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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 Week 11
- End of Term Award Ceremony (week 11)
- Cross Country (week 11)
- Friday 12 April - Last day of Term 1
Term 2 Week 1
- Eucharist - Parent Formation (week 1)
- 100 Voices - St John's Choir (week 1)
The school positive behaviour focus this week was:
Follow staff instructions.
Ngunnawal word of the week:
Wiinyu (means 'sun')
Dear St John's families,
I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter weekend. What a great opportunity to rest.
Staffing Changes in Term 2
This term we say goodbye to a few staff members as they move on to different opportunities. Last week we farewelled Ms Laura Monaghan who has been an Inclusion Assistant at St John's for many years. Laura has a passion for writing and we are pleased to see her move into that field and develop this talent further.
Next week we farewell Mr Jackson Ramunni, another member of our valuable Inclusion Team. Mr Ramunni has worked with quite a number of students across the school. His quiet, respectful, friendly manner has enabled many student to feel supported in their learning.
We also farewell Ms Mel Watson-Gardner. Ms Watson-Gardner is our Acting Coordinator and currently teaching in 5 Maroon. Ms Watson-Gardner's expertise in teaching Mathematics and her dedication to her students has been felt across most classrooms in the school. We wish Ms Watson-Gardner the very best on her new path.
We welcome back Mrs Bree Dess at the beginning of Term 2 and look forward to the stories of family life with two little ones!
Australian Early Development Census
Every three years the Australian Government's Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)
occurs for Kindergarten cohorts of that year. It is a census that collects information about how children are growing and progressnig in five key areas, what is being done well and what can be improved. The data is used by schools, early childhood organsisations, researchers and governments to help plan and improve services and supports for children and families.
This year all schools are asked to participate again. Information about the AEDC will be sent home to Kindergarten families next week.
If your child was in Kindergaten in 2021 or 2018 then you can see the data collection at the AEDC website.
School Student Broadband Initiative 
The Australian Government's School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) provides up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged children with no internet at home, access to free NBN until 31 December 2025.
If you would like to find out more and see if you are eligible for access to this program then please visit the SSBI page.
Janitor/Groundsperson Job
Mr Sneesby, our long serving Janitor/Groundsperson, is retiring at the end of this term and we have advertised to recruit a new person to the role. If you know anyone that might be interested then please direct them to the following job advert. Applications close on 6 April. If anyone has any questions about the role they are welcome to contact me or catch me before then.
Matthew Garton
Principal
Autism Awareness Month
As April unfolds, so does an important campaign across Australia - Autism Awareness Month. This month-long observance is dedicated to spreading awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For parents, caregivers, and educators, it's an opportunity to deepen our understanding of autism and learn how to better support individuals on the spectrum.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. It is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it manifests differently in each individual. Some may have mild symptoms while others may require more support in their daily lives.
Why is Awareness Important?
Awareness plays a crucial role in creating inclusive communities where individuals with autism can thrive. By increasing understanding and acceptance, we can foster environments that accommodate the unique needs of individuals. Awareness also helps dispel myths and misconceptions about autism, promoting empathy and compassion.
How Can Parents Get Involved?
There are many ways parents can participate in Autism Awareness Month:
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Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about autism spectrum disorder, its characteristics, and the challenges individuals may face. Understanding is the first step towards acceptance and support.
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Start Conversations: Talk to your children about autism in an age-appropriate manner. Encourage empathy and kindness towards their peers who may be on the spectrum.
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Attend Events: Many organisations host events and workshops during Autism Awareness Month. Look for local events in your community and participate to show your support.
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Spread Awareness: Share information about autism on social media, or in your community. By raising awareness, you contribute to creating a more inclusive society.
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Support Autism Organisations: Consider donating to or volunteering with organisations that support individuals with autism and their families. Your contribution.
Autism Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with autism. We all play a vital role in promoting acceptance and inclusion in our communities. Let's use this month as an opportunity to educate ourselves, start meaningful conversations, and advocate for a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, can thrive.
K-2 Reading Night
Thank you to all of the families who attended the K-2 reading night. There were many parents and carers who attended and it was a very successful night. Thank you for your continued support of your child's reading development and working so positively with the school. If you didn't purchase " Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons", please feel free to contact me to order a copy.
Awards
It was so lovely to have so many students receive Brag Tag, Spelling Mastery and Maths Mastery awards yesterday. Congratulations to all of our award recipients.
Cross Country
Our Cross Country carnival will take place on the last day of term from 11.25am-1.25pm (Friday, 12 April). Please see below the course and also the distance each year group will run on the day. If you are able to help on the day, please email me at rebekah.brown@cg.catholic.edu.au
- Kindergarten (1 x inner loop 500m)
- Turning 7 in 2024(Year 1 and 7yrs from Yr 2– 1 inner loop 500m)
- Turning 8 in 2024 (Year 2) (1km – 1 outer loop)
- Turning 9 in 2024 (Year 3) (1.5km – 1 inner loop and 1 outer loop)
- Turning 10 in 2024 (Year 4) (2km – 2 outer loop)
- Turning 11 in 2024 (Year 5) (3km – 3 outer loop)
- Turning 12 in 2024 (Year 6) (3km – 3 outer loop)
Rebekah Brown
Assistant Principal and Inclusion Coordinator
What Students are Learning About
Across the school stunning displays about the death and resurrection of our Lord are being hung up. So far we have...
Kindergarten
Year 4
Year 6
So many reflective and creative responses. Keep an eye out next week for Year One, Three and Five!
Catholic Life and Reflection
One of the great blessings of teaching is being able to help students manage their emotions. I don't always have the same experience as the children, I am honest about that but I try to let them know I have heard them.
