Term 1

Whole School Liturgy & Badge Presentation (Week 5)
Parent Formation Night - Sacrament of Penance (Week 5)
Return Kinder Health Check Envelopes - (Week 5)
Parent Teacher "Meet and Greet" - (Week 6)
Canberra Day Holiday - (Week 7)

Term 2

Term 2 Commences Wednesday 27 April

Please go to our school calendar on the website or COMPASS for more details.

Please note that the first day of Terms 2 and 3 (26 April and 18 July) are both pupil free days for professional learning for staff. Students do not attend school on these days. OSHClub will be available.

The school positive behaviour focus this week was:

Safe hands, safe feet,
safe words.

Dear St John the Apostle families,

Our lovely start to the year, of settled and calm classes, has continued for another week. We've been so pleased to see all of our students embracing their new classes, teachers and opportunities.

We have had a number of cases of COVID in Year 1 over the last week and ACT Health have been aware and monitoring the situation. I'm pleased to say that there have been no new cases in Year 1 for several days now and we hope that it has dissipated. Most other cases in other year levels appear to be isolated and originate from outside the school. Let's keep working together to keep us all as healthy and well as we can.

Parent Information for 2022

I hope you received the Parent Information Pack that was sent home for each student this week. We've taken the time to provide an Overview that can easily be placed on your fridge. Please also check the page with the family information we have on our system, make any necessary changes and return it to school so we can update our records for you.

Did you view your child's class video presentation? In each video the teachers wanted to provide the same presentation they would for an Information Night. If you haven't yet viewed it you can find it on our school website. Just grab a coffee, sit down and follow this link.

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Following our usual schedule for reporting on student progress, in a few weeks we will send home with each child a Term 1, Week 5 Interim Report. This report has a brief checklist of how your child has settled into school for the year.

We usually accompany this with an opportunity for each parent, teacher and student to have a three-way conference where they discuss the student's learning goals for Semester 1. This is most effective in person but we can't do that this year.

As an opportunity to meet your child's teacher and to discuss the Interim Report sent home in Week 5, we will also offer an optional online Parent-Teacher Interview for you in Week 6. When the Interim Report comes home we will provide a link you can use to book your Parent-Teacher Interview.

Community Council AGM

Thank you to all who attended our Community Council meeting on Wednesday evening. Our Chairperson, Katie Matthews, has included a report about the meeting later in this Newsletter.

I would like to thank Craig Neiberding who has just completed six years on the Community Council. Craig has always been an avid supporter of the school community. He has always been willing to acknolwedge the good work of staff, to help at many school events and to provide a parent perspective whenever advice has been sought from the Community Council around school direction and when making decisions. He also brought his welcome humour to each meeting. Thank you Craig for your service and support to our school.

RATs

As you would be aware, the requirement to use RATs twice a week with students has How to spend the summer school holidays in Canberra | HerCanberra been extended four more weeks. Next week we will send home further RATs so that parents can continue to monitor their children's health.

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend as summer draws to a close. It has been an unusual summer and these warm days are welcome.

Matthew Garton

Principal

Social and Emotional Learning

At St John's we teach a Social and Emotional Learning Program (SEL) across the school. The program we use is called Second Steps. In Kindergarten-Year Two we have a specialist teacher, Miss Rachel Pearson who teaches this program for one hour a week in every classroom. From Years 3-6 the classroom teachers teach the program as part of their Health lessons.

Students need social-emotional skills to thrive both in the classroom and in life. The Second Steps Program teaches students the techniques to:

Gain confidence
Set goals
Make better decisions and choices
Collaborate with others
Navigate the world more effectively

The themes throughout the progam in each year level include skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, problem solving and friendship skills.

Decades of research show the positive effects of universal, classroom-based SEL programs for children. There’s also broad recognition that benefits are even greater when children experience SEL throughout their day, across home, school, and out-of-school time environments, and throughout developmental stages. When implemented holistically, with a coordinated, community-wide approach, SEL can build stronger communities and support inclusive, equitable learning. Read more about the research a holistic approach to social- emotional learning here.

Rebekah Brown

Assistant Principal and Inclusion Coordinator

What students are learning about

Prayer is such an important part of our daily life and faith. It is wonderful to see that KM have taken time to put important items on their prayer space. The green cloth for ordinary time and a candle to represent Jesus, light of the world, are in every classroom. KM have added in some other important things. Firstly, the brightly lit word LOVE because it is within everything we do. Secondly, an illustrated copy of the New Testament that students are encouraged to look at during Read to Self.

Thanks, KM, for making a wonderful start to school and your life of prayer.

