Term 4 Week 6 - Thursday 21 November 2024

Principal's Message

This week’s Gospel: John 18: 33b-37

Pilate therefore went into the hall again, and called Jesus, and said to him: Art thou the king of the Jews? Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of me? Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation, and the chief priests, have delivered thee up to me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered: My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now my kingdom is not from hence. Pilate therefore said to him: Art thou a king then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a king. For this was I born, and for this came I into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice.

Parent requests for 2025 classes

Parent request have now closed off as we have begun creating classes.

Events between now and the end of the year

Please be aware that if any of these dates change, we will try to communicate via Compass:

Today – Year 5 and 6 Netball Gala Day at Arawang

22 November – Illuminate – Year 6 Youth Ministers excursion

- Senior Choir to Parliament House

- Year 4 Assembly

25 – 29 November – K, 1 and 6 Swimming

2 – 6 December – Years 2 – 5 swimming

2 December – Advent liturgy 1 Time TBC

3 December – Advent liturgy 2 Time TBC

4 December – Reconciliation Art Assembly and exhibition – 2:30pm – 6:00pm – all welcome. Students in Year 3 - 6 created some wonderful art works and we invite the community to walk through our corridors and see the artwork.

5 December – Advent liturgy 3 Time TBC

6 December – Advent liturgy 4 Time TBC

- Year 5 Assembly and student farewell of departing staff

- Parish Christmas BBQ at SJV 6 December at 6pm. We are moving our end of year picnic to being part of the parish celebration. It will be at SJV in 2024 and back with us in 2025.

- Parents access Semester 2 Reports via Compass

9 – 13 December – Optional PTIs

9 December Junior Choir 10:10 and Snr Choir Time TBC performing at Cooleman Court

10 December  – Nativity – 2pm

- Graduation – 6pm

11 December – One up Day 9:30 – 11:00

- Year 5 and 6 end of year excursion

- Nativity – 2pm

12 December – Thanksgiving Mass and Candle Ceremony Time TBC

13 December – Ride and Walk to School Day

- Fete Mufit Day – gold coin donation

16 December – Last day for students

17 December – Last day for staff

As you can see, there is a great deal going on over the next 3 weeks. If your child is finishing early or departing St Jude’s please let the office know. We have waiting lists in several years, so if your child is not returning, and we are not yet aware, please call the office.

School Fees

Thank you to all of our families who have continued to finalise their 2024 accounts. Term 1 of each year is generally our greatest financial commitment and paid up fees from the previous year enable us to continue to meet our financial commitments. I have been chasing CE for several weeks so that we can communicate the 2025 fees schedule asap. I am hopeful that we will be able to share something tomorrow.

Parent/Carer – Teacher Interviews and School Reports

Many of our families have regular meetings with their child’s teacher. As such, our term 4 PTIs are not compulsory. Parents/carers can request a time, as can teachers. The topic of conversation is often the school report. PTIs will be held either before or during in week 9. Parents or teachers are able to request a meeting. 

You will be pleased to know that comments have returned to reports. Each of the subject areas will be addressed via a tick box structure. At the end of the report there will be a general comment which will cover many of the Key learning areas. CE have placed a restriction on the size of the comment. Many of our parents have often referenced the PTI conversation as being valuable in discussing growth and areas for development.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support

Cameron

Important Dates

Birthdays

School News

Year 3 Liturgy 

Year 3 liturgy is on Thursday 28 at 9:30am. All families are welcome. 

School Fees 

As we are coming to the end of the year please ensure your fees are paid in full. School Fees are Now over due. If you have a direct debit please make sure your final payment is by Friday 13 December. 

If you are having difficulties meeting your commitments please contact the office. 

Students not returning 2025

Any students who will not be returning to St Jude's in 2025 (excluding current year 6 students) please follow the link to complete a form. 

Please contact the office if you have any questions.

ELC News

ELC NEWS

Happy Birthday Vinnie N

This week, the ELC children are continuing to learn about life cycles with 12 hatching eggs arriving at the ELC. So far 6 chickens have hatched. The children are excited to watch the eggs start to wiggle as the baby chickens (or ducks!) start to make their way into the world.  It’s amazing how much they grow in the short time we have them at the ELC.

Uniform-free day - Friday 13 December

Children are invited to come to school in non-uniform clothes in exchange for a gold coin donation to support our school fete.

Tine to Return Library Books

This week was the last week for borrowing library books. Please remember to return all library books by next week (Week 7).

Mango Update!

Despite previous advice, the mangos are back on track and will arrive in Week 8 (beginning 2 Dec) as originally planned. We will advise by Compass and email when we know the exact day the mangoes will arrive.

Nativity Concert – 9 and 10 December

On Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 December, the ELC will participate in the ELC-Yr1 Nativity concert.

• The Lobsters and Stingrays are stars and will require yellow clothes from home.
• The Turtles are angels and will require white clothes from home.
• All accessories (wings, halos, headbands etc will be provided or made at school)

Please bring costumes (labelled in a ziplock bag) into school by Friday 29 November (Week 7).  Free tickets will be available closer to the date.

