February 24th, 2025: Newsletter #5

Acknowledgement of Country

St. John’s school community respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders as the traditional custodians of the land on which we learn, pray and grow. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together, working together towards a reconciled Australia. 

Week 5 Prayer in honour of our Aths sports

From the Principal

Hello everyone, welcome to another week at St. John's.

Condolences: Our love and prayers are with Nathan, Darcy and the McInerney family following the passing of their beloved father/grandfather. May the special memories they shared together bring them peace and comfort during this difficult time. Rest in peace Terry.

Tell Me Abouts: It was brilliant to see so many parents meeting with their child's teachers last week to build relationships and share important information. We are asking for parent feedback which will assist us to make these sessions even more beneficial for all involved. Please take the time to complete the Google form linked here 

NAPLAN Assessments: In the middle of March our Gr 3 and Gr 5 students will sit the NAPLAN Assessments, a brochure explaining these assessments is featured below. Whilst NAPLAN often attracts a great deal of attention, it is one assessment amongst a myriad that we complete in order to support children's learning.

For some families, formal assessments such as NAPLAN may cause anxiety and other negative emotions. Families do have the capacity to withdraw their child from the NAPLAN assessments, if you feel inclined to do so then I encourage you to speak with your child's teacher. 

Enjoy the week ahead,  Ben.

School Athletics Carnival

Thank you to our staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure our annual School Athletics Carnvial was a huge success. We also give thanks to our school community for creating such a positive and encouraging atmosphere for our students, it was wonderful seeing the happiness on their faces as they participated and challenged themselves. 

Look out for the photo gallery in the newsletter next week!

Important Parent Documents

Featured below are two important documents which offer guidelines around how parents should communicate with the school and to who they should address their questions. The code of conduct is also an important document that also provides advice as to how parents should act in and around the school.

Unfortunately we are finding increased cases where parents/ guardians think it is acceptable to speak to a staff member or fellow parent in a derogatory or insulting manner and this is not something that I'm prepared to accept. 

I ask all families to ensure that they read through both documents. 

Foodbank

The St. John's community has a wonderful tradition of supporting families in need. The "Food Bank" is one where families come together to provide a meal for families within our school who are in need of support (for example, a new arrival, family illness or bereavement).  If you are aware of a family requiring support, please contact the office.

If you are willing to help out during the year, please contact Ben van de Camp and we will reach out when the need arises.  Thanks in advance. 

Mobile Phones

Our school understands that some families require their child to have a mobile phone for communication and safety needs before and after school.  Students are not permitted to be in possession of their mobile phone at any time throughout the school day.

If your child is bringing a mobile phone to school it must be checked in at the office as soon as they arrive at school and it can be collected as they exit school in the afternoon. 

Families in this situation, can you please remind your child of this important school procedure. 

2026 Foundation Enrolments

Whilst it seems very early, we are inviting existing school families to commence the enrolment process for 2026 Foundation enrolments in order to ascertain how may spots we have available for new families as we expect enrolment demand to be high again. This can be done via the enrolment tab on our school website. 

2025 Sacramental Program

In 2025 the Star of the Sea Parish are offering families, who have baptised Catholic children to have their children receive Sacraments as relevant to the child's grade level. The program is very child centred, and provides all families with the opportunity to support the child as they receive the sacrament.  

As an initial registration point, we ask all families who wish for their child/ children to participate in the Sacramental program to register their interest by completing the registration form linked here:https://forms.gle/3JXvKKsmtcKgfEs38

The key dates for these sacraments in 2025 are: 

Reconciliation (Grade 6)

• February 18th- Parent information meeting, 7pm at St Joseph's Church (students and their parents).
• March 24th- Reconciliation Education Day at Emmanuel College (students only).
• 3rd April- Reconciliation celebration, 6pm (students and their families)

Confirmation (Grade 3)

