr Church & Prince Street, Paterson

Sunday at 9:30am 20th August 2023 full
Sunday at 9:30am 27^th August 2023 full

Immaculate Conception, Morpeth – Cnr George & James Sts, Morpeth

Sunday at 7:15am 20th August 2023
Sunday at 7:15am 27^th August 2023

Purpose of Religious Education in a Catholic School

For many of us, we are reminded from time to time to think about why we do what we do. It is important that in our respective workplaces, occupations and even our creative free choice options/leisure time – that we review from time to time – just why we do what we do.

So why do Catholic Schools teach Religion? Why do we as part of the Catholic community pray and talk about God, celebrate the feast day of Saints and place Jesus at the heart of all we do? What does it mean to be Catholic?

I could answer these questions in many different ways, but today I want to share with you a foundation statement that we as Catholic educators in this diocese, know as the Catholic Principles across the Curriculum. This statement attempts to articulate, at least in part, those very questions. The following statement unpins our teaching programs in Religion, Maths, English, Science, History/Geography, Creative Arts and Personal Development /Physical Education.

Rationale and Catholic Principles    

At St John the Baptist Primary School Maitland we promote the teaching of The Principles of Catholic Social Justice Teaching and Catholic Literacy throughout all Key Learning Areas and in every aspect of daily school life.

Students are taught to be responsible, respectful learners through the example of Jesus Christ. The inclusivity taught by Jesus Christ is regularly recalled, and is a focus of our school, as we strive to fulfil our motto Truth and Forgiveness.

We educate the whole person; nurturing their spirituality and emotional intelligence as well as their academic lives, supported by our Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL). These are the building blocks for our students to become Stewards of God’s Creation and remarkable Catholic citizens in our world today.

The statement above, sits alongside further specific statements for each of the 7 curriculum areas named above and these are tailored to each class from Kinder to Year 6.

If you would like a copy, please let me know via MAJ-Admin@catholic.edu.au

Primary Coordinator – Sara Murdoch

Sporting news

Athletics

Congratulations to our incredible athletes Lincoln Greentree, Patrick O'Toole and Eadie Gollan who have progressed through to the Polding Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park on the 13^th October. Well done kids! 

Rugby

Congratulations to the amazing Ruby Sweeney who has made the Girls Rugby 7's Polding Team! Ruby and her family will be heading to Mudgee on the 4^th and 5^th of September.  What a legend! Well done Ruby! 

Interrelate - Year 5 and 6

On the 31^st August, 7^th September and 14^th September, Years 5 and 6 will be taking part in the Interrelate program, 'Moving into the Teen Years'. This will be done at school, face to face with an Interrelate Educator. This three part program consolidates our learning within our PDHPE curriculum. This program is designed to enhance self-esteem, consolidate previous lessons regarding physical changes to their bodies, relationship education, it will also help develop communication and decision making skills. Exploring a range of adolescent issues, this comprehensive program is designed for this important time in the lives of senior primary school students. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions regarding the program.

Brainstorm Productions - Being Brave 

On the 14^th August,  Brainstorm Productions will be presenting their student wellbeing performance ‘Being Brave’ to our Kindergarten to Year 6 students. ‘Being Brave’ is a live educational theatre performance that gives students positive strategies to cope with emotions and deal with bullying, change, loss and other challenging situations. 

Fly is a young boy whose parents have separated. He misses his dad desperately and tries to be brave by keeping his emotions ‘bottled up’. He meets Isha, who has been forced to come to a new country. Celia is coming to terms with loss in her family. Nonna wants to connect safely with her family online, Tim is being bullied and Mikalia needs to find a new dream. By connecting with the people in his community, Fly discovers the true meaning of being brave: sharing stories, showing feelings, keeping good memories and living life. ‘Being Brave’ is part of our student wellbeing curriculum and has been developed by teachers and psychologists. This engaging live performance addresses student wellbeing issues with sensitivity and provides students with practical skills for resilience, help-seeking and positive connections. 

Brainstorm Productions is one of Australia’s most experienced and respected theatre in education companies, performing to over 260,000 students every year. They offer a range of programs to help schools nurture healthy and harmonious environments and are endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider. Learn more about Brainstorm Productions by visiting their website (brainstormproductions.edu.au), or following them on Instagram (@brainstormproductions_) or Facebook (@Brainstorm.Productions). 

Book Fair & Grandparents Day – Thursday 24th August

Only two weeks to go!
Choose the character you want to dress up as.
Invite your Grandparents!

11am in the school hall for morning tea

11.30am rotations according to your students Sport House colour will begin – this will include Grandparents Liturgy, book reading and much more!  

Then join in the Book Fair in our Library.
Save your money to buy a special book.
THURSDAY AUGUST 24^th
SEE YOU THERE!

Year 5 Geography Excursion

Last Thursday, Year 5 walked to the riverbank and to the Maitland Regional Art Gallery to learn about ways the Wonarrua people lived with the land. We discussed natural features, the way climate affects the way people live and contrasted traditional uses of the way the land is used today. We could not be prouder of the way the children conducted themselves. They listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions and moved through the public spaces with careful consideration.

Class Merit Awards

Canteen

P & F News

We have some great opportunities coming up for parents and carers to be involved in school activities. Check the dates and events below and add them to your calendar. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible.

Thompson's Pies

Orders are available for collection Wednesday 16^th August. See flyer for details.

Uniform Shop

Open Monday 8:30-9am in school hall.

We are asking for donations of approved uniform items in good, clean quality condition (no rips, stains etc).

We thank our dedicated uniform shop volunteers for their time and efforts in sorting and washing donations ready to sell.

Contacting the P & F Committee

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance via executive@pandf-maitlandsj.com

We welcome any suggestions, feedback, offers to volunteer with events or general enquiries

Dates for the Diary

Term 3

Thompson’s Pies - Wednesday 16th August (Week 5)
Father’s Day stall - Wednesday 30th   August (Week 7)
Father’s Day raffle - Friday 1st   September (Week 7)

Term 4

Meeting & 2024 AGM - Wednesday 8 November @ 9:30 am (Week 7)
Christmas Family Night - Tuesday 5th December (Week 9)
Christmas Fun Day - Friday 8th December (Week 9)