Term 2 Week 8 - Thursday 18 June 2025
Principals Message
Gospel Reading: Luke 9: 11b-17
Jesus spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed them who had need of healing. Now the day began to decline. And the twelve came and said to him: Send away the multitude, that going into the towns and villages round about, they may lodge and get victuals; for we are here in a desert place. But he said to them: Give you them to eat. And they said: We have no more than five loaves and two fishes; unless perhaps we should go and buy food for all this multitude. Now there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples: Make them sit down by fifties in a company. And they did so; and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed them; and he broke, and distributed to his disciples, to set before the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled. And there were taken up of fragments that remained to them, twelve baskets exceedingly: and they said one to another: Who is this (thinkest thou) that both wind and sea obey him?
Year 6 Peer Leaders
The Youth Ministry and Prayer peer group work with our Youth Minister, Katie and Ms van Reesch, to bring the spiritual focus of our school community to the front and embed positive spiritual practices within our school community. Some of the initiatives and events they have been involved in include:
- Leading ELC-2 liturgies
- Whole school Masses and Liturgies
- Retreat Days for other year levels
- Leading class prayer sessions
- Organising and promoting the Winter Vinnies appeal and Project Compassion fundraiser
The Sport and Health peer group work with Mr Mitchell and is focused on supporting our community in being healthier and more active. They create and implement opportunities for our students to participate in Sporting Activities throughout the year. Some of their responsibilities include:
- Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country carnivals
- Ride and Walk to school days
- Fitness rotations for Feast Days
- Maintaining sports equipment
The Well being and Arts peer group is focused on supporting our student’s well being, specifically reducing stress and anxiety through a range of activities consistent with The Resilience Project focus for 2025. This group works with Mrs Chater and Mr Kucher and some of their responsibilities include:
- Wellbeing Wednesdays
- Mothers/Father’s Day Breakfast
- Mindfulness activities throughout the year
- R U OK Day
The Sustainability and Stewardship peer group concentrate on supporting our community in caring for and maintaining God’s creation. This includes working with Mrs Laudenbach to maintain our recycling programs, as well as leading our school in different initiatives such as reducing waste, recycling where possible and reducing energy usage.
Some of their responsibilities include:
- Promoting our 10c can initiative at the school fete and on 'meal deal' days.
- Encouraging students from ELC-Year 6 to use our newly labelled 10c can bins
- An excursion out to the Lids For Kids recycling facility where they helped with sorting and learned about the vast number of household items that can be recycled.
They are looking forward to participating in the Lid for Kids program and bringing back the school 'rubbish Truck' class award at assembly next term.
The Support and Engagement peer group is focused on assisting with a number of things throughout the year that help to support our staff and students. This group will work with Ms Sallecchia and some of their responsibilities include:
- Assisting Mrs Hind in the library
- Updating the Student of the Week display each week
- Assisting with Meal Deal days
- Changing the sign out the front of the school
- Managing lost property
- Crafting the ‘St Jude’s Newspaper’
Classes 2026
Kindergarten interviews are almost completed and at this stage we are hoping to have 3 classes as we have a similar number of enrolments to last year. The number of other classes should stay similar to 2025, however, if your child will not be returning to St Jude’s in 2026 and you have not yet let the office know, please do so as soon as possible. We have waiting lists for several of our grades
Parent Teacher Interviews
Our PTIs were held this week. Thank you to all who were able to prioritise these meetings. I would like to apologise for not organising the library space, so that both parents can attend. It was an oversight, which will be put into future planning.
Community Council Meeting
Due to the business of the term the Community Council meeting has been postponed until week 3 of next term.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Cameron
Important Dates
Week 8 | Friday 20 June | Kinder Assembly 2:15pm |
Friday 20 June | Uniform Shop open 2:45-3:15pm | |
Week 9 | Friday 27 June | St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal (see RE news) |
Week 10 | Monday 30 June | End of term Meal Deal closes - 12 noon |
Tuesday 1 July | Dance concert 12pm and 6pm | |
Wednesday 2 July | Dance concert 12pm and 6pm | |
Thursday 3 July | Students last day | |
Thursday 3 July | End of term meal deal | |
Friday 4 July | Pupil Free day | |
Term 3 Week 1 | Monday 21 July | Pupil Free day |
Tuesday 22 July | Students return to school | |
Week 2 | Wednesday 30 July | School Photo Day - All students to wear full blue winter uniform. |
Week 4 | Monday 11 August | School Photo Day |
Birthdays
Happy Birthday to
Lily D, Joseph K, Sasha A-M, Mila V, Christopher H, Hamish H, Emmanuel C, Jayden B, Scarlet T, Adrian M, Sophie H, Violet W.
School News
New Direct Debit Payment Option Coming Soon!
We are pleased to announce that St Jude’s has recently introduced the BPoint Enterprise Solution to manage direct debit arrangements for the payment of school fees.
What is BPoint and What Do You Need to Do?
BPoint is a secure Commonwealth Bank payment processing platform designed to facilitate online payments, while ensuring the highest security standards. This system safeguards your financial information using industry-leading security measures.
Our new direct debit platform will allow you to pay school fees using either a bank account or a credit card (excluding AMEX). Please note that payments made via credit card will incur a 0.5% surcharge.
More information will be sent out to families in the coming weeks.
ICAS Assessments
St Jude's would like to offer students in Year 3-6 the opportunity to participate in the ICAS Assessments run by The University of Sydney. These assessments are designed for high achieving students and are challenging. Information has been sent out via Compass to parents. We are proud to be offering ICAS to our students this year and encourage you to consider entering your child. Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any questions.

