In this issue

Dear Parents and Caregivers 

As we find ourselves halfway through term 4, I am incredibly proud to witness the progress and dedication demonstrated by our students and staff at St John’s Lutheran Primary School. It has been a busy and rewarding time for us all, and I would like to take this opportunity to share some reminders, exciting updates and upcoming events within our school community.

Uniforms 

As we head towards the back end of Term 4, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our school’s uniform policy and expectations. At St John’s Lutheran Primary School, we believe that wearing a uniform helps to foster a sense of pride, belonging, and equality among our students. It also promotes a positive and conducive learning environment for all. I kindly ask that you ensure your child’s uniform is prepared and in line with our uniform expectations before they come to school. Please ensure correct jewellery, shoes, socks and hair ties are worn each day. Consistent adherence to the uniform policy helps create an environment where all students feel equal and ready to learn.

Year 5 and Year 6 Camp 

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms Natalie Tenney, Mr Bakker, Mr Barker and Mrs Billie-Jean Anderson  for their dedication and hard work during the recent Year 5 and Year 6 camp. We understand the time and effort it takes to organise such an enriching experience for our children, and we are truly appreciative of you taking your time to provide our students with this opportunity. Thank you also to the parent helpers who volunteered their time to attend camp with Year 5 and Year 6. 

Battle of the Schools 

Thank you to Mr Brayden Rewald and our Year 6 students (and parents) for your continued efforts in the Battle of the Schools competition. St John’s remains successful in the competition, and I wish our competitors the best of luck for each quiz round!

Swimming Carnival  

We are looking forward to our Swimming Carnival on the 17 November. Thank you for getting your nominations in on time so we can plan the day appropriately. We are trialling a different format for our junior section of the carnival this year with the aim to have our juniors at the carnival for a shorter period of the day (less wait times) for their events. Majority of schools do not offer the swimming carnival to their junior classes, and we are hopeful this alteration to the program will allow us to continue with our junior students participating in the swimming carnival day. Junior Swimming Carnival events are non-competitive events with no placings, points, or ribbons. These events are to prepare students for their participation in the Senior Carnival when they are of the required age. 

Leadership Speeches 

Thank you to our Year 5 students for your efforts in preparing and presenting your leadership speeches this week. Your courage, confidence, and thoughtful words were a blessing to listen to. Your speeches not only demonstrated your individual strengths but also highlighted the diversity of talent and ideas within our Year 5 cohort. I have recently spoken to our Year 5 cohort about the importance of being a good follower to be a good leader. Being a good leader means being someone that others trust and look up to. However, to become a good leader, it’s important to first understand what it means to be a good follower. Being a good follower means being able to listen to others, work well with your peers, and support your friends and classmates. It’s about understanding that everyone’s ideas and opinions are important, and that working together as a team is essential for achieving common goals. 

Sometimes, when we try our best to lead, we might not always succeed in the way we hoped – we may not be chosen as an elected leader. But that’s okay! It’s important to remember that everyone learns and grows from their experiences, whether they are successful or not. Facing challenges and setbacks helps us become stronger and better equipped for future opportunities. It’s all a part of the learning process, and it’s what helps us become wiser and more capable individuals. 

So, whether we find ourselves as an elected leader or a Year 6 leader in another role, it’s important to remember that both roles are equally valuable and contribute to our personal growth. It’s about learning from each experience and always striving to be the best version of ourselves, no matter the role we find ourselves in.

Remembrance Day Service  

Remembrance Day is the day which commemorates the end of World War I. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the Armistice was signed. Armistice means to stop in the fighting. The 11th November became known as Armistice Day. 

We should always remember those who have fought and suffered to save our way of life and give us the freedom we have. On Remembrance Day we take special time to remember.   

We will be having our Remembrance Day Service following Chapel on Friday 10 November. Parents are most welcome to join us. 

Staffing

Staffing considerations are still underway for 2024, however, I am delighted to introduce Candice van Dongen who is joining our St. John’s teaching team next year. Candice is a passionate and experienced educator with and Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood. We look forward to witnessing the wonderful work of Candice with students next year. 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10  

Thank you for your continued support of all things St John’s Lutheran Primary School.  

Grace and Peace   

Jocelyn Bakker   

ACTING PRINCIPAL