Gospel: Luke 24: 35-48

And they told what things were done in the way; and how they knew him in the breaking of the bread. Now whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst of them, and saith to them: Peace be to you; it is I, fear not. But they being troubled and frightened, supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle, and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me to have. And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and feet. but while they yet believed not, and wondered for joy, he said: Have you any thing to eat? And they offered him a piece of a broiled fish, and a honeycomb. And when he had eaten before them, taking the remains, he gave to them. And he said to them: These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And he said to them: Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead, the third day: And that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.

Reflections on the Term

Wow, it is hard to believe that we have come to the end of Term 1. 11 weeks seems a really long time, fortunately we had a few long weekends in the middle. The students and staff have done an amazing job and are looking forward to a well deserved break. There have been many highlights and at the risk of missing one I wanted to highlight a few:

• Kindergarten Day 1, always full of expectation as our newest students continue their education journey in BIG school. It is amazing to see just how much growth has occurred over the duration of term 1. Greater levels of comfortableness, resilience, initiative mixed in with large amounts of kindness. Thank you to our Kinder parents and carers for choosing us.
• Leadership ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for our Year 6 students to take the lead and help create and develop a culture of kindness and support for their fellow students. Let me say, they have not disappointed, enthusiastically looking for opportunities to lead. Living the mantra ‘See the need, meet the need’
• Our school fete, where the stars seemed to align, a fantastically hard working committee, great community support and wonderful weather. All leading to a great financial result for the school and ultimately the students.
• Year 5 and 6 Camp enabled many of our students and staff to see each other in a different light, develop resilience, teamwork, empathy in an environment which is truly God’s garden. I had the pleasure of joining them, spending more time in the water than the kayak.
• Year 3 Sacrament of Reconciliation was the continuation of a Sacramental journey begun at Baptism. Thank you to our families for the vital role you played in the Parish based program
• The addition of several new staff, they have enhanced both our educational program and structure and strengthened our community
• Our two carnivals, swimming followed by athletics. Both events gave students the opportunity to participate, develop House spirit and be active. Thank you to Kerrin and Brendan for the extensive work done in preparing and facilitating
• The continual improvement and refining of our pedagogical practices, especially in English and Maths. Our students are going ahead in leaps and bounds and we have really great data which tracks their growth and progress compared to other students in our system.
• NAPLAN was held in Term 1 for the very first time. This always presents us with many challenges. We know that it is point in time testing that gives us one set of evidence. However, more and more, it is the vehicle by which others outside of our community judge us and we know we are so much more
• Masses and liturgies – particularly our Holy week liturgies. Students actively participating and telling the story, bringing it to life. Enormously powerful and meaningful.

I know that there has been a great deal more happening and I am sure that both you and your children could add their own highlights to this list.

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 is Wednesday May 8.

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 Literacy and Numeracy, next steps in the implementation of the Catalyst program. The students will then return to classes on Tuesday April 30.

Mother’s Day

Dads - We need your help!

We need Dads (and Grandads, Uncles etc) to volunteer for the Mother’s Day Stall and canteen duties to allow Mums to attend Mother’s Day celebrations.

The Mother’s Day stall will be held, Thursday 9 May, starting at 9:20 am. Children will be able to purchase a gift for mum. Prices will range from $2 to $10. If there are any Dads who can spare an hour or two to help at the stall, we would love to see you.

Also, many Mums assist with the canteen on Fridays. With the Mother’s Day celebrations and liturgy on Friday 10 May we don’t want them to miss out! So, any assistance in the canteen from 9-11am from Dads would be much appreciated.

If you could help, please let us know at Stjudes.scc@gmail.com

District Swimming Carnival

I had the pleasure of looking after our students in Years 3 – 6 who qualified for the district swimming carnival, which was held at Stromlo last Friday. Our students gave their best, were very well behaved and many achieved new personal best times. Congratulations to the students and thank you to the parents and grandparents in attendance for your support.

Wishing you and your family a very rest filled and safe holiday beak and as always, thank you for your ongoing support.

Cameron

ELC NEWS

What a wonderful day we had on Monday celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of the Annunciation, our parish patron. The ELC children joined with children from St Jude’s and St John Vianney’s for a liturgy and then a rotation of fun activities. We wish you all a happy, safe and restful holiday. Please see below for term dates.

ELC Days - Holidays and Term 2

Term 1 (40 weeks) ends this Friday 12 April.

Holidays - 48 week bookings only

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 for 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 

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's 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 on Tuesday during school term, 9:30am – 11am. Bookings are required for the Wednesday tours.

St John Vianney's 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 Fee Schedule

The next ELC fee 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 as well a the $85 resource fee for Term 2.

Parish Feast Day

Our parish feast day was great success with St Jude's and St John Vianney's Schools coming together to pray and celebrate. Thank you to all who came and joined in the fun. My utmost thanks goes to the Year 6 staff and students who played a large part in running the day. 

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 have started! Click this link to find out more.  

Wishing you all a happy school holidays. May your light shine. 

Kind regards, 

Jessica

Term 1 Week 11

This week most children have been very keen to borrow an extra book for the holidays and this is wonderful to see!

Thank you for donations of bags that can be used as spare Library bags. All children  K–Yr 4 need to bring a bag of some sort each week to Library.

Next term all classes (K-6) will be participating in a Reading Olympics Challenge but more details will be presented early next term. (The Olympics actually starts at the beginning of Term 3 so this will be a precursor)

Next term I will be on Long Service Leave so Mrs Donna Gordon will be in the Library, ably supported by Mrs Sharrie Manera. Donna has been here before and is familiar with the Library and its operation as well as being a very experienced teacher so all will be well.

I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday and look forward to being back at St Jude’s in Term 3 for The Book Week term to enjoy lots of creative responses to the shortlisted books!

Thank you to all the students who borrow, love reading and return their books regularly! 

Hope you spend some time reading over the holidays! Enjoy!!

Happy reading! Verna Comley

Athletics Carnival Ribbon Presentation 

Ribbons will be presented to 8-12 years overall placegetters in track and field events, tomorrow morning at 8.50am under the shelter shed. Parents are very welcome to join us. Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in placing in an event. The South Weston Athletics Carnival will be held at Woden Park, Phillip on 22 August. The top 2 students in each event are eligible to compete at this carnival.  Students who will represent St Jude's will be notified next term, once we have received more information from School Sport ACT.  

12 Years Boys 

12 Years Girls 

11 Years Boys 

11 Years Girls 

10 Years Boys 

10 Years Girls 

9 Years Boys 

9 Years Girls 

8 Years Boys 

8 Years Girls 

8-10yrs 800m 

Multi Class

Cross Country Meal Deal

There will be a special MEAL DEAL LUNCH for students, of a hot dog, juice box and quelch stick. This is now available to order on Qkr! Orders will close midday TUESDAY 30 APRIL.  

Thank you to everyone who volunteered this term. 

If you would like to volunteer in the Canteen in Term 2 please email office.stjudes@cg.catholic.edu.au

The uniform shop will be open on the following dates and times: 

• This Friday 12 April from 8.15am - 8.45am (before athletics ribbon assembly)
• Friday 26 April from 3pm - 4pm 

Any orders placed after 4pm on Friday 26 April will be packed on Monday 29 April. These orders can be collected from the Front Office on Monday 29 April between 10am and 4pm. 

Winter uniform is worn in Terms 2 and 3, please see our website for uniform information. 

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 Fundraise - Orders close today, 11 April

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.