Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope

Lord, bless all mothers today and every day. Grant them strength, patience, and overflowing joy in their roles as caregivers. Father, we lift up all mothers, including the remarkable grandmothers and significant female figures among us. We celebrate their wisdom, their strength, and the unconditional love they pour into our lives.

Dear Families,

Schools are more than just places where lessons are taught, and assessment are taken—they are vibrant faith filled communities where students and families come together to learn, grow and support one another. 

Your child’s time at school is brief, but the impact of a strong school community lasts a lifetime. Here’s why being an active part of your school community can pave the way for the road to success for your child—and for you! 

For students, feeling like they belong is crucial to their overall development. Being part of a vibrant school community provides them with a network of peers, teachers, and mentors who care about their progress, as well as their mental health and emotional wellbeing. When students feel seen and valued, they are more likely to engage in learning, participate in extracurricular activities, and strive for their personal best.

When parents and families also become involved in the school community, research shows that it leads to better outcomes for students. A study by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth found that parent engagement is associated with significant academic achievement and behavioural improvement for students of all ages. 

We are a thriving school community at St John the Apostle where we actively celebrate diversity, and we continue to work to ensure everyone feels included. Schools that promote inclusivity, create safe spaces where students, families and staff from all backgrounds and abilities feel respected and valued.

For students themselves, this can mean opportunities to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, which helps build empathy and understanding.

This week we have seen an abundance of community engagement. It was great to see our parents who attended the Cross-Country cheer on all students. Thanks to our “Dad Squad” who were at SJA at the crack of dawn to turn a sausage or 2… last count 500!

We have had a number of responses to our request to help at our Working Bee, however, we will need many more volunteers to get the big jobs done on our playground and in our gardens.

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Thank you to the mother’s, grandma’s and nans, aunties and special women in our children's lives, who attended our Mother’s Day Breakfast and classroom visit this morning. It was wonderful to see all of you enjoying a wonderful breakfast together. The classrooms were buzzing with children showing their loved ones their learning, some of our new facilities and it was great to hear the laughter and see the proud smiles on our children’s faces. Enjoy the beautiful action photos of the day!

‘You are far more precious than jewels’ Proverbs 31:10

‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all’ Proverbs 31:30

Blessings for a lovely weekend.

Jo Reed

Principal

Cross Country Carnival

Well done to all of our children that competed in the Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 8^th May. The weather was perfect for running! A big thank you to our PE Teacher Ryan Spencer and K-2 Teachers for organsing such a wonderful event. A shout out and thumbs up to our wonderful parents helping both in the canteen and supervising the course.

We will organise a Sports Assembly soon to celebrate the winners from both the Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals.

Saturday 17^th   May– SJA Working Bee in collabaration with the Community Council 

All Welcome. The Working Bee will begin at 8.30am – 12.30pm. There are slots that you can sign up for or even help out for longer. There is BBQ cooking for hungry workers (and kids), weeding garden beds, cleaning up the vegie patch, pruning, mulch patrol, sand pit and playground. Can you bring your own tools – shovels, pruners, rakes etc. A COMPASS note will be sent out, you will be able to sign up on this platform or contact our Office.

Thank you again for all of your continued support and I look forward to catching up with all of you at our upcoming community engagement events.

Friendly Reminders

 Enrolment 2026

2026 Enrolment Period is the month of May.

Enrolment period is now upon us. 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, please let them know to contact us. We are opened for individual or group tours.

Notes some key dates here:

School Uniform – Winter Term Reminders

From Week 3, all students are expected to be in full winter uniform. Thank you to all families for your efforts!

A few reminders:

• Formal black leather shoes must be worn (no black runners, Lynx shoes, or canvas shoes).
• Navy gloves, scarves, and coats are appropriate during winter.
• Jewellery is restricted to plain small studs/sleepers and a watch (no dangles, loops, or bracelets).
• A parent note is required if uniform deviations occur while sourcing correct items.

Our uniform promotes pride in appearance, a sense of belonging, and the spirit of our school community.

Uniforms are available through our fabulous SJA Uniform Shop.

