I trust that you had an enjoyable break. We would like to welcome four new families to St Jude’s, all arriving into our Year 2 classes. The students and staff have all settled back into the routine of learning and it is full steam ahead. On Tuesday, we were visited by Literacy specialists from CE to look at how we teach English proficiency at St Jude’s. They went away, very impressed by the structures in place, the genuine enthusiasm by staff and the high levels of engagement by our students.

Gospel, Luke 12:8-12

'I tell you, if anyone openly declares himself for me in the presence of human beings, the Son of man will declare himself for him in the presence of God's angels. But anyone who disowns me in the presence of human beings will be disowned in the presence of God's angels. 'Everyone who says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven, but no one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will be forgiven. 'When they take you before synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say, because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.'

Student’s departing St Jude’s at the end of 2023

I have been informed of a couple of families who are either moving interstate or overseas. Many of our year levels have waitlists and student numbers also impacts on budget and staffing. If you know that your children wont be at St Jude’s in 2023, can you please contact Natalie in the front office as soon as possible.

St Jude’s Parish Centre

The parish has been working closely with a couple of organisations in relation to the unused Parish Centre next to St Jude’s Church. Any long term arrangement also needs to be ratified by the Archdiocese. At this stage, the preferred option involves renting the house to a Catholic priest who is supporting the Syro Malabar wing of the Catholic church. They are currently working in partnership with the parish of St Joseph’s O’Connor, however are needing to relocate as O’Connor is being used for a different purpose. The priest will use our church and some of the school facilities on weekends, outside of our normal usage times. This will enable a regular rental agreement to occur. I have spoken with Cameron Tarrant (Principal at St Joseph’s) and he has reassured me that the relationship at St Joseph’s was very positive. I will elaborate further in my Community Council report which will be in next week’s newsletter.

Building projects

Phase 1 of the shelter shed and car park was very successful. We are now giving the asphalt some bedding time before phase 2, which also includes the netball court. The path towards the portables has also been completed, with a walk way covering and stair rail occurring over the next few weekends. I am also meeting with Geoff Whitnall and Christine Wanjurra (Catholic Education Office) to continue to progress fencing the school and the creation of a disabled toileting space.

Staffing

Mr Brendan Mitchell has been appointed as the successful candidate for the position of Curriculum coordinator. Brendan has been in an acting role in 2023. Kerri Kerr our other Curriculum Coordinator has also successfully completed her two year review and has again signed on. I am sure you will join me in congratulating both Brendan and Kerri. They are vital cogs in the continued success of both our educational program and in continuing to strengthen our community.

Upcoming events

2024 Fete

We will be holding our next Fete Committee meeting tonight evening. We are still seeking 2 volunteers to undertake the shared role of fete coordinator (chairing fete committee meetings, ensuring all members have what they need). If you are able to assist please reach out to Stjudes.scc@gmail.com.

Trivia Night – Saturday 21 October, 6pm School Hall

Trivia night ticket sales are now live!

Tickets are $5 via Qkr!. Make up a table of up to 10 or register to be placed on a table. These events are a great way to meet new families at St Jude’s. Come dressed as your favourite hero (super or every day). There will be prizes for best costume and table decorations. BYO food and drinks. Each table to provide a prize for the pool, this can be big or small – it’s just something to add to the fun.

Please send an RSVP indicating what table you are on (or happy to be placed) to Stjudes.scc@gmail.com.

Referendum Cake Stall & BBQ – Saturday 14 October

The school hall will be a polling venue for the upcoming referendum. We will be holding a BBQ and cake stall, if you are able to assist on the day for a shift (1.5 hours) please sign up here https://volunteersignup.org/QH9LX 

Don’t worry if you can’t help out on the day – we are also calling all bakers to prepare yummy treats to sell at the cake stall. Drop off for items is Friday at the canteen. If possible please provide a list of ingredients including any allergens.  

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year, looking forward to catching up with you, either around the school, across the BBQ on Saturday or at our Trivia night next weekend.