• April 29th- Parent information meeting, 7pm at St Joseph's Church. 
• May 11th- Presentation of candidates at Mass.
• May 12th- Confirmation Education day
• May 27th- Confirmation celebration 6pm

Eucharist (Grade 4)

• July 29th- Parent information meeting, 7pm at St Joseph's Church. 
• August 5th- Eucharist Formation Day (school supported)
• August 10th-Presentation of candidates at Mass
• August 24th- Celebration of First Eucharist 

If you have any questions or would like to chat about this further please contact Grace Lucas at school or send an email to glucas@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au

Little Learners Information Session

This session is being held on Tuesday 4th March at 2.30pm in the Gathering Space. It will provide you with information about the learning and how you can support your child at home. It is highly recommended that you attend this session.

Ash Wednesday

Learning and Teaching with Jan & Amy

Communication is so important in the relationship between home and school. In Week 2, your Homeroom teachers sent home a document called "Ask Me About". This is a short summary of the areas the children are working in across the different curriculums. It is a great way to keep up to date with what is happening in class and a way to stimulate discussion with your child about what they are doing in class as opposed to the stock standard answer of 'nothing'. These go home each term in week 2.

In week 3, the teachers sent home a slideshow of all the daily routines, logistics and other pertinent information that you can refer back to throughout the year.

Last week we had our "Tell Me About" discussions with the Homeroom teachers where the parents/guardians got to tell us anything you think we need to know about your child, to help them have a successful year. It also helps for the teachers and parents to put a face to the name and build those important relationships between home and school. We'd like to thank the parent community for the support given to these discussions and if you have been unable to have a 10 minute catch up, we encourage you to reach out to your classroom teacher to organise a time that is mutually convenient. 

Japanese

Konnichiwa!

This term in Japanese, we will continue to explore the life and works of famous Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. We have learned about her life in Japan and the inspiration behind her artworks, particularly growing up on a flower farm. Students have enjoyed learning that she spent so long looking at the flowers that she came to see them as dots. This concept went on to influence the majority of her artworks. Pumpkins from the farm where she grew up also feature heavily in her works. While Yayoi does draw and paint, she is mostly known for her sculptures and installation rooms, filled with all sorts of dots. At school, we have created our own mini obliteration room, just like Yayoi does at her exhibitions. Beginning with a white room, visitors add colourful dot stickers and by the end of the exhibit, an amazing new artwork has been created. We will continue to add dots to our obliteration room over the next couple of weeks. Feel free to pop into the library for a look. Art lessons for the next couple of weeks will also feature Yayoi, so make sure to ask your child about the work that has been happening. 

If you happen to be in Melbourne before April 21st, be sure to check out her incredible, immersive exhibition at the NGV. Find the details here! A sneak peak into the displays can be found here. 

Marsden Sensei

School Photos

Our annual school photos including sibling photos will be taken by Arthur Reed Photos on Tuesday 4th March.

Students are to wear their sports uniform on this day.

NCCD Information Sheets

Each year we are required to collect information realting to students requiring adjustments to support their learning. The brochure below outlines this information and I encourage all families to read it. 

Census Data

Each year we provide various pieces of information to approved authorities such as the State and Federal Governments, please find below a collection notice outlinig such data collections.

SchoolTV

Physical Activity & Exercise

In the last decade, children’s participation in physical activity and exercise has been in decline. In this digital age, children are using computers and mobile devices, not only for learning, but for relaxation and recreation purposes. This sedentary lifestyle is having a detrimental effect on today’s youth. The key is finding the balance.

Research shows, that regular physical activity and exercise leads to changes in the brain. It improves cognitive function, elevates mood, enhances learning and improves academic outcomes. Playing sport helps kids develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. Parents play an important role in helping children establish positive habits that will benefit their children in the long-term.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will discover practical advice relating to the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise, as well as tips on how to get their kids motivated and moving more.

