Term 3 Week 8 - Thursday 12 September 2024

Principal's Message

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-35

And Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare´a Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Eli´jah; and others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he charged them to tell no one about him.

And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.”

And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.

R U OK?

Today, staff and students recognised R U OK day. This day has several messages, including, it is ok to not be OK, if you are not OK it’s important to talk to someone, we need to look after each other and my favourite, being KIND costs you nothing. The students have been involved in a variety of wellbeing activities, linked with the Resilience Project and we will conclude our day with a whole school liturgy. Following is a snapshot of mental health and community support services available for children, young people, families, carers and educators. If you are concerned about someone at risk of immediate harm, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Principal’s Conference

I will be away from school next week. Along with over 1,000 Australian and New Zealand Principals, I will be attending the Trans-Tasman Principals’ Conference. The conference is being held in Christchurch, New Zealand. I will also be visiting several Primary schools who are using SHARP reading, (the reading program we use in Years 3 – 6). The focus is about education in the future with a number of speakers who are well known across the globe. As we know, Australia’s geographical isolation can often be a good thing, however, rubbing shoulders and listening to world experts can often be both affirming as well as force us to look outside of our box. In my absence, Kerrin Henderson will be available, as will all other members of the school executive.

Employment Opportunities

We have begun to enter the expression phase of employment, meaning that I am meeting with all teachers to begin planning for 2025. We have also had an additional class approved, which will again put us at a capacity of 18 classes. As such I have advertised for a classroom teaching position. Please direct anyone you know who may be interested to the CE website. The advertisement closes September 22.

On another note, Verna our wonderful lover of all things literature, has informed me that she will be retiring at the end of 2024. Verna has worked within our system since 2002 and played a vital role in sharing her love of literature with thousands of students. We have advertised for a teacher librarian, and this also closes on September 22.

Term 4 Swimming Lessons

Over the past 2 years, the swimming program has almost doubled in cost. We have reached out to other suppliers and it appears as though this is common across most suppliers. As such, we will be modifying our program to the following:

Week 7 – Years K, 1 and 6 will be involved in 5 lessons, with each lesson 45 minutes

Week 8 – Years 2 – 5 will be involved in 5 lessons, with each lesson 45 minutes

45 minute lessons will ensure that the students have more time in the water than they did for a 30 minute lesson, overall we are only losing a little time. We have chosen the particular weeks as it will allow teaching and learning to continue in Years 2 – 5 for a longer period and those year levels involved in swimming for week 7 will then be able to work on the Nativity and Graduation during week 8. Please remember that these lessons will expose the students to swimming, they are not a guarantee of students having high levels of either water confidence or competence. We would encourage parents to also supplement this program.

We will be surveying our parents, before we lock in 2025 as we foresee another increase in costs passed on by the providers. This survey will be sent out during Term 4.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

 Cameron

Important Dates

Birthdays

School News

Bikes at School

Can you please remind your child that if they are riding home to walk their bike through the school grounds. There have been a number of younger children almost hit by students riding their bikes through the school grounds at pick up time. 

St Jude's Musical - Show in Tents 

We have now opened the second round for Musical Tickets.

There is now no limit on ticket purchases. Please see Compass for more details.    

School Photos 

Our school photos are booked for:

Tuesday 15 October, School Photography Main Day, Sibling photos (8am - 9am), Staff Photos, Preschool Day 1 (Stingray Class) 

Friday 1 November, Catchup Portrait Session, Sibling Photos (8am - 9am), Preschool Day 2 (Lobster and Turtle Classes). 

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

RE News

Thank you for your support for Catholic Mission with our R U OK Day initiative, and to those who attended today's liturgy. Donations help children in Mongolia where children are often alone, cold and hungry.  

May your light shine. 

Jessica Betterton

ELC News

ELC NEWS

Happy Birthday Benji M, Calista C, Lara B

Today St Jude’s participated in ‘R U OK? Day’ with children wearing a sea of yellow, participating in wellness activities and a liturgy in the church.  ‘R U OK? Day’ is a reminder to check in with friends and family regularly, and to build connections through meaningful conversations. There are some great resources available on the R U OK? website at www.ruok.org.au.  A conversation could change a life.

