In this issue

Please see attached 2023 Calendar

The below link includes details pertaining to the Vacation Care Program for December & January. Please remember to return your booking form including your relevant completed permission forms for in/excursions. Bookings cannot be confirmed without a signed in/excursion permission form handed in beforehand.

For any enquiries, please contact Barb on 0409 759 831 or email stjohns.oshc@qlecs.org.au.

Link to Form and Information: Vacation Care December 2022 & Vacation Care January 2023

The Lost Property section in the Office continues to grow on a daily basis. A large number of unnamed jumpers, jackets, 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.

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. 

After competing at several tournaments representing ASP Taekwondo, Harrison Caruana and Charlie Hill competed in the Taekwondo Queensland Championships which were held in Brisbane in July. Harry is 8 years old and has been doing Taekwondo since he was 4 ½, currently a Blue Belt 2 he is the QLD State Champion for his level. Charlie is 10 years old and has been doing Taekwondo since he was 7 years old, currently a Blue Belt 1 and has qualified for the QLD State Team.

On the 3^rd & 4^th of December Harry and Charlie will be competing in Bendigo at the Australian Taekwondo Championships against the best in the country. Training 5 days per week to prepare for this competition, the boys were recently honored to train in Brisbane with a Gold Medal winning Olympic Champion. This is sure to be an experience the boys will not soon forget, we wish them safe travels and the very best of luck in their endeavors.

Harry – What nationals means to me: Nationals means that you have been working and training hard and you’ve also been dedicated to competitions. It’s my dream.

Charlie – What nationals means to me: Nationals is my dream, it means that you have been working very hard, but it’s not just me who has been working hard, it’s everyone else in the club helping and supporting me so without them I’d be nothing.

Twilight Concert

We invite you to join us for our annual Twilight Concert on Thursday 24 November 2022 in our Multi-Purpose Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity that is given to the instrumental music students at St John’s to perform for the school community. Come and listen to these talented students as they perform orchestral, solo and ensemble items. This is always a great evening of entertainment for all the family. Come dressed for the occasion in your best Christmas outfit.

5.00pm – Piano Recital

Sausage Sizzle commences from 5.00pm (Pre-Orders now closed, Drinks only available for purchase on the night)

6.00pm – 6.45pm – Community Carols under the Mango Tree

7.00pm – Instrumental Concert

Concert performances include:

• Piano Solos
• Senior Concert Band
• Junior Concert Band
• Ensembles and many solo performances
• Choir (Prep-6 students)

Join us in 2023

Will your child be in Grade 2 or above in 2023 and would like to play a musical instrument? If so, we would love for them to join us in 2023. Information for the Instrumental Music Program can be found here. If you are interested, please fill out and return the Music Program Contract 2023 as soon as possible.

Mrs Diane MacDonald

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TUTOR

Building Resilience

I’ve recently spoken with our students about the notion of resilience. Life being as it is, is never always smooth sailing. We endure the ebb and flow of the tides and the waves that pitch high and low depending on the ‘conditions’. Being resilient enough to navigate such life conditions will only hold young people in good stead in the long run. Resilience is the ability to ‘bounce back’ from life challenges. It results in individuals having the skills to steer the ship in a different direction if the waters are treacherous.

Amanda Ripley, author of new book, ‘The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got That Way’ writes, “The trick is that teaching kids to fail and then recover is easier when they are 10 than when they are 30. So if we don’t teach them about resilience when they are younger we are not really helping them.”

Michael Grose is one of Australia’s foremost experts in relation to childhood development. He suggests that the keys to building resilient children lies in the following:

• Spirit Temperament and inborn characteristics count!
• Self-esteem Telflon kids against rejection.
• Skills The big 4 – independence, problem solving, social skills and optimism.
• Support The power of ONE resilient adult in children’s lives is huge.
• Stuff Kids experiences of every day ‘upsets’ help them deal with major challenges that inevitably happen.

For more information check out Michael Grose’s website – www.parentingideas.com.au.

