Term 2 Week 9 - Thursday 27 June 2024

Principal's Message

Gospel Reading:  Mark 5: 21-43

And when Jesus had passed again in the ship over the strait, a great multitude assembled together unto him, and he was nigh unto the sea. And there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue named Jairus: and seeing him, falleth down at his feet. And he besought him much, saying: My daughter is at the point of death, come, lay thy hand upon her, that she may be safe, and may live. And he went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they thronged him. And a woman who was under an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things from many physicians; and had spent all that she had, and was nothing the better, but rather worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the crowd behind him, and touched his garment. For she said: If I shall touch but his garment, I shall be whole. And forthwith the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the evil. And immediately Jesus knowing in himself the virtue that had proceeded from him, turning to the multitude, said: Who hath touched my garments? And his disciples said to him: Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou who hath touched me? And he looked about to see her who had done this. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said to her: Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole: go in peace and be thou whole of thy disease. While he was yet speaking, some come from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying: Thy daughter is dead: why dost thou trouble the master any further? But Jesus having heard the word that was spoken, saith to the ruler of the synagogue: Fear not, only believe.

Director Visits St Jude’s

Mr Ross Fox, the Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese visited St Jude’s today. He was with us for approximately 2 hours. During this time he met with the school executive where we discussed key learning achievements and areas for us to continue to work on. We also visited many of our classrooms, so that Ross could see just how wonderful our students and staff are. I then had some time with Ross to talk through some of the areas relevant to our school. I thanked Ross for the financial commitment CE have made towards our school fence, funds which come from the pool of Building Fund contributions made by families across the Archdiocese.

Appropriate Student Voice

As parents, we are constantly faced with justifying decisions to our children. We want our children to grow up to become good decision makers. I am often asked, when should I give my child the opportunity to decide? My response is, from the day that they are born. However, I do say that with conditions. The age, where a child can make consistently good decisions varies for every child. Research shown that brain development aligned with cause and effect, right and wrong, healthy and unhealthy etc decisions can be significantly later than what we might believe it to be. As a parent, there are decisions which you should be able to make without consulting your child. An example might include:

• A child shouldn’t decide whether they go to school, it is the law and as a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure they are there. In fact, when a child’s attendance reaches a certain level of absence, I am obliged to report it to Government services. However, you might decide to include your child in the discussion about which High School they go to.

There are other decision which your child might want to make, however, ultimately, as the adult, you are responsible:

• To join chat groups or be involved in social media, even if every other child does.
• To watch or listen to inappropriate media
• To be out with friends late at night

Appropriate voice means giving children a say, when it is appropriate. You might say something like, I’m thinking of either salad or vegies for dinner, which would you prefer? Or, who would you like to invite to your party? It’s like giving a toddler two toys to choose from. You structure the choices, rather than making the decision for them or giving them free range. We can go to the park or play in the back yard, you can ride your bike or go for a swim. Talking with children about what they think and responding to what matters to them will give children a sense of ownership over the decisions that they have contributed to. It's important to also involve explanation or justification into decisions you make, such as:

• We look both ways before crossing the road, so we avoid any traffic
• We walk along the path in the school car park because it keeps us safe
• We go to school to learn and have fun because it is the law.
• We eat fruit and vegies because it helps us grow strong and gives us energy.

Many of us grew up in a world where we were told, when we asked WHY, the response was BECAUSE. This no longer cuts the mustard. Parenting is tough, and in the heat of the moment we do occasionally get it wrong. It’s also often easier to let them decide. However, if we genuinely want our children to grow into adults who make good decisions, we must be able to decide when it is age appropriate for them to have a say in things and if they say no, ask them to tell you WHY and don’t accept BECAUSE. There are a great number of parenting websites out there. For those who access facebook, the CECG Parent one often has some good articles. Otherwise https://raisingchildren.net.au/ also offers some good advice, 

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to everyone involved in our PTIs. The focus of these meetings has been the Semester 1 report and goal setting for Semester 2. Reports will be available on Monday via Compass. As previously mentioned, aligned with CE expectations, there will not be a comment on these reports.

Pupil Free Day

A reminder that the first day of Term 3 for students is the Tuesday. Camp Australia are offering a holiday program, which can also include the Monday. Staff will be involved in professional learning experiences at school on the Monday.