Opening hours: Friday 16th May 8:30am - 9:30am

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

Term Dates

This term will finish for students on Thursday 3rd July. Friday 4th July will be a Staff Professional Learning Day.

Illness

If your child is unwell, please do not send them to school. If your child becomes unwell during the day, we will phone you and ask you to kindly make swift arrangement to collect them. Children who are unwell are unable to remain at school for extended periods of time in the sick bay as they will spread their illness to others. Thank you for your understanding with this matter.

Dear St John the Apostle Families

It has been an extra busy week here at St John the Apostle, starting with school photos, cross country, Mother’s Day breakfast and open classrooms and ANZAC assembly…this on top of all the regular events of a school day.

Thank you to all of Dads and Grandads that were at school super early this morning to help set up for the Mother’s Day breakfast. It was lovely to see so many mums join us for brekky and classroom visits, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules.

Wishing all our Mum’s a restful Mother’s Day this Sunday.

What Students are Learning About

What Students are Learning About

Year 6 have begun the term finalising their reflections on the lead up to Easter.  They were given an event and had to complete a variety of tasks based on this event.  This included a creative response.  Thayoee and Jamyung created a wonderful response that includes a Jesus that goes up and down cross. Well done boys!

 

Catholic Life and Reflection

My first recollection of anything to do with a Pope was Pope John Paul I.  I remember there being lots of discussion at my school about the new Pope and how we were waiting for the smoke to turn white.  Even though TV was still black and white we still waited excitedly.

What I remember most is that only a few weeks later the next Pope was elected and having to wait again, then we were gifted Pope John Paul II.  As a small child I did not really understand what had happened, but the excitement of the white smoke has stayed with me.

There have been days of anticipation about the appointing of the new Pope. Although not much information is yet available about his choice of name, it is an exciting time.   Pope Leo XIV is very young so I am sure we will have many years of his leadership. Knowing that he was appointed by Pope Francis gives me great hope that he will continue with compassion and grace.  Please pray for all those in our church leadership as they guide us into the future.

“God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward.” Pope Leo XIV 8^th May 2025

God bless,

Stephanie Stewart

Religious Education Coordinator

Congraultations to the following students who will receive a Brag Tag Award - presented on Friday 16th May, 8.50am (Week 1)

'Oskar and Alex had the best day at the ACT swimming championships on Tuesday! It was a fast day in the pool with many ACT records broken. 

 Alex and Oskar were amazing in the pool! Their results were:

 Alex:

• 50m freestyle - 48.46 (PB) - placed 20th overall
• 50m backstroke - 51.57 - placed 7th overall 

 Oskar:

• 50m freestyle - 42.84 (PB) - placed 19^th overall
• 50m backstroke - 49.99 (PB) - placed 15^th overall

We are all very proud of Alex and Oskar, thankyou for representing St Johns and we cant wait to see what their swimming future brings!

Happy Birthday to Samuel Mullins, Victor Lomax, Sophie Peisker, Amelia Swiderski, Thomas Anderson, Adaline Jozwiak, Aviana Jozwiak, Troy Khalu-Reindl, Caleb Quinn, Ameilia Peisker, Jayden Amardo, Violet Oxenham, Bevan Hilhorst, Angelina Amrado, KlaraNilsson, Jasmine Khalu-Reindl, Jackson Loricchiella, Sonam Drolma, Alexis Greenhalgh, Japji Chohan, Evelina Nilsson, Hugo Mullins, Jonah Terron, Sophia Woods, Grace Garang,  Charlie Daza, Samuel Hedges, Gauri Dwivedi, Aysha Zenha Mohamed Jabir, Toby Blackford, Luca Vuckovic, Evelyn Wijnberg, Rigzang Tshewang, Thomasina Neilsen, Jennifer Nguyen, Emma Wooden, Penelope Osborne-Goldsbrough, Angel Bujune who all celebrate a Birthday in April.

St Johns will be having our book fair during week 5 of this term. The book fair will run from Monday 26th May until Wednesday 28th May. This is separate from the Book Club, and will have different books available.

Issue 3 of Book Club is due back on Tuesday 13th May.

