Principal’s Report for Community Council Meeting Thursday October 26, 2023.

School Events

Since our last meeting there have been a plethora of extra-curricular activities, including:

• Whole school participating in swimming at Stromlo
• Whole school participating in tennis
• Book Club reading challenge
• Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 Netball gala
• Excursions/incursions across the grades
• Mini Missions
• Grand Parents Day
• St Jude’s Feast day, open classrooms and BBQ breakfast
• Choir excursion to Parliament House
• Ride to School Day
• Kinder and ELC Orientation Day
• Remembrance Day liturgy
• Global Schools visit
• Year 4/5 Leadership Day

Academic developments

CE have implemented a draft of Assessments which are mandated across the system. Each of these assessments occur at several stages across the year. Dibels is an assessment which focusses on literacy development. In the early years of schooling this includes letter, word and sound identification. In the older years it moves from a decoding focus into a comprehension focus. This combined with InitialLit in K-2 and SHARP reading in 3-6 enables us to track growth and refine teaching practices in every classroom. Students are also involved in PAT (Progressive Achievement Testing), another system-based assessment that has a focus on Mathematics across K-6. Understandably, this presents us with significant data to interpret.

In 2024, St Jude’s will begin implementing the Resilience Project across all year levels, including ELC. This program runs for approximately 30 weeks and has a significant wellbeing, anxiety reduction focus. Students are explicitly taught numerous strategies to assist them with interpreting their world and responding to social cues and situations. The Resilience Project is well researched and used by many schools across Australia.

Swimming lessons are again upon us. As a school we will invite parents and carers into the conversation in relation to the structure of this program for 2024. There are components of the current structure which are less than ideal, I will be seeking parent feedback before we commit to a program in 2024.

Resource Improvements

Over the past few weeks I have met with relevant CE staff to progress the creation of a bathroom facility which is wheelchair accessible. This is a project which is well overdue. We are exploring the option of also including a shower space. The current timeline is to have all works completed before the start of the 2024 school year.

The second stage of works on the shelter shed floor and netball court are due to begin the final week of school. It is anticipated that the works on this project will be completed before the start of 2024. A huge thank you to all in our community who have spent years fundraising to enable the Community Council to fund this major project.

You may have heard that the amphitheatre near the netball court has suffered some significant structural damage. We currently have this area blocked off and are awaiting a formal assessment of this structural integrity, seeking advice from CE in relation to what needs to be done to make it safe and functional.

We are still pending further news in relation to fencing the school premises, other than CE are finalising the exact route before going to tender.

IT Update

I am continuing to work with CE in relation to the 1:1 device trial that was undertaken this year at St Jude’s. My understanding is that the purchase of devices from the school by students who are leaving is no longer an option. As we are a trial school for this system, we are continuing to look at the pros and cons and working towards tweaking what we are doing to ensure that there is continual improvement. The feedback from teachers is that these devices are improving both the quality and quantity of learning which is occurring in the classrooms.

School Fees Update

CE are working towards all Catholic Primary schools streamlined in their fee structures. There would potentially be one set fee which covers everything. They are currently working with all school finance managers to ensure that schools are able to continue to meet individual budgetary requirements.

As you would be aware, from previous correspondence, there will be a significant reduction of Government funding in 2029. It is believed to be to the tune of a $40 million loss. As such, it is expected there will be a gradual increase of school fees to ensure that the impact is minimized over time. It is expected to have an impact on the sibling discount. We are hoping to distribute the school fee information next week.

Christmas Carols and Parish Christmas Party

Date: Friday December 8

Each year the Parish holds a Christmas celebration, last year it was at St John Vianney’s and this year it is our turn to host. As such we have decided to also hold our Christmas picnic at the same time. Parishioners have been asked to bring a shared plate and the parish will supply some BBQ foods and drinks, which you are welcome to join with. Otherwise, you can also bring your own food and drinks and join us. We will have tables set up in the hall, outdoor space around the outdoor classroom area as well as oval space. The picnic starts at 5:30pm and students who belong to our choirs will be singing some carols from 6pm, under the shelter shed. If you are able to join us but are bringing you own food and drinks, then we don’t require anything from you. If you want to bring a share plate and join the parish BBQ then we will need to know more details, there will be a link in the REC section of the newsletter. It would be great to gather with the Parish and celebrate the Christmas season.

School supplies

Earlier this year it was raised that some families have an excess of new/near new school supplies that are no required. The school will be offering to collect all excess school supplies and will organise to donate to Roundabout Canberra, a charity that collects new/near new items to help families that require support.

Upcoming Events

Keep an eye out for information on the following events through Compass and/or the school newsletter:

• St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
• MacKillop Orientation Day – Dec 4 & 5
• School and Parish Xmas Carols and BBQ – Dec 8
• Year 2 and 4 Kids Pantry – Dec 11
• Year 6 Graduation – Dec 12, 6:00pm
• K – 5 One Up Day – Dec 13
• Year 5 and 6 Aqua Park – Dec 13
• Last Day for students – Dec 14
• Thanksgiving Mass and Candle ceremony – Dec 14, 2:00pm

Christmas Eve Mass at 6pm - Nativity 

Each year, Fr Michael celebrates Christmas Eve Mass with a Nativity at the Gospel. Thank you to those who have already responded. There are still plenty of places left, if your child/children are interested in playing the role of Mary, Joseph, Wise Men, Shepherds or Angels, please contact Brigitta at the school, or Danielle at the Parish (Westoncreek@cg.org.au) to let us know. There will be a practise before the end of the term. 

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

While Christmas is still a few weeks away, it is approaching fast! 