Catholic Life and Reflection

Teaching never ceases to amaze me. This week I had a very lovely young man come to me with a very concerned look on his face.

“Mrs Stewart, I have a lunch order today.”

“Oh, that’s nice lovey.”

Long pause and shuffling of feet.

“Are there really sausage dogs in hot dogs?”

“No, there are no dogs used in hot dogs.”

Another pause, shuffled a little closer.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I promise.”

“Ok”

Child happily goes out to play.

I did email his mum and let her know and honestly, we both had a little giggle but as I have thought about it some more, I realized it was quite a significant moment. This little person needed to know that he could trust his new teacher. This is happening all over our school right now.

Small conversations, moments, gestures that support a child to know they are safe and can trust their new teachers. It is the small, consistent everyday moments that grow our community. Sure, the big things are important too, but they are nothing without the small.

The Parable of the Talents is about remembering that when we are giving small things God wants us to multiply them. The gift of trust from our students is one of these things.

Matthew 25:23

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition

²³His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”

God bless

Stephanie Stewart

Religious Education Coordinator

Notices from the Parish

Latest Parish compact, 20 February 2022

Happy birthday to Rihaan S, Diosa M and Zoe S who all celebrated a birthday during the holidays or during the week.

Please note that we ask students to not bring home made cupcakes to share with the class for their birthdays. This is a precautionary measure for health and hygiene. The Canteen offers a number of options to share with the class. Purchases can be made through the QKR app.

Congratulations to the following students who will receive an award for the fortnightly Positive Behaviour Focus.

Class
KB	Bevan H	Ebube I
KM	Charlie J	Rylee T
1B	Piper A	Zakary S
1M	Ebuka I	Thomas A
2B	William S	Katie W
2M	Ernest E	Liam R
3B	Evelina N	Noah D
3M	Evie M	James T
4B	Rachel Nguyen	Alisha S
4M	Christopher C	Sarah O
5B	Ivy M	Deborah S
5M	Madeleine B	Cruise M
6B	Emily A
6M	Mia A	Bailey C

Our first Community Council meeting for 2022 and AGM was held on Wednesday evening. It was great to see many returning faces and some new ones too. I’d like to congratulate Dan Payne, who was re-elected as Treasurer and also welcome new members who will be joining the Council as parent representatives. A full list of members can be found next week on the school website.

At the meeting we discussed the Council’s focus areas for this year. Building community engagement within the school as well as the broader community, fundraising and upgrades to the outdoor playground will be the focus. Community Council members will form working groups to develop ideas for each of these areas. If you are interested in being involved, you don’t have to be a Community Council member. Please send an email to sjapscommunitycouncil@gmail.com and we’ll be in touch.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Craig Neiberding who comes to the end of his term on the Community Council. Craig has held the position of Deputy Chair and has played an active role in various activities, including the School Fetes. We will miss your valuable contributions, however I’m sure we will continue to see you around the school.

The next Community Council meeting will be in Week 8 of Term One. If there is something that you would like raised at the next meeting please reach out to one of the Community Council members or email sjapscommuntycouncil@gmail.com.

Katie Matthews

Community Council Chair

Newsletter_St_John_The_Apostle_Primary_School _pdf 120.48 KB

The Uniform Shop will be open on the following dates:

Friday 25th February 9:00am-10:00am

Parents are able to attend in person. Please make sure you check-in using the CBR Check-in QR code, wear a face mask and abide by all social distancing requirements set by ACT Health.

If you have any questions or concerns please email the uniform shop on stjohnsclothingpool@gmail.com.

Building strong working relationships with teachers

Studies show that healthy parent–teacher relationships are a more significant factor in student success than parent income levels or social status. Parent–teacher relationships require effort and energy from both parties if they are going to really benefit children and young people. These key strategies will help you build a healthy working relationship with teachers in the year ahead.

Get to know them

For your partnership to be meaningful and successful, you need to meet with your children’s teacher(s) with the goal of forming a respectful professional relationship. Be willing to share your aspirations for your child and be willing to build the teacher’s knowledge about your family. For balanced perspective, also gain an understanding of the teacher’s approach and what focus areas they have for their particular year group. This can be done formally by attending start of the year information evenings and informally through conversations, reading newsletters and staying in touch in digitally and in real-time.

Trust their professionalism

Children need to know that their parents are fully behind what their teachers are trying to achieve if they are going to commit fully to learning. The best way to support your child’s teacher is to trust their knowledge, professionalism and experience. Avoid the temptation to question the expertise of teachers in front of students, particularly when the teachers use methods that you are unfamiliar with. Initiate conversations with teachers around methodology to give them the chance to explain the approach they are taking.

