Gospel Reading: Matthew    17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 

“Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, 

 “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,

“Rise, and do not be afraid.”

And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them,

“Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Why should we believe what we read on the Internet?

A question I often ask our students when I get the opportunity to spend time in classrooms is, Why should we believe what we read on the Internet? I think back to my own formative years of schooling and the internet didn’t exist, or at least not in its current form. Whenever we wanted to find something out, irrespective of whether it was for school or just out of personal interest we tended to use one of a very limited number of sources:

1. Mum or Dad. Generally speaking they tended to be experts on most things, either through having studied themselves or through life experience.
2. My Teacher. I think there was a general belief that they were the font of all knowledge and were to be respected for their opinion.
3. Encyclopaedia’s. Whether it was Encyclopaedia Britannica or the World Book. There were 24 volumes full of everything you would ever need to know about anything.
4. The Library. In my case this was the National Library of Australia. I would visit here when all else failed. You were not allowed to speak and for many of the books you had to wear white gloves to protect them.
5. Television or Radio. I still recall when colour television came into existence. Television and radio presented a window to the world. However I seem to recall that there was a greater focus on good news stories, rather than the constant stream of negativity we get today.

Then along came the internet. A world wide web which enabled us to connect to others around the world and to seek the truth about things which were not covered in books. It was believed that just as machines would lead us towards a better lifestyle and a shorter working week, that the internet would open us up to a great deal more. Today’s students have access to information at a greater speed, volume and variety than ever before. We have search engines which enable us to refine our search so that we can find the truth about just about anything.

However, the greatest challenge for today’s students and in fact for all of us is to be able to sift through the vast amount of information which is represented as both facts and opinions, presented via the internet and be able to identify what is fact and what is fiction. Whether it be our Year 2 students researching family trees, Year 3 exploring other cultures and belief systems, Year 4 comparing and contrasting the Indigenous or European view of Australian colonisation, Year 5 looking at the discovery of Gold or Year 6 identifying character strengths of their chosen Image of Greatness, there is a significant need for researching and verifying information.

We teach students not to believe everything they read, and we expect that they check their information using a variety of credible sources. We present them with websites that we know are correct, however we also let them explore further and it often amuses them when they find information which is different to the facts. Especially when it is written in an extremely convincing way. When I went to school, if I wanted to find something out about someone or something, I would write them a letter or visit a particular venue. Today, we can click a button and there in front of us is the answer to our questions.

Our students understand that Google is just one tool and that it prioritises many of its searches based upon the number of people who have accessed particular sites and the link to the key words they have typed in. What they do however find surprising is that there are companies who employ people to spend their day typing the title of their business into Google so that it looks like everyone is accessing it and it tops the search list.

Returning to a point previously made, we try to teach them to not believe everything they are told, see or read. It may be true, however it is important that they dedicate time to speak to people who are informed, visit places linked to their search or verify the information by using a variety of tools to access the information they require. Machines have not necessarily made our life any easier and they definitely have not shortened the working week. The internet is an amazing tool which connects the world in so many different ways. However, our greatest challenge as teachers and parents is to give our children the skills to be able to filter, verify and differentiate between fact and fiction.

Kissing the GOAT

At each of our school fete’s it has been tradition to have a member of staff kiss a GOAT. No matter how hard I have tried, it looks as though this is going to continue. Fortunately, we have had several staff nominate or be nominated. They include: Mr Brendan Mitchell (Yr 3M), Mr Lachie Eveston (2E), Mr Luke Palisi and Mr Ethan Hart (Butterfly Room) our school captain Jono and myself. Apparently it is a popularity contest, where students bring buckets at drop off and pick up and people vote. The person with the most money in their bucket gets to kiss the goat. I am looking forward to putting all my loose change in other’s buckets. We are yet to finalise what the animal may be, that will add to the suspense.

FETE News

There is a great deal of work going on behind the scenes in preparation for our major fund raising event. I would like to thank our large band of volunteers who have worked tirelessly. There will continue to be information shared via Compass in the next few weeks. Please reach out if you feel as though you can be of assistance.