Year 6 Camp

Recently our Year 6 students travelled to Luther Heights for their annual excursion. The reports I have had from staff and parent volunteers suggest that the children were fantastic and had a terrific time! Highlights vary according to different children; however, it seems common that they all had a terrific time.

WELL DONE YEAR 6! Thank you for representing our school and community so admirably.

Faith Formation

Have you ever felt as if you have too many things to do and not enough time to do them?  Sometimes it may seem that way – that there are just too many demands on our time and we just can’t meet them all.

Time is a gift from God. 24 hours in every day. How we use our time and where we put our priorities is our response to this gift. God gives us enough time for what’s important but often we use our time to focus on less important things, frivolously wasting this precious gift. Often we are focused on earthly things such as having fun and doing what feels good, having the latest gadgets, getting lots of money, rather than focusing on things of lasting eternal value. These things in themselves aren’t wrong, but can become so important to us that they overshadow what is of lasting value.

The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible states, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.”  And in the New Testament God’s people are urged to, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time.

Ephesians 5: 5, 16

End of Year Assessment and Reports

Reports have been completed and will be uploaded to Parent Lounge on Friday 25 November 2022. Please carefully read and consider with your children. Reports are a snapshot of your child’s social and academic growth and development over the past semester and are intended to be used as a tool for shaping conversations and goals. Should you have any queries, please contact your child’s class teacher.

End of Year Principal Letter (including Staffing Updates)

Next week, hopefully, I will be in a position to write to families advising of most teacher allocations for 2023 (I’m in the process of finalising interviews/contracts right now). However, at this time I am able to advise the following staffing updates:

Ms Georgina Haslemore, who has this year taught one of our Year 1 classes, has indicated that she will be leaving as she would like to spend time with her young son as well undertake further studies. Ms Haslemore has been a positive addition to our team over these last 12 months and will be sorely missed. On behalf of all in our community – we wish you rich blessings. We are hoping Ms Haslemore will return to our school in the capacity as a relief teacher.

Mrs Angela van Rooyen, who has taught our Year 3/4 class this year has accepted a promotional position at another school. Mrs van Rooyen is qualified in the area of learning support and additional needs and as such is excited to share her gifts in this area. Mrs van Rooyen has a quiet but committed resolve with her students and as such we will dearly miss her presence in our school. That said, we wish Mrs van Rooyen God’s blessings as she moves to her new position.

Mrs Laurinda Kadel has accepted a position as learning support and additional needs teacher at St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School, Caboolture. Mrs Kadel began her teaching career at St John’s 5 years ago and has taught across various year levels during her time with us. Mrs Kadel has been a positive addition to our school community. That said, we wish Mrs Kadel and her family rich blessings as they make the move southward to the northern end of Brisbane.

Mrs Elizabeth Bester will be taking leave of absence from her teaching position for the first term of 2023. Mrs Bester will take a well-earned break to travel and spend time with extended family overseas. We look forward to Mrs Bester returning for the commencement of Term 2, 2023.

 Year 6 Graduation Service

Next Thursday 1 December will be our Year 6 Graduation Service. The evening will commence at 5.30pm, sharp. We ask that all students are seated (with their class and teachers) by 5.15pm. Students are to wear their formal uniform. This evening is an important one as it allows the opportunity to acknowledge our graduating class. It also serves to enable us all to come together in Worship. The evening provides us an opportunity to conduct the ‘Rite of Transfer’ which involves the current Year 6 leaders announce next year’s leadership team.

Semester Awards and Closing Chapel Service

Next Friday, 2 December 2022 will be our Semester Awards and Closing Chapel Service. This service will take place at 1:30pm, sharp inside the St John’s Church. Students are to wear their formal uniform.

Carols By Candlelight

On Sunday, 18 December 2022, St John’s Lutheran Church will be hosting an evening of Christmas Carols. We would very much like you to join us from 6.00pm. The evening is another lovely way to mark the season of Advent and to join together in fellowship.

