In this issue

Reforming and repainting the Christian faith

Monday 31^st October marks a significant day in history. It is the day we commemorate the Anniversary of the Reformation

Times change. God doesn’t, but times do. We learn and grow, and the world around us shifts, and the Christian faith is alive only when it is listening, morphing, innovating, letting go of whatever has gotten in the way of Jesus and embracing whatever will help us be more and more the people God wants us to be. There are endless examples of this ongoing process, so I’ll describe just one.

Just over 500 years ago, a man named Martin Luther raised a whole series of questions about the painting the church was presenting to the world. He insisted that God’s grace could not be purchased with money or good deeds. He wanted everyone to have their own copy of the Bible in a language they could read. He argued that everyone had a divine calling on their lives to serve God, not just priests who had jobs in churches. This concept was revolutionary for the world at that time. He was articulating earth-shattering ideas for his listeners. And they heard him. And something big, something historic, happened. Things changed. Thousands of people connected with God in ways they hadn’t before.

But that wasn’t the end of it. Luther was taking his place in a long line of people who never stopped rethinking and repainting the faith. Shedding unnecessary layers and at the same time rediscovering essentials that had been lost. Luther’s work was part of what came to be called the Reformation. Because of this movement, the churches he was speaking against went through their own process of rethinking and repainting, making significant changes as a result. And this process hasn’t stopped. It can’t. In fact, Luther’s contemporaries used a very specific word for this endless, absolutely necessary process of change and growth. They didn’t use the word reformed; they used the word reforming. This distinction is crucial. They knew that they and others hadn’t gotten it perfect forever. They knew that the things they said and did and wrote and decided would need to be revisited. Rethought. Reworked.

I’m part of this tradition. I’m part of this global, historic stream of people who believe that God has not left us alone but has been involved in human history from the beginning. People who believe that in Jesus, God came among us in a unique and powerful way, showing us a new kind of life. Giving each of us a new vision for our life together, for the world we live in. And as a part of this tradition, I embrace the need to keep painting, to keep reforming.

Bell, Rob (2012-08-02). Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith – HarperCollins Publishers. Kindle Edition.

1 John 4:10 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)

¹⁰ Here is what love is. It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins.

Grace

One of the core tenets of our Luther faith is the gift of Grace. In Lutheran theology, justification is God’s act of removing the guilt and penalty of sin while at the same time declaring a sinner righteous through Christ’s atoning sacrifice. We often say; justified by Grace through Faith.

I grew up at a time when the Irish band U2 was very popular!

Bono is the lead singer in U2, one of the world’s biggest selling rock bands. He grew up in Northern Ireland, the son of one Catholic and one Protestant parent. Throughout his childhood and adult years he was a constant witness to the hatreds fuelled by ‘Christian’ belief. It left Bono less than enthusiastic about the Church. Nevertheless, Bono embraced Christian faith and maintains his embrace, not he says, because of the Church but because of grace. It is the one thing that makes him want to be a Christian. In a speech to a Harvard University graduating class in 2000 he declared he was a believer in grace over karma, karma being the notion that we get what we deserve.

In a song entitled Grace (found on U2’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind album released in 2000) Bono pictures grace as a beautiful, vibrantly attractive woman. Here we find a wonderful description of grace as it comes to us from God and one another.

Grace, she takes the blame
She carries the shame
Removes the stains
It could be her name

 Grace, it’s the name for a girl
It’s also a thought that changed the world
And when she walks on the street
You can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness in everything.

 Grace, she’s got the walk,
Not a ramp or on chalk
She’s got the time to talk
She travels outside of karma
She travels outside of karma
When she goes to work
You can hear her strings
Grace finds beauty in everything.

 Grace, she carries a world on her hips
No champagne flute for her lips
No twirls or skips between her fingertips
She carries a pearl in perfect condition.

What once was hurt
What once was friction
What left a mark
No longer stings
Because Grace makes beauty
Out of ugly things.

 Grace makes beauty out of ugly things.

Source: Lyrics from U2, “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” album. Information on Bono from U2.com and mcphisto.com.

Year 6 Camp – Luther Heights

Lutheran Schools are known for their quality outdoor education programs.  Our students from Year 1 onwards enjoy experiences which contribute to their learning and link directly to curriculum and general capabilities.