Opening Hours

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

I Answered an Unknown Number During Filming

The Parenting Breakthrough that Happened Between Takes

Parenting moments often come when you least expect them—like when I answered an unknown number during a break while filming Parental Guidance. In this emotional moment, I realised the power of emotion coaching in helping my daughter through a difficult time. Here’s a look at the breakthrough that happened in those few minutes and how you can use emotion coaching to support your child during challenging moments.

An Unexpected Parenting Moment on Set

A couple of weeks back I was in Sydney filming Season Three of Parental Guidance. Studio days are long. It’s demanding work. (I’m thrilled to say that the show is going to be amazing again this time around!)

During a brief break, my phone rang. “Unknown number.” I hesitated. I only had about five minutes before I had to be back in hair and makeup. I had no idea who was calling me, and I needed to be in the right headspace for the next studio session. It was going to be a heavy one.

I glanced at the number on the screen again. No idea. And then, impulsively, I answered.

“Hello, this is Justin.”

“Daddy?” The sobbing, nearly inaudible voice belonged to my 14-year-old daughter, Lilli. Her tears told me everything I needed to know. My little girl was not doing well.

What would you normally say in this situation? “What’s wrong? Talk to me. What happened? Why are you crying?”

With the best of intentions, this is where we typically begin to interrogate our child. I chose a different path.

“Oh, Lilli. You’re crying. It sounds like you’re having an awful day.” I stopped. Waited. Then, “I’m here for you if you feel like talking.”

Lilli opened up like a flower after rain. She was on school camp, distressed, and calling from a teacher’s phone (since phones were, rightly, banned). A boy had fat-shamed her. Several of the kids were creating challenges. She was struggling with their immaturity. And camp felt awful.

When Emotions Run High, Intelligence Runs Low

Our children’s big emotions create ripple effects throughout their lives. For our child, these emotions can leave them feeling disconnected from us and others. They derail interest in school, learning, hobbies, and engagement in life itself.

For us as parents, big emotions (either in our child or ourselves) cloud judgement and decision-making. They hijack our effectiveness, making it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

In short, high emotions = low intelligence.

Emotion Coaching: The Science Behind the Approach

Pioneering research by Dr John Gottman has revealed that children whose parents practice “emotion coaching” develop stronger emotional intelligence and resilience. In his landmark studies published in “Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child,” Gottman found that emotion-coached children experience fewer behavioural problems, higher academic achievement, better social relationships, and improved physical health compared to their peers.

The research shows these children develop greater self-regulation skills and the ability to calm themselves in stressful situations. Most importantly, the parent-child relationship benefits from deeper trust and connection, creating a secure base from which children can explore their world with confidence.

The Five Steps of Effective Emotion Coaching

Coming home from camp was not an option for Lilli. Instead, I followed these five crucial steps to support her through her emotional moment—and no, you don’t need a psychology PhD to do this:

1. Be emotionally stable and mentally present: 

I took a deep breath, centred myself, and gave Lilli my complete attention despite the studio pressures waiting for me. Your calm creates a safe harbour in their emotional storm.

2. Say what you see—no judgement or direction: 

“Lilli, that sounds so hard. This must feel so rough.” Simple observations acknowledge their experience without telling them how they should feel or behave.

3. Offer to hug, help, or hear them: 

“I’m here for you if you feel like talking.” This gives them options while assuring them of your unconditional support.

4. Let them process with your strength and support:

I remained silently supportive as Lilli worked through her feelings. Your steady presence gives them the security to experience difficult emotions fully.

5. Ask how they want to move forward: 

“What do you think might help in this situation?” This empowers them to develop their own solutions while knowing you’re ready to guide if needed.

Empowering Your Child to Find Their Own Solutions

Whether your child is 4, 14, or the 44-year-old partner you married, these steps serve as a powerful guide.

Sometimes you do have to step in, make decisions, and take action. But more often, your child simply needs you to be there emotionally. Not as a therapist. As a parent who listens.

Support. Don’t solve.

Emotion coaching isn’t about fixing problems; it’s about being present and supporting your child emotionally. For more tips on building a stronger parent-child connection, explore more of our articles on emotional intelligence.

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.