Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope

Prayer for Pope Francis

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,

look favorably on your servant Francis,

whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;

grant, we pray, that by word and example

he may be of service to those over whom he presides

so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,

he may come to everlasting life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the final week of Term One, I thank each of our families for the wonderful start we’ve had to the 2025 SJA school year. It has been a busy and positive term, filled with learning, growth and many special and ‘tah dah’ moments across all year levels.

Our students have settled beautifully into their classes, and I am grateful for the enthusiasm and support shown by our parent community. A very special thank you to our dedicated staff, who have worked so positively and with such commitment to ensure that every class began the year with confidence and care.

During the first week of the holidays, we will enter the solemn and sacred journey of Holy Week. As a school, next week we will mark this important time with liturgies that reflect the significance of Jesus’ final days. I warmly encourage families to continue their prayerful reflection and, where possible, take part in the Holy Week and Easter celebrations offered by the Parish during the school holidays.

This year, Easter Sunday falls during the term break, we look forward to celebrating the joy of the Resurrection together when we return for Term Two.

Year 6 Camp
I would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful Staff that attended the Year 6 Camp – Brett Seaman, James Dopell, Lilly Eastman, Sophie Strathorn and Bek Brown. The students had a wonderful outdoor educational experience and we have already booked the venue for 2026.

2026 Kinder Enrolments

2026 Enrolment Period is the month of May.

Enrolment time will be on us again in a few weeks. If you have a little one ready for school in 2026 or know of anyone interested in looking at our fantastic school for their children, the enrolment packs will be ready later next week.

Winter Uniform

It is time to get the winter uniforms out and dust them off and of course check to see if they fit.  We will be wearing it when we return for Term 2 on Tuesday 29^th April. This year we will have the usual few weeks of change over, but students are expected to wear correct winter uniform.

In keeping with Cancer Council recommendations, school hats are still to be worn during April and May.

Term Dates

Term One ends for students on Thursday 10^th April, with Friday 11^th April being a Staff Professional Learning Day.

Term Two commences on Tuesday 29^th April for students, and Monday 28^th April for staff.

Portables Update

Our portables are almost finished and will be ready for our students to use again.

Have a lovely week.

Blessing to you and your family.

Jo Reed

What Students are Learning About

This week, Year 5 attended a class Mass with Father Chung in the new chapel space. Attending Mass is an important part of being Catholic. The more children participate in Mass, the more they understand the rituals and traditions of our faith. Over time, they begin to join in with the singing, responses, and blessings. I encourage you to bring your children to Mass as often as possible.

Catholic Life and Reflection

Today, Year 4 took part in an activity where they investigated different text types in the Bible. They had to match headings with descriptions, and some even had to find the corresponding scripture example.

I was hoping they would enjoy it—and for some, that it would be a bit of a challenge. As the bell was about to ring for lunch, I called for pack-up. Well, the number of students who shouted, “No! We want to finish!” was almost hilarious.

A few students, particularly these girls, stayed behind to complete the task. Just now, they came to apologise for yelling at me—not that I took any offence!

Children love to discover, and learning about their faith is no different. They want to understand, they want to question—and what a privilege it is to guide them on that journey.

God bless,

Stephanie Stewart

Religious Education Coordinator

Swimming has numerous benefits for children including improved physical health, cognitive skills, and water safety, making it a valuable activity for their overall development. Our students at SJA have again exceled in the sporting arena. 

A big Congratulations to the following students who competed in the Belconnen Region Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 25th March.

Alex Richardson

Oskar El-Geddes

Victor Lomax

Clyde Lomax

Tia McNamara

Alex Bradbury

Charlotte McCabe

Elsie Stone

Lili Tundulin

All 9 of our students did an amazing job with many achieving and swimming their Personal Bests (PB's). There was a lot of team comradery, along with support from friends and family. Thankyou to all who came along and supported our students.

Both Alex Bradbury and Oskar El-Geddes have qualified for the ACT Championships. We are very proud of your efforts and wish you the best of luck.

A big thank you to Bree Dees and to Rebekah Brown for your work with our swimmers. As mentioned in a previous newsletter, we will hold a Water Fun Day in Term 4. This will include races and water fun activities, something for everyone!

A huge thank you to our Community Council and all our wonderful parents for their generous support in fundraising for those extra special additions to our school!

Our sporting equipment was looking a little tired, and our students were eager for new gear—including balls, soccer goals, and more. Thanks to your contributions, they are now enjoying the fresh equipment during lunch breaks and PE lessons. The vortex and brightly coloured balls have been particular favourites!

The netballs are in full swing for lunchtime games, and if you're walking across the basketball courts, be ready to dodge a bouncing basketball or two!

Stay tuned for more fantastic photos of our students in action—learning, playing, and making the most of these wonderful additions.