Each year, with your help our Parish St Vincent de Paul Society Conference work hard to prepare food hampers for those most in need in our local Weston Creek and Molonglo area. This year St Vincent de Paul have many toys and clothes, but are running very low and are in desperate need of pantry items.

We would greatly appreciate any of the donations below, which have been split to ensure all items are covered.

If you are able to donate, please bring your items in anytime before Wednesday 13 December and place them under the Christmas tree. Our Prayer and Service team here at St Jude’s will put the packages together. 

Christmas Carols and Parish Christmas Party

This year, we are hosting a carols night for our end of year family get together, and as it is St Jude's turn to host the Parish Christmas Party, we are joining together! All families are invited to attend, bring a picnic rug, food for your family or a shareplate for the table. The school will have a sausage sizzle and those who can, are asked to bring a salad or side to add to our feast!

Date: Friday December 8

Time: 5.30pm

Carolling: from 6pm

ELC NEWS

Our classrooms are full of excitement as we witness multiple life cycles. Our tadpoles are developing back legs, the silkworms are all wrapped up in cocoons and we have welcomed hatching chicks this week. If you are wanting the chicks to join your family, they are $5 each.

Mangos Have Arrived!

If you ordered mangoes through our fundraiser, they are ready to collect now from the ELC.

Time to Return Library Books

Please return all library books by next week, week 8, so that Mrs Comley can start the end of year stocktake.

Walk to school

Thank you to all who participated in our first walk to school morning. It was a huge success with many children and families joining in. It was a lovely start to the day as we walked and talked all the way to school.

Gingerbread House Night at SJV tonight

St John Vianney run a Gingerbread House Decorating party every year.  It is an evening of fun as you decorate your gingerbread house whilst listening to Christmas carols and getting to catch up with others in the SJV community.

ELC Refund

Following government funding, Catholic Education is able to provide financial assistance to families supporting the delivery of our Preschool Program in Terms 3 and 4. Statements last week included a refund of the $85 Resource Fee paid for Terms 3 and Term 4.

Online Triple P - Positive Parenting Program

Parents and carers are offered access to free online parenting courses developed in Australian by the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, thanks to Australian Government funding.
The Triple P program offers a guide to specific programs and online resources, assisting with the everyday challenges parents and carers face raising calm, resilient and happy children.

Link: https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/triple-p/

Week 7

LAST week for borrowing for everyone in ELC, Kinder – Year 6!

Next week all children’s books need to be returned by the end of the week. The class that clears their Library loans first will receive a small reward for every child.                        

Please contact me if you have any concerns…

• Thank you to Mrs Banks (Finn’s grandmother) for taking on some difficult repair jobs with a few much loved books. We appreciate your care and the time you have put into restoring them.
• Thank you also to families who have donated books this term. We always manage to find them a new home. Alternatively, I take them to Lifeline.

Happy reading! Verna Comley

WALKATHON PRIZE RAFFLE

The raffle prizes for the walkathon will be drawn Monday 27 November in the school hall, at 9.05am. Parents are welcome to join us. 

Sushi available to order – Wednesdays in Week 8 & 9

Sushi will be available to order for lunch on Wednesday 29 November and Wednesday 6 December.

A Sushi Roll and a Juice can be ordered for $6.00, with additional rolls $4.00.

Sushi Roll Options:

• Cooked Tuna Roll (GF)
• Crispy Chicken Roll
• Avocado Roll (GF & Veg)

Orders are being supplied by Mr Sushi and need to be placed via Qkr! by the above cut off dates. No late orders will be accepted. 

End of Term Meal Deal – Thursday 14 December

Watch this space for the end of term meal deal!

End of Year – as the year comes to a close, menu items may not be available for ordering.

Canteen Volunteers – Week 8

Wednesday 29 November – E. Dimanoski & S. Clouston

Thursday 30 November – R. Buckley, Annette & one more volunteer please

Friday 1 December– S. Monges, E. Eyles, G. Cabot & one more volunteer please

Uniform shop open:  

Friday 24 Nov 8:45am - 9:30am

Friday 1 Dec 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. 

Community Council Meeting – 28 November

The final Community Council meeting will be held next week on Tuesday 28 November at 6pm in the school library and online (a link will be circulated shortly before). All are welcome to come along.

Thank you to all those that have provided feedback in the lead up to the meeting. The agenda and previous minutes can be found here: https://stjudesps.act.edu.au/cc-meetings. 

Walkathon

The final figures for the walkathon have been calculated. A fantastic $13,945 was raised by the students. Thank you to all those that sponsored students and to those who assisted on the day.

Disco

Thank you to all those that assisted with the smooth running of the disco. The children had a fantastic time and we received wonderful feedback from the DJ on what a lovely group of students they are. We will look to make the disco a yearly event.

Important Dates

Many thanks,

Gemma Cabot

Stjudes.scc@gmail.com

Save the date:   Saturday 16 March 2024

Our fete committee are gaining momentum as we approach the end of the year in preparation for our Family & Community Fete for 2024. 

If you are interested in helping out in any capacity (big or small) the committee would love to hear from you!

WANTED:           

Our Plant Stall Coordinators are seeking donations of:

• potting mix,
• spare 14cm pots,
• cuttings. 

Trash & Treasure are hoping to seek donations of:

• Excess plastic painters drop sheets for storing our lovely donations ahead of the fete

Stall coordinators 

Fete Site Coordinator 

If you have anything to donate there are now two permanent drop off points setup at the front office of the Primary School and the ELC. (black milk crate with sign) 

If you are able to help out with any of the above, please reach out to our Fete Coordinator Sarah Tonna 041453311