Filter Content
- Recent Calendar Updates
- School Focus and Positive Behaviour
- Principal's Corner
- Teaching, Learning and Inclusion
- Catholic Life and Reflection
- Happy Birthday
- Awards
- Regional Swimming Carnival
- The Uniform Shop
- Android Phone Users
- Thank you to our Fete Sponsors!
- School Photos - Tuesday 26 March
- Hot Cross Bun Breakfast
- Happy Families
- Community Notices
Please go to our school calendar on the website or COMPASS for more details.
Please note that Term 2 Monday 29 April is a pupil free day. The first day of Term 3 and the last day of Term 4 (22 July, and 17 December) are also pupil free days for professional learning for staff. Students do not attend school on these days. OSHClub will be available.
Term 1 Weeks 8-11
- NAPLAN Yrs 3-5 (weeks 7-8)
- Confirmation Formation (week 8)
- Yr 5 & 6 Ultimate Frisbee Clinic (week 8)
- Hot Cross Bun Breakfast (week 9)
- School Photo Day (week 9)
- Regional Swimming Carnival (week 9)
- Easter Liturgies (week 9)
- Community Council Meeting (week 10)
- SFX Principal Enrolment Talk Yrs 5-6 (week 10)
The school positive behaviour focus this week was:
Use manners.
Ngunnawal word of the week:
Ngulla (means 'tree')
Dear St John's families,
Today is a big day!
Happy Fete Day!
Thank you to everyone involved in making it a success. In particular, a very big thank you to Rebekah Brown (Assistant Principal), Katie Matthews and Sally Walsh (Community Council Members). This team have single handedly coordinated the entire event. Congratulations to them on all of their efforts!
Thank you also to the many staff members and families who contribute to the day. Thank you for being present, for being generous with your time and helping out wherever you can. Thank you also to our local members Tara Cheyne MLA and Elizabeth Kikkert for generously providing time on stalls to serve the community.
Thank you to the many SFX students who are helping. Many of them ex students of St John the Apostle, it is such a joy to see them. It is a beautiful reminder that one's chapter in the story of St John the Apostle is never ever truly over. A brief returning cameo appearance in the continuing story is always welcome! We couldn't have pulled off this event without them!
NAPLAN
Our Years 3 and 5 students start NAPLAN (National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy) Wednesday. Thank you to our Years 3 and 5 teachers and parents who have been preparing their students to undertake the assessment with ease. We have two assessments completed and two more next week.
Reconciliation
Last night I attended the First Reconciliation celebration for many of our Year 3 students. It was a beautiful celebration watching children experience God's love for all. I was touched to see the impact of this moment on one young boy who, after walking back from praying with Fr Chung, saw his classmate about to go up and gave him a huge smile and embrace. Such an honest expression of the lightness and joy that comes from knowing you are truly loved for all that you are.
As adults many of us were brought up with the idea that we have to go to confession and ask this all powerful God for forgiveness in order to have our 'sins' forgiven. Fr Herbert McCabe OP (Dominican priest, theologian and philosopher), who reminds us that God is not our 'judge' said the following:
Never be deluded into thinking that if you have contrition for your sins, if you are sorry for your sins, God will come and forgive you—that he will be touched by your appeal, change his mind about you and forgive you. Not a bit of it. God never changes his mind about you. He is simply in love with you. What he does again and again is change your mind about him. That is why you are sorry. That is what your forgiveness is. You are not forgiven because you confess your sin...You do not come to confession to have your sins forgiven. You come to celebrate that your sins are forgiven.*
In short, 'God is Love' (1 John 4:7). God's love does not depend on what we do or what we are like. God doesn’t care whether we are 'sinners' or not. It makes no difference to God. God is just waiting to welcome us with joy and love.*
Last night was a perfect reminder of what a sacramental moment really is. That moment where God and ourselves consciously come together in an expression of love. We then take that love and share it with the world around us. Just like the little boy after his First Reconciliation.
