This week’s Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30

For even as a man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods; And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded with the same, and gained other five. And in like manner he that had received the two, gained other two. But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the earth, and hid his lord’s money. But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have gained other two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. But he that had received the one talent, came and said: Lord, I know that thou art a hard man; thou reapest where thou hast not sown, and gatherest where thou hast not strewed. And being afraid I went and hid thy talent in the earth: behold here thou hast that which is thine. And his lord answering, said to him: Wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sow not, and gather where I have not strewed: Thou oughtest therefore to have committed my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received my own with usury. Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him that hath ten talents. For to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound: but from him that hath not, that also which he seemeth to have shall be taken away. And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Parent requests for 2024 classes

Starting next week we will begin allocating students into their class groupings for 2024. This is quite a complicated process which involves ensuring that they have a friend in their new class as well as making sure that academic and social needs are evenly spread across the year level. If you have a request, please forward it to me cameron.reed@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday November 17. There is plenty of movement of staff across the system, as a result, staffing will probably not be finalised until just before One Up Day, so please do not put in a request for a particular teacher.

Community Council Disco

As you would be aware, the Community Council is organising a school disco to be held in St Jude’s Hall on Friday November 17. We have some further details regarding the school disco to be held in the school hall.

Two sessions will be held:

• 5:30pm – 6.15pm (ELC – Year 2)
• 6:30pm – 7.45pm (Year 3 – Year 6)

The community council are unable to offer supervision due to the numbers of students expected. It is therefore requested that parents or carers remain to supervise students. Chairs will be available inside the hall, and for those who would prefer a quieter spot tables and chairs will be made available under the shelter shed, which will provide an opportunity for the adults to socialise.

For those that have emailed and volunteered the community council will be in touch as we still require some assistance. All students need to bring is a labelled water bottle.

At the completion of each of the Disco’s our DJ will have all students sit on the floor. We will then invite parent’s and carers to collect their children. We know in the past that parents have sometimes shared the pick up, we ask that you have the other parents send you a text confirming this arrangement. This can then be shown to the Disco coordinators if required. Students will have access to the toilets, but will not be allowed outside unless accompanied by an adult.

Thank you to Gemma and Nick from the Community Council Executive for organising this wonderful event for our students and families.

School Fees

Thank you to all of our families who have been patient and understanding during the CE finance transition. School fees fund most of the learning experiences which occur at St Jude’s as such, it is important that we receive all monies in a timely manner. Please ensure that you have/are meeting your financial commitment to your child’s education. Please reach out if you need to.

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 in week 8, more information will come out either in the Newsletter or via Compass.

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.

Canteen Manager Vacancy

We are currently seeking applications for the canteen manager position. If you are interested, or if you know someone who may be interested then please click on the link below for more information. If we don’t receive suitable candidates, we will explore other options.

https://careers.cg.catholic.edu.au/en/job/502214/canteen-manager-st-judes-primary-holder-act

Student Spotlight

It is always wonderful to celebrate the achievements /  events that our students may be involved in away from school.

Seb and Prue are both keen lego enthusiasts. Recently they participated in the Canberra Brick Show. There were over 5000 people who attended. Here are a few photos of their creations.

Ariana is the face of the Starlight Children’s Foundation Christmas fundraising campaign that is currently running Australia-wide. During the school holidays Ariana had the opportunity to participate in a photo/video shoot for the campaign. In 2022, Ariana was granted a Starlight wish and has happily shared her story for the campaign to help Starlight raise important funds so that they can continue to gift wishes to seriously ill children.  

Save the date

Friday December 8, 5.30pm. St Jude’s Carols and Xmas picnic.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support

Cameron