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This week’s Gospel_ Jn 20: 1-9
On the first day of the week,
Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead.
Reflections on the Term
Wow, it is hard to believe that we have come to the end of Term 1. In over 30 years in education I don’t recall a busier Term 1. There have been many highlights and at the risk of missing one I wanted to highlight a few:
- Kindergarten Day 1, always full of expectation as our newest students continue their education journey in BIG school. It is amazing to see just how much growth has occurred over the duration of Term 1. Greater levels of comfortableness, resilience, initiative mixed in with large amounts of kindness. Thank you to our Kinder parents and carers for choosing us.
- Leadership ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for our Year 6 students to take the lead and help create and develop a culture of kindness and support for their fellow students. Let me say, they have not disappointed, enthusiastically looking for opportunities to lead. Living the mantra ‘ See the need, meet the need’
- Our first school fete in nearly 1000 days. What a wonderful celebration of community. We were blessed with good weather and an awesomely hard working committee. Thank you.
- Year 5 and 6 Camp enabled many of our students and staff to see each other in a different light, develop resilience, teamwork, empathy in an environment which is truly God’s garden. I had the pleasure of joining them on the Thursday at the beach day. The smiles were priceless.
- Year 3 Sacrament of Reconciliation was the continuation of a Sacramental journey begun at Baptism. Thank you to our families for the vital role you played in the Parish based program.
- The addition of several new staff, they have enhanced both our educational program and structure and strengthened our community.
- Our two carnivals, swimming followed by athletics. Both events gave students the opportunity to participate, develop House spirit and be active. Thank you to Kerrin and Brendan for the extensive work done in preparing and facilitating.
- The implementation of our 1:1 devices. Teachers and students are embracing opportunities to develop skills whilst exploring opportunities where technology makes a difference. Thank you to Richard who has been central to the successful implementation.
- NAPLAN was held in term 1 for the very first time. This always presents us with many challenges. We know that it is point in time testing that gives us one set of evidence. However, more and more, it is the vehicle by which others outside of our community judge us and we know we are so much more.
- Masses and liturgies – particularly our Holy week liturgies. Students actively participating and telling the story, bringing it to life. Enormously powerful and meaningful.
I know that there has been a great deal more happening and I am sure that both you and your children could add their own highlights to this list.
Enrolment Period
As I have previously mentioned, enrolments across all schools are becoming more competitive. The continual development of schools within Molonglo, combined with ageing populations in Duffy, Holder and Weston continues to present challenges. At the writing of this newsletter we have 408 students, which is a good number. Generally schools with student populations between 380 and 450 are ideal. Enrolments are already open, so if you have a child at ELC or know of someone who is looking to enrol, let them know they can start the process today by accessing the enrolment forms via our website. We have organised a letter box drop in our designated areas and will again put up the corflute signs, however, the greatest recommendation comes from word of mouth, so please talk to your friends. For the remainder of 2023 we will be accepting enrolments in Years 2 – 6. At this stage, we will be accepting enrolments in all year levels for 2024. If you have any queries, please contact the front office or email me directly. Our school Open Day will be Tuesday May 2. More information to come.
Start of Term 2
All staff will return to school for a day of professional learning on Monday April 24. Our focus in K-2 will be Literacy, in particular, writing. Staff will be working through modules of The Writing Revolution, facilitated by Kerri Kerr. In 3 - 6 we have organised an external facilitator to come and work with us for the duration of the week, exploring reading. Brian Parker is the co creator of SHARP Reading, a reading program which is being used all around the world. Students in Years 3 -6 have already been exposed to the whole class read structure. We will unpack the small group read with Brian. I used this program extensively in Hong Kong and student fluency and comprehension showed significant improvement. We will be the only school in Canberra using this program, which will give us another point of difference.
With the ANZAC day public holiday on 25 April, students first day of Term 2 will be Wednesday April 26. Camp Australia will be offering a holiday program for the duration of the school holidays, including Monday April 24. Please book through either the app or their website.
Parent Support
A very sincere thank you to our parents who have helped out with BBQs, Swimming and Athletics carnivals, uniform shop, canteen, reading and learning support, excursions, our school fete, gardening as well as any other areas I have missed. Your contributions have often made a significant difference.
Wishing you and your family a very rest filled and safe holiday break and as always, thank you for your ongoing support.
Cameron
Cameron Reed - Principal
Phone: 6288 7688
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO
Oliver W, Michael F, William R, Kate H, Caleb H, Benjamin W, Eleanor C, Clara S, Kiaan A, Jordan D
Open Day
As we are coming up to the 2024 enrolment period, please make sure you are able to access a copy of your childs reports.
