Term 4, Week 6, 21 November 2024
Principal's Message
I am delighted to be back after my period of renewal leave, feeling refreshed and inspired from my time on pilgrimage in Italy. It was truly a profound experience, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to recharge and reflect.
Returning to the school has been a heartwarming experience, thanks to the warm welcome I’ve received from staff, students, and families alike. Your kind words and gestures of support have reminded me once again of the wonderful community we share at St. John’s.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kristie Coster for stepping into the role of Acting Principal during my absence. Her leadership, dedication, and care ensured that the school continued to thrive, and I am so grateful for her efforts. Kristie’s ability to uphold our values and guide our school community during this time is truly commendable. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thank you to the staff at St. John's who in this kind of circumstance, always display flexibility and go above and beyond, taking on extra responsibilities to ensure that the operation of the school remains consistent. We have an amazing team of staff here, and I can't thank them enough!
I look forward to the remainder of the term ahead as we continue to grow and learn together. Thank you all for being such an integral part of our vibrant and supportive school community.
2025 Staffing
Regarding classes for 2025, be assured that we take the process of class allocations very seriously. This process includes considerations of academic, social, and behavioural needs, and each decision is made with a holistic view of our students’ best interests. You will be notified of 2025 classroom teachers and support staff at the end of this term when all staffing is finalised. Please note, that we do not take requests for specific teachers.
If there is any additional information about your child's learning, social, or emotional needs that you feel would be beneficial for class placement considerations, please share it in writing with your child's classroom teacher/s. While we cannot guarantee specific placements, your insights are valuable and will be carefully considered.
Staffing News - Kristie Coster
It is with great pleasure that I share the news of Kristie Coster’s appointment as Acting Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Coraki, for the 2025 school year.
Kristie has many years of experience in education within the Diocese of Lismore, with leadership roles including Acting Principal at St Francis Xavier, Ballina, and St John’s, Mullumbimby, as well as Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching at St Francis Xavier, Ballina.
Her strong commitment to Catholic education, along with her qualifications in educational leadership, have made a positive impact wherever she has served.
I know that you will all join me in congratulating Kristie on this wonderful achievement and wishing her every success in her new role!
Renewal Leave
For weeks 2, 3, and 4 of this term, I had the privilege of taking renewal leave to embark on a deeply enriching pilgrimage through Italy. This journey offered an extraordinary opportunity for spiritual and theological formation, allowing me to connect with the rich Catholic heritage of Italy and the profound Franciscan tradition of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony of Padua.
The pilgrimage began in Venice, where I visited iconic sites such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Basilica dei Frari. From Venice, I travelled by train to Padua, with a significant stop in Camposampiero—a town of deep spiritual importance. It was here, in May 1231, that St. Anthony sought rest and renewal at the invitation of Earl Tiso VI, a devoted follower of his teachings. Camposampiero is home to the Walnut Chapel, built at the site of St. Anthony's simple walnut tree shelter, and the Shrine of the Vision, where Earl Tiso witnessed the miraculous appearance of the Christ Child in St. Anthony’s arms.
I completed the Walk of St. Anthony pilgrimage, travelling from Camposampiero to Padua. While in Padua, I visited several key sites, including the Shrine of Arcella, St. Anthony’s Basilica, and the awe-inspiring Scrovegni Chapel.
From Padua, I began a more extended pilgrimage toward Assisi, retracing the spiritual paths of St. Francis and St. Anthony. Along the way, I visited numerous Franciscan landmarks, including Montepaolo Hermitage, Sacro Eremo di Camaldoli, Sanctuary of La Verna, and the Hermitages of Cerbaiolo, Montecasale, and Le Celle. Each of these places offered moments for prayer and reflection on the lives of these remarkable saints.
In Gubbio, I visited the Church of Saint Francis of the Peace and the Church of Saint Mary della Vittorina, the site where St. Francis is believed to have tamed the Wolf of Gubbio. Upon reaching Assisi, I explored the Basilica of St. Clare, where I learned about the founding of the Poor Clares, and the Basilica of St. Francis, which was a highlight of the journey. Other sacred sites in Assisi included the San Rufino Cathedral, San Damiano Church, Chiesa Nuova, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels with the Portiuncula, and the Hermitage of Carceri.
