Australian Curriculum v9.0

At St John’s our Learning and Teaching team have embarked on implementation of the new Australian Curriculum in 2023. This means our team has been working to realign and rewrite key Units of Work in each grade level. We felt the timing of the release of the new Australian Curriculum brought with it an exciting opportunity for us to realign and redesign learning experiences with specific focuses on strong foundations in literacy and numeracy and an “inquiry lens” across subjects.

As a Lutheran school we continue to plan, teach, assess and report on Christian Studies also.

The latest Australian Curriculum Review made improvements to the Foundation to Year 10 curriculum by refining, realigning and decluttering the content. The Australian Curriculum, Version 9.0 is a more stripped-back and teachable curriculum that identifies the essential content our children should learn.

Overall, there’s a reduction in content, as well as better alignment between achievement standards and content descriptions, and improved links between learning areas and the general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities.

Summary of key changes

• the removal and reduction of content so the curriculum can be taught with depth and rigour, including a 21% reduction in the number of content descriptions, which describe what is to be taught and what students are expected to learn
• a stronger focus on phonics in English
• a stronger focus on students mastering the essential mathematical facts, skills, concepts and processes, and being introduced to these at the right time
• making clear what mathematical computations need to be done without a calculator, reinforcing the importance of achieving proficiency in foundational skills
• a revision of the sequencing of content in Mathematics; in particular, telling time, introduction of fractions, recall of multiplication facts (“times tables’) and solving equations
• lifting standards for Mathematics in Year 1 in relation to addition and subtraction, with additional content setting expectations about recall and proficiency with multiplication facts, beginning in Year 2
• deepening students’ understanding of First Nations Australian histories and cultures, the impact on – and perspectives of – First Nations Australians of the arrival of British settlers as well as their contribution to the building of modern Australia
• strengthening and making explicit teaching about the origins and Christian and Western heritage of Australia’s democracy, as well as about the diversity of Australian communities
• strengthening the explicit teaching of consent and respectful relationships from F–10 in age-appropriate ways
• addition of privacy and security in the Digital Technologies curriculum
• strengthening the focus on students being physically active and increased content with a focus on activity in natural and outdoor settings.
• strengthening the Foundation year by identifying the essential content to teach in the first year of school across all 8 learning areas.

You can find more information on the Australian Curriculum V9.0 and the Lutheran Education Christian Studies framework here:

Australian Curriculum v9.0

Lutheran Education Christian Studies Framework

ICAS

We have had a number of parents enquiring about ICAS in 2023. Please note that we will be running Mathematics and English ICAS sessions for those students in Years 2 – Year 6. Mathematics and English tests will be held in August as per the ICAS schedule. Parents of students in Years 2 – Year 6 will receive an email early next term, prior to this sitting window with key information for sign-up and payment. If you have any questions, please reach out at any time.

School Community Sunday Worship

Our School Community Sunday Worship Service took place on Sunday 18 June, involving our Prep and Year Three students, along with students from other year levels who participated. Thank you to those students, families and staff members who joined with us in worship. It was a beautiful time of praise, fellowship and connection between our Church and School Families. Pastor Graham gave a blessing to each of the children as part of the service.

We would like to extend an invitation for families to join with us for the next Community Sunday Worship Service with the St John’s Lutheran Church congregation on Sunday 13 August 2023 commencing at 9.00 am. 

We encourage you to come along and be part of this special time together. Worshipping with others is a great way to praise God, nurture our faith in Him and encourage one another.

Students from all Year Levels will be directly involved in the service, and we please ask that you return participation forms as soon as possible so that we are able to assign roles for this service, given it is early in the term.

Filled with the work of the Holy Spirit

It was beautiful to hear of a story in our playground early last week where one of our Year Two students saw her friend and thought he was upset by something that had happened. The Year Two student then sat next to him and asked to pray for him. She then prayed for strength and encouragement to help him. Strength and encouragement were delivered and he no longer felt upset. How beautiful to hear how the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of our students. We pray that the Holy Spirit continues to fill our lives and grow and strengthen our faith.

