Week 2 October 9th 2023: Newsletter #31
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Week 2 Prayer
- From the Principal
- 2024 School Structure
- Grandparent's Day- RSVP closing today!
- Referendum Day
- Learning Walk
- ReLate Wellbeing Day
- Regional Athletics Carnival
- Veggie Garden
- Lowes
- Student News
- Around our School- Week 1
- Foundation - Gr 4 Swimming Program
- Job Vacancy- Parish Secretary
- Student Awards- Week 1
- Happy Birthday
- Parents and Friends Social Group News
- School Sponsorship
- Star of the Sea Bulletin
- Community Notices
- Important School reminders
- Upcoming Events
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
School Hats: A reminder that all students are required to wear hats whilst outside in Term 4.
Upcoming Dates: There is quite a bit going on in our community this Term so I ask that parents/guardians keep up to date with all that is going on by reading this newsletter and all newsletters until the end of the year!
Enjoy your week, Ben
2024 School Structure
As we enter Term 4 it is now that we start focussing our eyes on the new year and the logistical and structural planning associated with it.
As always, we are committed to providing an environment in which children feel happy, safe, included and challenged.
2024 Class Structure:
Due to increased enrolments, and in line with further predicted growth, we will be operating 12 classes in 2024. The structure of these classes will be as follows;
Junior School:
- Foundation: 2 classes
- Grade 1: 2 classes
- Grade 2: 2 classes
Middle School:
- Grade 3/4: 3 classes
Senior School:
- Grade 5/6: 3 groups
Currently we have 10 classrooms so in 2024 and beyond we will be using portable classrooms as we await funding from either the Commonwealth or State government to build classrooms.
The above groupings represent a shift in philosophy from multiage classes to straight age classes, we expect this transition will be fully implemented within the next 4-5 years. Staff have considered this move for a period of time now and whilst the structure has changed, the fundamental belief still exists that there is no classroom that exists where all students are at the same level and require the same things, delivered in the same way. So regardless of classroom structure, a child’s education will come down to the quality, effectiveness and commitment of the school and the teacher/team responsible for that child.
At St. John's every teacher focusses on creating a classroom that caters to all children as individuals and identifying opportunities to extend or support learning. Effective teachers engage all students and students who are motivated and interested will learn whether the class is structured by grade, age, ability, or multi-grade.
Class Placement:
Class Placement refers to the placement by staff of each child into an appropriate classroom for 2024 based on learning levels and needs, social development, and classroom size.
The guidelines staff use for student placement at St. John’s include: academic levels, individual social/emotional/behavioural needs and peer relationships. Other practical factors to impact on the placement will include teacher recommendations, class size, groupings available, and a range of abilities in each class group.
Families are able to contribute to this process by informing the school of any specific requsts or thoughts regarding class placement for you child/children. These requests are to be emailed to principal@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au no later than Monday Ocotber 17th.
In all these processes, professional, respectful co-operation and student welfare will be upmost in all our minds; I thank you in anticipation of your considered support.
Grandparent's Day- RSVP closing today!
Please click this link to RSVP by Monday 9th October
Referendum Day
The P & F are on the lookout for volunteers to help cook a BBQ this Saturday. Time volunteered will count towards your Participation Levy. If you have a couple of hours left to complete then this would be perfect for you! Please contact Emily McGennan on 0409 999 166 or alternatively the office.
Learning Walk
ReLate Wellbeing Day
Last Wednesday we held a Wellbeing Day. In classrooms students discussed and practiced Community circles. Students also learnt about scaling emotions and how small problems can build up through the day and this can sometimes cause an explosion” of feelings (as demonstrated with coke and mentos with the senior students) and can mean that our brain is not ready to learn (the junior classes learnt about this using ping pong balls)
After recess students worked through the following eight rotations. They rated each activity out of 5 stars so that they could decide at the end of the day which 3 activities they would like to add to their regulation plan to use in class when they needed help to regulate. Maybe they could develop a plan at home too!
Mindful Coloring
Mindful Coloring and drawing is about bringing our awareness to the present moment by focussing on color and design. It can help us: Focus, reduce stress and worries and improve sleep.
