Dear St John the Apostle community, 

Well Spring is truly here this week. We've had the rain, the sun and everything is green and growing fast. It's my favourite time of year. Particularly because we really notice how much the students have grown too. It is exciting and energising.

Part of our story

Last weekend, after a very rapid decline in health, I lost a very dear friend, Megan. Megan is the loved sister of Belinda Duke and aunt to Emma (5M). Our thoughts and prayers are with Belinda, Emma and their family.

My wife and I actually met Megan and her husband David 22 years ago when we moved to Canberra and started attending St John the Apostle Parish. Our families quickly became friends. In some ways they became our surrogate family in Canberra. Why am I mentioning Megan?

Megan, along with Belinda, actually attended St John the Apostle as a child. She then sent her three children to our school and during their time here Megan and David were, among other families, very involved in the school. Megan was the Parents & Friends President for quite a few years. Megan and David both contributed significantly to organising the school fete, running the very popular cake stall quite a few times. The whole family cooked up a storm every year! They helped in the canteen, at working bees, in fact they helped wherever they could. 

I have been reminded again that we all come and go, across different chapters, in the community story of St John the Apostle Primary School. We don’t all have to be main characters yet we all contribute to our shared story. The story that began with others, before our time, and will continue after we each have left it. Megan and her family's many contributions helped children in the school during her time and children and families that came after.

We are very fortunate to each be part of the St John the Apostle story and to contribute to and shape it in some way. We have the opportunity to help our own children and also to contribute to something bigger than ourselves, for a long time to come. Our children learn the value of belonging to a community. That there is joy in both giving and receiving.

Thank you to all those who have come before us at St John the Apostle, whose contributions have helped to build this community and place so that we can live, work and learn together. Thank you also to today's families and staff who keep our story alive and strong for our current students. Your contributions and support will have a positive impact on many future children and families as well.

For those wanting to support the community and don't how to get involved, reading this Newsletter and connecting with other parents is the first step. Volunteering as opportunities arise is also fantastic (Just like at the recent disco, our volunteers made a huge difference!). We don't need 'world changers' as volunteers. The best help you can give is 'what you can, with what you have, where you are' (Theodore Roosevelt).

Lastly, thank you for the privilege of St John the Apostle being part of your family story. I look back with thanks and joy for the time my own children spent here at St John the Apostle and SFX. I hope that you will also have fond memories.

Matthew Garton

Principal

R U OK? Day - A Day to Connect and Care

R U OK? Day 2023 is Thursday 14 September and is a national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’.  It is all about encouraging meaningful conversations to support mental health. At St John’s, we believe that nurturing the emotional well-being of our students, staff, and parents is of utmost importance, and this day provides us with a great opportunity to reinforce that commitment.

Why is R U OK? Day Important?

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We often forget to ask those around us a simple but incredibly important question: "Are you okay?" R U OK? Day serves as a reminder that we can make a significant difference in someone's life by taking a moment to connect, listen, and show that we care.

How We're Celebrating at St John’s Primary School

On Thursday, 14 September, we encourage all students and staff to wear something yellow to show their support for R U OK? Day. The colour yellow represents hope and positivity, and we want to create a visually uplifting environment on this special day.

Throughout the week leading up to R U OK? Day, our students will engage in age-appropriate activities and discussions about the importance of checking in on each other's well-being. Teachers will use resources and materials provided by R U OK? to facilitate these conversations in the classroom.

Getting Involved as Parents and Carers

We believe that involving parents and guardians in our R U OK? Day activities can have a profound impact on our school community. Here's how you can participate:

• Talk to Your Child: Take a moment to discuss the significance of R U OK? Day with your child. Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts with you.
• Wear Yellow: Join us in wearing something yellow on Thursday, to support the cause.
• Ask, Listen, and Encourage: Be open to having meaningful conversations with your child. Let them know that you're there to listen and support them.
• Share Resources: Visit the R U OK? website (www.ruok.org.au) for a wealth of resources on how to start a conversation, what to say, and where to seek help if needed.
• Spread the Word: Share your R U OK? Day experiences on social media using the hashtag #RUOKDay. Help us raise awareness and inspire others to ask the important question, "Are you okay?"

