Gospel: John 20: 19-31

Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you. Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God. Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed. Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name.

SMC

As outlined in previous correspondence, the Archdiocese and in particular, our Parish, have been working with the Syro Malibar Community. The priest from the SMC, Fr Binesh, will be moving into the refurbished parish centre as of the beginning of May. The community will then be using the St Jude’s Church for their celebrations, at times which are generally on weekends and outside of our Parish Mass times.

They have also requested a hire agreement with the school, to be able to access the hall, corridors, external spaces and a few small meeting rooms. CE have been working with me to create an agreement which ensures that the school is being appropriated remunerated for the use of our facilities. A final meeting was held yesterday, with both parties accepting the terms and conditions. As such, the SMC will be hiring our facilities every Sunday, during term time from 8am until 10pm at night. All funds collected will pay for utilities, as well as wear and tear of flooring etc. If you wish to know more, please come and see me.

Enrolment Period

As I have previously mentioned, enrolments across all schools are becoming more competitive. The continual development of schools within Molonglo, combined with aging populations in Duffy, Holder and Weston continues to present challenges. At the writing of this newsletter we have 408 students, which is a good number. Generally schools with student populations between 380 and 450 are ideal. Enrolments are already open, so if you have a child at ELC or know of someone who is looking to enrol, let them know they can start the process today by accessing the enrolment forms via our website. We have organised a letter box drop in our designated areas and will again put up the corflute signs, however, the greatest recommendation comes from word of mouth, so please talk to your friends. For the remainder of 2024 we will be accepting enrolments in Years K, 3 -6. At this stage, we will be accepting enrolments in all year levels for 2025. If you have any queries, please contact the front office or email me directly. Our school Open Day will be on Wednesday 8 May. More information to come.

Professional Learning across the system

Today, members of school executives gathered at St Jude’s for a collaborative Professional Learning experience (Primary Curriculum Working Groups). A group of over 30 highly experienced educators were led through Literacy and Numeracy initiatives, as well as data analysis, and other relevant developments. It was wonderful to have members of our executive actively involved and there will be great benefit to our students.

Easter Liturgies

All who were able to attend would agree that the liturgies were very prayerful and reverent gatherings. I would like to thank the staff and students for the significant preparation. Thank you also to parents who were involved in costuming. Our next celebration is our Feast Day, which is being celebrated this Monday, jointly with staff and students from SJV who will come to St Jude’s for the morning.

Start of Term 2

All staff will return to school for a day of professional learning on Monday April 29. Our focus will be K- 6 implementation of the Resilience Project, K-6 Lliteracy and Numeracy, next steps in the implementation of the Catalyst program. The students will then return to classes on Tuesday April 30.

School Musical

Your child might have come home and mentioned something about the musical. At this stage we are deep in the creation and planning. The dates for the musical are week 9 of Term 3. It’s great to have lots of student excitement. The musical will be Years 2 – 6, with ELC – Year 1 presenting the nativity at the end of Term 4.

Parent Support

A very sincere thank you to our parents who have helped out with BBQs, swimming and athletics carnivals, uniform shop, canteen, reading and learning support, excursions, our school fete, gardening as well as any other areas I have missed. Your contributions have often made a significant difference.

Thank you for your ongoing support

 Cameron

Project Compassion

Thank you again for your ongoing support with Project Compassion. We raised a collective $340.55. This will help to buy basic necessities such as, safe toilets, health care workers for pharmacies, and hand washing sinks. 

Parish Feast Day

All are welcome to join in our liturgical celebrations on Monday the 8 to mark the feast of Our Lady of the Annunciation. Mass starts at 9.30am for 3-6, whilst ELC-Year 2 begin their liturgy at 10am in the hall. After this, everyone will be coming together to eat lunch (please send your child to school with lunch boxes and water bottles as usual) then enjoy some shared play time. Students will then participate in buddy activities. We are thrilled to be hosting the students and staff from St John Vianney's School this year. Please wear sports uniform.

Collective Staff Artwork for 2024 

This artwork was completed by our staff on their spirituality day before the beginning of Term One. The image is symbolic of the Holy Spirit to coincide with the Archdiocese’s focus for 2023-2024. The symbols of the Holy Spirit in the piece are water and light. The work depicts a river, a path of water, each unique as its creator. The light shines down on the river and reflects glimmers. These glimmers are like our own individual gifts, enhanced by the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, St Jude’s students have specific lessons this year breaking open the gifts and aligning them to biblical stories about Jesus. An individual canvas is displayed this year in every classroom of our school. 

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. Eucharist reflection nights begin next month. Click this link to find out more.  

May your light shine.

ELC NEWS

On Tuesday we joined the primary school in the church to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus. The liturgy was presented by the Year 1 children. The Lobster class enjoyed a wonderful interactive presentation by Ryka Ali, an indigenous performer who shared indigenous music, dance and stories and of course played the didgeridoo. Ryka’s heritage stems from the Wuthathi tribe of Shellburne Bay, Cape York and from the Torres Strait Islands.

