Safe hands, safe feet, safe words.

Dear St John the Apostle community,

From Wednesday to Friday this week I have had the privilege of attending the annual Principal's Retreat. This year we have reflected on our rich, deep Catholic tradition and wisdom about who we are as human beings and based on words from one of the creation stories found in the bible:

'The God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness..."' (Genesis 1:26)

As Principal, working with so many young children, I am continuously reminded of how amazing creation and human beings are. While our young children are in the earliest of days, we are all on life's journey, learning to understand ourselves, our people and our world. For Catholics we do this within our growing understanding of God and who we are in God. The longer I am on this journey the more I realise how much I don't know and I'm increasinlgy happy to learn. There is joy in this journey.

Financial Support for Schooling

With the recent announcement of another increase in interest rates I understand that families may be concerend about financial pressures. We are here to support you in ensuring an excellent education remains affordable. In all Catholic schools we share the understanding that no student will be refused enrolment or be disadvantaged because of an inability on the part of parents/guardians to meet financial requirements (from our Enrolment Policy).

Fee remissions are offered in cases of financial hardship. Each year we have a number of families who apply for a 12 month fee reduction. Each application is considered individually and with the strictest confidence. Every family's circumstances can be quite different and we happily sit down with families who would like to discuss their concerns.

Our Uniform Shop do an outstading job at keeping our school uniform affordable and accessible and there are growing numbers of pre-loved versions of our new uniform items.

The ACT Government's Future of Education Equity Fund provides yearly one-off payments to Canberra Families experiencing financial challenges with students from preschool to year 12 and independent students. The Equity Fund helps cover costs associated with schooling.

The following payments are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria:

• $400 for preschool students
• $500 for primary school students
• $750 for high-school and college students

Parents can apply for these payments at the following link:

If you are experiencing financial challenges and would like to discuss how we can support you in relation to your child's schooling, please contact our Finance Officer, Ms Debbie Milne (Finance.sjaps@cg.catholic.edu.au).

Playground Update

There's been some great progress on our playground landscaping this week. When we recently experienced heavy rain we saw where the recently dug dry creek bed will help water flow to our plants and trees and create a beautiful ecosytem for our children to play in. The new playground equipment in both the junior and senior areas is still getting quite a workout with many, many happy children exploring different pieces of the equipment every day. It's a pleasure to see the many joyful faces each day.

I hope all families enjoy some time together over the coming long weekend.

Matthew Garton

Principal

What Students Are Learning About

Year 1 have created another beautiful Lenten display.

Year 6 participated in the Journey with Jesus retreat day yesterday. It was run by CYSMA. They had an amazing experience lead by 3 youth workers.  Luke Maher, from Catholic Education, praised our students for their excellent behaviour but also for their deeply reflective answers and high level of participation. A huge thank you to Year 6 for showing the wider community what it means to be on earth the heart of God.

Catholic Life and Reflection

This week Ms Mac and Ms Wormald have been leading the staff in prayer. Today Ms Mac read out the prayer from St Theresa of Avila. 

Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which He looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are His body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

— St. Teresa of Ávila

This is a stunning version of the well known song.

As we walk through this season of Lent, keep these words close.

God bless,

Stepanie Stewart

Happy birthday to Spencer C, Abbey R, Arjun P, Zakary S and Cooper P who celebrated a birthday over the last week.

School Fees

School fees were due on Friday 3^rd March unless paying by direct debit.  If paying by direct debit please ensure school fees are paid in full by the end of the year. If you would like to discuss your fees please contact Debbie Milne via email finance.sjaps@cg.catholic.edu.au or telephone the school on 6258 3592.

Year 6 Chromebooks

A reminder that Year 6 Chromebbok payment for the term was due on Friday 3rd March. Thank you to the families who have made this payment. Payment due for the term is $53.00. This can be made on QKR or telephone the school to make a paument over the phone.

If you are paying by direct debit please ensure you have adjusted your payment to factor in the extra payment for Chromebook.

Year 6 Camp Payments

Year 6 camp payments are open on QKR. Families are able to pay by instalments or in full. Full payment for camp is due last day of term 2, Friday 30^th June.

Please ensure camp is paid in full by this date. If you need to discuss payment options please contact Debbie Milne via email: finance.sjaps@cg.catholic.edu.au

The uniform shop is open each Friday 8.30- 9.30. They are fully stocked, so get in now to prepare for winter. 

NEW STOCK AVAILABLE

Navy head bands and hair ties are also available and can be purchased through QKR. 

$3 headbands x 2

$3 thick hair ties x 10

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

On 5 March 2023, Belle Trevaskis participated in the Melanoma March on "Team Tony". Tony is Belle's Fafa who is currently living with stage four metastatic melanoma. The Melanoma March is a 5km walk run by the Melanoma Institute Australia, a not-for-profit organisation with a goal of zero Australian deaths to Melanoma.

Team Tony raised the most money out of all the teams in Canberra and Belle raised the most funds out of the team. 

Thank you to all the members of staff and the SJAP community who donated.