Know that you are loved.
Know that you are worthy of that love.
Share it with everyone you meet.
Matthew Garton
Principal
Fete
I just wanted to say a big thank you to every single person who has helped with the organisation of the Fete. It is always such a wonderful community event.
Thank you to all of our sponsors and businesses who have donated items for our Silent Auction. Thank you to all of the families who have donated items to the Fete, sold raffle tickets and baked for the cake stall.
Thank you in advance to all of our volunteers this evening and to all of the stall convenors who have been purchasing and preparing items for stalls. A big thank you to all of the staff at St John's, especially our Office staff and Inclusion staff who have been instrumental in the organisation and set up of the Fete.
Lastly, I would like to thank Sally Walsh and Katie Matthews who have spent many, many hours as Fete Convernors preparing for today.
I want to apologise for my many Compass messages! You won't have to receive anymore after today.
I hope you all have a wonderful time at the Fete and I look forward to seeing you all there!
Rebekah Brown
Assistant Principal and Inclusion Coordinator
What Students are Learning About
Students in Year Three made their First Reconciliation last night at the Parish. It was a reverent and reflective liturgy. The students created a beautiful display that shows their understanding of the sins being forgiven.
Catholic Life and Reflection
Catholic Life and Reflection
I have been to quite a few fetes in my time. Our Lady of the Rosary in Brisbane during the 1970’s knew how to put on a good show. Just like now we had to do a dance. I remember clearly my Oma making me a new dress. It was white with blue spots and had smocking on it. We danced to the Grand Old Duke of York. I was terrified of the giant merry go round where the horses flew through the air and rocked madly back and forth. My favourite thing to buy was the tissue paper flowers.
I did a quick search and found this photo! I am just out of the frame. I would have been dancing in the bottom right-hand corner. I can, however, see my best friend who I still speak to. Of course the fashion is different but the parents proudly watching on and the kids trying desperately to remember the moves has not changed at all!
Fete’s are fundraisers for sure, but really they are celebrations of our communities, our families and most of all our cherished students. And if we are celebrating our students we are in turn celebrating the love of God who sent all parents the blessing of children.
I look forward to seeing you on Friday night. Try the curries (you cant’ go wrong!).
Psalm 149:3
New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition
3 Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
God bless.
Stephanie Stewart
Notices from the Parish
Happy Birthday to Valentina S, Henry B, Campbell G, Patrick G, Madison S, Katie N and William L who all celebrated a birthday over the last week.
This year we will present a number of awards to students. Please see below the schedule for this term. Most awards will be handed out on a Thursday morning.
At St John the Apostle we teach a number of programs that focus on mastering particular knowledge and skills in literacy and numeracy. Students are taught based on their individual, current level of mastery. Two of the programs we teach are Spelling Mastery and Rocket Maths. We regularly collect data from students in both of these programs so we can track that they are having continous progress. Students work hard to achieve mastery in these programs, so we celebrate the students who show mastery in these programs by giving them awards.
Students will receive Spelling Mastery Awards once they reach mastery three times at their Spelling Mastery level. For some students this is 10/10 and for others it is 25/25. For Kindergarten students will receive Spelling Mastery Awards when they receive 10/10 for each unit they complete in Sounds~Write.
Students will receive Maths Mastery Awards each time they beat their Rocket Math Two Minute Goal.
This year we will also be presenting Brag Tag Awards. These will be handed out each time a student receives 20 brag tags.