Go through the right channels

Despite the best teaching practices things do go wrong at school. Kids experience learning difficulties. Conflict and peer rejection happen. Kids will often come home from school with grievances and call on you for assistance. Resist the urge to react emotionally. If you need to contact teachers do so respectfully, calmly and through the correct channels. A measured response will generally achieve the best result for your child.

Stay solution-focused

When problems arise at school, particularly pertaining to a child’s learning or wellbeing avoid taking a fixed position to your child’s teacher. Gather the facts as best you can and present your concerns but remain flexible to gain an outcome that’s both obtainable and in the best interests of your child. Parent-teacher relationships can easily falter when one or both parties take a firm position about a problem and are unwilling to give ground.

Utilise their resources

Teachers and schools often put a lot of work into sourcing and sharing credible resources that they think will help parents. Take the time to read, utilise and enjoy the information provided to you. It’s intended to make your parenting journey easier, which will also benefit your child not just at school, but at home. If your school doesn’t yet have a clearly defined source in place, consider suggesting one to the teacher, such as the Parenting Ideas memberships for schools.

Build links to student learning

There’s a huge body of research that points to the correlation between parent engagement in student learning and their educational success. If you want your child to improve their learning, take an interest in what they are doing. Follow school and teacher guidelines about helping at home and attend as many conferences, meetings and events involving your child as possible. This strategy has a significant, long-term impact on your child’s attitude to learning.

Stay in touch

Life’s not always smooth sailing for kids of any age. Family circumstances change. Friends move away. Illness happens. Mental health challenges can hit anyone at any time. These changes affect learning. Make sure that you keep teachers up to date with significant changes or difficulties that your child or young person experiences so they can accommodate your child’s emotional and learning needs at school.

Be loyal

Show your loyalty to your child’s teachers by being an advocate. Talk positively about your child’s teacher and school, rather than being negative about them when speaking in the wider community. Teachers hold very public positions and generally work hard to build good reputations both within their school and their wider education community. Consider a teacher’s reputation among the community and with children when you discuss educational matters with others.

In closing

Building healthy relationships with your child’s teacher doesn’t just happen. It takes goodwill from both sides, a commitment to setting aside the time necessary to support the home-based learning tasks that are expected, and a willingness to communicate concerns and commendations through the correct channels.

Michael Grose

Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s an award-winning speaker and the author of 12 books for parents including Spoonfed Generation, and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It. Michael is a former teacher with 15 years experience, and has 30 years experience in parenting education. He also holds a Master of Educational Studies from Monash University specialising in parenting education.

Regos_Open.pdf

Regos_Open _pdf 2.47 MB

2022_Term_1_parentinformation_newsletter.pdf

2022_Term_1_parentinformation_newsletter _pdf 92.74 KB

OCS_Kippax_poster_PDF.pdf

OCS_Kippax_poster_PDF _pdf 2.60 MB

18 Nov	Term 4, Week 6 18 Nov 2024 - 23 Nov 2024

21 Nov	2025 - New Students Transition Day (Yrs 1-6) 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

25 Nov	Term 4, Week 7 25 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024

2 Dec	Term 4, Week 8 02 Dec 2024 - 07 Dec 2024

2 Dec	Kinder Nativity 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

4 Dec	Yr 6 - SFX Orientation Day 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

5 Dec	End of Term Awards 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

5 Dec	Christmas Picnic 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

6 Dec	End of Year Thanksgiving Mass - Whole School 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

9 Dec	Term 4, Week 9 09 Dec 2024 - 14 Dec 2024

11 Dec	Sue Ferguson Award 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

11 Dec	One Up Afternoon 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

11 Dec	Graduation Mass 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

13 Dec	Cornerstone Ceremony (Yr 5-6) 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

13 Dec	Teachers v Students Netball 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

13 Dec	Colour Run 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

16 Dec	Term 4, Week 10 16 Dec 2024 - 17 Dec 2024

17 Dec	Pupil Free Day All day

The school positive behaviour focus this week was:

Safe hands, safe feet, safe words.

Parent Information for 2022

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Community Council AGM

RATs

Social and Emotional Learning

What students are learning about

Catholic Life and Reflection

Notices from the Parish

Building strong working relationships with teachers

Get to know them

Trust their professionalism

Go through the right channels

Stay solution-focused

Utilise their resources

Build links to student learning

Stay in touch

Be loyal

In closing

Michael Grose

Safe hands, safe feet,
safe words.