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Dear St John the Apostle community,
Are you tired? We're noticing that students at school are very tired. On reflection this is the first full year of school, with no remote learning, for three years. It's possible that everyone's stamina for a year of full-time schooling needs to be re-built. In speaking with Principals across our primary schools this is a common experience at present.
When students are all tired, as well as families and teachers, then people's tolerance
levels can decline and friends at school can become a little like brothers and sisters who niggle at each other in ways that friends ordinarily don't. At the moment we're finding that we're putting out more 'spotfires' between friends than usual; a sign that students are becoming more and more tired.
To help students get to the end of the year positively and proud of themselves we're being mindful to:
- maintain our expectations for how we respect each other, encouraging and acknowledging the positive, supporting those that need extra guidance and responding to inappropriate interactions consistently
- focus on learning, reviewing material that has been covered and practising skills to help students maintain them over the school holidays
- pace the day so that there are tasks that are less demanding during the more tired times as well as providing 'brain breaks' during the longer sessions to help them rest a little and re-energise
While there's also a lot happening in family homes at this time of year, parents can
help their child stay positive by remembering the following quote:
'When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.'
- ensure you are having some rest moments yourself through your day to pace your own energy, try as best as you can to obtain some good sleep; managing yourself first will help you support a tired child more easily.
- where possible provide children with some quiet, de-sensitising time directly after school; play some quiet music, keep devices and TV off, go outside, take the dog for a slow stroll, have some textas and colouring in to do, have a big drink of water (the warmer weather has now caught up to us) and a little snack.
- listen and acknowledge big feelings that come home. Just respond to let them know they've been heard, that everything will be okay and problems can be sorted out - "That sounds tiring", "Why do you think they did that?", "What would you like to happen?", "Let's have a break and then we can sit and talk about what you can do".
Our aim is always to finish the year in a strong way, pleased with what we have achieved over the course of the year and able to enter into the holiday period with positivity and ready to enjoy family and friends.
Smart Watches at School
Sometimes students receive smart watches for Christmas. These are watches where students can take photos, message others and make phone calls.
Please be aware that early next year we will send home information about the
When considering smart watches as gifts, be aware that there will be restrictions placed upon their use on school grounds.
Student Semester 2 reports
Today your child's Semester 2 report has been distributed through COMPASS. Please take the time to read through it before sharing it with your child. It is a simple but overall reflection of your child's achievements this semester. Parent-Teacher Interviews are available next week for you to discuss your child's report. You can book your child's Parent Teacher Interview through the COMPASS portal.
Students who have a Personal Plan (PP) will have an additional report related to their child's goals. It is not available on COMPASS and will be sent home in an envelope with your child today.
I am so proud of the achievments of our students and teachers this year. We're very
excited by the growth of our students as we begin to introduce new High Impact Teaching Practices across the school. There is a lot to celebrate and we are looking forward to this continued growth in 2023.
See you next Tuesday evening at our Christmas Family Picnic.
Matthew Garton
Principal
International Day of People with a Disability
Tomorrow is the International Day of People with a Disability.
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on 3 December each year.
IDPwD is a United Nations (UN) observed day celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
IDPwD is an opportunity for us to make positive changes to the lives of the 4.4 million Australians with disability.
As an individual, school, community group, business or organisation, there are many ways you can get involved and promote inclusion in your community.
The theme for IDPwD 2022 is ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world’.
Transition Survey - Please complete
We have currently had just over 30 survey's filled out for transition for next year. I have read through each one of them and there is so much wonderful and valuable information about each child. We would love as many parents as possible to complete this survey before the end of the year.
Included in the survey are three questions to get to know your child's strengths, interests and learning habits and one question for you to express your wishes for your child's education next year.
Please find the transition survey as a Google Form at the following link:
Christmas Raffle 
Thank you to all of the families who have returned their Raffle Tickets. If you haven't already please make sure they are returned no later than Monday 5 December. The Christmas Raffle will be drawn at the Chirstmas Picnic on Tuesday 6 December.
Fete - Chocolate Donation
Thank you to all of the families who have donated items for the Fete so far. We would really like to do a further drive for chocolate blocks for the Chocolate toss. If you are able to donate some chocolate blocks please bring them to the front office.
Rebekah Brown
Assistant Principal and Inclusion Coordinator
What students are learning about
Across the school this week students and teachers have been reflecting on Advent in different ways. Fr Gerard MSC, a previous parish priest, always encouraged us to focus on Jesus during this time of waiting. He called it “slow time”. Letting kids know that Jesus is the main focus for this time helps them to understanding the “reason for the season”.
5M’s Advent Calendar contains different symbols of the season and scripture references.
Catholic Life and Reflection
Advent is upon us. In the past I always bought my eldest a chocolate Advent calendar. At least until I asked him one day what Advent was about, and he said “Chocolate!’ Hmmm…I had missed my mark. Then we moved onto Lego Advent calendars with my youngest and the response is exactly what you are expecting!
Helping our children to understand the importance of this time of year is challenging when it is so commercialised. The boys are no longer interested in Advent calendars, but we try to do a few things during this time to help us focus on family and prayer.
Contribute to a charity, light an extra candle at Mass and have some “slow time” together as a family. Some nights this is as simple as a cup of tea on the back verandah while my son plays with the dog. Just simple, together and peaceful. Preparation of the heart is the focus.
What can you do to prepare for the birth of Christ?
God bless,
Stephanie Stewart
Religous Education Coordinator
Notices from the Parish
Happy birthday to Nuer A, Eria K, Erisha K, Kelsey N, Kaylie C, Josie A, Jenson C and Leo J who all celebrated a birthday over the last week.
Please note that The Uniform Shop will be open on the following day:
Friday 9 December 8:30am-9:30am
Hats can be purchased at the Front Office but must be paid for via QKR or by cash only.
Parents are able to attend in person.
If you have any questions or concerns please email the uniform shop on stjohnsclothingpool@gmail.com.
Fete - Donations
Assistance can be in many forms, whether it’s helping filling jars for our tombola stall, organising drinks or helping coordinate volunteers to assist running the stalls on the actual day.
Once we have confirmed volunteers to be a part of the Fete Committee, we will send out more information to the community about volunteering in stalls on the day of the Fete.
Our Fete Committee does not have many members at the moment. Any support no matter how little would be appreciated.
Please contact Rebekah Brown if you are able to assist in the Fete Committee. An online meeting will be held with all volunteers in the coming week.
Thank you to the families who have donated items to the Fete already. We would appreciate your support in donating the following:
- Blocks of chocolate for the Chocolate Toss
- Bottles of wine or beer
- Clean plastic or glass jars for the Tombola Store
- Old keys
- Second hand books for the book store