Congratulations to Lennox Higgins who recently represented Wide Bay in the under 10’s School Boys Rugby League team. Lennox captained the side and received the ‘Dolphin’s Man of the Match’ medal in the game against Rockhampton. We celebrate your hard work and determination Lennox.

Online Safety Education and Student Wellbeing

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing our charter of expectations and developing a Whole School Approach to online safety education and student wellbeing, we would like to invite you to participate in a two-part Parent and Caregivers Online Safety Survey.  All survey responses will be treated anonymously. 

Part two of the eSafety Education – Parents and Caregivers Online Safety Survey (7 multiple choice questions) can be found by following the link.  https://forms.office.com/r/3mqCaqyTC3

For those who missed Part One of the eSafety Education – Parents and Caregivers Online Safety Survey (5 multiple choice questions can still be found by following this link). https://forms.office.com/r/196rt2vbZv

The information collected from these surveys will be based upon three broad categories:

Online Safety, Me and My Family

Online Safety Education

Online Safety at our School

This information will assist us to develop the necessary education and support to assist all stakeholders in growing their confidence of online safety and wellbeing. We thank you in advance for your time and commitment in completing this survey.

The Lost Property section in the Office continues to grow on a daily basis. A large number of unnamed clothing items, water bottles and food containers are currently waiting to be collected by their owner! We encourage students and parents to visit the office to see if any items may belong to you over the coming days. Any unclaimed items remaining in the office by this Friday 23 June will be donated. 

Water Bottles (all unnamed)

Unnamed Sports & Formal Jumpers, Sports Shorts & Pants & Hat.

Misc items – Lunchbox items, Ice bricks, Hair accessories, Headphones, Socks.

Sleeping Bag (from Year 4 camp as yet unclaimed), Umbrella & Small teddy bear

 Please remember to label all items (especially jumpers and jackets) so that if they do make it to Lost Property we can ensure that it is returned promptly. 

As part of the upcoming educational Year 6 Camp to Luther Heights, the students are fundraising throughout the year to assist with their trip.

Year 6 are involved in the following events:

Shalom College BBQ – Sunday 23 July, 6:30am – 11:30am (approx)

The Shalom Markets are on every Sunday morning from 6am to 12pm. Why not visit the markets early and grab a delicious hot steak burger or sausage sandwich from the BBQ supporting the Year 6 Camp Fundraising efforts. While you are there, shop for all your fresh fruit and veg, visit the craft, jewellery and plant stalls just to mention a few.

School Disco & Pie Drive

Thank you to everyone who supported the Pie Drive & School Disco! A hectic 2 days – a huge amount of pies were sold and collected and there was a fantastic atmosphere at the Disco with lots of dancing and delicious food.

We thank everyone for their support so far.

Year 6 Fundraising Committee

The P&F Annual Election Meeting will be held on Tuesday 22nd August 2023. Any parties interested in nominating for a position on the executive committee needs to be member’s of the P&F committee by 22nd June 2023. Nominations for all executive positions will need to be received no later then 13th July 2023.

If you would like to become a member of the P&F please fill out this membership form and return to: pandf@stjohnsbundaberg.qld.edu.au

To nominate for an executive position, please fill out the nomination form and return to: pandf@stjohnsbundaberg.qld.edu.au

Bundaberg & District Junior Tennis Assoc. Inc.

www.bundyjuniortennis.org.au

Alexandra Park Zoo – June/July School Holiday Keeper Talks 2023

Keeper talks are a great way to watch some of the zoo animals being fed or learn about them from our dedicated zookeepers. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Location: 29 Quay Street, Corner Quay and Burrum Streets, Bundaberg
Opening hours during the holidays: 7 days a week, 9.30am – 4.30pm (opening hours differ outside of school holidays)
Cost: Free
For more information visit discoverbundaberg.com.au/bundaberg-zoo or phone Council on 1300 883 699
Please note: keeper talks are subject to change or cancellation

Once Designs School Holiday Program

Bookings and more information can be found here: https://once.net.au/school-holiday-classes 

Macadamias Australia School Holiday Program

Designed to educate and engage children 5-12 years old, they will learn about the history of Macadamias, how we grow and look after them, as well as what it takes to get to the yummy nut we enjoy!