R U OK? Day is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and prioritise the mental well-being of our children, ourselves, and each other. Let's make a conscious effort to ask, listen, and care not only on this day but every day.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and together, let's make R U OK? Day a day of connection, compassion, and caring.

Spelling Mastery and Maths Mastery Awards

Congratulations to our wonderful students who received Spelling Mastery and Maths Mastery Awards today!

Rebekah Brown

What Students Are Learning About

Year 5 are preparing an assembly on the Rosary. Using plastic balls, they will create a giant, living set of rosary beads and lead the school through the mysteries of the Rosary. Being creative helps students to deepen their faith by connecting them in different ways to our scripture and tradition. 

What Staff Are Learning About

This week is Webinar week. Catholic Education organise a variety of webinars on a vast range of topics for professional learning. Instead of a staff meeting we choose which one we would like to engage in. This term I chose to go to Dr Peta Goldberg’s session Initiation Rites in Abrahamic Religions.

It was an interesting session that focussed on the differences and simliarties between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Specifically in the area of baptism and associated rituals with the birth of a baby.

I learnt that there are many similarities between the three rituals. Mainly the use of prayer, the naming of the child and sharing a meal. In all these religions the connection to scripture is so strong. Beautiful prayers are whispered in the ear of a newborn Muslim baby. Jewish babies are surrounded by prayers until midnight on the day their Brit Milah and Christan babies are blessed and prayed on surrounded by family and the community.

Dr Peta Goldberg always leaves me wanting to know more. I am curious about what other connections there are between these three religions. Don’t tell anyone but the need to do more study (just for fun) is growing in me. 

Catholic Life and Reflection

Last week was joyous, my heart was full. So many things happened that I wanted to write about! This was one of them…

In preparation for the Year 3 First Communion Reflection, I ordered rosary beads. In the hustle and bustle of preparation I didn’t check both boxes carefully. About two hours before the event was to start, I realised that a mistake in the order meant that I had to make about 35 sets!

A few of my students said they knew how to make them, so they took a pack each. Then as they were going out to recess, they each took a few more. I made a few and then went off to do the last-minute preparations, feeling a bit stressed, but thinking I could whip them up myself.

After recess, one of my students approached me and held out a bag full of already made rosary beads. Students from across Year 4 had sat in the warm sun at recess chatting and making the beads. I was overwhelmed at their kindness and got a bit teary!

To feel supported by the kids in this way made my heart full. It is one of the many ways that our students spontaneously demonstrate what it means to be on earth the heart of God.

God bless,

Stephanie Stewart

Happy birthday to Fiesita M, Viliami M, Hunter C, Holly C, Evelyn W, Isabelle J, Evie M, Alana S, Suban R, Alexandra B Sean O and Layla P who all celebrated a birthday over the last week.

The next (and final) competition is this Monday (September 11th). I have sent home a set of practice questions to help prepare the students for the next competition. These are the answers:

A 50      B 17     C August 7     D 12     E 24 

The Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Friday 15 September - 8.30-9.30
Friday 6 October - 8.30-9.30 (School Holidays)
Monday 9 October - 8.30-9.30am

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

SJAPS Talent Quest 2023 

Students have the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents in the 2023 SJAPS Talent Quest which will be held on

Friday 22 September at 12.20pm in the hall.

If your child is interested in performing we are asking you to have a conversation with your child about the types of acts they may perform on stage (individual or group) to help them with ideas. 

Teachers will organise a suitable day and time to hold year group auditions for the talent quest (probably Monday or Tuesday of week 10). Teachers will send me the names of the chosen acts by Wednesday week 10. I will let parents know if your child is performing so you have the opportunity to come and watch.