Last Day of Term Meal Deal

The canteen is running a meal deal for the last day of term, on Friday 27 September. The meal deal includes a sausage, juice and Quelch stick for $6.50. Orders are available on QKR! until 12 noon on Monday 23 September. No late orders will be accepted. 

School Photos

School photos will take place in Term 4. Flyers with more information have been put in notes pockets.

• Stingray photos: Week 1, Tuesday 15 October
• Lobster and Turtle photos: Week 3, Friday 1 November

Sibling photos will be available between 8am and 9am on both days. 

Mango Fundraiser

The ELC will be doing our famous Mango fundraiser again this year. Trays of mangos are sourced from tropical North Queensland about 45 minutes south of Townsville. The Mango Fundraiser only use Bowen Special Mangoes also known as Kensington Pride.  They are packed in a single layer tray and each tray will usually have between 12 and 20 mangoes, with a total tray weight of approximately 7kg. More details on how to order will come in the following weeks.

2025 ELC and Kinder Orientation

St Jude’s Orientation morning for children enrolled in ELC or Kinder for 2025 will be held on Thursday 7 November. More information will be available in coming weeks. St John Vianney’s Orientation morning is Tuesday 29 October.

Library News

September 13 is Roald Dahl’s birthday.

What are your favourites?

Have a conversation with your family, read a Roald Dahl story together this weekend to celebrate!

Thank you Roald Dahl for your magical stories!

Bag Alert!

Since Week 1 we have loaned out every spare bag we had in the Library (30+) and only 2 have come back this week. We are happy to loan them if a child forgets occasionally but could they please be returned asap.

 It is important for each child (ELC, K-Yr4) to have their own bag (any kind is fine) but,  more importantly, to remember their Library day and bring their book(s) and bag. Please establish a safe place at home to keep Library books and involve your child in getting ready for Library day.    

Thank you!

Happy reading! Verna Comley

Sports News

Touch footy team. 

The details are simple; 

ACT Touch Football Summer Comp

Year 3/4 - U9/10 mixed teams

Every Thursday in term 4 (round 1 - 17 October)

5.10pm at the Deakin Playing Fields

8 players on the team 

$109 per player ($67 to join and $42 state/national fee)

Contact Sharlee if interested in playing 

0437 035 502 or email sharlee.brady@yahoo.com.au

ACT Track and Field Championships

Next Tuesday 17 September St Jude's will be represented by the following students at the ACT Track and Field Championships. This is a wonderful achievement for these talented students. We wish them all the best for next Tuesday and will be cheering them on. 

Mulleyduds Uniform Shop

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

Last Day of Term Meal Deal

Last day of school, Friday 27 September. Consists of sausage, juice and Quelch stick. Orders open on QKR! now. Orders close 12 noon Monday 23 September. No late orders will be accepted. 

Canteen Volunteers - Week 9

Wednesday 18 September - Annette, & two more volunteers please

Thursday 19 September - Renee, Julie & one more volunteer please

Friday 20 September -  Gemma, Karina, Sandra, Emily

We are needing volunteers for canteen sales during the school musical. Please contact office.stjudes@cg.catholic.edu.au. 

If you volunteer 4 times for the Canteen you will receive a free lunch order for your child valued up to $10.

Community Council News

Join the 2025 Fete Committee: Represent Your Year Level!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers from each year level to join us! This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a fun and successful event while representing your year cohort.
We need one representative from each year level to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and that the fete reflects the interests and ideas of our entire school community

Committee roles include: a) fete coordinator b) finance coordinator c) sponsorship coordinator d) stall coordinator f) entertainment coordinator g) communication coordinator

We captured many lessons learnt from last year including contacts, templates and plans, so you won’t be starting from scratch.

Thank you for those who have already volunteered. If you are interested in being on the fete committee, please let us know. 

Save the Date
Trivia night 1 November. More details to come.

Many thanks

Gemma Cabot Stjudes.scc@gmail.com

Holiday Happenings