Gospel Reading: John 20: 19 – 23

In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you.

‘As the Father sent me,

so am I sending you.’

After saying this he breathed on them and said:

‘Receive the Holy Spirit.

For those whose sins you forgive,

they are forgiven;

for those whose sins you retain,

they are retained.’

Catholic Education Review of School Parents and Friends, Board and Community Councils

Over the past 18 months a committee of stakeholders have been working on streamlining the guidelines for each of these 3 bodies. The ultimate aim is to create 1 body which has a clear role statement and guidelines. Part of the discussion has revolved around fiscal responsibility, not with a negative focus, more with a focus of who is, and can be held accountable. Our structures are generally made up of volunteers who are passionate and interested in both being involved and on continued improvement. Legally, CE is ultimately responsible for the appropriate use of funds. Our structure, has always had an advisory role, and that wont change. At our meetings parents freely share their thoughts on what our greatest needs are. Generally speaking, there are then conversations between the school executive, community council executive and CE. This will continue to be the structure. There are still questions in relation to fund raising monies and how this will work, it is all still very much in a discussion phase.

The draft plan can be accessed here for more information). Log in details are as follows - CEcgCouncil2023

The CC Executive met last week to discuss the draft proposal. Our key points for feedback were:

• We understand the necessity for CE to oversee all matters of finance related to schools
• We would like to keep the same structure for our CC executive – Chair, Dep Chair Secretary, Treasurer, Principal and ELC director.
• We believe that schools should still have a discretionary amount i.e. up to $5000 which can be used to purchase urgent items such as fete resources, trivia night requirements, Mother’s or Father’s day presents.
• We would like further clarification and clearly defined guidelines for the spending of community raised funds such as those raised at a fete.

If you are interested, we encourage you to read the information provided, and give me feedback or forward any questions by this time next week.

St Jude’s Enrolment Period

Kinder enrolments are coming in thick and fast. If you know of anyone thinking about enrolling, please advise them to submit their application asap. We currently have spaces in Years 2 – 6 for 2023 and all year levels in 2024. Since the beginning of this term, we have welcomed 5 new families, with 8 children. As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, I had a conversation with Matthew Hutchison about Marist enrolments, and he confirmed, Catholic boys, coming from St Jude’s would not miss out on a place at Marist in Year 7.

As our enrolment period continues, we will have opportunities for tours each Tuesday morning in May from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. We had 3 more families tour last Tuesday. Our Year 6 leaders were fantastic tour guides.  Enrolment period ends at the end of May, I will begin Kinder interviews in a couple of weeks. We have advertised widely, including on 3 buses, keep your eyes out for Judy our wonder dog.

School Photos

This message is only for families with children at the Primary school. A separate message about photo arrangements for ELC students will be sent via Karen Leighton.

School Photos are happening next week. Orders can be made via Compass before 3pm on 29 May.

On Tuesday May 30 (next Tuesday) all Sibling photos (except those involving ELC Lobster families) will be taken from 8:30 am, in the area between the school and the ELC. We will only be taking Sibling photos for those families who have ordered and paid, NOT for all families. Some students have dance on Tuesday, I am happy for you to decide the uniform, normal or sport, for the sibling photo. It is OK for students to do dance in their normal uniform on Tuesday.

On Thursday June 1 (next Thursday) all students K - 6 will have both their class and individual photo taken. We will also take a Year 6 Graduation photo. The expectation is that all students are in normal, winter uniform. Please ensure that hair is neat and tidy, and shoes are black. If your child is away on Thursday June 1 and you still want a portrait completed, MSP are happy for you to book a time at their studio at your earliest convenience.

School Uniform

There is an increasing number of clothing pieces sneaking into daily wear. I understand that it is getting colder and we definitely want to keep our children warm. Our uniform shop is easy to access online and purchases can be made and delivered to your child’s classroom. There is a great range of both new and second hand. There are plenty of warm blue jackets/coats, beanies and winter clothes. Please purchase through the school, rather than at your local shops. Your assistance with this is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Cameron

This week we celebrated National Bee Day. Fletcher’s Grandad bought in a special bee keeping outfit, a book about bees and a model of a bee to help discuss why bees are so very special.

Next week we will be doing school photos. Stingrays and Turtles will be completed on Tuesday 30 May, Lobsters on Thursday 1 June. If you have siblings at St Jude’s primary school and would like a sibling photo, order forms must be handed into the front office on the morning of your ELC child’s photo day.

You have the option of arriving at 8:30am to organise the photo OR the ELC staff will organise to collect your primary child/ren during the day.

2024 ELC Enrolments

Online enrolments for Catholic ELCs close Friday 26 May. Enrolments received after this time will be placed on our waiting list.

Year 5/6 Book Club is hosting a Book Swap in Week 6

Who: Years 1-6  

What: Bring 1 or 2 books from home that your parents have agreed to let you swap for others at school.

Where: Library at lunchtime: 11.15am – 11.45am

When: Bring your books in Tuesday, Week 6

Swap on Wednesday (Years 1, 2, 3) and Thursday (Years 4, 5, 6) at lunchtime.

Conditions: Books must be in good condition & will be checked by Librarian. They must be books that both your child and other children (of the same age group) would want to read. We also have extra books for lots of choices! Should be fun!

Library bags

Once again the Library has run out of spare Library bags. Could families please have a good look at home to check if there are any of our bags taking up residence or hiding in rooms etc

Please return them as we love loaning them out but really enjoy seeing them come back.

The majority of bags (according to our records) have been loaned out to Kinders and Years 1 & 2. All children need to have their OWN BAG to borrow each week. Thank you.

Happy Reading! Verna Comley

We held our Community Council meeting last night. Thanks to all those that attended. Minutes will be available in the near future on the website.

Some excellent fundraising results over the last few months. I am happy to report the hot cross buns made $278, the bulb fundraiser made $543 and the Mother's Day stall made $900.

Thanks to everyone who assisted in these events.

The next Community Council will be in term 3.

Many thanks,

Gemma Cabot

Stjudes.scc@gmail.com

Canteen Volunteers – Week 6

Wednesday 31 May –  J. Long & D. Sadreddini

Thursday 1 June – L. Gardiner,  R. Buckley, K. Lees & E. Savoulidis

Friday 2 June – G. Cabot, S. Monges, G. Quadraccia

More volunteers are needed for this term, if you are available to assist on either Wednesday, Thursday or Friday please email katrina.howden@cg.catholic.edu.au

Opening:

- Friday 26/5 from 3-3.30pm

- Friday 2/06 - morning - time TBA

For anyone who cannot make these timings, orders can always be placed via the Uniform Shop tab on Qkr!, or via email to: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com for any second hand items.

Donations of pre-loved uniforms can be dropped to the Front Office in school hours, and are greatly appreciated.