I acknowlege their anxiety, stress and sadness. I may offer solutions but I try not to come flying in to save them. Sometimes all we crave as humans is to share our thoughts and feelings; to be acknowledged for how we are feeling and where we are at in our lives.
This scripture comes to mind.
‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'
Jesus doesn't say, I will fix all your problems for you. He says unburden yourself and then rest.
I hope you find some time to rest in prayer and the Lord this weekend.
God bless,
Stephanie Stewart
Notices from the Parish
Happy Birthday to Logan Campbell, Ruby Muller, Emma Duke, Ella Butler, Pearce Takeda, Christopher Cocker and Olive Glowrey who all celebrated a birthday over the last week.
Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open on:
Friday 12 April - 8.30am-9.30am
If you have any questions or concerns please email the uniform shop on stjohnsclothingpool@gmail.com
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In 1998, Dr. Ross Greene wrote a bestselling book titled, The Explosive Child. I interviewed him on The Happy Families podcast, and our discussions became some of our most listened-to conversations.
His philosophy: “Kids do well if they can.”
In my words: Competence. A challenging situation presents itself. Capable kids navigate it, often with confidence. If they’re not quite there but believe they can do it, they’ll go for it. But if they’re incompetent, they pull back. Feeling incompetent can lead to withdrawal or explosions. And they don’t do well…because they can’t!
Greene describes incompetence in a gentler way: lagging skills.
Lagging skills are the missing pieces in a child’s skill set, hindering their ability to meet the demands of the moment. These lagging skills are flexibility and adaptability, frustration tolerance, problem-solving, and emotion regulation.
Let’s break them down:
Flexibility and Adaptability
A disrupted routine or inadequate time to prepare for a transition to a new activity (leaving the park, taking a bath, or switching off a screen) requires this skill. So does a change in plans. But it’s a skill that takes time, practice, and support to develop. Its opposite: rigidity and tunnel vision.
Frustration Tolerance
When the bottom drops out, expectations are unmet, or delayed gratification is required, frustration tolerance is what stops an emotional outburst. It’s recognising things didn’t work out according to my agenda, and then managing the frustration, expressing it appropriately, and thinking clearly.
High emotions = low intelligence. Frustration tolerance keeps emotions level and stable, and allows us (or our child) to sit in that emotion without acting rashly.
Problem Solving
Unpredictability, randomness, and volatility are inescapable realities of most of our lives. Being flexible and adaptable and having frustration tolerance keep emotions stable and facilitate creative, broad thinking so we (and our kids) can solve problems effectively.
A parent’s fundamental job, besides keeping their child safe, is to help them learn to solve problems. How do they resolve a problem with a sibling? How do they navigate a friendship challenge at school? What is the best way forward with an academic question?
Emotion Regulation
Frustration tolerance is a crucial component of a much larger challenge: emotion regulation, which means expressing and suppressing emotions appropriately.
Our words matter. They shape our perceptions and build the world we live in.
Remember:
Your child isn’t ‘naughty.’ They have some lagging skills that we can develop.
Your child isn’t trying to ruin your life. Kids do well if they can.
Your child isn’t an idiot or a pain. Your child doesn’t have the competence to get it right… yet.
Even if they’ve done it right before. Even if they’re laughing about it and you sense they’re being malicious. Even if they’re being disrespectful. Even if they’re insisting that they ‘can’t.’
When they’re stuck:
- Soften your eyes. Look upon them with compassion and kindness. Remember that kids do well if they can, so if they can’t right now, there’s something going on. Hungry? Angry? Lonely/Disconnected? Tired? Stressed? Sick? Overstimulated?
- Say what you see. If you can name it, you can tame it.
- Ask if they want you with them or if they want space.
- As emotions subside, explore their world and their challenges. Explain what you are looking for. And empower them through problem-solving. Support those skills of flexibility and adaptability, frustration tolerance, problem-solving, and emotion regulation.
- Make a plan so they can try to do better next time.
Dr. Greene’s ‘Collaborative and Proactive Solutions’ framework teaches parents to help children develop these skills (which often lag) in order to solve problems. You can listen to how he does this here or buy his book here.
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia have recently unveiled their Autumn film program, which iincludes a selection of well-loved 1980s/90s family classics.
The program includes screenings of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Space Jam and The Sound of Music which fall within the upcoming ACT school holidays.
Hercules + Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt | 1.45pm, Sun 31 Mar **selling fast**
With an epic storyline, heroic characters, plenty of laughs, and an inspiring soundtrack, Hercules is great fun for the whole family. A pre-screening chocolate egg hunt for kids will take place in the NFSA Courtyard at 1.45pm. All children will also receive a complimentary activity sheet to spot the ‘Easter eggs’ (hidden clues) during the film.
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial | 1pm, Thu 18 Apr
Young Elliott discovers and befriends a stranded alien, hiding ‘E.T.’ in his suburban California house with the help of his siblings. One of the most enduring and beloved family films of the 20th century, E.T. has captured hearts for decades.
Space Jam | 1pm, Fri 19 Apr
Michael Jordan plays himself in this iconic ‘90s sports comedy, leading a team of Looney Tunes characters in a basketball game against alien invaders. The green screen mash-up of live action and animation is sure to bring joy.
The Sound of Music (35mm) | 1pm, Sun 28 Apr
This cherished family classic stars Julie Andrews as Maria, a nun who becomes governess to the Von Trapp children. Maria brings joy and music to the household, winning over the children – and audiences throughout the decades.
Matilda (35mm) | 1pm, Sat 25 May
Neglected by her parents, the quick-witted and inquisitive Matilda discovers she has psychic powers. Can she use her gifts to escape the cruelty of ornery principal Trunchbull and save her fellow students and the kind-hearted Miss Honey?