Week 2 May 1st, 2023: Newsletter #12

Acknowledgement of Country

St. John’s school community respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.

Week 2 Prayer

From the Principal

Welcome Sally: This term we welcome Sally O'Keefe to our support staff. Sally will work across the grades and we look forward to her skill and expertise ehancing our community.  

Assembly: Due to the student free day this Friday, there will be no assembly this week. 

Hands on Learning: We are excited to be able to offer the Hands on Learning program in our school, we expect it to start in the middle of this term. As that time comes closer we will provide you with further information but please read further in this newsletter to find out more about this excellent program. 

Covid-19 & Infectious Disease Management: It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they:

• • have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
  • are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
  • are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.
• The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398.
• Principals are no longer required to inform their school community of a positive case associated with the school.
• Staff or students who are positive are strongly recommended to stay home and isolate for a minimum of five days.
• Symptomatic students or staff should not attend school, even if failing to test positive on a RAT or PCR.

Communication: There is no longer a requirement for schools to inform their communities of positive cases.  All health information is held in accordance with the school’s privacy policy.

Masks: Staff and students who wish to wear a mask will continue to be supported to do so. Masks are available from the administration office for anyone wishing to obtain one. Any staff or students who are  close contacts are recommended to wear a  mask indoors.

RAT Kits: RATs are available for all Victorians from council sites. Individuals can obtain two free packs (10 tests) for themselves and two free packs (10 tests) for each household member. People with disability and their carers can get up to four free packs (20 tests) in line with existing RAT distribution for people with disability. The RATs are available at the Civic Centre (25 Liebig Street) and the Archie Graham Community Centre (118 Timor Street). We also have RAT tests available from the front office.

Medically At Risk Students: Students who have chronic health conditions, especially affecting the respiratory system ie Asthma, must have up to date health support plans. Families who are unsure about the status of their child’s plan should make contact with teh school administration office.

General Illnesses: As we approach the winter months we encourage all families to be cautious when sending children to school who are still symptomatic with contagious diseases such as cold, flu etc.

Enjoy your week, Ben.

Dennington ANZAC Day Commemorations

3 Way Conversations

Throughout this term, all classroom teachers will have conversations with parents regarding their child’s learning. Rather than conduct these all on specific dates, parents will receive an email via PAM outlining available dates for you to meet with your child’s teacher. These conversations are important in building the relationship between home and school and assisting your child with their learning. If you have any questions regarding these interviews then I encourage you to speak with your child’s teacher. 

Hands on Learning

Mother's Day Breakfast

Please  click here to RSVP.

2024 Foundation Open Day Tours

Registrations for 2024 Foundation students Open Day tours are now open. Please click on the link below and then Event details to select your preferred time and complete the registration form.

Link to Open Day Tours 

DOBCEL Consultative Committees

The DOBCEL Board provides opportunities for members of the diocesan education community, and others with relevant expertise, to participate in the mission of DOBCEL, to assist its governance and decision making and to inform faithful stewardship of the mission through DOBCEL Consultative Committees.

A range of vacancies exists across the DOBCEL Consultative Committees. These committees are an invaluable opportunity to ensure that the work of the Board and CEB reflects the needs of DOBCEL school communities right across the Diocese. Typically, the committees meet once each term for a duration of 90-120 Minutes. The opportunity exists to attend face-to-face or virtually.  For volunteers to the organisation, compensation for expenses is available. 

Opportunities exist for parents/guardians/carers with a child/children enrolled in a DOBCEL School to join one of the following; 

• Catholic Faith Community & Culture Consultative Committee
• Children & Young People Safeguarding & Wellbeing Consultative Committee
• Family and Community Engagement Consultative Committee
• Learning and Teaching Consultative Committee

In the event of multiple nominations, the Board will invite Consultative Committee members on the basis of the general balance of the committee, taking into account factors such as gender, diversity, skill mix, location, school size, etc.

For more information please contact Jo Mckee jmckee@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or speak with your school principal. Expressions of interest are open until Wednesday, 3rd May.

St. John's Cross Country

All students will compete in age groups for our annual St. John's Primary School Cross County this Wednesday.

