School Newsletter - Issue 3 - Friday,15th March 2024

Principal's News

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Welcome to the end of Week 6. Another big one with goal-setting meetings being a highlight coupled with our Open Day/Evening. We have the ‘Big Arvo’ happening next Friday afternoon, we look forward to welcoming you next week.

Open Day 

We hosted our 'Open Day' morning and evening sessions yesterday. We were so happy with how many families are interested in visiting and seeing all that St John Fisher has to offer. We will commence sibling interviews later this term and then new families early next term.  

Parent Survey 

We greatly appreciate parent feedback as we continue to strive to make SJF the best place we can make it. Please refer to Kate’s section on accessing and completing this survey. 

Goal Setting Meetings 

The staff have really enjoyed these conversations with parents. This is an important process as we work together in partnership to create the best learning opportunities we can for our students. Thank you for your engagement in these conversations. 

NAPLAN 

We are delighted to congratulate all the children who have been completing the NAPLAN tests! We know that preparing for and taking these tests can be a challenging experience, and we are proud of each and every student who has put in the effort and focus to do their best. The results of these tests will give valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement, allowing us to tailor our teaching approach to better meet the student's needs. We also want to acknowledge the hard work and support of our teachers and staff who have worked tirelessly to prepare our students for these tests. We look forward to sharing the results with you and continuing to work together to support the growth and development of our students. 

Kind regards

Marcel Arendse
Principal

Key Dates

Class Merit Awards

Growing in Faith and Knowledge Awards

Religious Education Co-ordinator News

Easter Hat making 

This year, for our Easter hats, we have decided to shake things up a little. We are going to be making Easter hats in class on Wednesday 27th March but will be environmentally and financially conscious. The students will be provided with either a paper plate or a paper cup (they can pick which) and will use that as the base for their hat. We ask that they bring in recyclable bits and pieces (so no plastic chicks or bought things from the shops) to decorate their hat (cut-up magazines, cotton wool balls, etc is perfect). All creations will be made at school. We will make our hats after our short Palm Sunday celebration and will then have a hat parade at 10.30 am in the hall. For the hat parade, parents will be asked to stand at the front and back of the hall. The students will then do two laps of the hall class by class as the music plays.  

Kate Benton has put together some awesome ideas for you all so check them out below. This year we are looking for budget friendly creations using imagination and flair. 
                                   

Harmony Day 

Harmony Day celebrates Australia as a uniquely diverse country. We are very proud of the way people from right across the world, live together in Harmony on this amazing land of ours. We are blessed with so many cultural riches. This Thursday 21st March we will be marking Harmony Day by wearing orange accessories and bringing in a gold coin donation which will be given to those with less riches than us through Project Compassion. 

PBL 

All of the students have been looking at how: 

We speak and act respectfully at SJF 

Over the next two weeks, we will be learning how: 

This sometimes means that we can’t always do what we want to do.  This also applies at home. Here are some tips and tricks to help your child to listen at home: 

How to Get Kids to (REALLY) Listen: 7 Steps for Success - Positive Parenting Solutions 

10 Tips to Help Your Child Listen and Follow Directions | Boys Town Parenting 

How to Get Kids to Listen and Actually Do What You Ask (notconsumed.com) 

Wellbeing Week 

We recognise that life is getting busier for all of us.  At SJF we value highly the wellbeing of the students, staff, and families and so next week is:  

Wellbeing Week 

In recognition of this we would like you to join us in celebrating all that is good in our world, especially our families and friends.  The teachers are planning a few special activities for their students and have been asked to leave work quickly once the day is finished so that they can spend some quality time with their families.   

We ask that this week, you take some time out also to do something small but special as a family.  Below is a list of activities that you could try.  The aim for the week is to build strong relationships with your family, enjoy time together, and most of all care for everyone’s wellbeing. You will see that the activities below are not impossible to do or expensive, but aimed at creating lasting memories by developing strong connections with those we care about. 

Take some time next week to think about those around you who make your life better just by being there. Or think about those people who go out of their way to help you.  Why not start Wellbeing Week by saying thank you to those people and helping build their positive wellbeing? 

Reconciliation 

Please keep the Year 4 students in your thoughts and prayers as the prepare for the sacrament of Reconciliation, which will be celebrated on Wednesday 27th March at 4pm in or SJF Mass Centre.  

Luisa Lawicki
Religious Education Co-ordinator

Office News and Information

Kindergarten 2025 Sibling Enrolments 

 Reminder 
Please complete the attached enrolment form and return it to the school by Friday 29th March 2024. 
SJF Enrolment Form 
Please ensure all sections are completed and both parents sign the last page of the Enrolment Form (page 11). 
  
The following documents to support your child’s application for enrolment will also need to be provided: 

• Birth Certificate (original will need to be sighted at your child's enrolment Interview) 
• Sacramental certificates (if applicable) 
• Child's current Immunisation Certificate 

Please refer to the checklist within the enrolment application to ensure all applicable documentation accompanies your application.  
 
Once you have completed the Enrolment Form, please scan it as one PDF file (including the supporting documentation) and return it via email to sjf@dbb.catholic.edu.au 
  
If you have any questions regarding your child’s enrolment, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office on 7256 2102 or via email at sjf@dbb.catholic.edu.au 
  
Once you have returned your application to the school, we ask that you please book an Enrolment Interview time. Kindergarten 2025 Sibling Interviews will take place on Thursday 4th April 2024. 
Your child will need to attend the Interview. 
Sibling 2025 Enrolment Interview Bookings 

School Fees 

Should you have any questions relating to your fees please contact: -  

Catholic Schools Broken Bay School Fees Liaison Team  
Via email schoolfees@dbb.catholic.edu.au or phone 02 7256 2888 

Medication Forms 

If your child requires medication to be administered at school; antibiotics, paracetamol, Nurofen, etc, a Request to Administer Medication at Schools Form must be completed. Please see the form for further details

Extended Leave Form  

If your child/ren will be away from school for up to 9 school days due to travel, an email must be sent to your class teacher advising them of this absence.  Parents should ensure an attendance entry in Compass has been made prior to this leave.  

