School Newsletter - Issue 4 - Friday, 24th March 2023
Principal's News
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the end of Week 8! Mr Lynch, Ms Dickson, Mrs Powell and I have had a most enjoyable time with Year 5 on their camp to Point Wolstoncroft and I know that these memories for the children are something that they will keep with them and cherish.
Enrolments
As you would be aware the enrolment period for Kindergarten 2024 has begun. We had a very well attended Open day and Evening last Thursday. We are now in the process of accepting enrolments for Kinder 2024 and will begin the interview process early in Term 2 with the view of sending letters of offer by the end of May, early June (in line with our neighbouring Catholic Schools.)
If you have a child that will be enrolling in Kindergarten next year, you are welcome to download an enrolment package off our website and return it to school by the end of April.
To avoid missing out on a position, it is important that if you currently have a child at SJF and wish to enrol a sibling for 2024, you don’t leave this past the closing date. Please ensure all documentation has been included.
Property Update
Catholic Schools Broken Bay have acquired the property located next door to our school
(202 Hansens Rd) and are looking at the various options for use of the land to enhance our school.
This is exciting news for St John Fisher, Tumbi and we look forward to providing more information as it becomes available.
Parent Forum
We had a very successful parent forum last week. We had around 18 parents contribute to an open feedback discussion (sort of like speed dating). We listened and gathered some very good parent perspectives on what’s working as well as suggestions for the future etc. There are pages of notes to collate, and once done, we will share these with our community. We are a partnership, and it was a really positive night. Many thanks to Kate Benton (very nice platters and overall organization), Mr Lynch, Mrs Lawicki and all the parents for giving up their Wednesday night.
Parent Helpers/Parent Volunteer Declaration
I posted this information on Compass last Friday but just for those who missed it:
Any parent, carer, grandparent etc who would like to be a classroom helper, carnival helper, assist on excursions, canteen etc please complete the Parent Volunteer Declaration. Please note that there are TWO forms to complete. The process takes about 15 -20 minutes. We have had a large proportion of parents complete part one but NOT the second part.
I have linked the complete instructions (this will take you to the Compass Message) and encourage you to please complete if you want to help in any way.
We will be running some parent training sessions early next term and asking for parent volunteers, it will be great to have you back!
New School Phone System and Number (Reminder)
We have been advised that our old phone system will cease to operate in three weeks time. Our NEW school phone number will change to 7256 2102. Please make sure you save this phone number to your contact list. Our Admin staff are already using this number, so if you receive a call, you will know it's from St John Fisher. We will also update this information on all school communication channels over the next 3 weeks. We appreciate your support as we transition to a modern cloud-based phone system.
Drive Through/ Pick Up
Normal afternoon pick-up time is always very busy, requiring a lot of organisation. Thursday afternoon was unprecedented and posed many challenges, heavy rain, loud lightning resulting in upset children, a power surge causing a phoneline and internet outage and naturally last-minute changes to pick-up arrangements. As a result, there was a backup of traffic. As staff, we endeavour to move traffic as quickly and safely as possible and ask that if this does occur, patience and courtesy is displayed. Unfortunately, staff were shouted and sworn at. This is not who we are or what we are about.
Once again, thank you for your continued support as we work towards a safe departure for everyone.
Kind regards
Marcel Arendse
Principal
Assistant Principal's News
NAPLAN
We are delighted to congratulate all the children who have completed 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 dedication to perform their best. The results of these tests will give valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement for our students, and will help us tailor our teaching approach to better meet their 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. Well done to all!
Every Day Counts
Year 3 students with an accumulated unauthorised absence rate of 10% in each of their first three years of schooling achieved approximately 36 points lower in Year 3 on the NAPLAN numeracy domain than students with no unauthorised absences during the same period. As students generally gain 100 points from Year 3 to Year 5 (Hancock et al. 2013), a 36 point difference is almost two thirds of a year’s growth in achievement that students with high rates of unauthorised absences fail to reach.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you and family to support your child’s attendance each day.