It will be held at the Dennington oval with laps of the oval for students 5 - 8 years of age. Students aged 9 and above will run outside the oval with a staff member riding ahead on a pushbike and positioned at various points along the track for support.

Event Times (approximate)
9.30am- 12/13 year olds (3km)
9.50am- 11 year olds (3km)
10.10am- 10 year olds (2km)
10.25am- 9 year olds (2km)
10.40am- 8 year olds (lap of oval)
10.50am- 7 year olds (lap of oval)
11.00am- 5/6 year olds (lap of oval)

Important School reminders

Russell Street Crossing: If parents and children are needing to cross Russell Street then it must be done at the supervised pedestrian crossing. This is the only safe place to do.

Parking: Please refrain from parking in the designated disability car spaces in the carparks if you do not have a sticker displayed on your vehicle. It is important these spaces are reserved for families that need them.

We also ask that if you have to hop out of the car to assist your child into the car that you park your car and collect them rather than hold up the loop. 

Entering the School Buildings: All visitors during the school day must enter via the front office. This includes children late to school.

Student Messages: Please ensure change of pick up arrangement messages etc are received by the office ideally by 3.00pm and no later than 3.10pm to allow office staff adequate time to pass them on to students.

Student News: If you have some exciting news you would like to share with our school community we would love to hear about it. Please email admin@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au

Parent/School Communication: When contacting school staff please refer to our Communications Guidelines for the appropriate processes, this can be found under the forms and documents tab on our schoolzine app and in the Parent Information tab in PAM.

Parent Participation Levy: Please ensure you record the activity and the amount of hours you volunteered your time for on the following form - Parent Participation Levy Activity Record

Happy Birthday

A quiet week for birthdays at St John's this week with no students celebrating this week. Stay tuned for next week.

Student Awards

Student News

Yesterday (Sunday 30th) Arlo B, Jackson J, Austin M & Chet M were selected to play Auskick at half time at the MCG for the Essendon v Geelong game. An opportunity that they will remember for life! All four did so well and loved every minute of it. Good job boys, future stars in the making!!

Parents and Friends Social Group News

Parents and Friends Social Group Meeting

POSTPONED

Our meeting will no longer take place tonight, a new date will be advised. 

Mother's Day Stall

 Wednesday Treats

Wednesday Treats begin next Wednesday 10th May. Order forms will be sent home this week and must be returned by 3.00pm each Monday. No late orders will be accepted.

                   Cake Raffle

Each week on a Friday, families are rostered on to bring in a cake which will then be raffled and drawn out at Assembly. All funds raised throughout the year will be donated to the Good Friday Appeal the following year.

All students will have the opportunity to buy a raffle ticket for 20c each Friday. The Johnnies will come around to the classrooms during the day to write out tickets and collect money. 

The following families were rostered on this week but due to Friday being a school closure day you are not required to bring a cake in.

Osborne, Olam, O'Grady, O'donohue and Oakley.

School Sponsorship

Would you like to advertise your business in our school newsletter? Businesses can advertise for only $100 a year and will have a business card sized listing in every school newsletter. Please contact parents@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au for more information.

A big thank you to Fry Painting, O'Brien Electrical Warrnambool, Brownies Shed, Tubbie & Rayz Indoor Batting house and Carry On Travel who sponsor our school!

Star of the Sea Bulletin

Sunday Mass is held at 10.00am at St. Pius X Church. School families are always welcome.

The Parish office can be contacted on 5562 2231 and this weekends bulletin is featured below. Other information and contact details can be found on the Star of the Sea South West Coast website: https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/parish/southwestcoast/ 

Our Diocesan Community

Click here to view the March edition of Our Diocesan Community.

Lowes Sale - This week

Kindergarten Open Days

Upcoming Events

Wednesday 3rd May: School Cross Country

Thursday 4th May: May Race Day Public Holiday

Friday 5th May: School Closure Day

Tuesday 9th May: District Cross County at the Warrnambool Speedway

Wednesday 10th May: Mother's Day Stall

Wednesday 10th May: Wednesday Treats begin

Friday 12th May: Mother's Day Breakfast at 8.00am