I love farewelling camp busses because either there is a crying parent who needs consolation or a celebrating parent who sees the benefit of their child going away with school mates for a fun activity outside of the classroom.  From the earliest days of St John’s Lutheran Primary School, the camp program has been seen as a crucial and integral part of our offerings so that students can experience God’s creation and also learn about looking after our environment to keep it as beautiful as it can be in our camping areas. Students also learn many social skills such as sharing, waiting in line for meals, being away from home, being joyful with classmates past the school day and also having loads of fun with their teachers in a more informal setting.  We take our students to Luther Heights in Year 6 as part preparation for the students and what to expect as they move through to their secondary schooling.  I know many parents look back fondly at their camping programs at school and I am very proud to say that through the past three years of upheaval in our world due to Covid we have not missed one camping experience including the annual trip to Luther Heights. This Sunday, we farewell our Year 6 students as they head southward. Not only will the students experience the usual camp highlights such as high ropes, flying fox, swimming, learning-to-surf, but they too get to spend time in Brisbane visiting Queensland Parliament House and Science Centre. Rich blessings to all Year 6 students, staff and volunteers.

A Wonderful Community

One of my favourite things to do at St John’s is gate duty most afternoons.  My usual routine is to try and visit all three pick-up spots. Standing by the gate/s, I watch so many students and parents interacting with one another and enjoying each others’ company until ultimately hundreds of happy children run out to find their parent or grandparent so they can go home together.  The faces are always beaming and happy and they are full of stories to share on their journey home.

The thing I love about afternoon gate duty, is that I can see how our community is fostered and encouraged by students and parents having a chat in the afternoon but also, the love which is shown from children to their carer (and visa-versa) as they reconnect at the end of a day.  Family in all its different forms is so important for a child’s development and I thank our parents and grandparents – many of whom look after children before and after school but also during vacation times so that parents can work and provide for their families.

At St John’s, family, love and community are really treasured and I thank all parents and extended family members who provide the support for their children to make our life such a joy at school.

Staffing – 2023

I know a number of you are eager to know the class teacher allocations for next year. I’m reaching the final stages of appointment. One of the points of great celebration for me at St John’s is that we have a wonderfully professional team of people whose core purpose and focus squarely points to the nurture and growth of the children in our care. I remain to have full faith in the abilities and capacity of each of our team in being able to deliver quality care, love and grace to all and look forward with excitement to 2023.

 Swimming

Weekly swimming lessons continue to occur each Monday. Thank you to Mr. Higgins and the teaching staff for organising our swimming program. Please remind your child/ren to bring their appropriate swimming equipment each week in readiness for their lesson.

 Head Lice

It has come to our attention that some students in our school may have head lice. I seek your cooperation in checking your child’s hair and scalp today and every two days for ten days after this date due to the varying stages of eggs hatching. This is an ongoing problem that can only be contained by constant monitoring. Head lice occur regardless of how clean the hair is. This is why a child’s head and hair needs to be inspected regularly. If your child has contracted head lice do not be alarmed. Although the condition is unpleasant it is easily treated with specialised treatments from your local pharmacist. When lice are found, fast and thorough treatment is required. If you are unsure as to how to treat head lice – please see your local pharmacist who will assist you.

If we all take action at the same time, it will help enormously to stop the spread of head lice.

Head lice information sheets can be obtained from: http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/’phtm/PHTM/hlice/hlinfo1.htm or http://www.nitpickers.com.au

Thank you for your understanding and assistance in regard to this matter.

 End of Year Assessment

As you know, Term 4 is a very short term. Assessment is occurring across year levels in various subject areas and across Units of Inquiry, ready for reports.  Please support your child in this by ensuring they arrive at school on time (no later than 8.25am) have had a good breakfast and are ready for their day with all necessary equipment, especially writing implements.

Thank you for working in partnership with us.

Grace and Peace

Chris Mallett

PRINCIPAL

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The first day back of Term Four saw the Year 5 class head to their Leadership Camp at Maranatha- Tuchekoi. The theme for the Leadership Camp was leading with their Heads, Hearts, Hands and Health. Students were pushed to stretch their imaginations, build teamwork skills, confidence, leadership skills, trust and step out of ‘their’ comfort zones through a wide variety of activities. These activities included: the flying fox, leap of faith, giant swing, raft building, bush skills, rocket ball, archery, team challenges and leadership activities. All students, staff and parent helpers had a fantastic time and all students displayed fantastic personal growth and overcame fears.

