Dear St John the Apostle families,

Today we began the season of advent with our Kindergarten Nativity story. Every year the Kindergarten class tell the story in a new way. Today was no exception. They were beautiful. Thank you to our Kindergarten teachers for their commitment in preparing the students. Thank you parents for supporting with costumes. I hope you enjoyed every minute.

This morning Edith B (Year 3), last year's recipient of the Sue Ferguson Arts Scholarship for a Year 2 student shared her work with the school. Edith used the gift from Sue Ferguson's family to further develop her interest and talent in visual arts. Well done Edith!

Congratulations also to Kate R (Year 2), this year's recipient of the Sue Ferguson scholarship. Sue Ferguson was a former teacher at St John the Apostle who had a particular love of Year 2 and the Arts. Her family provide this small gift to a student in Year 2 every year to support their development in the Arts. We look forward to Kate's presentation the following year.

Changes to our Parish

Last night I attended a meeting in our Parish led by the Vicar General Fr Richard Thompson where it was announced that from next year the MSC priests at our Kippax parish would take over the pastoral care and responsibility of St Thomas Aquinas Parish as well.

Change is always difficult but is also inevitable. However, both parish and school communities will maintain their own identity and ways of operating. The relationship that has already developed between ourselves and St Thomas Aquinas school will continue to develop and strengthen, benefiting both schools. It is an opportunity to really 'be on earth the heart of God' for others. I look forward to what evolves as part of this journey together.

Specialist Teachers in 2024

In 2023 we were not able to fill the Spanish Teacher position. Instead we offered a

specialist PE teacher from K-6. Students loved their  time with Mrs Hudson.

However, when staffing changes and shortages became apparent mid year we needed to restructure these specialist roles to prioritise a teacher in every home classroom, where students learn fundamental knowledge and skills on a daily basis. PE returned to being taught by the classroom teachers and we were very fortunate to find the enthusiastic and talented Mrs Ellis who has taught Visual Arts, another area of the curriculum, to all classes during Semester 2.

Languages is an important part of the curriculum. It is an essential requirement from Years 3 to 6. We are again seeking a Spanish Teacher and in the middle of a recruitment process. It is our intention in 2024 to offer this again. I hope to announce this early in the coming year.

In addition, our Teacher-Librarian, Ms Emma Alcock, will continue to offer her deeply knowledgeable program of literature and research in our very well stocked Library, Mrs Kate Macdonald will continue to teach every class Performing Arts (Drama, Music, Dance & Media) with great enthusiasm. Mrs Veronica Ellis will teach Visual Arts to K-2 and Mr Ryan Spencer will teach PE to all year levels. Mr Spencer loves sport, has his own experience in this area and is very much looking forward to providing this opportunity.

Code Camp in 2024

At the end of this Newsletter you will see a flyer for Code Camp. We have partnered with Code Camp to provide an after school activity each week for those students interested in this part of digital technologies. The flyer outlines the details for how to register. We're excited to be able to offer this opportunity.

Information and Digital Technologies 2024

This morning information about School Fees for 2024 was distributed to all families via email. Families of students in Years 4 and 5 may have noted that there will no longer be a chromebook levy moving forward. The changes in fee structure by Catholic Education has allowed that levy to be incorporated into the single school fee along with all other levies. For further information about school fees for 2024 please read the letter. For those who might have a few questions about the chromebook program please let me provide some additional information here.

Will the one-to-one chromebook program continue for Years 4 to 6 in 2024?

Yes, it will continue. Students will still have the opportunity to be provided with an individual chromebook to support their learning from Years 4 to 6. They will still be provided with a protective sleeve as well as the opportunity to take it home, during term time only. In the upper years of primary school it is an important time for students to learn to use such devices as tools for work and learning, to learn the skills required to use digital technologies effectively and collaboratively and, most importantly, to learn to use them as responsible and respectful digital citizens. This won't change.

Does this mean that younger students are subsidising the one to one chromebook program for older students?

No, this isn't the case. The one-to-one chromebook program is just one part of the overall strategy for use of information and digital technologies for all students across the school. We shape appropriate access and use of technologies to the needs of each age level. Our younger students have ready access to dedicated ipads, robotics equipment and licensed programs as part of their learning. This evolves through the years as students' capabilities and the curriculum changes. The end point is a one-to-one chromebook program. The new fee structure supports all of these opportunities from Kindergarten through to Year 6.

Do I still need to pay any outstanding chromebook payments from this year?

Yes. The old fee and finance structure from 2023 did not incorporate the cost of the chromebook. These payments are still required in order to meet the cost of student access and use this year.

What happens to the Parent and Family Agreement that was developed and signed at the beginning of the one to one chromebook program?

The care and responsible use of these devices is still paramount. The devices will still be owned and supported by the school and Catholic Education. They will still come with a warranty that allows for one accidental breakage each year. Therefore we will maintain a specific level of expectation around their use and care. A new agreement will be drawn up for the beginning of next year for all families in Years 4 to 6 that removes the cost component and maintains the expectations for care and use. This information will be provided at the beginning of the year.

Families currently in Year 3 will be invited to an information evening at the beginning of the year where all aspects of the one-to-one chromebook program will be introduced to them.

Information about the return of these devices in Year 6 will be provided early next week.

Christmas Family Picnic

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this Thursday evening as we begin to wind up and celebrate the end of the year.

The Community Council are cooking a BBQ for everyone. They do need assistance in cooking and serving. If you are able to help please email maryann.fraser@cg.catholic.edu.au. 

Have a lovely weekend.

Matthew Garton

Principal