This week’s Gospel: John 12: 20-33

Now there were certain Gentiles among them, who came up to adore on the festival day. These therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying: Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh, and telleth Andrew. Again Andrew and Philip told Jesus. But Jesus answered them, saying: The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Amen, amen I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, Itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world, keepeth it unto life eternal. If any man minister to me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man minister to me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause I came unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. A voice therefore came from heaven: I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The multitude therefore that stood and heard, said that it thundered. Others said: An angel spoke to him. Jesus answered, and said: This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself. (Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.)

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 really 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.

Building works updates

Our beautiful amphitheatre area has been repaired and upgraded. This will allow for more sitting space, whilst keeping the mulch in the garden and off the courts.

Not quite finished, our front office wall usually has the names of all of our students, however, this year, with the guidance of our awesome Art teacher, all students and staff are placing a hand print on the wall. Our message is …. Our fingerprints make us UNIQUE, however, collectively, we are St Jude’s 2024…

Great job Ms K.

Fete 2024

Thank you to all who were able to respond for my call for additional assistance yesterday. The numbers are looking much brighter. 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, Weston Dentistry, JD Homes. 

The forecast looks great, the work has been done and we are looking forward to another fantastic event.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support

 

Cameron

Harmony Day

On Friday 22 March, St Jude's will celebrate Harmony Day. Harmony Day celebrates diversity, aiming to foster inclusiveness, respect and the idea that people of all different cultures can make a valuable contribution to society. Students are asked to wear orange clothing to school and may add a touch of their cultural background as well i.e hat. scarf, t-shirt etc. 

School Fees

School fee statements have been sent out. 

Due to the late distribution of fees, the due date has been extended. School fees are now due on Friday 29 March (end of week 9)

NAPLAN 2024

Students in Year 3 and Year 5 will sit the four NAPLAN Tests (Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy) during weeks 7 and 8 of Term 1. Students will use their school device for all of the tests and will require a set of headphones at school each day. The tests will commence at 9.30am SHARP each day. Please ensure your child is at school before the morning bell, has had a good night's rest and a nutritious breakfast to set them up for success. Make up days in the timetable have been allocated if your child is unwell/away. Please reach out to your child's teacher if you have any concerns. Please find timetable below.

Scholastic Book Club Issue 2

ELC NEWS

Happy Birthday Julian J

 

St Jude’s Fete THIS Saturday!

The St Jude’s Fete is on Saturday 16 March. This is a great fun day to meet other families and raise some funds for the school. Please consider baking for the cake stall or donating plants or ‘treasures’.  Head to the Qkr! App (in the Community Council menu) to pre-purchase Fete Mates, Ride Wristbands, Showbags and Raffle tickets. Check your notes pockets, the St Jude’s newsletter and your emails for more information. 

This year the ELC will be hosting the Hairspray Stall.  Many hands make light work, so we’d love for you to get involved.  There are still a few spots available for volunteers on the ELC stall or your help would be very much appreciated on any other stall. Please go to volunteersignup.org/WRJ4K to volunteer an hour (or two) of your time to help make our fete great!

Athletics Carnival

The Turtles and Lobsters will join with the primary school at Woden Park Athletics Field next Thursday 21 March for a fun day of activities at the Athletics Carnival. Please sign the excursion note that was placed in your child's pocket and return it as soon as possible. Parents, grandparents, friends are welcome to join us. It is better to meet us there as there is not enough room on the bus. Meal Deal orders are also in the notes pockets.

Lids4Kids

The ELC was lucky to have a visit from Lids4Kids this week.  They talked about recycling and sustainability and led the children through a colour sorting activity.  They then showed us what can be created using the lids that we recycle. The ELC will be a collecting plastic lids from milk bottles and yoghurt pouches so please drop in your lids for recycling.

Project Compassion

During Lent, we are learning about the importance of doing kind things for others. We will participate in Project Compassion, which raises funds to help people living in poverty in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world. ELC families are invited to donate.  Project Compassion boxes are located on the prayer table in each classroom.

The hoppiest Easter fundraiser of all!

Purchase your Easter goodies through Gingerbread Folk using the discount code STJUDES2024 for a

5% discount AND 20% from every sale will be donated to St Jude’s. Gluten and dairy free products are available. Go to https://www.gingerbreadfolk.com.au/discount/STJUDES2024.

Scholastic Book Club Issue 2

Term 1  Week 7

Year 5/6 Book Club is hosting a Book Swap in Week 8

Who: Years 1-6  

What: Bring 1 or 2 books from home that your parents have agreed to let you swap for others at school.

Where: Library

When: Bring your books in Wednesday morning* before school* or at lunchtime* or after school*

Swap: at lunchtime ( 11.15am – 11.45am) on Friday 22 March 2024 *

Conditions: Books must be in good condition & will be checked by Librarian. No colouring books, no Golden books or boardbooks please. They must be books that both your child and other children (of the same age group) would want to read.