Award Schedule
|
Week |
Award |
|
Week 8 |
Rocket Maths Awards presented Spelling Mastery Awards presented Notify end of term award families. |
|
Week 9 |
Next week's award recipients in Newsletter |
|
Week 10 |
Spelling Mastery Awards presented Brag Tag Awards presented Rocket Maths Awards presented |
|
Week 11 |
End of year awards |
Brag Tag Awards
presented this Thursday 21st March, 8.50am (Week 8)
Spelling Mastery Awards - presented on Thursday 21st March, 8.50am (Week 8)
|
Year Two Julia Tran |
Year Three Mackenzie Knight |
|
Year Four Isabella Speechley |
Year Five Noah Dixon |
|
Year Six William Broadhurst |
Congratulations to the following students who have qualified to participate in the Belconnen Regional Swimming Carnival being held on Tuesday 26th March 2024 at the AIS Leisure Centre, Belconnen:
Ky M, Kelvin, Xavier G, Logan M, Samuel O, Oskar, Rachel N, Rose H, Abbey R, Grace P, Elsie S, Lilijana T, Ivy S and Alexandra B
A permission note and details about the Regional swimming carnival will be sent home on Monday afternoon.
Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open on the following day and time:
Friday 22 March - 8.30am-9.30am
If you have any questions or concerns please email the uniform shop on stjohnsclothingpool@gmail.com
Some people may have experienced issues downloading or updating QKR on their android mobile phone. The issue has now been resolved, parents/users can now download the App from the Google Play Store.
Thank you to the following businesses for sponsoring our school Fete!
GOLD SPONSORS
Showtime Consulting
Pioneers of 'Shielded Cloud Solutions’— leaders in the integration of ultra-secure, intelligent technology in the most challenging environments.
showtimeconsulting.au
Community Bank Canberra Belconnen
Community Bank Canberra Belconnen are delighted to sponsor St. John the Apostle Primary School with their 2024 annual school fete.
Not only does our bank give you access to award-winning financial products and services, we're also committed to returning profits to our local communities. In fact, $320 million has been returned to communities and initiatives Australia-wide.
You may not think who you bank with matters. But it does. For our customers, their banking is making a real impact in our community.
You need a bank to give you the products and services you need. We need your banking to help us make a difference.
Ginninderry
SlLVER SPONSORS
Dice 4 Diversity
Dice 4 Diversity is a family-owned business based in Jamison, that utilises role-playing games to build social and communication skills in a safe environment. Role-playing games provide opportunities where social skills can be learnt and practiced without real-world consequences.
We specialise in working with neurodiverse people – Autism Spectrum, ADD, ADHD, Trauma – but aren’t limited to people with diagnoses. We also work on social anxiety, self-confidence, resilience, teamwork, and much more. Ages 7 and up. We are NDIS friendly.
CBR CYBER
CBR Cyber is a Canberra-based business providing high calibre ICT Cyber Security services to Canberra-region government agencies and private enterprise. We are Australia’s 2nd fastest growing ICT company (CRN Fast50 Awards for financial year 2022/23), demonstrating our team’s commitment to delivering exceptional ICT outcomes in the Canberra region.
BRONZE SPONSORS
The Sewing Shoppe
https://www.sewingshoppe.com.au/fabric
The Sewing Shoppe aims to inspire people by offering diverse patchwork and bag making courses to create that something special for yourself or others. We have created a warm and friendly vintage inspired space to relax and create. Please check our huge range of classes from bag making to patchwork. We can supply all of your sewing essentials including haberdashery, thread, patterns, fabric and kits. Come in and see us, we can't wait to meet you!
Entice Travel
Entice Travel is a boutique travel agency that is passionately committed to creating captivating experiences and adventures that allow you to explore your world, your way, in your own time.
Whether you are after a custom-designed indulgent holiday, a package deal or additional curated experiences, every travel detail is considered.
Personalised Service | 24/7 Availability | Bespoke Holidays & Experiences
https://www.enticetravel.com.au/ Ph: 6123 0567
Manuka Zambrero's
We are located in MANUKA – Shop 10, 18 Flinders Way. We can’t wait to see you!