Stephen Lynch
Assistant Principal
Class Merit Awards
Congratulations!
Religious Education Co-ordinator News
Prayer from:
https://sharecatholic.com/blog/free-me-lord-jesus-from-anything-that-obstructs-my-way-to-you
Congratulations!
A big congratulations to all the children who made the sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday. It was a beautiful celebration, and the boys and girls were fantastic.
A huge thanks to Fr Raul, Fr Alex and Jo Helm for making the day so special. Following the ceremony, the children enjoyed a sausage sizzle thanks to some very kind parishioners who helped out.
Harmony Day
On Tuesday we celebrated the uniqueness and differences of all with a Harmony Day Liturgy and activities. Money raised from the mufti day went to "We Care Connect" which is a local charity who support children experiencing poverty. We were delighted to be able to donate $253.15 to this worthwhile cause. 
Project Compassion
As we continue to support Project Compassion, we hope for justice and dignity for all by building a better future for those in need. So far we have raised $543.25 with only two weeks left we encourage you to continue to raise money and send it in to your class collection box.
Holy Week
To mark Holy Week this year we are planning a quiet, intimate reflection on the Stations of the Cross. We are looking for actors who will not only act out the story for the school, but also be available to come along to the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and re-enact it for our parishioners.
We are delighted to have had several responses and so this is the last shout out before giving out parts. If your child is available on Good Friday and you would like them to take part, please
complete the attached form, by this Saturday 25/3/23
Stations of the Cross Volunteers (google.com)
Positive Behaviours for Learning
This week we are learning that:
SJF is a Positive Learning Environment for All When:
We Listen Actively and Respond Appropriately
Getting children to listen at home can also be a challenge. Check out this excellent website for some useful tips and tricks to help at home.
https://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/parenting/get-kids-to-listen
Luisa Lawicki
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Canteen News
Hi everyone,
I would like to thank all parents/carers and staff for their wonderful support in my first term as your Canteen Manager. It has been most enjoyable feeding all the students and staff and look forward to continuing in Term Two. I also appreciate your patience as I learn the ropes and deal with continuing stock supply issues.
New Items Available to Order
You can now order fresh Chicken and Salad or Ham and Salad wraps on Qkr. These are made fresh on the day ordered. They are being trialed and sold at $4.50 (extra 50cents per item for avocado, Cheese or sauce).The Crackers and Cheese, and Hommus and Carrot sticks, have proven quite popular so will continue into Term Two. You can now also order Crackers and Hommus $1.00 all prices are subject to change.
Check Students Class and Year
I still have a few students whose Year/Class have yet to be changed on Qkr. Could you please double check to ensure your Child/rens details are correct, as it makes delivery of the lunches a challenge as they are placed into the wrong collection basket.
End of Term One - Start of Term Two (Dates to be aware of)
The last day for the canteen will be Wednesday the 5th of April 2023. This will be the last day for ordering food. The first day back on board in the canteen for Term Two will be Wednesday 3rd May 2023. Please note that the canteen will be closed the first week back in Term Two.(26-28th April 2023).As there is only a few canteen days left this term, you will notice a reduction in items available to order. This is because the stock will be run low to enable the canteen to have a good clean, and freezers defrosted. I will restock for Term Two.
Canteen Volunteers
I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who came forward to volunteer in the canteen. Feeding the students would not be possible without the helping hands of so many of you. It has been wonderful meeting so many of you this term and it has been an enjoyable experience working with you and getting to know so many of you. Lots of laughs have been had and it is great to see so many of you, meeting other parents and forming new friendships. I look forward to Term Two and meeting many more of you. I thank you all again, as without Volunteers, the smooth running of the canteen would not be possible.To all, have a wonderful and safe holiday. See you in Term Two!