Christmas Cards and Candy Canes

With the Christmas season approaching we ask that children do NOT bring candy canes to share with friends. If you choose to bring Christmas cards, they can be placed straight into the notes pockets.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Each year St Jude’s donates items to our local Vinnies groups to support people in need in our local area. The ELC have been asked to donate nappies or all sizes. Or if you prefer, Vinnies are also seeking tinned fruit, breakfast cereals, pasta, rice, tea coffee, sweet treats or toiletries. There is a collection basket in the ELC front office.

Last Day of School

The last day of school is Monday 16 December. If you do not attend the ELC on your last booked day/s then you will not be eligible for CCS for those days. Please contact the ELC office as soon as possible if you do not plan to attend the ELC on the last day.

St John Vianney Gingerbread House night

St John Vianney are holding a Gingerbread house decorating party Thursday 28 November, 5:30pm in the SJV school hall. RSVP by Friday 22 November.

RE News

St Vincents de Paul Christmas Appeal

We generously ask that you contribute the following items for the Vinnie's Christmas appeal. Our efforts with the Winter Appeal are still being spoken of. 

Collection will be made at our thanks giving Mass on the 12 of December. 

Sacramental update

Is your child eligible for a sacrament? In the Parish of Our Lady of the Annunciation sacraments are completed in Years 3, 4 and 6. Reconiliation registration is now open! Click this link to find out more including 2025 dates .  

May your light shine.

Jessica Betterton

Library News

LAST week for borrowing for everyone in ELC , Kinder – Year 6!

Next week all children’s books need to be returned by the end of the week. The class that clears their Library loans first will receive a small reward for every child.  Please contact me if you have any concerns. 

Jumble Sale – Next week on Wednesday the Yr 5/6 Book Club are hosting a jumble sale in the Library. There will be books (both new and good second hand) and posters, pens and notebooks and other assorted items for sale. Prices range from $1 - $5 .

This helps support our Compassion child, Winnie

Sports News

Year 3/4 Netball Gala Day

Last Thursday some of  our Year 3/4 students participated in the ACT Netball Gala Day at Arawang Netball Courts. From all reports the students had a great day, meeting students from other schools, playing fun games of netball, a game that some had never played before and enjoying a day out of normal school routine. Thank you to our amazing helpers: Jane, Craig, Kylie, Natalie, Gemma, Melissa, Rebecca and Mrs Stincic and Mrs Kaur for umpiring and coaching the teams on the day. Thank you to parents for transporting your child to and from Arawang. 

Year 5/6 students participated today in their gala day with a full report next week.   

Mulleyduds Uniform Shop

Uniform shop will be open 2:45pm- 3:15pm Friday 6 December

For second hand requests please email to: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com. Please include your child’s name and classroom for us to deliver to. **Please do not make payment for secondhand items, until we reply to your request confirming stock is available.

Mulleygrubs Cafe News

End of Year Meal Deal – Domino’s Pizza - Friday 13 December

The meal deal consists of two slices of Pizza, a Juice and Quelch Stick for $7.00.

Pizza choices are Hawaiian, Ham and Cheese or Cheese (selection of one). Additional slices are available. Canteen menu will not be available on this day.

Orders close COB Tuesday 10 December 12 noon

Orders need to be placed via Qkr! No late orders will be accepted. 

Canteen Volunteers week 7

Wednesday 27 November - Renee, & two more volunteers please

Fete News

Want to get more involved in our amazing St Jude’s community? If you have half an hour a week free between now and our Fete 15 March 2025, now is your chance to get involved with one of biggest events on the calendar! 

We welcome friends and family in the community of all backgrounds and experiences in any capacity to help make this our best community fete yet! 

Feel free to reach out
- to our email stjudespsfete@gmail.com 
- or speak to any representative from the 2025 Fete Committee:

Community Council Chair - Gemma Cabot
St Jude’s PS Rep - Kerrin Henderson
Fete coordinator - Sarah Tonna
Treasurer - Rebecca Roberts 

Kathryn Lees 
Monique van de Waterbeemd
Rebecca Ford

Alyson Pazios 
(This is not an exhaustive list of our wonderful stall coordinator volunteers) 

We are also looking for: 
- crafty creations for selling
- spiral spud stall coordinator
Drop offs for our plant stall and Trash n Treasure

In preparation for the Fete we have scheduled a number of drop off days for the Plant stall and for Trash and Treasure.

Head to the shipping container in the carpark near the Shelter Shed on one of these dates/times: 

 - Friday 22 Nov 24 - 3-3:30pm
 - Friday 29 Nov 24 - 3-3:30pm
 - Friday 06 Dec 24 - 3-3:30pm
 - Friday 13 Dec 24 - 3-3:30pm
 - Monday 16 Dec 24 - 3-3:30pm

For the plant stall you can drop off:
- plant cutting
- bags of potting mix 
- spare pots, jars or funky containers for potting plants 
For trash and treasure you can drop off, in excellent used condition or new condition items such as:
- toys
- household items 
- garden items 
- smaller items
- books
- DVDs
- Board games 
please no electronics, no child seats or baby baths, dirty/broken objects, clothing, rubbish or perishables. We like to make this stall as sustainable as possible with your help! 

Stay tuned for details on our upcoming Mufti Day - 13 December 

Camp Australia

Holiday Happenings