From Assisi, I travelled south to Rome, pausing at several significant Franciscan sites, such as the Monteluco Hermitage, Spoleto Cathedral, La Foresta Franciscan Sanctuary, and the Hermitages of Terminillo, Poggio Bustone, Fonte Colombo, and Greccio. These sanctuaries, steeped in history and prayer, provided profound moments of connection to the Franciscan way of life.
Finally, in Rome, I visited the Sanctuary of San Francesco a Ripa Grande, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museum, and the magnificent Basilica of St. Peter. Each of these destinations deepened my appreciation for the spiritual legacy of our faith and the enduring inspiration of saints like St. Francis and St. Anthony. This pilgrimage was an extraordinary journey of faith, reflection, and renewal. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of the rich Catholic tradition and to walk in the footsteps of saints who continue to inspire us with their lives of humility, service, and devotion. I return with a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual energy, eager to bring these insights and experiences into my leadership and service to our community.
Italy Pilgrimage
Awards Week 5
LEARNING
Learning Update
Geography Projects - Kindergarten Last Friday, Kindergarten students proudly presented their Geography projects to their parents. This special event gave parents the opportunity to engage with their child’s learning by conducting interviews about the projects. Students answered questions such as Who belongs in your place and why? Why is this place important? How can this place be looked after? It was a wonderful way for students to articulate their learning and share their hard work with their families.
Swimming Program - Kindergarten and Stage One Over the last fortnight, students in Kindergarten and Stage One have been participating in an intensive swimming program. This initiative focuses on developing essential water safety skills and building swimming confidence, equipping our students with valuable life skills.
Kicking Goals - Stage Two In English, Stage Two students have been learning about authorship and authority in literature through Kicking Goals with Goodesy and Magic by Anita Heiss. They explored how the author uses interviews with Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin to add authenticity and examined the dual meaning of the title. Students also reflected on the author’s purpose and crafted questions to understand how themes and credibility shape the text.
People of Hope - Stage Three In Stage Three Religious Education, students have been exploring the theme People of Hope. As part of this unit, we are looking to celebrate a person of hope within the St John’s community. This special recognition will highlight someone who embodies hope through their actions, faith, and contributions to our school or parish.
Staff Professional Learning Day On Monday, staff engaged in a professional learning day filled with reflection and growth. We began by reviewing our 2024 School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP), discussing the actions we have implemented, what has had a positive impact, and what hasn’t had the expected impact. This critical reflection ensures that we continue to make meaningful progress towards our school goals.
Later in the day, staff participated in a module on student engagement, deepening our understanding of how behavioural, emotional, and cognitive engagement work together to support learning. By identifying specific strategies, we aim to enhance student engagement across all classrooms.
Finally, we spent time reconnecting with the NSW Mathematics syllabus, exploring ways to deepen our understanding and plan effective teaching and learning opportunities. This session strengthened our collective capacity to deliver quality mathematics education tailored to our students’ needs.
It has been a productive and enriching couple of weeks for both students and staff, showcasing our commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Chris Hosie
Acting Leader of Learning Acting Leader of Mission and Engagement 3-6
MISSION
Crazy Sock Day - Stepping Up for Mongolia!
Friday, 29th November
Dear St John's Community,
Get ready to put your best foot forward for a great cause! On Friday, 29th November, St John's is hosting a Crazy Sock Day as part of Catholic Mission's Socktober initiative. Students are invited to wear their wildest, wackiest, and most wonderful socks to school for a gold coin donation.
This year, our fundraising efforts will support the Catholic Mission's work in Mongolia, a beautiful country known for its vast steppes, rich culture, and resilient people.
Why Socks? Our Crazy Sock Day connects to Catholic Mission's broader Socktober campaign, which uses soccer's universal language to unite communities and create positive change. Just as soccer brings people together regardless of background or ability, our crazy socks will remind us that we're all walking together in solidarity with those in need.
How You Can Help:
- Send your child to school wearing their craziest socks
- Contribute a gold coin donation
- Talk to your children about the importance of helping others
- Keep our Mongolian friends in your prayers
At St John's, we believe in nurturing not just minds but hearts, too. This initiative helps our students understand global issues (Head), develop compassion (Heart), and take positive action (Hands) to support children in need.
Remember:
- Date: Friday, 29th November
- What to wear: Crazy socks with regular school uniform
- Bring: Gold coin donation
Thank you for supporting our school's mission and outreach initiatives.
God bless,
Ellie Bailey
Leader of Mission
SCHOOL INFORMATION
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU"
Our Birthday peoples:-
Malik, Rocket, Evan & Mr Hosie