Principal’s Conference

I am away from Tuesday afternoon next week attending the annual Principal’s conference. This has been organised by Catholic Education and all Principal’s are expected to attend. I will still be available via email. In my absence Kerrin Henderson and the school executive will continue to offer assistance and support as required.

Thank you for your ongoing support, it is hard to believe we are half way through the term.

Cameron

Sacrament dates

Reflection night- Tuesday 7 March, 6pm @SJV church

Sacrament of Reconciliation - (choice of)

Wednesday 8 March, 6pm @SJH church

Thursday 9 March, 6pm @SJV church

Satursday 11 March, 9am @SJH church

Rice Day Tuesday 28 March - 

To bring real meaning to the season of Lent where we reflect on the needs of others and show our support for Project Compassion, we would like to once again, celebrate a ‘Project Compassion Day’ with a Rice Day on Tuesday 28 March. On this day students will participate in different activities giving them an experience of poverty and opening their eyes to a reality lived by many people in our world today. Included in these activities will be a special lunch where students will be given a bowl of rice. The rice will be cooked at school in our canteen and the students will eat together. We ask that students provide their own bowl and cutlery to use on the day.

The success of the day and the understanding your children gain from it will depend largely on your support. We ask you to consider not sending in extra food on the day so the children can truly experience what it means to live in poverty. As well as this, during Lent we are invited to fast as a means of renewing our relationship with Jesus, and this day presents a great opportunity to do this.

We are aware and mindful that some children have allergies and special dietary requirements and ask you to liaise with your child’s teacher as to what might work best for them. If you are able to assist in cooking rice in the canteen for an hour or so on Tuesday, or you have a rice cooker that we could use, please let us know by contacting Nicole Gibson nicole.gibson@cg.catholic.edu.au

Lent

This week our Kinder students learnt about the meaning of Lent and how it connects with Jesus' 40 days of prayer and fasting. They reflected on how they are going to pray, fast and give to others.

Liturgies ELC-2

Next week, ELC -2 will celebrate their first liturgy on Tuesday 7 March at 2pm in the Church and it will be led by our Prayer and Service peer group. All are welcome. 

ELC NEWS

Happy Birthday to Tirzah. J and Marlow. D

Over the past five weeks, the ELC children, staff and families have been forming relationships and establishing a sense of belonging within their new ELC environment.  As stated in the Early Years Learning Framework, “Children’s lives are characterised by belonging, being and becoming. From before birth children are connected to family, communities, culture and place. Their earliest  learning, development and wellbeing takes place through these relationships, particularly within families, who are children’s first and most influential educators. (p.6)” 

Children have been proudly introducing their families to their class through family photos, stories and drawings.  This week the children have explored a special family, Jesus’ family. The Early Years Learning Framework has been updated this year, head to BELONGING, BEING & BECOMING (acecqa.gov.au). Our teachers and educators have been attending various personal development opportunities to help understand the changes and how to adapt the programs to reflect these changes.

This week I listened to a fabulous podcast by the Imperfects, Lael Stone discusses the topic ‘Creating Emotionally Intelligent Humans’.  Parents often inform us of the big emotions that occur at home, this episode may help shed some light as to why The Imperfects: Lael Stone - Creating Emotionally Intelligent Humans on Apple Podcasts

Fruit Shop

Our first Fruit Shop was a huge success, the children were very excited when presented with the opportunity to purchase their own fruit. This week’s Mystery Fruit was a whole watermelon, it was so big!

You no longer need to pack a fruit snack on Wednesdays. If you have fruits or vegetables growing in your gardens at home and would like to share, please do. Alternatively, if you see strange and exotic fruits or vegetables in the shops please let us know. 

St Jude’s Fete- 10am- 2 pm

The St Jude’s Fete will be on Saturday 18 March.  This is a great fun day to meet other families and raise some funds for the school. This year the ELC will be hosting the hairspray stall.  Many hands make light work, so we’d love for you to get involved.  More information on how to volunteer will come soon.

