Term 1, Week 4, 27 February 2025
Principal's Message
We've had a truly wonderful couple of weeks filled with celebrations and school spirit, and I wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for these.
Firstly, a massive thank you to Miss McEvoy for her incredible work in organising and running our recent swimming carnival. What a fantastic day it was! From the enthusiastic cheers to the impressive displays of athleticism, the carnival was a resounding success. Miss McEvoy's dedication, organisation, and boundless energy ensured that every student had a memorable and enjoyable experience. Thank you, Miss McEvoy, for creating such a positive and inclusive event for our school community.
Secondly, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Bailey for her outstanding efforts in organising a beautiful and meaningful celebration for the Feast Day of St. John. The day was filled with joy, reflection, and a real sense of community. Mrs. Bailey's thoughtful planning and attention to detail made the celebration a truly special occasion for our students and staff. We are so grateful for her commitment to fostering our school's Catholic identity and creating such memorable experiences.
The dedication and passion of our staff are what make St. John's such a wonderful place to learn and grow. We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented and committed individuals guiding our students.
Upcoming Celebrations
As we move through the early part of the year, we have two very important upcoming celebrations that I would like to bring to your attention: Ash Wednesday and World Day of Prayer.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation for Easter. It is a time for us to turn our hearts and minds towards God, to examine our lives, and to seek forgiveness and renewal. This year, Ash Wednesday falls on 5th March. Please keep your eye out for our celebration information for this day. Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality and our need for God's grace. It is a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
World Day of Prayer
World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian day of prayer observed annually in over 170 countries. It is a time when people around the world come together to pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation. This year, World Day of Prayer will be observed on Friday 7th March and Information regarding the World Day of Prayer for 2025 can be found at this webpage:
These two important events offer us opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection. I encourage you to participate in these celebrations and to take time for prayer and reflection during this season.
Staff Professional Learning
Last Thursday, our dedicated staff participated in essential professional learning focused on Mandatory Reporting. This training is a crucial component of our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child at St John's.
Mandatory Reporting refers to the legal obligation of certain professionals, including teachers and school staff, to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. This training provided our staff with updated knowledge and skills on:
- Recognising signs and indicators of child abuse and neglect: We explored various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect, and learned to identify potential warning signs.
- Understanding legal obligations and procedures: Staff were thoroughly briefed on the legal requirements for reporting suspected abuse, including the process and relevant agencies.
- Creating a safe and supportive environment: We discussed strategies for fostering a school culture where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to speak up if they need help.
- Our duty of care: This training reinforced our schools commitment to creating a safe environment and ensuring that all staff understand their duty of care.
This professional development is not only a legal requirement but also a reflection of our deep commitment to the safety and welfare of our students. We believe that every child deserves to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment.
We understand that child safety is a sensitive topic, and we want to assure you that we are committed to working in partnership with families to protect our children. If you have any questions or concerns about our school's child protection policies or procedures, please do not hesitate to contact me or a member of our leadership team.
We are proud of our staff's dedication to ongoing learning and their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students. Thank you for your continued support in creating a safe and positive learning environment for all.
Principal's Conference
Each term, I attend a Lismore Catholic Schools Catholic Education Leaders' Gathering in Coffs Harbour. Each time was filled with inspiration, collaboration, and valuable professional development that will undoubtedly benefit our school community. I attended one this week - please see some of the sessions below:
The Learner in the RE Classroom
Professor Br David Hall fms challenged us to think deeply about the role of Religious Education (RE) in our schools. He emphasised the importance of creating learning experiences that not only impart knowledge but also nurture the spiritual growth of each student. This resonated strongly with our commitment to providing a holistic education that addresses the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of our young people.
Foundations for a Future Church
In his second session, Professor Hall explored the evolving landscape of the Church and the role of Catholic education in shaping its future. He encouraged us to be innovative and adaptable, ensuring that our schools remain relevant and responsive to the changing needs of our students and communities. This session provided valuable insights into how we can continue to strengthen our Catholic identity and mission.
Integrating Aboriginal Spirituality into Catholic Education
Sarah Caldwell's presentation on integrating Aboriginal spirituality into Catholic education was both enlightening and inspiring. She shared practical strategies and resources for incorporating Aboriginal perspectives, histories, and cultures into our curriculum and school life. This session has motivated us to further explore and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our nation.
Overall, the Catholic Education Leaders' Gathering was a truly enriching experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from experts in their fields, collaborate with colleagues from across the diocese, and reflect on how we can continue to provide the best possible education for our students. I look forward to sharing these insights with our staff and incorporating them into our school's ongoing improvement efforts.
I hope this gives you a glimpse into the valuable learning that took place at the conference. As always, thank you for your continued support of our school's mission and vision.
NAPLAN 2025
As we move further into Term 1, we would like to provide you with some information regarding the upcoming NAPLAN assessments for our Year 3 and Year 5 students.
What is NAPLAN?
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a series of national assessments that measure students' literacy and numeracy skills. These assessments provide valuable information about students' progress and help schools to identify areas where they can provide additional support.
When will NAPLAN take place?
NAPLAN 2025 will be held during Week 6-8 from the 12th March until the 24th March.
