Term 4 Week 5 - Thursday 14 November 2024

Principal's Message

This week’s Gospel:

Gospel: Mark 13: 24-32

24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light. And the stars of heaven shall be falling down, and the powers that are in heaven, shall be moved. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. Now of the fig tree learn ye a parable. When the branch thereof is now tender, and the leaves are come forth, you know that summer is very near. So you also when you shall see these things come to pass, know ye that it is very nigh, even at the doors. Amen I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, until all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away. But of that day or hour no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.

Mini Missions

On Tuesday we had the Mini Missions fete. This year we raised $3011. Click here to witness some of the fun from Tuesday.  St Jude’s has had a long term relationship with Global Schools. It has been a wonderfully rewarding reciprocal relationship, where our partner school has been able to provide stationary and build classrooms, as a direct result of the funds we give. Simon Carroll, Head of Global Schools regularly comes to St Jude’s assemblies to update us on how the money is being spent, often providing photos. The benefit to our students is the ability to understand that there is a much bigger world out there, than their own box and that they, through small and large actions can make a big difference.

Parent requests for 2024 classes

Next week, we will begin allocating students into their class groupings for 2025. This is quite a complicated process which involves ensuring that they have a friend in their new class as well as making sure that academic and social needs are evenly spread across the year level. If you have a request, please forward it to me cameron.reed@cg.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible, preferably by Monday November 18. Only requests in writing to myself will be considered. There is plenty of movement of staff across the system, as a result, staffing will probably not be finalised until just before One Up Day, so please do not put in a request for a particular teacher.

2025 School and House Captains

Over the past 4 weeks the current Year 5 cohort have been preparing for some of the leadership positions on offer for 2025. Not all students want to be identified leaders and that’s ok. Earlier in the Year, Year 5 students are involved in Rostrum, public speaking competition, where there is a significant focus on what are components of a good speech, in particular, writing and presenting. Students who nominated for School Captain were asked to write a letter to me, complete an application form and prepare a speech. This year, we had 22 nominees, which demonstrated just how involved and engaged the cohort is. The 22 nominees presented their speech to Mrs Henderson and I. We had the challenging job of reducing the final number to 12. We took into account:

• Their application
• Their letter
• Their speech
• The journey at St Jude’s

It wasn’t easy. The 12 chosen then presented to the student body – Years 2 – 6 who then voted, as did the staff. This all occurred last Monday. Kerrin and I reviewed all the data and I am pleased to announce that our captains for 2025 are:

Next Monday, we move onto House Captain speeches. We have not had to reduce these as they occur in House groupings, however, there are a large number of applicants with 2 Houses having 9 nominees and the other 2 Houses having 10 nominees. The students and staff will vote and the results will again be shared. The criteria is the same as for School Captain, with a focus on Sport. Each House ends up with 2 Captains. As is the case for all leadership positions, there is not a Gender focus, it is the best candidates for the job.

We will announce the House Captains to the broader school community in next week’s newsletter.

Apart from these positions we also have Peer group leaders, which are elected by the Year 6 students in each of the peer groups. These will be decided in 2025. Year 6 students also have numerous opportunities to lead sporting teams, school events, such as Liturgies and Masses, Year level assemblies. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday a different pair lead prayer and morning announcements over the PA each week. We also have an increasing number of school tours, and our Year 6 leaders take visitors around and share their thoughts on our school. Outside of these opportunities, there are also plenty of informal opportunities for our Year 6 students to lead their develop leadership skills.

End of Year

It is sneaking up on us very quickly. Teachers are busily drafting Semester 2 reports, where there will be a final comment. These will go out a week before school finishes. Please keep an eye on any of the upcoming dates, if you blink, you may miss them.

Staffing Changes

Please excuse the brevity of this summary. It's not to depersonalise or devalue any of our staff, I am very grateful to all staff who have and are continuing to play a vital role at St Jude’s.

Departing Staff

Verna Comley- Retiring

Cathleen Feerick - Transfer*

Keryn Thiele - Transfer*

Emily Stopp - Transfer*

Dan Fulton- Resigned

Nat Hancock – Resigned

*A transfer is a 12 month move, where teachers can move to another school for 12 months. At the end of the 12 months, they can decide to stay or return.

New staff joining us

Alana Morison - Graduate teacher

Bronte Hutchison - joining from QLD

Daniel Flannery - joining from Cooma

Andrea Gatt - transfer from Gowrie

Rachel Hind - Librarian from West Belconnen

Rachel De Boni – joining from Amaroo

There are more coming in than going out. This is because we have returned to our 18 class capacity and will maintain 3 Year 4 classes. We will farewell the majority of departing staff at the Week 8 assembly, which is being hosted by Year 5. School staffing is almost finalised, unless I get a last minute change. At this stage, class teacher allocations won’t be shared until near One Up Day, which is on Wednesday December 11.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support.

Cameron

Important Dates

Birthdays

School News

School Fees 

As we are coming to the end of the year please ensure your fees are paid in full. School Fees are due by Friday 8 November. If you have a direct debit please make sure your final payment is by Friday 13 December. 

If you are having difficulties meeting your commitments please contact the office. 

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 if you have any questions.

ELC News

ELC NEWS

Happy Birthday Alicia R and Emiddio D

Mangoes Arriving Early!

Due to an early mango crop, mango orders will now be delivered to the ELC in Week 7 (week of 25 November).  We will advise by Compass and email when we know the exact day the mangoes will arrive.