School Office Dates

The school office will remain open until 3:00pm, 16 December 2022. We close-down for three weeks for the Christmas vacation period and re-open on Monday, 9 January 2023.

2023 Term Dates

Next year’s Term Dates will be attached to my End of Year letter. Specifically, please note that start of the school for next year is Monday 23 January.

Please note: Thursday 26 January is the Australia Day public holiday. School will be closed for all children.

Finally

We thank you for your continued support throughout 2022 and we look forward with excitement to the 2023 school year. I pray that the warmth of Christmas brings peace and joy to your home. May you find happiness, love, grace, and peace this festive Season.

Blessing

May God’s love

make you brave and strong.

Trust in Him to help and defend you. 

Remember you are welcome in the Father’s presence;

You have been given access through the Son;

You are invited by the Holy Spirit.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

Colossians 3:15

Amen.  

Thank you for working in partnership with us.

Grace and Peace

Chris Mallett

PRINCIPAL

Term 4 2022

As the year draws to a close, we would like to sincerely thank our parent and school community for the support and partnerships forged and strengthened this year. As stated at the commencement of the year, Pastoral Care is not simply a program, it is a way of being, which is richly embedded at St John’s Lutheran Primary. We look forward to continuing to grow and deepen our partnerships and connections as a school community in 2023.

Family Faith Evening Trivia Night – Friday 25 November

Join us for the final evening of family faith with our Christmas themed Trivia Night in the Church Hall from 6:30pm this Friday night. Please consult the attached flyer or contact Tamara Carroll for further information on 41326888.

CQ University Australia

CQ University Australia has invited our Year 6 students to participate in a research project to investigate participants’ experience of digital safety in the educational environment. The responses provided will enable the project to create an informed framework to better support students as they newly enter the digital learning space. The insights gained from the data collected in this study, will be used to create a professional learning package that informs student/staff engagement for learning; directly impacting new policy and practices. St John’s Year 6 students have been invited and encouraged to complete a short survey to provide information about their experiences with digital safety as a student and participate in a 45-minute focus group that will identify other aspects of students’ technology engagement and decision making, in a face-to-face session at school. We thank CQ University Australia’s Co-researchers Dr. Joanne Orlando and Ashlee Foreshaw for the opportunity to participate. We look forward to partnering with CQ University Australia to support continued digital learning.

Confirmation Classes in 2023

Our Lead Pastor – Pastor Greg and School-based Pastor – Pastor Graham are hoping to offer a Confirmation course next year. The proposed start date is Wednesday 15^th or Thursday 16^th of March. Lessons will run from 4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. If you are interested in finding out more about Confirmation, please reach out to the Church Office on 41525900.

 Angels Community Santa Assistance

Angels Santa Assistance program is an initiative of the Angels Community Group, where toys and hampers are provided to those in need. This program relies 100% on community donations, and Angels Community Group is again looking for donations in 2022. Hampers are made in three sizes small, medium and large depending on how many people are in the household. In November each year, registration for hampers occur. If you know of anyone who may benefit from support from the Angels Community Santa Assistance program, please encourage them to visit the Support Centre located at 66 Targo Street to register between 21 November-2 December; Monday-Friday between 10:00am-2:00pm. Photo ID, Medicare card and Pension card are required.

How can I donate to Angel’s Community Santa Assistance?

There are a couple of different ways to assist if you are wanting to get involved. Please donate toys or food items for hampers at the Support Centre located at 66 Targo Street. If you would like to donate a monetary amount you may also do so here.

Angels Community Back2School Program

Please consider donating or registering (if in need of assistance) to the annual Angels Community Back2School program. This program offers families much needed support in preparation for the school year. Please check the Angels Community Facebook page for up-and-coming details early in the new year.