We also have extra books for lots of choices! Should be fun!

___________________________________________________________________

This week

ELC were introduced to Mem Fox as an Australian author and we read several of her books. It was wonderful to hear that many of the children had one or more of her books at home and love to read them. eg Possum Magic. Where is the Green Sheep? etc

Kinder are reading books that have numbers in their titles.

This week they focussed on No. 3 stories.

Year 1 are learning about Margaret Wild as an Australian author.                                                                                 

We read all about Biff and Buff, the pocket dogs, and their adventures.

Happy reading! Verna Comley

Our school athletics carnival is scheduled to take place on Thursday 21st March. The carnival will be held at Woden Athletics Park, Ainsworth St Phillip (weather permitting).

ELC - YEAR 6 STUDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CARNIVAL.

Year 3-6 and Year 2 students turning 8 this year will travel by bus to and from Phillip, leaving at 9.15am and returning to school at approx. 2.30pm.

K, 1 and Year 2 students turning 7 this year will travel by bus to and from Phillip, leaving at 10.30am and returning to school at approx. 1.50pm.

On the day, students are to wear their sports uniform and may wear a t-shirt/jumper in their house colour.

Streeton - RED

Hindmarsh - YELLOW

Dixon - BLUE

Mulley - GREEN

The children will need to have their school hat, sunscreen, layered clothing, healthy snacks, packed lunch if not ordering a MEAL DEAL and plenty of water to drink.

A special Athletics Day lunch Meal Deal can be purchased. The meal deal will be a sausage sandwich, juice box and a packet of chips. Orders will be available on Qkr! or via the order form on Compass from Tuesday 12 March. Orders will close 12noon, Monday 18 March.   

Students in years 3 to 6 will be rotating through a series of track, field and novelty events. These include - 100m sprint, 200m, shot put, discus, long jump, relays, and novelty games.  Parent assistance is required at many of these events, so please if you are willing to assist, we would greatly appreciate your help. Please indicate your level of assistance via COMPASS when giving consent for your child/ren to participate in the carnival. Helpers will report to the recording table at the track on carnival day. 

Children from Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 (7yr olds) will be rotating through a variety of athletics skills and games throughout the day. These include 50m or 70m sprint, 100m sprint, long jump, shot put, novelties and games. Parent assistance is valuable for many of these activities, so please if you are able to join us on the day, we would greatly appreciate assistance and cheering for all our students. Please indicate your level of assistance via COMPASS.

For students who wish to participate in the 800m long-distance events: these events will be held from 8.45am at Woden Athletics Park for interested students 8 - 12 years. Nominations for these events are via COMPASS. This is an OPTIONAL EVENT. Parents will be responsible for transporting the child/ren to Woden Athletics Park by 8.30am for warm up and marshalling. These students can then remain at the Woden Athletics Park. Teachers will be there to supervise.    

Next term, students who are 8 years and above who meet qualification levels will have the opportunity to participate in the South Weston Region Athletics Carnival which will be held on Thursday 22nd August at Woden Athletics Park.

PLEASE NOTE: Students turning 8 and 9 years old this year will be awarded places in their individual age group for the 70m and 100m events ONLY. They will compete in a combined age group of 10 years and under for 800m, long jump, shot put and discus as specified by ACT School Sport. Students will be awarded places at the St Jude’s carnival under this classification.  

 

Canteen Volunteers - Week 8

Wednesday 20 March - K, Kennelly.

Thursday 21 March, Athletics carnival - E. Holbrook, S. Maiyo - need 2 more volunteers

Friday 22 March - G. Cabot, Sandra, J.Long, S. Davenport.

We are in need for more volunteers for the Canteen.

If you would like to volunteer in the Canteen in Term 1 please email office.stjudes@cg.catholic.edu.au

*Shop Open Wednesday 20 March 8.30am-9.00am*

For any and all uniform needs, orders can be placed via the Uniform Shop tab on Qkr!, or via email to: uniform.stjudes@gmail.com for any second hand items. **Please do not make payment for secondhand items, until we reply to your request confirming stock is available. 

The hoppiest Easter fundraiser of all!

https://www.gingerbreadfolk.com.au/discount/STJUDES2024

Our group will receive a 20% commission from every sale using the discount code STJUDES2024, plus you will receive a 5% discount!

• These are premium quality, gluten and dairy free so something for every bunny and a great alternative to chocolate.
• Orders ship 24-48 hours after an order is placed (weekdays)
• Add absolutely anything from our full range to your Easter basket. Everything added to the cart attracts a discount and a commission!
• Free Shipping for orders over $100.
• Order with enough time to reach you before Good Friday!
• Orders are shipped direct to your door.

 

Many thanks,

Gemma Cabot

Stjudes.scc@gmail.com