Pupil free day - Monday 24 April
Monday 24 April is a pupil free day. Camp Australia is an option so please register if needed. Term 2 will commence on Wednesday 26 April.
School Fees - Due now
Thank you to all the Families who have paid their school fees for Term 1.
Qkr!
Please make sure your child's class is updated before making an order.
Congratulations
Henry M (1LC) has a new baby sister, Molly – Congratulations to Henry and his family!
Holy Week Liturgies
Well done to our Kinders, Year 1, 4 and 6 students who led us in some very reflective liturgies to guide us through Holy Week. Thank you to the teachers for your preparations in making this possible.
Easter Masses at Weston Creek
Holy Thursday, 7.30pm: Mass at St Jude's Church, followed by Adoration until 10pm
Good Friday, 11am: Stations of the Cross at St Jude's Church
Good Friday, 3pm: Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at St John Vianney Church
Holy Saturday, 7.30pm: Easter Vigil Mass at St Jude's Church
Easter Sunday, 9am: Mass at St John Vianney Church
Easter Sunday, 5pm: Mass at St Jude's Church
Wishing you a happy and safe Easter.
Brigitta van Deas - Religious Education Coordinator
Email: brigitta.vanreesch@cg.catholic.edu.au
ELC NEWS
Happy Birthday to Max T
The Turtle and Lobster classes participated in their first athletics carnival last Thursday. It was a fabulous day full of fun activities including obstacles, long jump, parachute games, running races and a game of Tug-o-war. Thank you to all the volunteers that came out to support us.
ELC School Holiday Program
There are places available in the ELC Holiday Program. Casual bookings are available for $150 per day (CCS will apply). The Holiday Program runs from 8am – 5:30pm. ELC uniforms are not required. Families are still required to pack food for fruit break, lunch, afternoon tea and a late afternoon snack. The canteen is not operational during the school holiday periods.
Term 2, Week 1 Important Dates
Monday 24 April is a pupil free day - Holiday Program for 48 week bookings
Tuesday 25 April is ANZAC Day public holiday.
Wednesday 26 April is the first day of Term 2 for Stingrays and Turtles.
Thursday 27 April is the first day of Term 2 for Lobsters.
Gymnastics
Next term ELC children will be attending gymnastics lessons conducted by qualified instructors at Woden Valley Gymnastics Club. We are very lucky to have such a great facility so close to our school. Please return your permission notes as soon as possible. Fees will be added to accounts in Term 2.
Term 2 Resource Fee
The Term 2 Resource fee of $85 will be added to your next account statement in Week 2 of the holidays. Please ensure that you have sufficient funds in your account to avoid extra charges from Debit Success.
Open Day
The St Jude’s Primary School and ELC Open Day will be held on Tuesday 2 May. There are 2 sessions, 9:15am- 11am and 4pm-6pm. If you know any families with children approaching preschool age, invite them along to have a look at our amazing ELC! Online enrolments are open via the ELC page of the school website.
Karen Leighton - ELC Director
Phone: 6288 7520
Email: karen.leighton@cg.catholic.edu.au
This week most children have been keen to borrow an extra book for the holidays and this is wonderful to see!
Thank you for donations of shopping bags that can be used as spare Library bags. All children K – Yr 4 need to bring a bag of some sort each week to Library.
Next term all classes (K-6) will be participating in a Reading Challenge but more details will be presented early next term.
Happy reading over the holidays! Verna Comley
Verna Comley - Librarian
Email: verna.comley@cg.catholic.edu.au
Athletics Carnival
Last Thursday St Jude's community was buzzing with excitement and much energy, at the school Athletics Carnival, held at Woden Athletics Park, Phillip. This was the first time the Early Learning Centre and St Jude's Primary School had come together for a combined Athletics Carnival. The track was in top condition for a day of running, throwing and jumping after the recent rainfall. The day commenced with the 800m events with a large number of entries ranging from 8-12 years boys and girls. This was a huge effort and so pleasing to see!
Once ELC to Year 6 students arrived at the track, the rotation of age groups around discus, shot put, 100m, 200m, 70m, 50m, and long jump commenced. The day would not have been successful without the help from our amazing parent body and the PE students from St Mary MacKillop College. This help ensured the day ran smoothly. Everyone's help was very much appreciated.
A massive thank you to Katrina Howden and her amazing group of helpers for providing a BBQ lunch for all. Ribbons for place getters will be handed out in the first few weeks of Term 2. Students who have qualified for the South Weston Carnival will also be advised then. The South Weston Athletics Carnival will be held at Woden Athletics Park on 17 August.
Congratulations to all of our students on what was an outstanding effort.
Congratulations to Dixon for winning the athletics carnival.