Gifts from GOD – Advent Devotional Booklet

‘Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and continues to Epiphany on January 6. The birth of Jesus was heralded in by angels, worshipped by shepherds and wise men, and was given to the world as a gift of God’s love for us. During this time of Advent, you can explore the gifts that God has given through His Son: Love, Hope, Joy, Patience, Peace and Faithfulness. These are all gifts of God’s kindness and grace to His people.’ Please follow the link below to access the Advent Devotional Booklet produced by the Lutheran Tract Mission.

Gifts from God Advent Devotional Booklet (ltm.org.au)

May your faith and family grow through this Advent Season as we rejoice in God’s gifts to us in the birth of His Son, Jesus, at Christmas. Many heartfelt blessings to your family from our St John’s School Family.

Swimming Carnival

St John’s annual Swimming Carnival was held on Friday 18^th November to finish off the 2022 sporting year. Students aged 5 to 8 participated in a fun program of events to reinforce the skills they had been developing through their swimming lessons, while students aged 9 to 12+ competed in 50m and 25m events to earn points for their houses. After a closely fought day of competition, with the team scores remaining tight throughout, Biar took out the overall points victory by 434 points to 404 points.

Congratulations to everyone on their participation and sportsmanship.

A special thanks to all staff, parents and friends of St John’s who assisted in any way before, during and after the day’s events.

Age Champions

9 Yrs Girls: Harlow Tickel

9 Yrs Boys: Jack Tonkin

10 Yrs Girls: Abbey-Rose Gaston

10 Yrs Boys: Charlie McDonald and Damir Ruzmatov

11 Yrs Girls: Madison Barrett

11 Yrs Boys: Eric McDonald

12 + Yrs Girls: Sienna Dexter

12 + Yrs Boys: Mikhail Egorov

ICAS Mathematics certificates have arrived

ICAS Mathematics certificates will be presented this Friday during our assembly. Parents, please note the information we have received explaining the delay of these certificates is being incorrect marking of the tests. This means that the initial results online may be different to the final result received on certificates. Possibly, your child may have received one extra mark – no child will have received less correct marks. Congratulations to all students who participated in ICAS this year!

NAPLAN 2023 change of dates

In 2023, NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) for the Year 3 and Year 5 students will be held from Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March. Please avoid booking appointments for your child on these dates. Specific dates and times will be confirmed early next year.

NAPLAN tests are constructed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate skills they have learnt over time through the school curriculum. Teachers will ensure that students are familiar with the test formats and will provide support and guidance. NAPLAN is not a test that students can prepare for. Excessive preparation is not useful and can lead to unnecessary anxiety.

NAPLAN test days should be treated as just another event on the school calendar. The best way for children to prepare is to simply do their best on the day.

Please note that your child’s teacher should always be your first reference point for gaining feedback on your child’s learning progress – your child’s teacher knows your child’s academic areas for growth and strength – teachers are the experts.

Our staff welcome parent communication so please reach out should you have any questions. More information regarding NAPLAN 2023 will be sent out early in the new year.

Holiday activities 

Of course, first and foremost, please let your children have a break and play. Let them interact with yourself and others and be creative and imaginative, get active outdoors and spend some quality family time together.

Below are a few ideas for holiday activities that you could use with your children over the break to keep their minds active in terms of academic learning:

• Read every day – read to your child and have your child read to you. You can read anything at all that is of interest.
• For the younger students it is a great idea to keep up their sight word practise.
• Create a holiday journal – your child can place photographs, tickets, cut outs and journal entries in this book. This is a great way to help with motivation towards writing and to complete some practise at the same time.
• Number fact quizzes in the car are also great. You can ask your child some basic facts and they can quiz you also.
• Have your child pay for good and services at the shops. They can speak to the teller and also learn about transactions.
• Start a project together – something that interests your child. It may be gardening, finding out about an interesting animal, a special recipe, something that they are ‘wondering’ about. You can research, make a poster, watch some clips from the internet, write a book or whatever takes your child’s fancy.
• Learn about the true meaning of Christmas. Read about the Christmas story, watch a movie or YouTube clip and discuss the message with your child.