Mufti Day 

Mufti Day (non-uniform day) is on Friday 3 March (tomorrow!) for Turtles and Lobsters and Monday 6 March (week 6) for Stingrays.  The aim is to collect supplies and donations for our fete stall.  Children are invited to wear plain clothes and we ask that you donate a can of coloured hairspray and a gold coin.

What’s happening in the Library?

ELC are enjoying storytime and choosing their own “just right” books to take home and share.

Kinders are currently exploring number stories eg Goldilocks & the 3 Bears, One Hungry Spider, Ten Apples up on Top etc

Year 1 are learning more about the different areas of the Library.

Year 2 are looking at the different elements that go together to make a story.           

Year 3 are learning about the different genres in our Library.

Year 4 are learning about Dewey and the organisation of NF resources in the Library.

Year 5 are learning how to create a Bibliography.

Year 6 are creating their own genre showbag to highlight a Fiction genre.

Happy reading!  Verna Comley

Due to the swimming carnival next Thursday 9 March, the Canteen will be closed for lunch orders.

Canteen Volunteers – Week 6

Wednesday 8 March - N. Berthelot & one more volunteer needed please

Thursday 9 March – SWIMMING CARNIVAL CANTEEN CLOSED

Friday 10 March – S. Devonport, S Monges & two more volunteers needed please   

The Canteen is still looking for more volunteers - if you would like to volunteer in the Canteen, please email katrina.howden@cg.catholic.edu.au

For all your uniform needs - please continue to place orders for new items via Qkr!, or secondhand items via the uniform shop email: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com

Orders will be picked, packed and delivered to your child's class. 

For secondhand items, please do not make payment until your email has been replied to by the uniform shop volunteers, as we may not have the stock you are asking for. 

For exchanges, please ensure the tags are left in place and return your item to the front office with a note stating what you need changed (i.e. larger size, smaller size, wrong item packed). Exchanges will be returned to your child's classroom once corrections have been made. **Please note, usual exchange conditions apply - tags must still be in place, items unwashed and unworn and within 4wks of purchase. 

The Mulleyduds Team

St Jude's Swimming Carnival  - Years 1-6

The St Jude's Swimming Carnival will take place Thursday 9 March at Stromlo Leisure Centre. Staff and students are looking forward to a fantastic day together, with a strong emphasis on participation, sportsmanship and fun. We appreciate everyone's efforts in using Compass to give parental consent and lodge races entries. We have commenced the rather large task of collating events. This will however ensure the carnival runs smoothly on the day. Thank you to the overwhelming response for parent helpers. Brendan Mitchell or myself will be in contact early next week regarding what job you have been allocated.  

Students turning 8 - 12 years old this year will travel by bus to Stromlo Leissure Centre departing the school at 9.15am SHARP. At the conclusion of the carnival, buses will transport these students back to St Jude's for a 2.30pm return. Parents are very welcome to collect their child from the pool after the carnival but MUST sign out with their class teacher.   

Students will NOT have access to the cafeteria at Stromlo Leisure Centre for food or drinks. A packed lunch, snacks and drink will need to be brought from home. Students will not require any money. Sadly we are not permitted by Stromlo to have a BBQ lunch.

Students are asked to wear their swimmers to school underneath a t-shirt in their house colour (Mulley Green, Streeton Red, Hindmarsh Yellow and Dixon Blue) and school sports shorts/skort. Students will require socks and joggers for the bus, but may bring a pair of thongs/slides to be worn at the pool. Please ensure your child/ren have a towel, rashie or t shirt, water bottle and school hat. Goggles and swimming cap are optional. Please ensure all items are labelled with your child's name. 

Students in Year 1 and Year 2 non race swimmers, will depart St Jude's at 10.15am. Upon arrival at Stromlo, these students will be water tested, and put in groups for novelty events. Non swimmers will remain in the stands to watch. After having lunch the students will return to St Jude's at approximately 1.00pm. Students may be collected from the pool by parents after signing out with your child's class teacher.  

Cost of the bus and pool entry is covered by the excursion levy for Term 1. Parents will be required to pay entry cost into the pool. This can be paid as you enter the pool. 

