Term 1 Week 6 - Thursday 13 March 2025

Principal's Message

This week’s Gospel: Luke 9: 28b-36

Jesus took Peter, and James, and John, and went up into a mountain to pray. And whilst he prayed, the shape of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and glittering. And behold two men were talking with him. And they were Moses and Elias, Appearing in majesty. And they spoke of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep. And waking, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, that as they were departing from him, Peter saith to Jesus: Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias; not knowing what he said. And as he spoke these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them; and they were afraid, when they entered into the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him. And whilst the voice was uttered, Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of these things which they had seen.

What does NAPLAN really mean

For your child

Hopefully, it is just another opportunity to show us just how clever they are. Our aim is always to try to normalise any assessment as part of the learning process, so that we can modify what and how we teach. We hope that your child isn’t anxious about these assessments. Big picture, it also gives them an opportunity to know how they sit in comparison to other children their age. Although, I’m not sure that this is high on their priorities.

For You

NAPLAN should reinforce all the other information you have about your child’s academic progress. Just like every other assessment, children can have an off day and under perform. So it is important to always keep it in perspective. It also gives you the opportunity to see where they sit in regard to other students their age from around Australia

For the School

Unfortunately, we don’t receive the results or data from NAPLAN for a couple of months, as such, the students have continued to develop and their learning needs have evolved. It does, however, give us good data in relation to patterns, strengths and needs within specific cohorts. When our students do well, it has great publicity value.

More broadly

Although only a tiny piece of the learning puzzle, more and more, parents are using it as a guide to how ‘good’ a school is. As are other government and non-government organisations.

In a nutshell, its important that students don’t stress about it. It’s also important that they try their best. It’s the goldilocks effect. Not too anxious, not too relaxed, just in between. As always, I am very proud of the effort they put into learning and their focus on being better today than they were yesterday.

Kindergarten Enrolments 2026

My understanding is that these are already open. If you have a younger child of know a child who is age appropriate for Kindergarten in 2026, please let them know.

Fete 2025

There are many on our Fete committee who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes. A huge thank you for going above and beyond. Thank you also to all of our sponsors: Luton, Enhanced Plumbing and Gas, Camp Australia, Corinna Street Orthodontics, Football Star Academy, Dare to Dance, the Book Cow, The School Photographer, 

If you have not yet put your name down to assist, every bit helps. Click on the following link and add your name. volunteersignup.org/FLHJM

Year 6 Peer Leaders groups

One of our Peer leader groups looks after Wellbeing and the Arts. This group has approached me and asked if we can celebrate Harmony day. Harmony day aims to promote cultural diversity and inclusion, fostering respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians.

Here is a message from our Peer Leaders

When: 21 March, Friday

To celebrate Harmony Day students are invited to wear traditional outfits from their culture or orange clothing. 
Students will still need to ensure their clothing is ‘sun safe’ and enclosed shoes are worn.
From the Wellbeing and Arts Group
The forecast for Saturday looks great, the work has been done and we are looking forward to another fantastic event.

Thank you for your ongoing support

Cameron

Important Dates

School News

Car park in the front of the school

Just a reminder that the carpark in the front of the school is for ELC families ONLY during the hours of 8.45-9.15am and 2.45-3.15pm. If you do not have a child at ELC we ask that you do not park in the front car park during these times

Congratulations Miss Reedy and Matt on your engagement! 

RE News

Pope Francis has said Hope is an 'active virtue' that makes good things happen.'  How are we active in our everyday lives? At St Jude's we have been considering how we can make Hope an active virtue this Lent. 

• Participate in prayer, pilgrimage, and sacramental repentance
• Listen to the cry of the poor
• Care for creation
• Be in solidarity with others
• Look to the future with an open spirit and a trusting heart

Sacraments- Please register your child before registration closes. Closing dates are based on giving children enough time to prepare for the sacrament. If you miss the registration time, Fr Loi will recommend you register next year. Please contact the Parish Office.

Youth Minister

Welcome Katie to St Jude's. Katie Brasnett is our new Youth Minister and is excited to begin working with our staff and students to support faith across the school. Katie will also work with the Prayer and Youth Ministry team to support their prayer life and work with other students.

ELC News

ELC NEWS

What an exciting adventure the Stingrays and the Turtles had this week on their first preschool excursion. A big thank you to SJV for hosting us. We enjoyed a ride on the bus, had a play with our SJV buddies and ate lunch together. We met Healthy Harold and talked about making healthy choices. We also read a story about different feelings and recognising them on people’s faces.

“Healthy Harold’s favourite foods are bananas and carrots because they are healthy fruits and vegetables.”  Lucy (Turtles class)

“We read a book about Healthy Harold going to a new school. He was shy but then he made friends.” Matteo (Stingrays class)

Excursions – Athletics Carnival and Feast Day

We have two excursions coming up - the St Jude’s athletics carnival at Woden Park on 24 March and the celebration of our parish feast day at St John Vianney’s on 25 March.  Check your notes pockets for permission notes. There will be a charge of $8.50 for each excursion which will be added to your ELC fees.

ELC Project Compassion Donations

Throughout Lent, we will focus on the importance of prayer and doing kind things for others, and we will be participating in Project Compassion to help people living in poverty.  ELC families are invited to donate.  Project Compassion boxes are located on the prayer table in each classroom and children will be able to contribute during morning class prayer.

St Jude’s Fete – THIS SATURDAY!

Our school fete is a great family day out and a wonderful opportunity to connect with the school community.  Remember to pre-order you Fete Mates and ride wristbands through Qkr.

Fete Donations – Plant Stall, Trash n Treasure, Cake Stall

We are currently seeking donations for the Plant Stall and Trash and Treasure. See the Fete section of this newsletter for more information.  Donations can be dropped in the tub in the ELC foyer. Please also help make our Fete Cake Stall a success by contributing home baked goods.  If you’re not a baker, no-bake slices are very popular. Remember no fresh cream or items that require refrigeration. Please label all items with a list of ingredients and package items ready to sell.  See the fete section of the newsletter for more information.

Calling Volunteers!

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to help out on fete day. If you haven’t yet, please consider giving an hour of your time to any of the fete stalls. It’s a great way to meet other parents and be involved in our school community.  To sign up, go to https://volunteersignup.org/FLHJM.

See you at the Fete, Mate!

Library News

Library News:

Storybox Hub

I am thrilled to share the good news that St Jude's has a subscription to Storybox Hub. We can now access hundreds of stories on Storybox on our own computers and devices. 

Families can access via www.storyboxhub.com/login or download the free Storybox app. 

Username: STJ

Password: STJ2025

Scholastic Book Club orders are due by 27 March 2025. Orders can only be made on the LOOP app. Many thanks for your support of our library.

Happy reading,

Mrs Hind

Sports News

Athletics carnival - Monday 24 March

Keep an eye on Compass for the event information. 

Mulleyduds Uniform Shop

Uniform shop will be next open, Friday 28 March from 2:45pm-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.

Mulleygrub Cafe News

Community Council

We are almost there! The fete is just around the corner, and we are only 25 people away from having all our volunteer spots filled. Whether you can spare an hour or more, your time will be invaluable in ensuring the day runs smoothly and is enjoyable for all. There are a variety of tasks to help with, so no matter your skills or availability, there’s a role for you. 

Please take a moment to check out the fete section and sign up to volunteer. We truly appreciate any time you can offer — together, we can make this event one to remember!

Thank you for your continued support and generosity!

Fete News

This Saturday 10am-2pm

Camp Australia

Scouts