Helen Taufel
Canteen Co-ordinator
Parent Engagement Co-ordinator (PEC)
Parent Feedback Evening
Thank you to all of the parents who attended our first community round table discussion event last Wednesday. We had some wonderful discussions in small groups and got some excellent feedback directly from you, our parent community. We will publish the minutes from the night once they have been finalised.
Dr Justin Coulson Anxiety & Resilience FREE Webinar
Reminding you all of this fantastic free webinar offered by The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) on Wednesday 29th March at 7pm. Dr Justin Coulson is presenting on the important topic of Anxiety and Resilience. Click the link below to register.
ccsp.catholic.edu.au/upcoming-webinars
“Little Fisher’s” Playgroup
Please join us this Monday 27th March From 9:15am in the school hall for Playgroup.
We’d love to see lots of siblings and friends attend. Feel free to share amongst the community.
Mother’s Day Breakfast Parent Team Leader
We are still looking for someone to head up the organisation of our Mother’s Day Breakfast. I will be there as a support for whoever takes on the role. Could this be your ‘one thing’? Please contact me if you are interested.
PARENT HELPERS FOR A FUN ACTIVITY!
Join us on Tuesday 4th April at 9am to help paint our beautiful wooden dolls for our Year 1 RE curriculum. No artistic skills required! Morning tea and great conversation provided. Please contact me if you’d like to join us.
As always please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback at kate.benton@dbb.catholic.edu.au
SJF Big Arvo
Not long now to our BIG ARVO! This year’s theme is
‘A Night at the Movies’.
When: Friday March 31st, 6-8pmWhat to bring: Kids to come dressed as their favourite movie character (if they wish),
BYO picnic dinner, $2 coins for drinks, lollies and ice blocks from the canteen and 20c coins for the chocolate toss game, and a big SMILE!
There will be a disco, face painting
, movie themed activity stalls and more!
This event is alcohol and smoke free, and is for
St John Fisher families only.
We hope to see you all there!
Wyong Parish News
Wyong Catholic Parish Youth Co-ordinator
The Wyong Catholic Parish is seeking to recruit a Youth Co-ordinator working up to 4 hours per week. The role does allow for flexibility with the working schedule, however you’ll need to have availability for weekends and evenings.
This is an exciting role where you will build and maintain a parish youth group, encouraging young people to engage and participate in parish youth activities, ensuring a sense of fun, community, belonging and faith for the youth and young adults in the parish. You’ll work to build a strong youth network and collaborate with like groups and organisations as well as encouraging, supporting and assisting volunteers to assist in the youth ministry.
Please apply by sending a CV and brief cover letter addressing role requirements via email to wyongparish@bbcatholic.org.au
Applications close Friday 24th March.
250 Club
If you’d like to contribute to our Wyong Catholic Parish by buying a number in the 250 club competition please contact. wyongparish@bbcatholic.org.au
Flyers
Easter Colouring Competition 
The office staff has oganised an Easter Colouring Competition opened to all students of SJF.
Only ONE entry per student and will be available from the office from Monday for students to collect. Entries to be returned to the office and making sure NAME and CLASS is on the front by Wednesday 5th April.
Happy Colouring
Upcoming Events
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Week 9 | 27th March Little Fishers Playgroup 9:15 am  | 28th March | 29th March Justin Coulson Anxiety and Resilience Workshop 7 pm | 30th March | 31st March |
| Week 10 | 3rd April Easter Hat Making with Parents Easter Hat Parade | 4th April | 5th April St Peter's | 6th April 9:30am | 7th April Good Friday  |
| TERM 2 Week 1 | 24th April | 25th April ANZAC Day  | 26th April | 27th April | 28th April |
| Week 2 | 1st May | 2nd May | 3rd May | 4th May | 5th May |
| Week 3 | 8th May | 9th May | 10th May | 11th May | 12th May
|
| Week 4 | 15th May | 16th May | 17th May | 18th May | 19th May |
| Week 5 | 22nd May | 23rd May Broken Bay Primary Cross Country | 24th May | 25th May | 26th May |