Balthees Cakes
Award winning local business providing customised cakes, cupcakes, cookies and desserts for all occasions within the Canberra region (located in Belconnen)
Can be contacted through Facebook page and Instagram “Baltheescakes“
Phone number 0452184750
Trilogy Investment Property Funding
Trilogy is honoured to be a part of the vibrant community at St. John the Apostle Primary School. We take great pride in supporting the school and the incredible families that make it so special. As a company, we are committed to providing financial assistance whenever and wherever possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of this wonderful school.
Florey Bakery
DONATIONS FROM
School photography day is on Tuesday 26 March. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on school photo day.
2 easy ways to purchase:
- Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
- Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day
Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: 21X CFH 6YT
School photography information:
- Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
- Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos
- Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
- Package delivery - School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.
- Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past
All students are required to wear their full summer school uniform on the day.
advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to St John The Apostle Primary School for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact
If you have indicated on your child’s enrolment form that permission has not been granted for ‘photos/videos published online or in-print’ or ‘release of information for school photos’ please contact the school if you DO NOT want your child to participate on photo day.
When your child is angry, have you ever tried telling them to just “calm down?”
I bet it worked! I’m entirely confident that they smiled at you angelically and said something like, “Thank you for your wisdom! You are right; I do just need to calm down.”
Just kidding!
In fact, if they’re anything like my own kids, they may have yelled back, “I don’t want to calm down!” before storming off to their room and slamming the door behind them.
When it comes to dealing with big emotions like anger, it never helps to tell our children to just “calm down.” Yet anger isn’t the only emotion that we try to dismiss.
How often have we accompanied our kid to their first day at kinder, to a first play date with a friend, or to a new relative’s house and said something like, “Don’t worry! You’ll do fine?”
We might believe that we’re being reassuring. After all, these words are coming from a place of kindness and compassion. Yet they are unlikely to do anything to address the worries and anxieties our kids are experiencing.
The difference between anger and worry is that worry is often a hidden emotion. We may say “don’t worry,” and unlike saying “calm down,” it might seem to work. Our child may smile back at us as they walk into kinder or the new situation. They might even seem less nervous the next time. Yet on the inside, they’re thinking something like, “My parent doesn’t understand me… I can’t talk to my parent about my worries… I don’t have anyone to help me…”
So if saying “don’t worry” doesn’t cut it, what should we be doing instead?
1. Be proactive
Often, the biggest worry kids have is the fear of the unknown. We can greatly diminish the anxiety our kids are likely to feel by talking to them about what to expect. If they’re starting at a new kinder, that could mean introducing them to their teacher in advance, showing them where the bathrooms are, and letting them know what time you will be picking them up. If they’re going to visit a relative for the first time, it can be useful to remind them about how they are related, what the house will look like, and any rules that may be different at this new location. Whenever there is a big event on the horizon, it really pays to help our kids visualise what that event will look like.
2. Provide emotional support in the moment
If it looks like your child is getting nervous, telling them not to worry only invalidates their feelings. Instead, you can say something like, “It looks like you’re feeling a bit worried about something. Would you like to talk to me about it?” Then wait. Silence is a powerful form of communication; it tells our kids that we’re listening. Make sure not to jump in and try to solve their problems when they do start talking. Just listen and provide a sounding board as they work their way to their own solutions.
3. Help them address the persistent worry
Some kids are more prone to anxiety than others. Importantly, worry and anxiety do not always look like worry and anxiety. It can often present as frequent stomach aches, trouble sleeping, or irritability. If you’re not sure what is driving your child’s behaviour, but there have been recent changes in your child’s life or a big event coming up, worry may be part of the problem. It can be useful to talk to them in age-appropriate terms about the purpose of worry – that worry is like a messenger telling us that something might go wrong, and we can use our worry to help us make good choices and stay safe. Books like The Worrysaurus by Rachel Brightand and What If? by Lynn Jenkins can also serve as a springboard for discussion.
Worry is just like any other emotion. We can’t stop our kids from feeling it by telling them to just calm down, relax, or get over it. Like with all emotions, the best thing we can do is to be patient and support our kids as the emotion runs its course.