Hats

A reminder that children are required to wear hats for outside play at this time of year.  Please check that your child’s hat is still labelled. If your child has borrowed a hat from the  ELC, please return it as we have no spare hats left. Children without a hat will be limited to playing in the shaded outdoor areas.

Nativity Concert – 9 and10 December

On Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 December, the ELC will participate in the ELC-Yr1 Nativity concert.

• The Lobsters and Stingrays are stars and will require yellow clothes from home.
• The Turtles are angels and will require white clothes from home.
• All accessories (wings, halos, headbands etc will be provided or made at school)

Please bring costumes (labelled in a ziplock bag) into school by Friday 29 November (Week 7).  Free tickets will be available closer to the date.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Each year St Jude’s donates items to our local Vinnies groups to support people in need in our local area. The ELC have been asked to donate nappies or all sizes, or if you prefer, Vinnies are also seeking tinned fruit, breakfast cereals, pasta, rice, tea coffee, sweet treats or toiletries. There is a collection basket in the ELC front office.

Last Day of School

The last day of school is Monday 16 December. If you do not attend the ELC on your last booked day/s then you will not be eligible for CCS for those days. Please contact the ELC office as soon as possible if you do not plan to attend the ELC on the last day.

2025 Uniforms

Now is the time to order 2025 uniforms via Qkr! Our uniform shop is staffed by wonderful volunteers and early orders are appreciated. There are samples hanging in the ELC entrance. Information about pricing is available on Qkr! Primary school children require a school uniform (three days a week) and a sports uniform (two days a week)

St John Vianney Gingerbread House night

St John Vianney are holding a Gingerbread house decorating party Thursday 28 November, 5:30pm in the SJV school hall.

RE News

We congratulate Year 6 for their amazing efforts in the Mini Missions Fete! St Jude's have raised $3011 for our sister school Mwamba Academy. Thank you so much for your support. 

St Vincents de Paul Christmas Appeal

We generously ask that you contribute the following items for the Vinnie's Christmas appeal. Our efforts with the Winter Appeal are still being spoken of. 

Collection will be made at our thanks giving Mass on the 12 of December. 

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. Reconciliation registration is now open! Click this link to find out more including 2025 dates.  

May your light shine. 

Jessica Betterton

Library News

Next week is the last week for borrowing books from the Library for this year!

The following weeks 7 & 8 will be returns only!            

Please make the most of the remaining time for accessing the Library.

The Library is open at lunchtime (Mon – Thursday) for returns and borrowing and after school most days as well.

Remembrance Day literature

Happy reading! Verna Comley

Sports News

Year 3/4 Netball Gala Day

Today 43 students represented St Jude's at the Year 3/4 Netball Gala Day organised by ACT Netball at Arawang Netball Courts. It was fantastic to see so many students wanting to participate and try a new sport. We are looking forward to hearing about the day on their return to school.  Full report and photos next week.

Year 5/6 Netball Gala Day

Next Thursday Year 5/6 students will participate in a Netball Gala Day at DEAKIN NETBALL COURTS. Nominations to participate are via Compass with permission closing Monday 18^ November. No late nominations can be taken.

Mulleyduds Uniform Shop

Uniform shop will be open 2:45pm- 3:15pm Friday 15 November 

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 20 November - Renee, Dela & one more volunteers please

Fete News

Want to get more involved in our amazing St Jude’s community? if you have half an hour a week free between now and our Fete 15 March 2025, now is your chance to get involved with one of biggest events on the calendar! 

We welcome friends and family in the community of all backgrounds and experiences in any capacity to help make this our best community fete yet! 

Feel free to reach out:

- to our email stjudespsfete@gmail.com 

- attend our in person information session meeting TONIGHT Thursday 14th 

 @6pm in the school Library
OR virtually

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NWRjNmIyMmQtY2U0Zi00YzMxLWJhY2ItNDRkNWNiOTFkODU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2237247798-f42c-42fd-8a37-d49c7128d36b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229767e8c9-eb0d-4cc5-8d54-0176b4d681f5%22%7d

- or speak to any representative from the 2025 Fete Committee:
Community Council Chair - Gemma Cabot
St Jude’s PS Rep - Kerrin Henderson
Fete coordinator - Sarah Tonna
Treasurer - Rebecca Roberts 
Kathryn Lees 
Monique van de Waterbeemd
Rebecca Ford
Alyson Pazios 
(This is not an exhaustive list of our wonderful stall coordinator volunteers) 

We are also looking for: 
- green thumbed volunteers to run/coordinate our Plant stall
- crafty creations for selling 
- spiral spud stall coordinator

Drop offs for our plant stall and Trash n Treasure

In preparation for the Fete we have scheduled a number of drop off days for the Plant stall and for Trash and Treasure.

Head to the shipping container in the carpark near the Shelter Shed on one of these dates/times: 

 - Friday 15 Nov 24 - 3-330
 - Friday 22 Nov 24 - 3-330
 - Friday 29 Nov 24 - 3-330
 - Friday 06 Dec 24 - 3-330
 - Friday 13 Dec 24 - 3-330
 - Monday 16 Dec 24 - 3-330

For the plant stall you can drop off:

- plant cutting
- bags of potting mix 
- spare pots, jars or funky containers for potting plants 

For trash and treasure you can drop off, in excellent used condition or new condition items such as:

- toys
- household items 
- garden items 
- smaller items 
- books
- DVDs
- Board games 

please no electronics, no child seats or baby baths, dirty/broken objects, clothing, rubbish or perishables. We like to make this stall as sustainable as possible with your help! 

Stay tuned for details on our upcoming Mufti Day - 13 December 

Camp Australia

Holiday Happenings