Term 3 Week 4 - Thursday 15 August 2024

Principal's Message

Gospel Reading:  John 6: 51-58

I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, abideth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead. He that eateth this bread, shall live for ever.

It was truly wonderful to watch all our Australian athletes compete at the highest level at the recent Olympic games. Years of dedication, focus, perseverance, and grit on display. As we pause for a few weeks, my hope is that when the Paralympics begin on August 28 that we show each of these athletes the love we displayed towards our other Olympians.

A message from Fr Michael

Christ Our Light And Life Book Series (Kindergarten to Year 12) aims to promote the central place for parents to support them in fulfilling their responsibilities for the faith formation and education of their children. Each book series has a Student Activity Book and Teacher’s Manual. You may place order in Qkr! App at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish under Book Sales menu or alternatively place the exact payment in an envelope with your name, details of books you want to purchase and church for collection into the collection bag at Mass. Please order by 15 September 2024.

These are a very practical resource for parents and their children who are looking for a way to reconnect or even revise many of the key concepts aligned with faith formation. They are user friendly and functional.

Morning drop off

We are continuing to monitor the morning drop off and are seeking feedback on the following option. It appears as though there are 2 lines of traffic which enter the main carpark (near the shelter shed). The first line utilises the drop and go option (cars are usually nearest the bollards. The second line is to the right of the first line and that is the cars that want to park down past the last speed hump). We are exploring the option of not utilising either the bollards or flags, but rather, having lines painted onto the asphalt with two distinctive lanes. This will enable, cars that want to drop and go to stay to the left and cars that want to park, to stay to the right and park beyond the final speed hump. We will also aim to have this clearly sign posted, so that when we have visitors doing the drop off they can see the process. We would expect that cars would not move across lanes once in the main carpark area, and all parking would need to be beyond the final speed hump. There would be no change to the afternoon pick up.

Thank you to all our parents and carers who are using the footpaths, I know they can become a little crowded, but they are definitely safer. My primary concern with walking down the car park is not necessarily the safety of the people walking in the car park, it is the safety of our youngest children who see and copy.

A busy Term 3

Important dates to add to your Calendar include:

• Book Week – Week 5 – Costume Day - Wednesday
• Father’s Day Breakfast and Kinder Assembly – August 30
• St Jude’s Musical – 24 & 25 September

Camp Australia

I have been informed by our before and after school 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.

Enrolments for 2025

At the time of writing, we have some space in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Years 4 – 6 for 2025. We have waiting lists for both Year 2 and 3 for 2025. If you are aware of families within our enrolment area who have children in these year levels, please feel free to send them our way. We continue to offer school tours and our Year 6 students do an amazing job leading these tours.

Hats on playground

From Monday next week (19 August) we will start to transition back to wearing hats. As of Monday week 6 (26 August) hats must be wore on the playground. The uniform shop will be open tomorrow after assembly if anyone needs purchase a hat. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.

 Cameron

Important Dates

Birthdays

School News

This year St Jude's is participating in the Bullying No Way: National week of action, 12 to 16 August 2024.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The new hero colour for the campaign is purple – symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour.

The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.

“Positive school climates that value diversity and inclusion can foster a sense of belonging and provide a protective factor against negative peer relationships and reduce bullying.” (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023).

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

Father’s Day Breakfast and Classroom Visits – Friday 30 August

We invite all Fathers, Step-Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles and special friends to attend our Fathers Day Celebration. 

On Friday 30 August 2024, we are holding a Father’s Day Breakfast and celebrations beginning at 8.15am. Click the link to RSVP for the breakfast.

Guests are then welcome to visit your child/children’s classroom/s, from 9.00am – 10.00am. We have allocated an hour  for classroom visits to allow guests to split their time across several classrooms if need be. There is no requirement to stay for the whole time.

At 10.00am we will say goodbye to our guests as they depart the school. With Kinder students and their guests moving to the hall for an assembly.

For catering purposes RSVP is required by COB Monday 26 August. Click the link  to RSVP for the breakfast.

Tell Them From Me Survey

In the coming weeks we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.
 
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Jude's School.
 
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the link below:

https://tellthemfromme.com/survey/splash/w6wk6

Survey closes Friday 23 August

Students not returning 2025

Any students who will not be returning to St Jude's in 2025 (excluding current year 6 students) please follow the link to complete a form. 

Please contact the office is you have any questions

RE News

Feast of the Assumption 

Thank you to all who joined us for Mass today. It was a reverent and thoughtful celebration of Mary and of all mothers. 

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 have started. A commitment Mass for Confirmation Candidates is being held on the 24th and 25th of August. Please attend one and bring your completed booklet if you have not handed it in already. 

Saturday Vigil: 5pm at St Jude's Church 

Sunday Eucharist: 9am at St John Vianney's Church 

Click this link to find out more.

May your light shine.

Jessica Betterton 

ELC News

ELC NEWS

Happy Birthday Everly H, Finn N

A huge thank you to St John Vianney’s for hosting our Stingray class for Science week. The children had a great day playing with buddies and engaging in science experiments and activities.  SJV also provided science showbags so the children can continue to explore various science activities at home.

