Dear St John the Apostle community,

We're gearing up for our school fete early in Term 1 2023. Thank you to the parents who have jumped on board to help make this a fun and welcoming community event for the beginning of the school year.

School Fees for 2023 will be presented to the Community Council next Wednesday evening and then the wider school community in the school newsletter on Friday.

Thank you to all of the parents who have let me know any needs they would like considered for their child in organising classes for 2023. These have been taken into account and class groups are now being finalised.

Chief Minsister's Reading Challenge

Congratulations to our students in Kindergarten to year 2 who won an award for their involvement in the K-2 section of the challenge. Congratulations also to the following students who participated exceptionally in the event. They enjoyed an afternmoon celebration in the Library:

• Evelina, 3B
• Emily, 4B
• Sophia, 4B
• Alaina, 5M
• Olivia, 5M
• Amy, 6M
• Klaudia, 6B
• Phoebe, 6B
• Elizabeth, 6M
• Gabby, 6B

Thank you to Ms Emma Alcock for her support of all students in the Chief Minsister's Reading Challenge and for conducting a celebration with the winners.

School Uniform 2023

For the last two years we have been transitioning to the new school uniform. The main changes have involved the sport uniform. Many of our students are now wearing this and look very smart.

From the beginning of 2023 all students must wear the new uniform and the old items will no longer be available from the Uniform Shop. We are starting to build small amounts of second hand stock in the new uniform items. Please be mindful of the expectations for 2023 as you prepare for the new year. A complete list of the uniform requirements fro 2023 are available on the school website.

COVID-19 Smart Measures

NSW and ACT Health recently advised that they are starting to see a rise in COVID-19 transmissions within the community, with a peak of cases expected in early December. COVID-smart measures continue to be in place and are vital in allowing us to keep our school operational while prioritising student and staff wellbeing.  

These measures include:

• staying home if unwell and/or showing any symptoms
• mask-wearing strongly encouraged, particularly when indoors and/or when physical distancing is not possible, and on public transport
• using rapid antigen tests (RATs) when showing symptoms or exposed to COVID-19
• encouraging all students, staff, and families to keep up-to-date with their vaccinations, including COVID-19 booster shots if eligible

Thank you for your cooperation and willingness to assist us with these measures.

Christmas Family Picnic

Our Christmas Family Picnic will be held on school grounds on Tuesday 6 December at 6.00pm. Students will perform Christmas songs for everyone and families are encouraged to come and enjoy a picnic together, catch up with other families and celebrate the end of the school year. Please save the date in your family calendars.

Matthew Garton

Principal