Dear Parents and Carers,

This week’s Gospel reading is quite long. As such, I have decided to place a reflection into the Newsletter rather than the whole passage:

In John 4:5-42, we hear a story of Jesus meeting a woman at a well. This woman was surprised that Jesus, a Jewish man, would speak to her - a Samaritan woman.

Jesus tells her that he can give her living water, which means she can never be thirsty again. The woman is confused at first, but Jesus explains that he is talking about the Holy Spirit, which can give her eternal life.

The woman realizes that Jesus is special and tells others in her town about him. They come to see Jesus for themselves and are amazed by his teachings.

This story teaches us that Jesus loves and cares for everyone, no matter who they are or what their background is. We should always be willing to talk to and help others, just like Jesus did with the woman at the well.

As we reach the mid-term point of the first term, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on what has been happening at our school.

Firstly, I am pleased to report that all our students have settled into their  classes and routines. Our teachers have been working hard to establish a positive learning environment and have focused on engaging students in various interactive activities.

We view student welfare as a critical aspect of our school culture. Our new counsellor Anna has been working with individuals and small groups to provide social-emotional guidance, and practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety.

In addition, we have several upcoming events that aim to provide opportunities for students to unleash their creativity, showcase their skills and talents, and foster friendships with peers. These include today’s swimming carnival, our athletics carnival in a few weeks, our Year 5 and 6 camp at Tathra, as well as our Holy week liturgies and Year level assemblies.

Our school is committed to providing high-quality education that prepares students for future success. To achieve this, we have made significant investment in technology to enhance teaching and learning in various subjects. Mr Kaltner is working closely with teachers to explore the most appropriate opportunities to utilise the iPads and laptops.

NAPLAN

As we approach the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), we understand that this can be a stressful time for both you and your child. While NAPLAN provides important information about your child's academic progress, it is essential to keep the stress levels in check. We understand that some children may worry about their performance during the test, and as parents, you play a crucial role in helping them stay calm and focused. Explain the purpose of NAPLAN. Help them see that the test is a way to measure their academic progress, not a way to judge them. If you need support, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

St Jude’s School Fete

We are excited to announce that our school fete is just around the corner, and preparations are well underway. This event is a great opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate all the wonderful things that make our school special.

Our school fete will be held on Saturday March 18, from 10am to 2pm at our school grounds. There will be plenty of games, rides, and activities for everyone to enjoy. There will also be food stalls, raffles, and entertainment throughout the day.

Our Fete committee has been working hard to bring this event to life, and we would like to extend a big thank you to all the volunteers who have generously given their time and effort. The funds raised at the fete will go towards resurfacing the flooring under the shelter shed. We encourage all families to come along and join in the fun. Not only is it an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together, but it also supports our school community. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a welcoming and nurturing community for all our students.

Congratulations!

Many of our students made their first Reconciliation last night. There were many smiles and relieved faces by the end of the night!

There are some students making their reconciliation tonight or on Saturday. Congratulations to all those who made this important step in their faith and we continue to keep them all in our prayers. 

First Eucharist and Confirmation is open for registration. Please register through the parish Qkr! as the school one is invalid.

ELC NEWS

On Tuesday the Stingrays and Turtles joined with Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 for their first liturgy in the Church and on Wednesday the Lobsters enjoyed the ELC Fruit Shop for the first time.  A reminder that you do not need to pack fruit break on Wednesdays.

Gastroenteritis

The ELC has had several reported cases of vomiting/diarrhoea this week. Please be assured we have stringent cleaning protocols in place. Please advise the ELC office if your child has any symptoms. We have been informed by CECA that the exclusion period during this time is 48hrs.

St Jude’s Fete

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.  Check your email for more information.

AUSTRALIAN READING HOUR: Today

Australian Reading Hour is a national day dedicated to sharing the joys of books, reading and stories. We encourage all Australians to spend one hour today reading, sharing and enjoying the stories they love with others!

             FOR THE LOVE OF READING

How much do we love books? So much! Whether reading aloud with others or between the covers by ourselves, people have always loved stories. Books and storytelling are how we connect, understand and find joy in the world around us.

“Reading for pleasure reduces stress, improves memory and increases feelings of wellbeing.”

ELC were introduced to Mem Fox as an Australian author and we read several of her books. It was wonderful to hear that many of the children had one or more of her books at home and love to read them. eg Possum Magic. Where is the Green Sheep? etc.

Kinder are reading books that have numbers in their titles.

Year 1 are learning about Margaret Wild as an Australian author. 

We read all about Biff and Buff, the pocket dogs, and their adventures.

Happy reading! 

Athletics Carnival- 30 March

The Athletics Carnival is coming up in Week 9, watch this space as a meal deal will be available for the day.

Canteen Volunteers – Week 7

Wednesday 15 March - J. Long, N. Berthelot & R. Tanner

Thursday 16 March - L. Gardiner, R. Buckley, S. Tonna & I. Shames

Friday 17 March – E. Eyles, G. Cabot, S. Davenport, S. Monges & R. Arnold

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

****Winter uniform tab will open Wk 8****

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,

Sara, Kate, Alyce, Ashleigh

Athletics Carnival - Thursday 30 March

Netball Gala Day

Some of our year 5 and 6 students participated in a netball gala day. All students had a wonderful time and played their best. 

Well done Blaise for winning the U11 Div 1 championship.

Under 12 Girls Soccer

Weston Molonglo Football Club are looking for a couple of girls to join their soccer team. If your daughter is interested please contact Sarah Hawkins on 0402 081 061.

Tuggeranong Vikings Swim Club is holding a "Come Try Day" 

Location: Lakeside Leisure Centre, Greenway

Date: Sunday 26 March 2023 

Time: Arrive at 1pm for a 1:30pm start 

Limit: Limited to the first 50 swimmers

What to bring: Swimming cap and goggles

If you wish to attend please contact: 

Troy Salter

Note: The "Come Try Day" will consist of technique skills training, swimming rules and finish with some fun activities (races). 

What can I do to help?

Read the fete newsletter that is being circulated, this will give you the most up to date information. Importantly head over to https://volunteersignup.org/QWKBL to sign up to assist for the day. Shifts are only 1 hour!

How can I prepare?

You can purchase your Fete Mate and ride pass before the fete on Qkr! Pre-purchasing allows for a more accurate estimate of supplies on the day and will save you time on the day!

In news additional to the fete:

• Our annual Bakers Delight hot cross bun sale will soon be launched.
• Flower bulb sales will also be launched shortly.
• The next Community Council will be in week 9.

Many thanks,

Fete News

The countdown is on, less than two 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!

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!