New Direct Debit Payment Option Coming Soon!

We are pleased to announce that St John the Apostle has recently introduced the BPoint Enterprise Solution to manage direct debit arrangements for the payment of school fees.

What is BPoint and What Do You Need to Do?

BPoint is a secure Commonwealth Bank payment processing platform designed to facilitate online payments, while ensuring the highest security standards. This system safeguards your financial information using industry-leading security measures.

Our new direct debit platform will allow you to pay school fees using either a bank account or a credit card (excluding AMEX). Please note that payments made via credit card will incur a 0.5% surcharge.

Establishing Direct Debits.

Next week, families will receive an email outlining estimated weekly, fortnightly, and monthly repayment options to ensure all fees are paid by the end of the year. These amounts will also include any outstanding 2024 balances. 

What next? 

You will receive an email that will provide a start date for direct debits and options for selecting your preferred payment frequency. Once a payment frequency is selected, you will be directed to enter your bank/credit card details. Once the information is entered, you will receive an email from no-reply@bpoint.com.au . The email will contain two links,

1.         The first link requires confirmation of the direct debit arrangement. Please note that the link will expire within 7 days.

2.         The second link provides a copy of the eDDRSA for your records.

While using the direct debit payment option is not compulsory, many families find it helpful in staying up to date with their financial obligations.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact our Finance Office - Finance.SJAPS@cg.catholic.edu.au

Happy Birthday to Ella Butler, Pearce Takeda, Jayden Pradhananga, Krzysztof Orzelek, Dhodrul Dolma, Grace Payne, Jeremiah French, Elspeth Stone, Euan Kim, Enrique Paz, Kate Barrett, Andreas Marassovich, Rinchen Ongmo, Lillah Johnson, Hugo Gabellone, Vincent Nolan, Margaret Fallon, Maisie Hudson, Hannah White, Cameron Broadhurst, Grace Riley, Lewys Candy, Wells Lomax, Fortune Odunuga, Bailey Da Silva, Arzoi Sehgal, Nizar Habeb, Oliver Wilson, Kudrat Kaur and Sophie Kosseck who all celebrate a Birthday in April.

Opening Hours

Dear Parents,

School photography day is coming up soon. 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.

Two easy ways to purchase:

1. Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
2. 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

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

Calling all Volunteers 

If you can help out at the Athletics Carnival please reach out to

Ryan Spencer PE Teacher - ryan.spencer@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Now You See Them, Now You Don't

Transforming Chore Dodgers into Willing Helpers

Getting kids to help around the house can feel like pulling teeth. But with the right approach, it can be transformed into a fun, engaging activity that builds skills and strengthens relationships. From working together to making chores enjoyable, this article offers simple but effective strategies to turn your little chore dodgers into responsible, willing helpers.

Chores. Responsibilities. Jobs. Tasks.

It doesn’t really matter what you call them. There’s a good chance that when you ask your child to step up and help out at home, you’ll be met with groaning, whining, and complaining. It’s remarkable how often children suddenly develop sore legs, headaches, and other medical conditions the minute we ask them to help—as if household tasks activate some mysterious ailment-generating superpower! Or they suddenly need to go to the bathroom, and stay there until the kitchen has been done!

We’ll probably never have kids who relish the opportunity to do yet another job around the house. After all, most of us don’t love it either. But there are effective ways we can increase the likelihood that our children will become willing participants in keeping the household functioning. In this article, I’ll explain when your kids will be old enough to help out, why they should, and how to involve them in ways that work for everyone and make family life harmonious.

The Developmental Realities of Involving Kids in Household Chores

Our children are more capable of helping than we often give them credit. Much like saplings that appear delicate but possess remarkable resilience, kids can stretch and grow when given appropriate responsibilities. We tend to expect too much of them emotionally but not enough physically.

But this doesn’t mean they can do everything. Expecting a 6-year-old to hang the washing may be asking too much. They can’t reach the line! But perhaps they can wash dishes, stack the dishwasher, clear the table, or pick up ten things from the floor.

How Do You Teach Them? 

The fancy term for it is the “Gradual Release of Responsibility” framework. It works in three phases: 

• I Do (demonstration), 
• We Do (guided practice), and 
• You Do (independent application). 

First, you model the task completely while they observe. Next, you perform it together, with you gradually stepping back as they take on more responsibility. Finally, they assume complete ownership while you provide occasional guidance. This approach acknowledges that mastery develops through supported practice rather than sudden handover.

How Chores for Kids Improve Executive Function and Confidence

Studies show that children who help out with regular tasks around the home:

• Have improved executive function, including working memory and behavioural inhibition (so fewer tantrums).
• Have higher self-confidence and self-efficacy.
• Are more competent, do better at school, are more prosocial, and are happier.