Race nominations close today, Thursday 2 March at 5.00pm. Reminders have been emailed to parents via Compass who are yet to provide consent for their child/ren to attend the carnival.

Please keep a watch on Compass for updates and further information next week.

Yuma! This is the word for hello in Ngunnawal Language.

We’ve had a wonderful start to the year in Music, with a focus on learning songs in a variety of Australian Indigenous languages. It has been very exciting for me, as a new Music Teacher, trying hard to learn everyone’s names and remember which classes they are from.

After a meaningful Acknowledgement of Country each lesson, students in ELC, Kindergarten and Year 1 have been enjoying some animal songs in Yolgnu from Arnhem Land, while The Monkey and the Turtle song from the Torres Strait has been heard around the verandas at lunch time, right up to Year 3.

While the children in ELC rocked their ‘babies’ to the Maranoa Lullaby in Gunggari Language, students in Lower Primary tried playing the tune on marimbas, Boomwhackers, chimes, bells and glockenspiels.

Years 4 to 6 have been learning all the verses in Waltzing Matilda so they can learn it in Yugambeh Language (Ngarila Matilda). Many students enjoyed the challenge of trying to pick out the tune of the chorus on a glockenspiel with a friend.

Another focus in Music has been to read a different Acknowledgement of Country each week, this is to give a variety of examples to be able to write their own. Students in Years 4 to 6 have begun writing the words to their Acknowledgement and will soon put them to music.

This week, students have given reading musical notation a go, trying to decode a well-known Aboriginal lullaby, simply by reading note length and note letter names. Everyone has worked so hard!

If you want to give your child a memory challenge, ask them to show you all seven body percussion patterns we’ve been learning. Some even recorded the patterns using graphic notation. It sounds incredible when they are in groups playing different patterns and all the rhythms line up at the same time.

Choir News

Our choir repertoire is African themed this term, building up to a grand performance at the St Jude’s Fete. Kim Fatiaki, on his lovely guitar, has been so supportive of all our choir singing and coming along each week to help us keep in tune.

We’ve also been lucky to have Ken Fraser visit choir with his (extremely loud) bagpipes to help us learn an ancient singing technique called Piobaireachd. We look forward to singing for you all at the fete!

You will be starting to see a lot more correspondence with regards to the upcoming fete. Please keep an eye out for our online volunteer signup sheet. There are lots of opportunities to help out on the day, so if you have an hour or two free please consider signing up.

The minutes for the AGM and General Meeting will be available on the school website by the end of this week for review. If you have any feedback please email this through by Friday 3 March.

The next Community Council Meeting will be in week 8.

Many thanks,

Fete News

The countdown is on, less than three weeks to go until the 2023 St Jude’s Fete.

We are planning some amazing performances, rides, food, stalls, raffles and more. Make sure you have Saturday 18 March in your diary!

Mufti Day

To collect supplies and donations for the fete, mufti day (uniform free day) is this Friday March 3. If you can, please bring in a gold coin donation and one of the following items to support the fete:

Volunteer sign up

The success of our fete depends upon the efforts of many. We are looking for volunteers to help with various tasks in the days leading up to and on the day of the fete.

Sign-up is easy, just follow the instructions on this page – there is something for everyone and your generous support will help make this the best fete in years!

Fete Mate

Fete Mates go on sale via Qkr! tomorrow.

What is a Fete Mate you ask? They are your best Mate at the school fete!

They’ll shout you lunch – a sausage sandwich, chips, juice and an ice block – all on a lanyard for easy access on fete day.

They also come with a ticket to a “Mates Only” raffle which is drawn on fete day. 

Ride bands

This year’s fete will include the option to buy an unlimited ride pass for the day. Passes will be $25 when pre-purchased via Qkr! or $30 on the day. Durkins will be supplying the rides and they include:

• Supa Cha
• Giant Slide
• Cup & saucer
• Cartoon castle
• Gorilla Castle
• Laughing Clowns

Raffles

We have some amazing prizes for this year’s raffles. Stay tuned for more info!