Camp Australia

I have been informed by our before and afterschool provider, that there are spaces in both the morning and afternoon programs on each day. Please check out their website, or call the school for contact details.

Corflute

We are starting to collect our 'enrolling now' corflute signs. If you see any on the side of the road and can safely collect them,  it will be greatly appreciated. Once collected they can be dropped to the office or left between the sports shed and the shipping container. 

Walkathon

We have our fingers crossed for kind weather tomorrow for our Walkathon. Each class has chosen the theme of their costumes. Please ensure that you child also has weather appropriate clothes. As it is a unform free day, coat, scarf and beanie/hat colours are also free choice. Please also make sure they have appropriate footwear for a reasonable walk. A reminder that all funds raised will go to the upgrade of both our irrigation system and our oval.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

 Cameron

Important Dates

Birthdays

School News

Disabled Car Parking Spaces

Our disabled car parking spaces are used daily by St Jude's families and visitors who require close access to the school. We ask that you DO NOT park in these spaces without a permit, extending courtesy to the people who need to use them. These spaces are clearly marked. 

Crossing 

Also a reminder to please drive slowly in and out of the school car park. The pedestrian crossing can be quite hard to see at times, particularly in the business of the afternoon pick up. We ask that cars please do not park across it when dropping off and collecting children from out the front of the hall. The crossing actually extends into the car park taking up a car parking space to allow for greater wheel chair, pram access. This space is adjacent to the crossing on the church side of the car park and is clearly marked with white lines. It can very easily be mistaken as a parking space, however it is not. We ask for your support in keeping this space car free. 

Not returning in 2025

If your child/ren is not in year 6 and will not be returning to St Jude's please complete below.

RE News

Vinnie's Winter Appeal

As a final experience to show the students the difference we are making to our community, the Vinnie's night patrol van came out to St Jude's today to show the students how some of their donations are used. It was great to see our students engage in such an enthusiastic and respectful way, asking lots of inquisitive questions. 

Sacramental Update 

Is your child eligible for a sacrament? In the Parish of Our Lady of the Annunciation sacraments are completed in Years 3, 4 and 6. Reflection evenings for Confirmation start next week, Tuesday the 2 of July at 5.30pm. Click this link to find out more.

May your light shine.

Jessica Betterton

ELC News

ELC NEWS

As we approach the end of semester 1, we  have observed that many children are experiencing what we call ‘winter fatigue’, making it challenging for them to regulate their emotions. Our goal has been to support children through this period by providing tools and activities from the Resilience Project to better understand and manage their feelings. We encourage you to look at the parent hub which you can access at 2023 Early Years Parent & Carer Hub (Engage) - The Resilience Project. The first pillar of the Resilience Project is Gratitude. Please take a moment to think about what you are grateful for and add to the ‘Gratitude Tree’ in the ELC foyer.

Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews

ELC Parent Teacher Interviews are underway and are an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and set a new goal for semester. Booking sheets are on the classroom doors. Please return your child’s portfolio and feedback form at the interview so that we can continue to build on their ELC learning journey.

Walkathon – Friday 28 June

Our annual Walkathon is tomorrow, Friday 28 June. ELC, Kinder and Year 1 students will walk 2km, leaving from St Jude’s oval at 12:00 and walking to the Irish Club and back. Parents are welcome to walk with their children or help at checkpoints along the way.  Please let us know if you can help.  The Turtle class theme is community helpers and the children will be making headpieces to wear on the day. The Lobsters are invited to dress up as superheroes. The Stingrays will have their Walkathon on Monday 1 July. Check your notes pockets for sponsorship forms.

Canberra Theatre Excursion – Grug

On Friday 26 July (Term 3, Week 1) the Lobsters and Turtles will enjoy a fun bus trip to the Canberra Theatre to see Grug.  More  information and permission notes will be in your notes pockets next week.

Uniform Free Day and St John Vianney Fete

We will hold a uniform free day to support the SJV fete next Wednesday, July 3 for the Stingrays and Turtles, and Friday 5 July for the Lobsters. Children are invited to wear plain clothes that day and to bring in a chocolate bar to help support the chocolate wheel stall at the fete. 

Library News

One week till a well-earned break for everyone.

Yay! Where will you go? What will you do? Read? Books can take you anywhere you’d like to go.