Theircare

All bookings and questions regarding our outside school provider TheirCare, are to  be made directly to them on 1300 072 410.  Bookings can also be made at https://theircare.com.au/  and selecting St John's Dennington as the booking location.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrated their birthday this week: Amelia H, Lachlan A, Taylor M, Azalea W, Brooklyn H, Zach R, Harry M and Carter A. We hope you have a fantastic day!

Around our School- Week 4

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Parents and Friend's Social Group

Our next meeting will be on Monday 24th March at 7.00pm in the Gathering Space. Everyone is welcome, we always look forward to seeing some new faces. Hope you can make it.

Dennington Dash- This Friday!!

This year we are celebrating the Dennington Dash turning 10. Our organisers are busy behind the scenes getting ready for the event. Closer to the night will be looking for volunteers to help on the night.

Dennington Dash is a fun event for all. Come along for a 3km fun run/walk, you can go your hardest or just go for a stroll. There are some amazing prizes and spot prizes to be won. After the event, sit back and enjoy a BBQ tea.

Cake Raffle

Each week on a Monday, families are rostered on to bring in a cake which will then be raffled and drawn out at assembly. Please download the roster below.

All funds raised throughout the year will be donated to various charities. Please drop your store purchased cake into the office with your family name written on top.  If there is no assembly on your rostered day due to a school closure or event, please drop your cake in the week after.

All students will have the opportunity to buy a raffle ticket for 20c with a limit of five tickets per student. The Johnnies will make a P.A announcement at first lunch, calling all students who wish to purchase a ticket, to the Library.

The following families are rostered for:

Monday 3rd March: Black, Blain, Boreham, Brown, Brunton, Bubb-Dempster, Burchell, Burchell and Bushell.

Monday 10th March: No assembly this week due to the public holiday.

Monday 17th March: Boyle, Bridgman, Brooks, Byrne, Cahill, Cain, Dwyer, Cameron and Campbell.

School Sponsorship

Would you like to advertise your business in our school newsletter? Businesses can advertise for only $100 a year and will have a business card sized listing in every school newsletter.

A big thank you to O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing, Fry Painting, Carry on travel, King Cole Fruit Supply and Total Landscapes and Design that sponsor our school!

Please contact parents@sjdennington.catholic.edu.au for more information.

Star of the Sea Bulletin

Sunday Mass is held at 9.00am at St. Pius X Church. School families are always welcome. 

The Parish office can be contacted on 5562 2231 and this weekends bulletin is featured below. Other information and contact details can be found on the Star of the Sea South West Coast website: https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/parish/southwestcoast/ 

Emmanuel College Opening Evening

2025 Junior Football

The Old Collegians Football Netball Club is a fantastic family club and has playing spots available for young boys and girls and their families who wish to participate in a club that encourages personal growth, values participation and enjoyment. Great coaches will help your child develop their game whilst having fun and enjoying numerous game day opportunities. 

 If interested, please contact the numbers below for more information. 

Community Notices

Upcoming Events

Friday 28th February: Dennington Dash at 5.15pm

Tuesday 4th March: Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday 4th March: School Photo Day

Tuesday 4th March: Structured literacy parent information session at 2.30pm in the Gathering Space 

Wednesday 5th March: Ash Wednesday Liturgy at 2.00pm in the Stadium                                  

Monday, 10th March: Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 18th March: Lions Eye Health Program (Gr. F, 3, 6)

Monday 24th March: Reconciliation Formation Day - Emmanuel College

Monday 24th March: Parents and Friends meeting at 7.00pm in the Gathering Space

Saturday 29th March:  Parents and Friends social lawn bowls at 6:30pm

Thursday 3rd April: Reconciliation Sacrament

Friday 4th April: Last Day of Term 1

Monday 21st April: Easter Monday Public Holiday

Tuesday 22nd April: First Day of Term 2

Thursday 24th April: Closure Day - Southern Zone Collaboration Day (DOBCEL determined date)

Friday 25th April: ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Monday 28th April: Confirmation Parent Meeting (7.00pm St Joseph's Church)

Thursday 1st May: May Races Public Holiday