Dance Concert
Performances are on Tuesday 1 July 12pm and 6pm and Wednesday 2 July 12pm and 6pm.
Tickets for the performances are now on sale. Please see Compass for more information on ticketing.

School Photos - Order Open now
As you are aware school photos are being held early Term 3.
Primary School Main Photo Day and ELC Lobster Class - Wednesday 30 July
Make-up Photo Day and ELC Turtle and Stingray Classes - Monday 11 August
See Compass for more information.
Students Leaving
If your child will be leaving St Judes at the end of 2025 and is not in year 6 can you please click here and complete the online form.
RE News
First Eucharist Retreat
Last week our Year 4s participated in the First Eucharist Retreat led by our wonderful Youth Ministry Team, and today the students joined Fr Loi for Mass and later, questions about the Eucharist.
We continue to keep all our candidates in our prayers as they take this big step in their faith.
Ariella B | |
William B | |
Prudence C | |
Rosie C | |
Charlie C | |
Mia D | |
Arthur F | |
Angelina F | |
Natalie F | |
Alexis G | |
Isabel G | |
Miguel G | |
Manuelle H | |
Hannah H | |
Connor H | |
Zara L-F | |
Ava L C | |
Logan L | |
Vance O | |
Samuel P | |
Maximilian P | |
Clara S | |
Edith S | |
Patrick S | |
Vivian S | |
Eva T H |
Tuesday 24 June- Reflection hour, 5.30pm at SJV
Saturday/Sunday 28/29 June - First Eucharist Masses as selected by each family.
Illuminate
Next week our Youth Ministry team head off to St John Paul College for their first Youth Ministry gathering called 'Illuminate', where they will join other YM teams from across Canberra. We hope they have a fantastic time and come back with lots of passion to share their faith with others.
Year 2s Day in the life of Jesus
In Year 2, students are learning about what life was like at the time of Jesus. They have explored Scripture, researched the geographical and economical context and shared how they image Jesus' life looked each day. To culminate their learning and bring it to life, today they dressed as people from Jesus' time and participated in activities like bread making, weaving, letter writing with ink and pottery making. What an amazing experience! Thank you to the Year 2 teachers who made it all happen!
ELC News
ELC NEWS
Happy Birthday to Isaac W, Ella J and Claire W
Portfolios, Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews
Your child’s portfolio will be sent home this week including the semester report and a reflection page for parents to complete. Remember to return your portfolio for Term 3 so we can continue to build on it in Semester 2. If you have not yet booked your parent teacher interview, please be sure to do so. Booking sheets are located on the classroom doors.
Dance concert tickets
The Dance Concert is fast approaching. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets. The ELC children will be performing in the matinee performances only:
- Tuesday 1 July – Stingrays and Turtles
- Wednesday 2 July – Lobsters and Turtles
If you haven’t already, please send in your child’s costume so we can ensure everything is ready for the big day. Check your teacher emails for costume information and the Ticket login.
St Vincent de Paul winter appeal Hoodie Day
Next Friday 27 June (Wednesday the 25 June for Stingrays) is Hoodie Day. Children are invited to bring in donations of warm clothes or blankets (new or second-hand in good condition), non-perishable food, toiletries and hygiene essentials for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. In return children may wear a hoodie, or casual jumper over their school uniform. The Winter Appeal allows Vinnies to provide help for people who are experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
School Photos – Online orders open
School photos will be held in Term 3.
Primary School Photo Day and Lobsters - Wednesday 30 July
Make-up Photo Day and Turtles and Stingrays - Monday 11 August
Please visit 'The School Photographer' website at
https://store.theschoolphotographer.com.au/ using the code X4141EC49J to place an order for photos.
Further information will be provided closer to photo day, including details regarding sibling photos.
The Resilience Project webinar – Thursday 25 June
Parents are invited to attend a ‘Discovering Resilience’ live webinar with Martin Heppell on 25 June from 6.30pm-7.30pm. Martin, who is also a parent of young children, will share engaging stories and practical strategies to support the mental wellbeing of the entire family. If you are unable to attend, a recorded version will be available. Further information about The Resilience Project can be found at https://theresilienceproject.com.au/about/. REGISTER HERE for the webinar.
Library News