Reminders

*Please return all books so that you’re ready for holiday borrowing.

*Years 3-6 remember to bring in your completed Reading Challenge sheets by next week.

Have a fantastic week,

Donna Gordon

Sports News

Walkathon

Our walkathon will take place tomorrow Friday 28 June. The starting time will be 12noon. Parents, grandparents etc are very welcome to join us for the walk. ELC -Year 1 will walk to the back of the Irish Club, and return, approx. 2kms and Years 2-6 will walk to St John Vianney's and return, approx. 5kms. There will be a drink station at the back of the Irish Club and another at St John Vianney's. Toilets will also be available at St John Vianney's. The Meal Deal lunch will be eaten at 11.00am with time to digest before the walk. Students are to come to school dressed in their class theme costume and must be wearing comfortable joggers please. Hats are not needed. No dogs on the walk please. 

Qkr! is the preferred payment method, however cash will be accepted at the front office. Please remember to return your child's sponsorship booklet with their full name and class written on the front. Students will receive 1 raffle ticket for every $10 raised. Raffle tickets will go into the walkathon prize draw. The prize draw will be held early Term 3. There will also be a special class activity for the class that raises the most money. This will be calculated pro rata.

It would be greatly appreciated if all money could please be returned to school by the end of week 2 Term 3. 

 We will let you know if the walkathon is postponed due to bad weather as soon as possible via COMPASS. If you are able to assist on the day please email kerrin.henderson@cg.catholic.edu.au. We are still in need of helpers.   

Hannah Dunn AFL Cup ACT Final

We wish our Year 4/5/6 girls' team well today as they play in the ACT Final of the Hannah Dunn AFL Cup at Solar Park, Phillip. Special thanks to Andrew Brown for coaching and training the team and to Pete Lilley for managing the team. Good luck Lexie, Sadie, Isla, Ashley, Maddy, Matilda, Ella, Ivy, Marlia, Zara, Giselle, Ruby, Abby, Izzy and Eve. Full report next week. 

Gymnastics

Kindergarten to Year 6 students will participate in a gymnastics program at Woden Valley Gym commencing Week 1 Term 3. This program will run for 7 weeks. Timetable to come out in next week's newsletter when it is finalised. This will form the students PE lessons for the term. 

Mulleyduds Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop open Friday 5 July 2:30-3:15pm.

For second hand requests please email to: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com. Please include your child’s name and classroom for us to deliver to. **Please do not make payment for secondhand items, until we reply to your request confirming stock is available.

Mulleygrubs Cafe News

Canteen Volunteers - Week 10

Wednesday 3 July - Annette, & two more volunteers please

Thursday 4 July - Annette, Julie & one more volunteer please

Friday 28 June - Sarah D, Gemma, Sandra & one more volunteer please

We are in need for more volunteers for the Canteen please email office.stjudes@cg.catholic.edu.au

Camp Australia

Holiday Happenings

Family-friendly programming at the NFSA

The NFSA in Acton is screening a selection of sports classics and well-loved family movies during the July school holidays, including A League of Their Own, Cool Runnings, Bend It Like Beckham, Howl’s Moving Castle and Lilo & Stitch. The NFSA building is open daily to explore before or after the screening, including pop culture curiosities on display in The Library and locally roasted coffee available to enjoy in the onsite cafe or sunny courtyard.

A League of Their Own | 6 pm, Fri 5 Jul

Two sisters join the first female professional baseball league and fight to prove that women have a place in sports in this critically acclaimed hit inspired by true events.

Cool Runnings | 1 pm, Thu 11 Jul

A feel-good family film about striving to achieve your goals – no matter the odds – loosely based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to compete at the Olympics.

Bend It Like Beckham | 1 pm, Fri 12 Jul

Sporting talent, family expectations and friendship collide in this heartfelt coming-of-age comedy about two young women who bond over their shared love of football.

Howl’s Moving Castle | 1 pm, Thu 18 Jul

The Wizard of Oz meets anime magic in this heartwarming fantasy adventure from Studio Ghibli. Selling fast!

Lilo & Stitch | 1 pm, Fri 19 Jul

Extraterrestrial experiment Stitch and young Hawaiian orphan Lilo find unlikely connection (and much chaos) in this treasured Disney animation.