To get the benefits when we are drawing and coloring we need to keep bringing our mind and thoughts back to the coloring and not let our thoughts drift.
Mindful Eating/Drinking
Having a drink or snack can be a great way to have a quick break and help us be ready to learn. Mindful eating is another way for us to focus on the present-noticing our thoughts, feelings and body sensations.
Breathing
Deep breathing tells the brain to calm down. Then the brain sends that signal to the rest of the body. It's the quickest way to bring your body back to feeling regulated. Stations were set up around the room with different breathing strategy ideas.
Wellbeing toolbox
Sensory tools are self-regulation devices that can increase a person’s focus and attention. These tools can provide a calming effect for a student who is feeling dysregulated, such as agitated or worried or who are finding it hard to concentrate.
Sensory tools come in various shapes, sizes, and textures and are referred to by multiple names. Examples of sensory tools can include stress balls, monkey noodles, and fidget cubes.
Using a weighted toy or heat pack (not heated) can give students sensory input (like a big hug) They can help us feel relaxed, calm and ready to learn.
Sensory circuits
Sensory circuits can be used throughout the day, in the classroom or at home, individually or in groups. The aim is to ensure our sensory system is running correctly.
Sensory circuits are physical, active and fun. It is really important that our circuits are ordered in a specific way. We start with alerting activities, follow with organisational tasks and finish with a calming option so we can return back to the classroom ready to learn.
Puzzles
Puzzles have many benefits, they can:
- Help us relax-just like meditation
- Exercise our brain
- Help us unwind and sleep
- Improve our memory
- They are a great brain break.
5 senses
When we are feeling overwhelmed with unpleasant emotions or unwanted thoughts The 5 4 3 2 1 Grounding Technique could help.
What is Grounding?
Grounding is a coping skill tool that can help us deal with worries and unwanted emotions and thoughts. Grounding helps bring our mind and body to the present moment.
Students name the following:
- 5 things that you can SEE in the room
- 4 things that you can FEEL/TOUCH right now
- 3 things that you can HEAR
- 2 things that you can SMELL now
- 1 thing that you can TASTE
A variation on the 5 4 3 2 1 Grounding Exercise:
replace “Name 1 thing that you can taste” with:
- Tell me 1 GOOD thing about YOURSELF
Walk around
Walking is one of the best exercises there is! Walking:
- Boosts energy levels
- Improves overall mood by releasing endorphins into our bodies that allows us to unwind.
- It has a big impact on our mood throughout the day and lowers our stress levels.
- Is gentle on our bodies
- Helps us sleep.
Regional Athletics Carnival
Last Friday 9 students participated in the Regional Athletics Carnival in Ballarat. It is such a great achievement to make it to this level and we are so proud of you all.
Charlotte S won both her 800m and 1500m events and has ran her way into the state finals!
The 11 year old girls were also victorious in their relay event and have also earnt a spot at the state finals.
Congratulations girls, this is an amazing result and we wish you all the best at the state finals to be held in Melbourne on 1st November.
Veggie Garden
Over the past couple of months, a few families have been weeding and preparing the veggie garden. Fresh new veggies were planted on the weekend!
The families have been lucky enough to obtain donations from All Season Nursery, Lowes and Volcano Produce - Tower Hill to get them started.
To keep planting and maintaining the veggie garden we need supplies such as gardening tools, sprinklers, straw, gardening gloves etc… If you are in the position to donate we would be very grateful. Donations can be dropped into the front office.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our families for completing this work for us. You have done such a remarkable job and we really appreciate all of your hard work.
Lowes
Student News
During the holidays Jacob hooked a 92 kilogram tuna on a 37 kilogram line class. It took around 30 minutes to pull in. Jacob was fishing with his dad and one of his friends about 12 kilometres off shore near Portland. It was the biggest catch of Jacob's career. What an achievement Jacob, you should be very proud of yourself!
If you have some exciting news you would like to share with our school community we would love to hear about it. We welcome all news! Please email admin@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au
Around our School- Week 1
Foundation - Gr 4 Swimming Program
Advance warning that our Foundation-Gr 4 Swimming Program will commence on Monday October 30th and will operate for 2 weeks. Our Grade 5/6 students will participate in a surf awareness later in Term 4.