Cameron

ELC NEWS

Happy Birthday Neik V and Henry R

Thank you to our dedicated ELC educators for running another fantastic holiday program which included sports days, pirate dress-ups, science experiments, garden activities, water play and much more.

SJV Fete

The SJV Fete will be on Saturday 4 November.  It is always a fun family day so be sure to come along. There will be jumping castles, laser tag, rock climbing, super slide, raffles, yummy food, a plant stall and much more.  ELC families can pre-purchase ride wrist bands for $25 (a $5 discount).  See the poster at the ELC for instructions.

Mufti Days – Week 2

The ELC will be having a mufti day on Tuesday of Week 2 (Stingrays) and Wednesday of Week 2 (Lobsters and Turtles). We kindly ask that your child brings in a gold coin donation and a tin of coloured hairspray to contribute to the SJV fete. Your support will make this event even more special.

Walkathon

The Lobsters and Turtles will join with the primary school for our annual Walk-a-thon on Friday 20 October.  The Stingrays will have their Walk-a-thon on Wednesday 25 October.  Information and sponsorship forms have been sent home. Meal Deal orders are due back by Monday 16 October.

Trivia Night

The St Jude’s Trivia Night is on Saturday 21 October at 6pm in the school hall.  This is a great way to meet other parents and enjoy a fun night out. See the flyer for more information.

Gymnastics Fees

The ELC children have enjoyed going back to gymnastics this week. We are very lucky to have such a great facility in our local community.  A fee of $76.50 will be added to your next fee statement to cover the 9 week program.

Kinder and ELC Orientation

Orientation morning for St Jude’s 2024 Kinder and 2024 ELC will be on Wednesday 8 November and One Up Day is on Wednesday 13 December. St John Vianney’s 2024 Kinder Orientation will be on Wednesday 1 November. More information will be emailed today, contact us if you did not receive it.

Welcome to Term 4

I hope you had a wonderful break and enjoyed the warmer weather. 

Important dates for the term

St Jude's Feast Day and Grandparents Day

On Friday 27 October, we will celebrate our school Feast day and well as Grandparents day which both land on the weekend. 

We will celebrate with Mass at 9am, which all Grandparents are invited to. Please be aware that our Church has limited space when the whole school attends and so it will take time to organise the students once seated. Grandparents and Grandchildren are invited to sit together where possible, whether it be with the class or in your own space.

At 10am, Grandparents are invited into the classrooms. 

At 10.45, Grandparents and all students will head outside for a BBQ picnic. Classes will be seated in different areas around the school, however to accommodate families with multiple ages, some students can move to their sibling's area. Grandparents will be served a sausage, or are welcome to bring their own lunch.

For catering purposes, could you please RSVP to the BBQ picnic: 

https://forms.gle/5QghaVax91CgJAto9 

Term 4 Week 1

SPRING!

Welcome back to the final term in which hopefully all students will ‘spring’ enthusiastically into reading! (That’s a wee pun…the Year Four students will be able to explain that one!) The picture may help.

It’s great to see so many children returning and borrowing for their reading delight at home. The books will definitely give them some wonderful places to go when they must stay where they are.

A quick reminder to remember Library bags for lessons please.  

Have a wonderful week,

Donna Gordon

Acting Librarian

HOLIDAY SPORT HAPPENINGS

Well done to the following students who have had recent success in the sporting arena over the holiday break. We love to hear and share the wonderful experiences and achievements of our St Jude's students.   

Siena

In the first week of the holidays, Siena participated in the Jack Newton International 9 Hole Junior Classic held in the Hunter Valley. Siena represented ACT Murrumbidgee Country Club, playing 4 rounds of golf at Singleton Golf Course and was the Girls 10years and over Champion for this event. This was Siena's first trophy! Congratulations Siena!!

During the second week of the holidays Siena played locally a mix of 9 hole and 18 hole events over 4 days in the Spring Week of Golf run by the ACT Monaro District Golf Association.  A huge week of golf for a very talented young lady. 

