Last night I had the privilege of spending the evening at a retreat for Principals at St Clement's Retreat House in Galong. We discussed the place of Eucharist in our lives and read some of Ronald Rolhheiser's reflections on the subject. He wrote about Eucharist as a time and place to receive, give thanks, break and share.

I was thinking a little about how we will celebrate our 40th Anniversary this Sunday with Mass (Eucharist) and how appropriate this is. Our Eucharist celebration will be an act of gathering together, as community members from both past and present, with a posture of gratefulness and an understanding that our participation in the community of St John the Apostle Primary School is a gift received and a privilege shared. I look forward to sharing this joyful moment with as many as possible.

Thank you

Thank you so much to David Maddox, Tim Gill, Heather Rattenbury, Bec Neiberding, Jos Vinoles, Stephanie Stewart, Anthony Ganley, Leticia Young and their family members who all helped with our Kitchen Garden spruce up last weekend. It made a big difference to our Kindergarten children who are gardening this term and could enjoy planting and tending vegetables and fruit this week.

Teacher Appreciation Day

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day and this week we have done some little things to show all of our staff just how much we appreciate their hard work and commitment to the students of St John the Apostle.

Thank you to the Community Council who organised, on behalf of the parent community, lovely coffee and fresh scones for morning tea yesterday as a token of appreciation. It was very yummy.

Staff Update 

Our Catholic Education system offers teachers wonderful ways to experience a diverse range of teaching opportunities supporting their professional growth. One way is the opportunity for a 12 month transfer/exchange in a different school. Next year:

• Mr Luke Folkhard, who has been on exchange to St Matthew's, will remain permanently at St Matthew's.
• Mrs Alison Ewyk, who has been on exchange at St John's will remain permanently with us.
• Mrs Megan Thomas will have a one year transfer to St Thomas Aquinas, West Belconnen.
• Mr Jack Gibson will have a one year transfer to St Francis Xavier College.

We wish these staff members all the best in their time ahead. In addition, we are excited for:

• Mrs Beth Fear who will be taking Maternity Leave for the year, and
• Mrs Annie Miller, currently on Maternity Leave and now expecting her second baby, who will continue her leave for 2020.

Further staffing updates will be made available later in the term.

Class placements for 2020

As a school with two classes at each year level we have the opportunity each year to shuffle the class cohort and create new student groupings.

Students grow and change during their primary school years. Their friendships change, their learning needs change, their capacities and confidence changes. Supported change is also an excellent catalyst for challenge and growth, building resilience and a broader network of friends that support their well-being.

Class groupings for 2020 will be developed later this term. The process involves input from students and their current teachers.

If you would like any particular educational needs for your child to be considered as we construct the classes, please put this in writing to me at Matthew.Garton@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday 8 November. Your emails will remain confidential. Request for particular teachers will not be considered.

I look forward to seeing families this coming Sunday as we gather together to be thankful for the gift our our St John the Apostle Primary School Community.