Thank you for allowing us to work with your child this year. We are humbled that you have entrusted us with this important job. I wish you all a truly blessed, safe and enjoyable holiday period and look forward to being part of your child’s school journey in 2023.

2023 Uniform Orders 

Existing orders are currently being filled. A text message will be sent to you when your order is ready for payment and collection. Payment and collection can be made from the main office during normal hours. (Monday – Friday 8:30am – 3.00pm).

It would be greatly appreciated if orders could be collected and finalised by the end of the school year (Friday 2 December, 2022).

Uniform Exchanges

Uniform exchanges will take place at school in January, 2023. Dates will be confirmed over the coming weeks. Please be aware that this will be by appointment only. This is an opportunity for parents to exchange any new uniforms that may not be the correct size.

We encourage parents to wait until closer to the start of the school year before washing uniforms in case exchanges need to be made.

It is important to note that exchanges can only be made to uniforms that are in their original packaging with all labels still intact.

Embroidery (optional)

Should you wish to have your child’s items embroidered with their name, please find below details for your consideration.

Shawline Embroidery – (backpacks, homework satchels, library bags. Hats will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but due to the thickness of the brim may not be able to be done)

17 Walker Street, Bundaberg South / ph:07 4152 8139

Inn Style Mensland – (hats, backpacks, homework satchels, library bags)

23 Electra Street, Bundaberg / ph: 07 4151 6788

Please refer to Inn Style’s website / facebook page for trading hours. 

Many Thanks

The Uniform Shop Team

Family Faith Evening Trivia Night

When: 25 November 2022 – 6:30 – 9:00pm

Where: St John’s Church Hall

How: RSVP by Thursday 24 November via Church Sign-on Sheet or on 4152 5900

Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us Tour

When: 25 November 2022

What: 1hr Interactive Horse & Dog Show & 1.5hr Live music – Raising awareness for for Dolly’s Dream

How: Tickets can be purchased from www.tomcurtain.com.au

Bethlehem Live

When: 13 – 16 December 2022 from 6:00pm

Where: Bundaberg Central State School Grounds – See the Brochure here.

What: FREE Entry, Live Nativity Play (including animals), Petting Zoo, Live Entertainment, Christmas Carols Event (starting at 8:15pm). Food & Beverages available to purchase on the night.

Moncrieff Entertainment Centre

When: 17 December 2022

What: FREE viewing of Encanto – Colour me in for a chance to win an awesome prize (drop entries into the Moncrieff).

How: Get your free tickets for Encanto or browse all upcoming events at artsbundaberg.com.au

Year 6 Camp

By Addison Salzmann

I enjoyed surfing and zipping down the Flying Fox. I really loved surfing because I love the beach, plus, I like being in the water. I loved the Flying Fox because it was so much fun and it didn’t make me afraid of heights. Surfing was so wonderful when I was catching a wave, but it did hurt when I fell into the shallow water. The Flying Fox made me feel free and the breeze was really relaxing.

It was a big challenge when we did rope climbing because you had to trust that the people below you (who are your friends) are doing their job to keep you safe until you get to the end. The raft building was a bit difficult when we were trying to make them. When we were finished building, we had to get the raft into the swamp and help each other get onto it. It was a bit nasty, but we all got through it and played funny games in the water.

The harnesses were very annoying and frustrating to put on and off. They gave you lots of wedgies, which was not great. I also didn’t like walking down the steep hill to the activities each day. Walking back up it made you feel like your legs were on fire! It takes you forever to go running up that hill, but just don’t focus on it and you will be fine.

I learnt to put others before yourself thanks to Jimmy Jam. Jimmy Jam is a nickname for one of the workers at Luther Heights and she did most of the activities with us. I learnt that people are actually nicer outside of school and I got to know them better. I learnt that being in brown water and building rafts isn’t as bad as I thought. The best thing that I learnt was how to surf. When you start catching waves it is so fun and it feels very relaxing in the breeze. When we were doing the Medium Ropes Course I learnt to be brave and support people when they felt nervous.