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"There's no such thing as a vote that doesn't matter!"
(Barack Obama)
"Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls."
(Peggy Noonan)
Dear St John the Apostle families,
Have you voted yet? A number of us have and a large number are still yet to.
The opportunity to vote for who will lead, care for and support us in government is such a privilege in our country and one of the greatest civic responsibilities and opportunities we have.
"Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country, and this world".
Your vote matters in the ACT election. It carries great weight. It sends a message about what you are wanting from our local government, about what you need and about what you believe we should aspire to as a community.
Decisions are made by those who show up, so when you vote this year I encourage you to make sure your vote really expresses your needs and your aspirations by being as informed as you possibly can about each of the candidates.
An important consideration is how each of the various candidates and parties prioritise and support our Catholic Education system as a valuable part of the ACT schooling landscape. How they value the Catholic Education system impacts our school and your child. Attached below is a brief letter from our Director, Mr Ross Fox, to inform you how each party has expressed their commitment to Catholic Education. It can help you know a little more information about one of the issues that impacts your family as you consider your vote.
Out of Hours School Care Tender
After three years of partnering with Camp Australia as our provider of Outside Hours Care, our school is undertaking a tender process to enter into a contract with an appropriate provider for the next three years, beginning 2021. The contract will include before and after school care as well as a holiday program.
It's important to undertake a tender process periodically to ensure that we always receive the best possible service for our families. The process will be completed by the end of October and an announcement about the successful partner will be made in November.
Congratulations for a number of staff
Congratulations to our Inclusion Assistant, Mr Jack Biilmann, on his recent engagement to his partner Jodi. Our students and staff were very happy for him.
After a year on exchange, Mr Jack Gibson and Mrs Melanie Monaghan will continue to teach at St Francis Xavier College on a permanent basis from 2021. They have both been loved and valued members of our community and their chapter in our school story is full of great memories. We wish them the very best and know that many of our current students look forward to seeing them when they enter Year 7.
I would like to congratulate Ms Charlie McIver and Ms Ashleigh van Kemenade on their appointments to return to St John the Apostle next year. It's wonderful to have such a settled, collaborative and skilled staff as we plan for the 2021 school year.
After a short break at the end of last term it is wonderful to be back and touching base with everyone. Thank you for the wonderful work of Ms Rebekah Brown as Acting Principal and Ms Stephanie Stewart as Acting Assistant Principal, who led our school with great skill, understanding and compassion during those times. We are very blessed to have an outstanding school team here at St John the Apostle.
Have a lovely weekend....happy voting!
Matthew Garton
Principal
Catholic Life and Reflection
Oh, how I really needed a break. I just loved the slow time that comes with a few days off. I slept in and had a few kips in the afternoon too. I read a whole book! I missed being able to go to the ocean, it has been a while, but know that the time will come when I can.
I took time to be creative, which helps me relax and I spent time with my kids. I guess the key word is time. I took time to recharge and rest.
Jesus rested, he went away to pray, he sat and ate with friends (and drank a few glasses of wine) and he spent time alone. All very human things to do, for all of us.
What we are learning about
This week the URFAB team ran our staff meeting on Dealing with Vicarious Trauma and Self Care. They talked a lot about self care and how to identify if you are not doing enough of it. There were some practical suggestions, which I am happy to share if you are interested. The big lesson for me was, it doesn’t really matter what it is, just do it. Know what makes you feel better, what restores you and what saps your strength and energy.
It was timely for all teachers. It is timely for all parents too.
What the Students are learning about
Year 6 are really excited about their Confirmation. For their assessment they had to pretend to be me (Religious Education Coordinator) and create a liturgy based on their Saint. Part of this was an opportunity to produce a prayer focus. They were allowed to use anything in my RE resource room. They loved that! Here are a few examples. Please pray for those students who are preparing for the Sacrament.
God bless,
Stephanie Stewart
Religious Education Coordinator
Notices from the Parish
Due to COVID restrictions, the 2020 Marian Procession will take place online. Led by our ethnic communities, the event is an opportunity to pray the Rosary together as a community.
We encourage participants to gather online in hubs with members of their families, local parishes, friends, or just individually to pray the Rosary during the week leading up to the celebration of the live-streamed Multicultural Mass Sunday 25 October.
Find out more information and register for notifications at https://hozana.org/en/community/9352-marian-procession
Happy birthday to Harry M, Briony F, Hawa M, Yusha A, Marian L, Fergus S, Tessa V, Keyna O, Michaela H, Edith B, Sophia H, Ziva Z, Samsara R, Kiri F, Nicholas A, April M, Athuai A, Kelvin N, Ella W, Andy H and Bhoomika P who all celebrated a birthday over the last three weeks.
Please note that we ask students to not bring home made cupcakes to share with the class for their birthdays. This is a precautionary measure for health and hygiene. The Canteen offers a number of options to share with the class. Purchases can be made through the QKR app.
Book Week 2020 Events!
Each year, the Children’s Book Council of Australia celebrate Australian Authors and Illustrators. Book week this year will run from October 17th - 23rd, with the fantastic theme of ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds.’ During this time will be exploring some wonderful books and doing lots of fun activities. These will include;
Tuesday 20 October 2020 – Curious Creatures Picnic
Bring in your ‘curious creatures’ (stuffed toys etc) for our Curious Creatures Picnic.
Wednesday 21 October 2020 - Dress Up Day and Parade
Come dressed as your favourite book character and to bring along the book!
Families are encouraged to keep costumes simple and homemade. There is no expectation to purchase or hire fancy costumes.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, we have ‘tweaked’ the event to be a student-only gathering. Parents will be able to view the parade digitally (details will be provided).
ONLY 8 places left to book for this year’s Family photo fundraiser on SUNDAY 1 November 2020.
For only $20 you can secure an A4 sized (10″ x 13″) professional family photo and photo session
BOOK HERE NOW https://sjapsfundraising.com/family-photo-fundraiser-1-nov/ to secure your place
Sessions will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.
It will only take 30 minutes of your time (15 minutes to get ready and 15 minutes for the shoot) and will provide the cheapest professional family photo on the market today.
The $20 will go towards our fundraising efforts and at the same time, if you choose, you will have the chance to purchase additional professional portraits at exceptionally good prices, but there is absolutely no obligation to buy these.
We have been doing this fundraiser for a few years now as it is great value for families, and are lucky enough to have our great photographer Kieran back again. Please note there is only one booking per family (separated families are allowed two of course), however you are more than welcome to bring along grandparents, extended family etc. to also have additional photos taken during your booking.
If you have any questions please contact me at Belinda.duke@hotmail.com.au or phone 0402424392
To order copy and paste the link below in your browser https://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/2323z3
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