Enrolment period

Enrolments are now open for 2025 preschool and primary school. Go to the school websites for more details and the application link. Current ELC families need to submit an application for kindergarten.

St Jude Open Days

The ELC and St Jude’s primary school will have an Open Day on Wednesday 8 May, 9:15am to 11am and 4pm to 6pm. We will also hold tours Tuesdays during the term. Bookings are required for the Wednesday tours. If you know of any local families with children approaching preschool/school age, encourage them to come along and have a look.

St John Vianney Open Days

SJV Open Days are Wednesday 1 May from 9:30am to 5pm and Saturday 4 May from 10am to 12noon. SJV welcomes all families to have a tour of the school every Wednesday in the month of May between 10:30am and 5:00pm.

ELC Days - Holidays and Term 2

As you are aware, Term 1 has 11 weeks and our Preschool program 40 weeks ends next Friday 12 April.

Holidays 48 week bookings

Holiday Week 1 (beginning 15 April)

• Stingrays attend Monday and Tuesday
• Lobsters attend Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Holiday Week 2 (beginning 22 April)

• Stingrays attend Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
• Lobsters attend Thursday and Friday

Term 2

Monday 29 April – Pupil free day – Holiday Care 48 week bookings only

Week 1 (beginning Tuesday 30 April)

• Stingrays attend Tuesday only
• Lobsters attend Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 

Week 2 (beginning 6 May)

• Stingrays attend Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
• Lobsters attend Thursday and Friday

ELC Fee Schedule

Because of the 11 week term, this week’s account statement included fees for Weeks 11 and the first week of the Holidays. 

The next statement will be sent on Tuesday 16 April and the direct debit will occur on Thursday 18 April. This will include fees for Week 2 of the Holidays, Week 1 of Term 2 and an $85 resource fee.   

Term 1  Week 10

It has been very pleasing to observe that so many children are borrowing consistently and wanting to borrow more! We are definitely a “Reading School”

Borrowing limits at school are a starting point for children but may always be negotiated if your child is “taking off” with reading and would like “more please!” Children may come into the Library any / every day of the week to change their books – lunchtime or after school – and get new books.                                                                                                                    

* Also the Public Library Service is available free for everyone and is a good habit to develop.

*Next week all children may borrow an extra book for the holidays if they would like. Just need to bring Library bags K-3 to borrow!

* Next term all Kinders will be borrowing 2 books each week as well.*

Athletics Carnival ribbon presentation

On Friday 12 April we will be presenting the Athletics Carnival ribbons at our morning assembly, 8:50am. Ribbons that were recieved at the carnival were for the running events. The ribbons presented are for field events and age champions. 

South Weston Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the following students who will represent St Jude's at the South Weston Swimming Carnival next Friday 5 April at Stromlo Leisure Centre. We are very proud of them and wish these students the very best of luck in their events. We will be cheering them all on.

Netball season is coming - boys and girls welcome

The Saints Netball Club plays on Saturday mornings at the Arawang netball courts in Striling. The season runs from 4 May to through to September. No experience necessary - the emphasis is on participation. Any Year 6 students wanting to play can contact Rachel on 0435 007 629. For children from other year groups, please email anasaintsnetball@gmail.com and the club volunteers can help you find a team your child can join. Seniors and adults teams are also available.

Canteen Volunteers - Week 

Wednesday 10 April - Jessica. K, & one more volunteer please

Thursday 11 April - Scoviah, & one more volunteer please

Friday 12 April - Emily, Gemma, Sarah. D & one more volunteer please

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 after assembly on Friday 5 of April 2.45-3.15pm*

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. 

Bulb Fundraiser

Our annual bulb fundraiser is underway. Spring bulbs are a great choice for new gardeners and an easy one for the pros! They are a terrific way to get the kids outdoors and attuned with nature and provide a fun and easy activity for you to do together.

Order online (www.bulbfundraiser.com.au/STJUDES) with deliveries are direct from the supplier to your home. Orders close 11 April.

2024 Razzamatazz Event Flyer

2024 Razzamatazz Event Flyer 1.91 MB

NFSA

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial | 1pm, Thu 18 Apr

Young Elliott discovers and befriends a stranded alien, hiding ‘E.T.’ in his suburban California house with the help of his siblings. One of the most enduring and beloved family films of the 20th century, E.T. has captured hearts for decades.

Space Jam | 1pm, Fri 19 Apr

Michael Jordan plays himself in this iconic ‘90s sports comedy, leading a team of Looney Tunes characters in a basketball game against alien invaders. The green screen mash-up of live action and animation is sure to bring joy.

The Sound of Music (35mm) | 1pm, Sun 28 Apr

This cherished family classic stars Julie Andrews as Maria, a nun who becomes governess to the Von Trapp children. Maria brings joy and music to the household, winning over the children – and audiences throughout the decades.

Matilda (35mm) | 1pm, Sat 25 May

Neglected by her parents, the quick-witted and inquisitive Matilda discovers she has psychic powers. Can she use her gifts to escape the cruelty of ornery principal Trunchbull and save her fellow students and the kind-hearted Miss Honey?