What areas will be assessed?
Students will be assessed in the following areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Spelling, grammar, and punctuation (Language Conventions)
- Numeracy
How can I support my child?
- Maintain a positive attitude: Encourage your child to approach NAPLAN with a calm and confident mindset. Remind them that it is just one assessment and that their overall learning is what matters most.
- Ensure regular attendance: It is important that your child attends school regularly, especially during the NAPLAN testing period.
- Support good sleep and nutrition: Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats a healthy breakfast to help them focus during the assessments.
- Familiarise your child with the online format: NAPLAN is conducted online, so familiarising your child with online testing formats can be helpful. The NAPLAN public demonstration site is a great resource.
- Reassure your child: Let your child know that you are proud of their efforts and that you are there to support them.
Important Information:
- NAPLAN is just one tool used to assess student progress. Teachers use a variety of assessment methods throughout the year to gain a comprehensive understanding of each student's learning.
- If your child is absent during the NAPLAN testing period, arrangements will be made for them to complete the assessments at a later time.
We are committed to providing our students with a supportive and encouraging environment during the NAPLAN testing period. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher.
LEARNING
Maths Magic at St. John's Primary - Numbers Beyond the Classroom!
At St. John's Primary, we believe that every child is a mathematician, and we’re passionate about showing them how Mathematics is woven into the fabric of everyday life! You've likely seen the exciting learning happening in our dedicated maths lessons, but we're also making sure maths comes alive across all key learning areas, particularly in STEM and Creative Arts.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Maths Learning:
We understand that students learn in different ways, which is why we employ a range of strategies to cater to diverse needs. Our maths lessons are dynamic and interactive, moving beyond traditional rote learning. Here's a glimpse of what that looks like:
- Whole Class Explicit Teaching: We begin with clear and concise instruction, ensuring all students have a solid foundation in key concepts. This provides a shared understanding and allows us to build upon it.
- Small Group Targeted Instruction: We use ongoing assessments to identify specific learning needs. This allows us to create small, focused groups where teachers can provide targeted support and address individual challenges.
- Intervention Based on Data: We regularly analyse student data to pinpoint areas where extra support is needed. This data-driven approach allows us to provide timely and effective interventions, ensuring no student falls behind.
- Learning Through Maths Games: Who says maths can't be fun? We incorporate engaging games into our lessons to reinforce concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Games provide a playful way to practice essential skills while fostering collaboration and strategic thinking.
- Hands-on Equipment to Represent Thinking: From colourful counters to blocks and number lines, we provide students with a variety of hands-on materials. These tools allow children to visualise abstract concepts and represent their thinking in a concrete way. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of mathematical principles.
- Differentiated Tasks to Meet Students at Their Point of Need: We understand that students learn at different paces. We provide differentiated tasks that are tailored to each student's individual needs and abilities. This ensures that every child is challenged and supported, allowing them to progress at their own pace.
Maths Across the Curriculum:
But the magic doesn't stop in the maths classroom! We believe that maths is a vital tool for understanding the world around us, and we're committed to integrating it into all areas of learning.
- STEM Connections: Our STEM program is a prime example of maths in action. Students use mathematical concepts to design, build, and test their creations. From measuring materials to calculating distances and angles, maths is an essential part of the problem-solving process.
- Creative Arts Integration: Our specialist Creative Arts teachers seamlessly weave mathematical outcomes into their lessons. In Visual Arts, they learn about symmetry, geometry, counting and proportion. This integration shows students how maths is used to create and appreciate art.
Why This Integrated Approach Matters:
By connecting maths to other subjects, we:
- Demonstrate the real-world relevance of maths.
- Strengthen students' understanding of mathematical concepts.
- Foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge.
- Increase student engagement by making maths relevant to their interests.
Take a look at the video to see our teachers and students in action.
WELL BEING @ ST JOHN'S
Getting to Know the Wellbeing Team
At St John’s our student pastoral care wellbeing team is comprised of four staff members. Dave Bermingham, Greg Flint (Leader of Pastoral Care) Anne Nethery Pastoral care Officer) and Sasha Kruse (Student Counselor)
This week we meet our Student Pastoral Care Officer: Anne Nethery
Anne Nethery is currently St John’s Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Officer. She began in this role in 2024.
Anne feels passionately about the importance of supporting students in all aspects of their wellbeing and strongly advocates for inclusion and student voice.
In the past Anne has worked both in schools and in not for profit organisations in the Tweed Heads area supporting children with additional needs. In the last 4 years she has also been a facilitator for a parent group supporting families and carers of children with disabilities.
Anne’s main goal in her role as student wellbeing officer is to help students feel safe, secure and positive while at St John’s school.
Anne does much great work around the school supporting student wellbeing in myriad ways. She is innovative and approachable with seemingly endless supplies of patience, love and care for the students.
We are so blessed to have Anne on the staff & an integral member of the wellbeing team.
Mission News
St John's Fun Day Slip n Slide
St John's Day activities
SPORT
Zone Swim tryouts
SCHOOL INFORMATION
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU"
Our Birthday people:-
Lyla, Louis, Sasha & Miss McEvoy
COMMUNITY NOTICES
