Prep 100 Days of School Celebration

Friday 24 July marked 100 Days of School for our Prep Red and Prep Blue students. In what has been an interesting year to say the least, with lots of disruptions due to COVID-19, the Preps have done an amazing job adjusting to school life.

To celebrate our 100 Days of School the Prep classes had a special party day, filled with lots of exciting activities based on the number 100. We made 100 day necklaces and 100 day crowns. We made a 100 day puzzle and completed a dot painting with 10 groups of 10 to make 100 dots.

We used an aging app on the iPad to see what we would look like when we are 100 and then wrote about what it will be like.  We completed the 100 seconds challenge, where we counted how many of a variety of activities we could complete in 100 seconds.

The favourite activity of the day was the 100 cup tower challenge. Students worked together in groups, to build the highest tower they could using 100 cups, in a set time. It was great to see lots of teamwork, co-operation, resilience and perseverance during this activity.

We had so much fun on our 100 Days Celebration and can’t wait for the next 100 days of school.

Christian Studies

This term the Prep classes are learning about churches as part of our Christian Studies unit. Although we are unable to attend Chapel at the moment, last week each class went on a visit to St John’s Lutheran Church.

We investigated the things that we saw in the church. We asked what they were called and what they were used for.  We saw many interesting objects including crosses, candles, the alter, the font and of course the stained-glass windows. In our unit we will learn that not all churches look the same and that not all churches have the same features.

We will learn that the church is more than just the building and what is inside. The church is really God’s people and the things that they do as part of God’s family.

As part of our unit we will also be discovering what people do in church – pray, read the Bible, learn about God, worship God, and have special celebrations. We will learn that the church also help people, in many different ways.

DUBBO

Last week I was in Dubbo with my wife Alicia. We were there to celebrate our only grandchild’s first birthday. His dad is Joseph, who attended St John’s School many years ago. He is now a Pastor in the LCA and with his lovely wife is expecting their second child. It was a relaxing week apart from being concerned about the NSW/QLD borders closing. There is no COVID-19 in Dubbo but we were still apprehensive.

And we all know what is happening in Victoria where we have another son Levi, who is also a Pastor. Both of their churches are still zooming their services. There is much fear in our times. Where do we go for comfort? I recently read Habakkuk who was an Old Testament prophet who also lived in very difficult times but he found hope and comfort in God. He finishes his word with this: Though the fig tree does not bud…though the olive crop fails…though there are no sheep in the pen, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. 

No matter what comes my way I still rejoice in Jesus Christ, my Savior. I hope you can also.

Cheers,

Pastor Greg

Uniform Shop – Changes to Opening Hours

The Uniform Shop will be closed until further notice. If you need to purchase items please complete an order form/s below and email to school@stjohnsbundaberg.qld.edu.au

We shall contact you once the order has been filled for payment and collection.

2020 Prep Order Form

2020 Order Form Yr1-6

New Hair Accessories have Arrived!

We are delighted to advise that new hair accessories have just arrived and are available for purchase. Should you wish to view the different styles, please do not hesitate to contact the office to arrange an appointment time.

Student Awards

HOMEWORK REMINDER – Please support your child to complete their weekly homework.

As I am sure you are all aware our students re-started homework last week. Homework at St John’s is set to allow students to revise concepts learnt in class and to practise and consolidate fundamental skills such as: sight words, reading and mathematical concepts.

As teachers and school staff we certainly understand that homework can at times add to the busyness for many families. At our school this is why we have chosen that homework is handed in on Monday mornings – this allows families some flexibility as to when they complete their 4 nights of expected homework. Families may choose 4 weeknights, or 2 weeknights and 2 days over the weekend.

Below are some simple ideas that are proven to assist students with homework organisation.

Set up a Homework Station

• away from noise and distraction
• has comfortable seating
• good lighting
• offers enough room to spread out

Provide the Right Supplies

• pencils
• paper
• scissors
• ruler

Teach Time Management Skills

Have a set time for completing homework each day – before play, before dinner, away from distractions – a solid routine your child can count on.

If your child is still having trouble concentrating on their homework, try setting a timer – ask your child to work for small chunks at a time, taking a short break between sessions.

Talk About the Homework with Your Child

Be sure to read through your child’s homework with them at the start of the week and ensure they understand exactly what needs to be completed each session.

Sit with your child and go over the work they have completed – children easily forget parts of work and it’s our job as parents to help them to check carefully.

If you are struggling with any aspect of homework with your child, please speak to your child’s classroom teacher for advice.

Happy Homework!

Jocelyn Bakker

Director of Teaching and Learning

How Fortunate We Are

Let us never underestimate the value of positive attitude and belief in ourselves and each other. Our world is truly great – even though we are often bombarded with portrayals of violence and despair – just look at what’s happening in the world at present! Dennis the Menace (of all people) once said, “People wait for opportunity to come along……yet it is there every morning.” Each morning that we come to St John’s we can be thankful that we do indeed come to a terrific school where people matter. St John’s encourages an environment that allows parents to feel included, valued, fully informed and knowledgeable about the school and the progress of their children. As such I encourage you to continue to speak with your child’s teachers about their academic and social development. Of course the offer also extends for you to reach out to Jocelyn and myself. Thank you for partnering with us in the education of your children.

An Interview with God

Author Unknown

I dreamed I had an interview with GOD.

“So, you would like to interview me?” GOD asked.

“If you have time,” I said.

GOD smiles.

“My time is eternity… what questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you the most about humankind?”

GOD answered…

“That they get bored with childhood, they rush to grow up, and then long to be children again.”

“That they lose their health to make money…. and then lose their money to restore their health.”

“That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live in neither the present nor the future.”

“That they live as if they would never die and die as though they had never lived.”

GOD’s hand took mine….. and we were silent for a while.

And then I asked, “As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”

GOD replied…….

“To learn they cannot make anyone love them. All they can do is let themselves be loved.”

“To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others.”

“To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.”

“To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in those they love, and it can take many years to heal them.”

“To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most but is one who needs the least.”

“To learn that there are people who love them dearly, but simply do not yet know how to express or show their feelings.”

“To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it differently.”

“To learn that it is not enough that they forgive one another but they must also forgive themselves.”

“Thank you for your time,” I said humbly.

“Is there anything else you would like your children to know?”

GOD smiled, and said…..

 “Just know that I am here. Always.”

I don’t know about you, but all too often, I fall into the trap of the busyness of life. I’m making an effort to stop and breathe, pray more, love more and be faith-filled. A couple of weeks ago one Saturday night, as is customary in our home, we watched a movie. Which movie you ask? Kungfu Panda! Although positive messages around the plight of never giving up – keep on keeping on – among others, one message stuck with me which I found very apt.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift which is why it is called the present. Savour each moment today. It’s God’s gift to you and me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways. Proverbs 3:5

Thank you for working in partnership with us.

Grace and Peace

Chris Mallett

PRINCIPAL