Father’s Day Breakfast and Classroom Visits – Friday 30 August

We invite all Fathers, Step-Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles and special friends to attend our Fathers Day Celebration on Friday 30 August beginning with breakfast at 8.15am. Guests are then welcome to visit your child/children’s classroom/s, from 9.00am – 10.00am. We have allocated an hour for classroom visits to allow guests to split their time across several classrooms if need be. There is no requirement to stay for the whole time. For catering purposes RSVP is required by COB Monday 26 August.

Click the link to RSVP for the breakfast.

Book Week

The Book Week Parade is on Wednesday 21 August. Children are invited to dress up as their favourite book character.  The parade will be held in the morning outside in the primary school carpark near the church (weather permitting) and families are welcome to come along to watch. The Stingrays dress-up day will be on Tuesday 20 August.

Book Fair

The library is having a Book Fair in Week 5. We are pleased to partner with The Book Cow in Kingston again this year to offer a “Books Only” Book Fair to our students of all ages.  Sales will be after school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 5pm. EFTPOS available.

Parenting Workshops with Lael Stone

Transform Parenting is an organisation that supports parents to grow and learn with their children from pregnancy to the first 7 years of parenting, through workshops, events and memberships, both in person and online. They are holding a Saturday event about managing the big feelings and behaviour of young children, and a full day Sunday couples workshop about helping parents to get on the same page with their parenting.

Click Here To Learn More About The Workshops.

Invitation to 'A Bluey Perspective'

A free family event with ‘Bluey’ creator Joe Brumm will be held at Merici College on Wednesday 11 September. Presented by Catholic School Parents Canberra and Goulburn with the support of Catholic Education, the event aims to bring families from across the Archdiocese together, to listen to Joe talk about why he thinks Bluey has been such a success and the important role parents play in their child’s learning and development. Numbers are limited so please register via the link below.

https://events.humanitix.com/a-bluey-perspective

Library News

Book Week is next week!

Our Dress up Day will be happening Wednesday! 21 August, in the morning and outside (weather permitting) ELC classes will join in the fun with us so come along to watch the parade.

The Library is also having a Book Fair in Week 5!

We are pleased to partner with The Book Cow in Kingston again this year to offer a “Books Only” Book Fair to our students. There will be picture books and chapter books for all ages.

*All are welcome to come in and check out the books!

*Sales will be after school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 5pm. EFTPOS available. No before school sales.

*Children may purchase books at lunchtime as well.

*Update - There will be some pens and posters available for cash purchase as well but limited amount.

Sports News

Futsal Gala Day

Last Thursday I had the absolute pleasure of taking 23 Year 5/6 boys to the Capital Football Futsal Gala Day at Lyneham Netball Centre. Team one got off to a slow start with a loss in the first game. The boys were determined to make amends in the next game with a convincing win. 2 more wins followed this. Unfortunately the boys went down in the semi final ending their campaign. Coach Kylie Flanigan kept the boys motivated throughout the day and encouraged the wonderful values of kindness and good sportsmanship we promote at St Jude's. A huge thank you to Kylie for coaching the boys.

Team 2 were definite winners on the day. Despite not winning a game score wise, the boys were all winners in having fun, demonstrating great sportsmanship and team work and giving their best all day. For some this was their first time playing futsal and are super excited for next year's gala day.  A big thank you to all parents who came along on the day to cheer and support the boys. This was very much appreciated. 

South Weston Athletics Carnival   

The South Weston Athletics Carnival will be held next Thursday 22 August at Woden Park Phillip. Qualifying students received a note yesterday detailing the events they will compete in. Parents were sent a Compass notification outlining  details of the carnival as well as consent and payment instructions. Consent and $10 payment are due next Tuesday. Congratulations to all qualifying students. If any parents can assist on the day at any of the events please let me know. kerrin.henderson@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Mulleyduds Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop open Friday 16 August 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 5

Wednesday 21 August - Judy, & two more volunteers please

Thursday 22 August - Antonella & two more volunteer please

Friday 23 August -  Gemma, Sarah, Sandra & one more volunteers please

Sushi Meal Deal available to order – Friday 30 August

Sushi will be available to order for lunch on Friday 30 August. The normal canteen menu will not be available. 

A Sushi Roll and a Juice can be ordered for $6.50, with additional rolls $4.50.

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 date. No late orders will be accepted. 

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Pru C and Alexis A! 

They both auditioned for the NSW Youth Ballets production of The Sleeping Beauty which will run in January next year. Both girls were accepted! Out of 75 applicants Australia wide, they accepted around 50 kids. Both girls will head to Sydney in January for 2 weeks for full time training being taught by professional ballerinas. They will then perform the full length ballet. There are both so excited and happy to share this opportunity together!

Well done Sammy D!

Sammy attended the GKR Karate World Cup in Sydney. There were competitors from the USA, UK, NZ, and all over Australia. She competed in team kata 10-12 year old 3rd kyu and above, and individual kata in 10-11 year old girls 3rd kyu and above. She secured third place with her team in team kata.

Camp Australia