All lessons will be taught by staff at Jayson Lamb's Splash Factory and the lessons will take place at the Warrnambool College indoor pool.
Job Vacancy- Parish Secretary
Our Parish Secretary for the past 13 years, Leanne McElgunn, has advised of her intending retirement on Friday 24th November.
This position will need to be filled and the Parish seeks interest from either experienced and/or qualified individuals. Interested individuals may call into the Parish office at St. Joseph’s Warrnambool to collect a role description or call 5562 2231 for further information.
This is a role of about 32 hours per week (9.00am - 4.00pm) with award wages but this could be negotiable.
There is also a part-time administrative position as well. The work load has increased for our administrative staff due to our larger Parish. The latter position would be a 0.4 or 0.5 position.
Regards, Fr John Fitzgerald
Student Awards- Week 1
Happy Birthday
Best wishes to Aurora B, Evie D, Harper F and Easton S who celebrate their special day this week. We hope you have a magical day!
Parents and Friends Social Group News
Meeting
Last Tuesday we met at the Cally for a dinner/meeting. Discussions revolved around the busy term ahead for everyone.
For those still needing to put in hours and tick off their Participation Levy points we have a number of events this term which we require volunteers for. The best place to keep track of this is on the school’s community facebook group where event coordinators will make a post when they require help.
Some volunteering opportunities include:
- Voting BBQ (next Saturday 14th October),
- DDO prep including working bees to clean up the school prior and put together show bags,
- Carols by the Merri stall,
- Bunnings BBQ,
- End of year family BBQ
If you are still to complete your hours and these events do not suit your timetable please reach out to Ben or Gayle in the School office who can work with you on jobs that need doing around the school.
Our next meeting will be held Tuesday 21st November 7.00pm in the Gathering Space. Everybody welcome!
Malynda De Bono- President
Dennington's Day Out!
The countdown is on! Only 34 days until our biggest fundraising event on the calendar is fast approaching!
There will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer your time and tick off your participation points in the lead up to the event, so keep your eyes on our facebook page and the newsletter.
Our next meeting will be held next Wednesday 11th October at 7.00pm in the Gathering Space.
Please like and share our posts which are on the facebook page ‘Dennington’s Day Out’. This helps our event reach members of the public to ensure we have a big crowd on the day to raise funds for our school.
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 are rostered on this week:
Cust, Curran, Crothers and Cox.
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/
Community Notices
The Woolworths blaster program returns to the Dennington Cricket Club for another season.Starting on Thursday October 19 at the dennington recreation reserve, sessions run from 4.30pm until 5.30pm
To register, click on the following link: https://www.playhq.com/
Dennington Cricket Club
The Dennington Cricket Club are looking for players for their Under 11 and Under 13 teams.
For more information please contact Ashley Dance- 0418 513 943 or Mick Howley on 0409 528 807
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.
TheirCare: To make a booking with TheirCare, our outside school hours care provider please click on the following link and select St. John's Dennington as the booking location https://theircare.com.au/
Upcoming Events
Wednesday 11th October: Grandparents & Special Friends Day
Friday 13th October: Healthy Moves Display in the Stadium
Monday 23rd October: School Closure Day- No students to attend on this day
Tuesday 24th/Wednesday 25th October: Grade 3/4 Camp
Friday 27th October: Walk to School Day
Monday 30th October: F-4 Swimming program commences
Sunday 12th November: DDO
Monday 13th/Tuesday 14th/Wednesday 15th November: Gr 5/6 Camp
Thursday 30th November: Foundation Extended Stay program
Monday 4th/Tuesday 5th/Wednesday 6th/Friday 8th December: Gr 5/6 Surf Awareness program
Thursday 7th December: Gr 1/2 Extended Stay program
Tuesday 12th December: Orientation Day
Wednesday 13th December: Mass of Thanksgiving at 10.00am
Thursday 14th December: Gr 6 Graduation Ceremony
Friday 15th December: Term 4 concludes at 2.20pm
Tuesday 30th January 2024: School Commences