Sports News
ACT Cross Country Championships
Results from the ACT Cross Country held at Stromlo last Friday:
8 yrs girls 1km - Rubi-Jean B 10th Thea H 17th
9yrs girls 1.5km - Vivian S 10th Sophie C 17th Scarlett T 36th
10 yrs girls 2km - Zara L 16th Annabel S 17th
8 yrs boys 1km - Hamish H 7th
9 yrs boys 1.5km - Max D 30th
We are very proud of all of these students. St Jude's is very fortunate to have 9 students in the top 40 runners in the ACT in each of the age divisions. Congratulations to you all. Thank you to parents for providing transport to Stromlo and return.
Mulleyduds Uniform Shop
Uniform shop will be next open, tomorrow, Friday 20 June from 2:45-3:15pm.
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
End of Term Meal Deal – Domino’s Pizza - Thursday 3 July
The meal deal consists of two slices of Pizza, a Juice and Quelch Stick for $7.50.
Pizza choices are Hawaiian, Ham and Cheese or Cheese (selection of one). Additional slices are available. Canteen menu will not be available on this day.
Orders close Monday 30 June 12noon. No late orders will be accepted.
Canteen Volunteers Week 9
Wednesday 25 June - Renee, Felicity & one more volunteer
Thursday 26 June - Julie, Antonella & Tina
Friday 27 June - Katherine, Sarah D & two more volunteer
We are needing volunteers for the canteen to be able to operate.
Please contact office.stjudes@cg.catholic.edu.au if you are able to volunteer.
Student Achievements
2 weeks ago Chloe S competed at Flyaway Invitational in Albury and placed on all apparatus including a silver and bronze medal and her team placed overall 1st for her level. Well done Chloe S.

ACT School Sport Representation
Congratulations to Brayden L who has been selected in the U12 School Sports Hockey Team. Brayden will compete at the ACT School Sport Championships in Bendigo in August. Congratulations Brayden, we wish you all the best for the upcoming competition and GOOD LUCK! We are very proud of your selection.
June Long Weekend Hockey Representation
Congratulations to Ariana F, Brayden L and Owen W who represented ACT at the recent June Long Weekend Regional Carnival. Despite a very chilly weekend these students showed great determination and sportsmanship. Well done on a wonderful achievement.

Camp Australia

Holiday Happenings