The Best Age to Start: When Should Kids Begin Helping?

Research suggests that around age 5 is the best time to begin involving kids in chores, allowing them to develop essential skills early on.

Effective Strategies for Encouraging Kids to Help Around the House

But how? Let me suggest three big ideas to help your child step up to the task without the usual complaints and resistance.

Do it Together: Turning Chores into Family Fun

One of the biggest turn-offs for kids doing jobs is feeling left alone. Children whose parents join them in their tasks are more likely to do the work happily. The job is completed faster, the children learn to do it the right way, and they are not really focused on the job. They’re focused on you.

Whether you’re hanging washing, cleaning the kitchen, raking the leaves, or wiping down windows, working together reduces the workload and makes it better. Think of it as an orchestrated duet—you lead, they follow, and soon you’re moving in synchronised harmony, accomplishing something meaningful together.

You can use chore time as an opportunity for connection. Talk about life, about their interests, family stories, or explore thought-provoking questions. The conversation creates positive associations with the task while strengthening your relationship.

And kids love challenges. Frame housework as teamwork by setting achievable goals you can accomplish together. “I wonder if we can get the entire playroom sorted in 10 minutes?” creates a shared purpose rather than a parent-imposed directive.

Make it Fun: Creative Ways to Engage Kids in Chores

Transforming chores from drudgery to delight is all about presentation. A competition to see who can do it faster is fun. Pumping up the music and dancing while you work is fun. Reimagining the living room as a laboratory that needs to be organised before an important experiment? Genuinely engaging!

In our family, we play a game the kids invented called “word association” (terrible name, but it’s all theirs). We identify a theme (like dreams, or modes of transport, or breakups) and take it in turns singing a song that matches the theme. The dishes practically wash themselves when everyone’s belting out “I Will Survive” during our breakup-themed cleanup session. No one is thinking about the chores because they’re having too much fun singing the songs. The cleanup after a big dinner recently took 45 minutes, and no one complained once because of the games… And they kept playing once the dishes were done!

You can also make it fun by being imaginative in the way you describe the roles. A child who becomes “Head of Garden Operations” while watering plants or “Executive Chef’s Assistant” during meal preparation experiences the task differently. The slight shift in perspective transforms obligation into opportunity.

And you can connect household responsibilities to narratives that matter to your child. Folding laundry becomes more appealing when it’s accompanied by a chapter from a favourite audiobook. We’ve found that “listening privileges” can turn previously resisted chores into anticipated activities.

Empowering Kids with Ownership of Their Chores

Children, like adults, crave autonomy. When they feel they have some control over their responsibilities, they’re much more likely to embrace them without resistance. 

Instead of asking, “Can you please clean up your room?”, try “Would you like to organise your toys before or after afternoon tea?” or “Do you want to be in charge of vacuuming or dusting this week?” When you combine these questions with “Would you like me to do it with you or do you want to fly solo?”, it works even better.

You can also create a thoughtfully designed “Responsibility Menu” where kids can select their tasks for the week. Just as a well-crafted menu offers appealing options rather than forcing a single meal on you, a chore menu gives children agency while still ensuring the necessary work gets done. You might even include “Featured Tasks” for less popular responsibilities with special recognition.

Remember that ownership develops gradually. Start by assigning specific areas of responsibility that belong exclusively to your child. Perhaps they’re the family’s “Plant Care Specialist” in charge of watering, or the “Energy Monitor” responsible for sensible electricity use. These roles transform mundane tasks into meaningful contributions to the family ecosystem. (But beware… you might create a monster!)

Nurturing Responsibility for Life

Teaching our children to participate in household maintenance goes far beyond having a tidy home. It’s about cultivating essential life skills and values that will serve them well into adulthood.

Chores Build Life Skills and Family Values

Through collaborative, engaging, and thoughtfully structured approaches to chores, we help our children develop competence, confidence, and consideration for others.

The investment we make now—in patience, creativity, and consistent expectations—yields dividends in the form of capable, responsible young people who understand that contributing to their community begins at home.

Transforming Chores from a Chore to a Meaningful Activity

By transforming household work from dreaded obligation to meaningful participation, we prepare our children not just for independent living, but for a lifetime of positive engagement with the world around them.

Ready to transform your family’s chore time into an opportunity for connection and learning? Start using these strategies today and watch as your kids step up to the task with excitement!

Author

Dr Justin Coulson

Dr Justin Coulson is a dad to 6 daughters and grandfather to 1 granddaughter. He is the parenting expert and co-host of Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, and he and his wife host Australia’s #1 podcast for parents and family: The Happy Families podcast. He has written 9 books about families and parenting. For further details visit www.happyfamilies.com.au.

A friendly reminder that St Johns is a nut free school. Thank you.