 

Mr Bakker

Year 5 Teacher

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UPDATE: Wide Bay Oral Health Service has advised that they will extend the due date for forms. Please return your form ASAP if you wish for your child to attend this free dental service.

The School Dental Service is offering a free dental examination and dental treatment to all students of St Johns. Siblings of students at St John’s are also able use this service if they fit the eligibility criteria below:
– Be eligible for Medicare and Child Dental Benefits Schedule
OR
– Be eligible for Medicare and be aged between age 4 and Grade 10.

This free mobile dental service van will be onsite at St John’s from 16 September 2022.

A Wide Bay Oral Health Service School Dental Treatment Form was sent home with your child at the end of Term 3. If you require any additional forms, please contact the school office on 4132 6888 and we will arrange for these to be sent home or print at home using the below link. Once your form is returned, the School Dental Service will be in contact via post or SMS to arrange an appointment.

School Dental Intake Form

For the first appointment, a parent/legal guardian must attend. After the initial appointment, students can attend on their own or with another responsible adult.

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ICY POLE DRIVE

Our SSRC would like to invite you to purchase an Icy Pole in support of our lunchtime clubs and resources in the library. Funds raised will help purchase a class set of clip boards and a small quantity of ‘lap desks.’ This drive will take place on Friday 11 November and Icy Poles will sell for $1.00. Icy Poles will sell through a pre-ordering system with monies due back to school by Friday 4 November. Please look out for a flyer in your child’s homework satchel.

 

 

 

 

 

ESAFETY

As you would be aware the eSafety Commissioner conducted a free webinar to support parents and address the topic of Digital Safety and Mental Health – aimed at young people aged 10 to 18.

Here are some key points for your information as a parent or caregiver:

• Teens spend an average of 14.4 hours a week online (not related to schoolwork)

• Some Positive Benefits of Technology include; family group chats, connecting with friends, following someone who is inspiring, access to mindfulness apps, listening to music, coding, creating cards etc.
• Some Challenges of Technology can include; children comparing themselves to friends and influencers, students stumbling across triggering upsetting content, students posting when upset, stressed or oversharing, social issues amongst gaming platforms etc.
• Screen time controls can help – Parents can explore the time their children are spending online.
• It is never too late to start the conversations about what students are doing, accessing, seeing, with whom they are communicating.
• Set reminders, time limits, and co-control of their use.

THREE TAKE OUTS:

1. Do not assume as a parent – be curious
2. Set Screen time for screen use
3. Ensure balance and boundaries

This webinar will again occur on Thursday 27 October. We would strongly encourage parents and caregivers to join if possible. REGISTER NOW

WORLD TEACHER’S DAY

Please help us to acknowledge the wonderful work of our teachers this Friday, 28 October.

 

 

 

 

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Our next Term 4 Family Fun Night will be held on Friday 11 November. Join us for a night of games and a shared meal! We would love to see as many of our school families come along and connect with our St John’s Church Family. Please contact the office for further information if required.

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A message from ICAS

This week we received the following information from ICAS about the delay of the mathematics certificates.

As a valued ICAS customer, we are writing to you to let you know that the ICAS Mathematics certificates have been delayed. We understand how important the ICAS Mathematics certificates are to your school community, and we apologise for this delay and the inconvenience caused. 

Rest assured our team is working as quickly as possible to make your students’ certificates available to you. 

Homework Arrangements

We would like to remind parents that homework is given each Tuesday and returned on Mondays. Whilst we really appreciate students taking responsibility for handing in homework, we are encouraging parents to check that all homework items are returned each Monday – including home readers. It’s a time-consuming job changing readers and marking homework and it really helps streamline this process to have all students return items on the due day. Thank you for your support in this matter.

Standardised Testing and Assessments

Students have taken part in standardised testing and assessments during their class programs. These tests vary depending on the grade level and developmental stage of each student. We use the data collated from these tests as one means of data collection and evidence over time of student learning. We always encourage students to do their best and explain how these activities help us to plan for what to teach next.  We are always very proud of the application and effort all students put into their learning!

 

Jocelyn Bakker

Director of Learning and Teaching

 

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