Blaise and Zara

Blaise and Zara both played & captained in thé ‘invitation only’ Sydney International Cup during the school holidays. This is played on Sydney’s northern beaches between teams from Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Representing Canberra Croatia Football Academy, both Blaise and Zara's age groups finished in the top tier of their age groups. A phenomenal experience playing full international rules with all the ceremony ….. and lots of fancy footwork on show! Well done to Blaise and Zara on being such fine representatives not only for their soccer club but also St Jude's.  

Summer Menu Items

With the warmer weather brings some changes to the Canteen Menu.

• Cold Milo is back on the menu for Term 4
• Fresh Fruit Salad Cup is available on the Mulleygrubs Special Menu, also over the counter
• Yoghurt, Berries and Muesli is a new menu item on Qkr! and available over the counter

Walkathon Meal Deal - Friday 20 October   - Orders now open on Qkr!

The meal deal consists of a Hot Dog, Juice and Quelch Stick for $7.00. Vegetarian and additional hot dogs are available.

Please email katrina.howden@cg.catholic.edu.au if you require a Gluten Free Option.

Orders need to be placed via Qkr! no later than COB Monday 16 October

If paying by cash please use the order form and return to the front office. No late orders will be accepted.

Canteen Volunteers – Week 2

Wednesday 18 October – E. Dimanoski

Thursday 19 October – R. Buckley and one more volunteer please

Friday 20 October – S. Monges, S. Devonport & G. Cabot one more volunteer please

Uniform shop open:  

Friday 13 Oct 8:45am - 9:30am

Tuesday 24 Oct 2:30pm - 3:30pm

***THE UNIFORM SHOP TABS ARE UPDATED - CHECK THEM OUT ON QKR!***

For any and all uniform needs, orders can be placed via the Uniform Shop tab on QKR!, or via email to: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com for any second hand items. **Please do not make payment for secondhand items, until we reply to your request confirming stock is available. 

If there is ever an issue with an order, please email the uniform shop and we will endeavour to fix this as soon as possible. Similarly if items are missing from QKR or marked 'stock not available', please let us know and we can order stock with relatively quick turnaround times. 

Next Community Council Meeting

The next Community Council meeting will be held Thursday 26 October 6pm in the school hall and online. All are welcome. If you have a question or an issue you would like addressed at the meeting please forward through to the Community Council email by Friday 20 October for addition to the agenda.

2024 Fete

We will be holding our next Fete Committee meeting this Thursday evening. We are still seeking 2 volunteers to undertake the shared role of fete coordinator (chairing fete committee meetings, ensuring all members have what they need). If you are able to assist please reach out to the Community Council email.

Calling all green thumbs!

Interested in helping to prepare for the garden stall at St Jude’s fete in 2024? The next few months are ideal for propagating plants to sell. Please contact jeanette.swayn@gmail.com or jennieholbrook1948@gmail.com if you are able to assist in any way (e.g. supply plant material to propagate, pots, potting mix etc. ) your assistance will be appreciated.

Trivia Night – Saturday 21 October, 6pm School Hall

Trivia night ticket sales are now live!

Tickets are $5 via Qkr!. Make up a table of up to 10 or register to be placed on a table. These events are a great way to meet new families at St Jude’s. Come dressed as your favourite hero (super or every day). There will be prizes for best costume and table decorations. BYO food and drinks. Each table to provide a prize for the pool, this can be big or small – it’s just something to add to the fun.

Please send an RSVP indicating what table you are on (or happy to be placed) to the Community Council email.

Referendum Cake Stall & BBQ – Saturday 14 October

The school hall will be a polling venue for the upcoming referendum. We will be holding a BBQ and cake stall, if you are able to assist on the day for a shift (1.5 hours) please sign up here https://volunteersignup.org/QH9LX 

Don’t worry if you can’t help out on the day – we are also calling all bakers to prepare yummy treats to sell at the cake stall. Drop off for items is Friday at the canteen. If possible please provide a list of ingredients including any allergens.  

Important Dates

Many thanks,

Gemma Cabot

Stjudes.scc@gmail.com