Cross Country
The ELC to Year 6 Cross Country will be run on Friday 5 May at school and the surrounding streets. More details to follow shortly on COMPASS. The South Weston Cross Country will be run at Stromlo Forest Park, Dave McInnes Road, Stromlo on Tuesday 6 June. Any keen runners might like to take advantage of the upcoming holidays for some practice at Stromlo. Students turning 8 years old this year will run 1km, 9 years 1.5kms. 10 years 2km and 11 and 12 years 3kms. The students have been preparing for this in weekly fitness runs during Term 1.
South Weston Swimming Carnival
St Jude's was represented yesterday by 24 wonderful ambassadors who swam their hearts out at the South Weston Swimming Carnival! In what was fierce competition, our students swam admirably and gave their absolute best. We will be notified by School Sport ACT in the coming weeks of any student who has qualified for the ACT Swimming Championships to be held at the Australian Institute of Sport on Tuesday 9 May. Thank you to Mrs Chater for supervising the students on the day and to Mr Les Barclay who was Chief Marshall. We really appreciate your support Les. Thank you to parents for providing transport for your child.
Tennis, AFL and Hockey Trials
Tennis, AFL and Hockey Trials are now accepting nominations for students who are proficient in these sports. Tennis requires a Tennis Australia Ranking or previous tournament experience in Australian Ranking Tournaments, Junior Development Series events or overseas tournaments in order to trial. Registrations close 10 May. Please contact Kerrin Henderson if you would like more information on any of these.
Kerrin Henderson
Email: kerrin.henderson@cg.catholic.edu.au
What a fabulous time we have had in Indonesian classes this term. The students and I thoroughly enjoyed our lessons in the Indonesian classroom. One of their favourite things is to look for Cheeky Cicak (our class gecko) who hides in different places around the room each week.
The Kindergarten students did a fantastic job learning new Indonesian greetings and can already count to 10 in Indonesian. Year One learned about pets and can read the popular Brown Bear Story in Indonesian. Year Two students learned about school life in Indonesia and can ask and talk about how they get to school using Indonesian. Year Three enjoyed the many fascinating aspects of the Ramayana story and made their own Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets). Year 4 learned about all things sport in Indonesia and even had a turn at playing a traditional game called Sepak Takraw. Year 5 learned about the many ethnic groups in Indonesia and the wonderful diversity these groups bring to the country. They had a try at learning the well-known Tarian Saman (Saman Dance) from Aceh. Year 6 learned about some key ingredients used in Indonesian cooking and enjoyed a spice naming challenge.
Selamat Hari Paskah and Selamat Berliburan. (Happy Easter and have a safe holiday.)
Deb Reed - Specialist Indonesian Teacher
Email: debra.reed@cg.catholic.edu.au
Thank you to all volunteers who have assisted in the Canteen throughout Term 1 – I couldn’t have done it without your help.
If you would like to volunteer in Term 2, please email Katrina.howden@cg.catholic.edu.au
I hope everyone has a lovely Easter and holidays.
Cross Country Meal Deal
A meal deal will be available for the Cross Country consisting of a Hot Dog, Quelch and Juice ($7). Orders can be placed via Qkr! from the first day back at school.
Order form attached
Katrina Howden - Canteen Manager
Email: katrina.howden@cg.catholic.edu.au
Families and friends, the uniform shop is now CLOSED until Week 1, Term 2. Orders can still be placed on Qkr!, or via email to: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com
These orders will be packed Monday 24 April and can be collected from the Front Office from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on this day. **Fittings/try ons cannot be accommodated on this day.
Recently we have welcomed/introduced a new long sleeve winter sports polo.
Please email the uniform shop if you have any questions or would like to see the shirt in larger sizes (or if Qkr! says ‘out of stock’ as we have stock arriving in the holiday period ready for Term 2). **This polo IS NOT COMPULSORY. It is an optional extra for the winter months, for children who feel the cold.
A gentle reminder: there is a two week transition into winter uniform from the start of Term 2. This gives families a grace period whereby, depending on weather, children can wear elements of summer uniform and/or winter uniform until the END OF WEEK 2. After this time, it is expected that all children will be in winter uniform - including long sleeve blue polos with navy trousers, or a skivvy or blouse with the tunic. Short sleeve polos are a summer uniform item and should not be worn with winter trousers.
Happy Easter & Holidays!
Sara Kate Alyce Ashleigh - Mulleyduds Uniform Shop
Email: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com
Today is the last day to get your bulbs through the school fundraiser. Order online (https://www.bulbfundraiser.com.au/STJUDESH) with deliveries are direct from the supplier to your home.
I hope everyone has a lovely rest over the Easter break.
The next Community Council will be in the middle of term 2.
Many thanks,
Gemma Cabot
Gemma Cabot
Email: Stjudes.scc@gmail.com