If your child/ren will be on leave due to travel for 10 school days or more, an 
Application for Extended Leave – Travel must be completed at least 2 weeks prior to travel.  Please submit this form to the school office, upon approval by the school Principal, a certificate will be issued.  This certificate must always be carried on person with you during your travel. 

The Admin Team

Parent Engagement Co-ordinator (PEC)

Parent Survey 

You will have seen a compass notification sent out yesterday asking for feedback via a parent survey. We greatly appreciate any time you give to filling out the survey as this information provides invaluable information for us to grow as a school community. We aim to offer another community feedback evening at a later stage during the year. 

Please click the following link to complete the survey by Wednesday 20th March 
https://forms.office.com/r/w0xt7Epruv 

BIG ARVO 

Next Friday 22nd March is our BIG ARVO from 5 pm-7 pm. We have lots of wonderful activities happening including “Bop Till You Drop” Disco/Karaoke, Tropical Sno Cones (at an extra cost), Chocolate Coin Toss, Face Painting, Temporary Tattoos, and much more. 

Thank you for all the chocolate and prize donations, your generosity has been amazing! 

We still need YEAR 2 & YEAR 5 to take on a stall. Please get in touch if you’d like to volunteer.

Palm Making Parent Workshop 

We have been invited to join a special gathering to create palm crosses for our Parish for Palm Sunday. This cherished tradition not only brings us closer as a community but also prepares us spiritually for the arrival of Holy Week. I look forward to seeing you there.  

Date: Wednesday, March 20th, 2024   

Time: 9:30 AM   

Location: St Peter’s Catholic College 84 Gavenlock Road Tuggerah (held in the T3 Trade Ctr) a delicious morning Tea will be provided. 

To register please do so via the following link https://forms.office.com/r/D1xpz5z61k 

Anxiety Parent Workshop 

On Monday our amazing counsellor held a parent workshop focusing on tools to help with your child's anxiety. The feedback has been that this morning was extremely helpful and relevant. Due to overwhelming demand, we have been able to put on a second workshop for those unable to attend last Monday. 

This will be an evening session held on Monday 8th April from 6 pm-8 pm. This session will be more condensed but still be as informative. Please register via the following link
https://forms.office.com/r/fuPbG5qY3Y 

Resources will be available after the second session. 

Kate Benton
Parent Engagement Co-ordinator

Library News

NSW Premier's Reading Challenge 

The 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge has kicked off with a bang! All logins have been sent home and we have our first challenge milestones to celebrate.

Books read to K-2 students in their Library session will be added to their reading record on the website weekly. For most students, this will enable them to reach the halfway mark. To complete the challenge they will require help at home to add additional books, such as those they borrow from our Library and read at home. To access the website where books are added click the link
NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge or scan the QR code on your child’s login details bookmark. The following links may be useful to guide you.  

How to add a book to a Student Reading Record 

Adding a Personal Choice Books to a Student Reading Record 

If you need further assistance. 

Email teresa.okeeffe@dbb.catholic.edu.au        

Happy reading! 

Teresa O'Keeffe
Teacher Librarian

Celebrating the Dedication by Mrs Powell and the Proust Family to Fundraising for the Mark Hughes Foundation

Interview with Mrs. Powell 

We understand that you and your family have been acknowledge as significant fundraisers. Could you tell us how much you’ve raised and which charity? 

We have as a family raised around $250 000.00 for the Mark Hughes Foundation.  

Could you tell us why the Mark Hughes Foundation is so important to you? 

My dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor and we knew that his diagnosis was not great. We wanted to make a difference. The Mark Hughes Foundation is doing a lot of research into brain tumors.  

How did you raise so much money? 

My dad Dave Proust “Prousty” was kind of famous! He used his poetry and comedy show as well as a TV show “What up Down Under” to promote fundraising. We as a family also sell lots of beanies and scarves. My Dad also would host Mark Hughes events, such as Mullet Fest, Lunches, and through his work as a Fireman. When he died we have continued his legacy. 

How long has it taken to raise that much money? 

It has been 5 years since we started to fundraise for the Mark Hughs Foundation. 

What would you hope that the money would be used for? 

We were so Lucky, Last week we were invited to see how the money raised, over the past 10 years of the foundation has been spent. We had a tour of the Labs at the John Hunter Hospital where researchers and scientists from around Australia are working together to come up with a cure. We also looked at the imaging and improvement in technology. We met the Brain Cancer Nurses who help patients and their families through their treatment.  

Why is fundraising so important? 

Brain Cancer statistics are not great. 98% of people die within 18 months. We want to make a difference in the future and improve outcomes. We were very lucky and my dad lived for 3 years. 

What are your plans for the future in regards to fundraising? 

After going to the John Hunter Hospital, we feel inspired to keep fundraising. Seeing the difference in imaging and research along with the cancer nurses. Fundraising in the future will make a difference to those people diagnosed.  

Interviewed by Otis, Max, and Maddie
                       

Aboriginal Education

Book Club

SJF OSHC April Vacation Care

For all information regarding April holidays Vacation Care click on link below.

2024 April VAC Tumbi Umbi

Flyers

Upcoming Events