Term 4 Week 7 - Thursday 28 November 2024

Principal's Message

This week’s Gospel Reading:

Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Nativity

We are busily preparing for the 2024 Nativity, with students from ELC, Kindergarten and Year 1 involved. We are in the process of finalising the timing for our performance and tickets will be available soon on CompassTix.

This year the Nativity performances are on:

o  Tuesday 11 December at 1.30pm

o  Wednesday 12 December at 1.30pm

Keep an eye out more information about ticketing soon.

Other upcoming events - Please see important dates. 

School Fees

Thank you to all 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.

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 can 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.

School Fete

Our very enthusiastic Fete committee have wasted no time getting stuck into planning. They are currently in the process of seeking sponsorship, finalising stalls and seeking more volunteers. Our Fete is an example of many hands make light work. 

Parish Xmas Party

This year the Christmas Party will be held at St John Vianney’s on Friday December 6, starting at 6pm. You can register your attendance on the sheets after Mass over the next few weekends. The parish will supply BBQ foods and some drinks.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Cameron

Important Dates

Birthdays

School News

House Captains 

Congratulations to our 2025 House Captains.  

Dixon

Lexie B, Patrick F, Marlia B

Mulley

Sebastian C, Isla S, Sadie S

Hindmarsh 

Violet W, Eve L, Emma S

Streeton

Zara B, Cleo E, Georgia M

Musical USB's

We have discovered that some of the USB's that the musical stops with half an hour left. If you are having this issue please bring your USB to the office. 

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

Time to Return Library Books

Please remember to return all library books this week.

Mango Arrival - Tuesday 3 December

The mangoes are due to arrive next Tuesday 3 December by 3pm. We will notify you via Compass and ELC email when they are ready to collect.

Nativity Concert Tickets – 10/11 December, 1:30pm

The ELC will participate in the ELC-Yr1 Nativity concert on Tuesday 10th (Turtles and Stingrays) and Wednesday 11th (Turtles and Lobsters) at 1:30pm in the school hall. Please note the change of time to 1:30pm. Please ensure all costumes have been given to your ELC teacher.

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

Keep an eye out for more information about ticketing.

Uniform-free days

Friday 13December - Children are invited to come to school in non-uniform clothes in exchange for a gold coin donation to support our school fete.

Monday 16 December - The ELC will also have a non-uniform day on the last day of school, Monday 16 December.  For those without younger siblings, we encourage you to donate your pre-loved ELC uniforms on the last day.

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

Thank you for supporting St Vincent de Paul with your generous donations. They will be collected by local Vinnie’s volunteers this week to be sorted and provided to families in need.

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 now if you do not plan to attend the ELC on the last day.

Final ELC Fees

ELC fees have now been charged to the end of the year including Monday 16 December.  Account balances may change slightly due to the difference between CCS estimates and the CCS actually paid.  We will send another account statement and run another direct debit in Week 9 to pick up any small outstanding amounts.

RE News

Events to note

Advent Liturgy 1- Monday 2pm St Jude's Church 

Advent Liturgy 2- Tuesday 2pm St Jude's Church 

Advent Liturgy 3- Thursday 2pm St Jude's Church

Advent Liturgy 4- Friday 12.45pm St Jude's Church

ELC-Y1 Nativity Performances- Tuesday 10 and Wednesday the 11  both at 2pm  

Graduation Mass- Tuesday 10 December 6pm 

Candle Ceremony- Thursday 12 December 2.15pm 

Thanks Giving Mass- Friday 13 December 12:00noon

St Vincents de Paul Christmas Appeal

We gratefully thank you contributing the following items for the Vinnie's Christmas appeal. Our efforts with the Winter Appeal are still being spoken of. 

It's not too late! The appeal will be going for the next 2 weeks.
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, please take care during this busy time.

Library News

Term 4 Week 7

Library books are coming back steadily. No class is a clear winner yet – all still have some children with books to return. Perhaps by Monday I can give rewards to a winning class. Keep those books coming in!

*Could parents please help their children find their books, especially if you have different households . Thank you

Emails will be sent next week for outstanding books. Please contact me if there is a problem eg packed books, moving house, Grinch stole our books etc

The Library Jumble Sale, hosted by the Year 5/6 Book Club was enthusiastically received by all and many happy customers went home with some absolute bargains. A final total is not yet known but will be announced on Friday.

Next week The Book Clubbers are placing a decorated box outside the Library for collections of new (or as new) books to be donated to a couple of charities eg Roundabout /Children's ward at Hospital. Any contributions would be welcome!

Happy reading!  Verna Comley

Sports News

YEAR 5 and 6 NETBALL GALA DAY

What an amazing day our Year 5/6 students had at the Netball Gala Day last Thursday. The students played 6 games against students from other Canberra schools, displaying enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of sportsmanship despite the warm conditions. Thank you to our generous parent helpers, Jane, Natalie, Emily, Renee, Ben, ex students Catie C and Sophie V and Mrs Sallecchia, Mrs Staff  and Kate H for umpiring and supervising the students on the day.

Ride and Walk to School Day - 13 December 2024

Friday of Week 9 will be our last Ride and Walk to School Day for 2024. It is a great morning and will tie in well with our uniform free day.

It is an initiative supported by the government to encourage both students and their parents to be more active and healthy in their daily commute to school and work.

St Jude’s will be participating with a whole school ride and walk to school morning on the day. We will have teachers stationed from 8:10am at the locations marked on the map. They will wait and meet students and parents and depart those locations by 8:25am to walk along the marked routes to school.

At school, the groups will be met with some great tunes pumping, a fruit station and a raffle ticket to go in the draw for some prizes at the end of the day.

It’s going to be a great morning to start off our final Friday at school for the year and we look forward to seeing as many people as possible getting involved in the action.

Catholic Schools Inter School Table Tennis Competition

Earlier this term St Jude’s hosted the annual Catholic Schools Inter School Table Tennis Competition. St Jude’s competed against St Monica’s and St Benedict’s and all student’s had a wonderful day and represented our school well.

There was a teams event and an individual event for groups between Yr3-6. Students entered tryouts at school to make the teams that competed for St Jude’s.

While St Monica’s won the teams event, we had Amy R in Year 3 finish as runner up in the 3/4 Girls individual event, a fantastic achievement given the level of competition on the day. We are so proud of all the students that took part on the day and look forward to entering again next year with some more experience up our sleeves and push for all out glory!

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 8

Wednesday 4 December - Renee, & two more volunteers please

Student Achievements

On Sunday 24 November, Elizabeth was one of 500 competitors aged between 6-12 years who competed in the BJP Physical Culture National Finals. After placing 3rd at the Zone Championships in September, she was eligible to compete at the Quaycentre in Sydney, representing Canberra Physical Culture Club. 

CONGRATULATIONS and GOOD LUCK to...

AURORA R who is a member of the 12&U ACT Cricket State Representative Team competing at the  School Sport Australian Championship in Adelaide from 30th November - 6th December. Aurora has been training with the team over the past months and is looking forward to this amazing opportunity. St Jude's community is very proud of Aurora and we will be cheering her on from Holder.

ALL THE BEST AURORA!   

Camp Australia

Holiday Happenings

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