In this issue

Dear Families  

Welcome to our final newsletter for Term One. Thank you for your continued support and love for our St John’s community.  

Extra-Curricular Arts  

We are thrilled to share with you the latest developments regarding our soon-to-be-launched Extra-Curricular Arts Program. Our team has been working tirelessly to create a dynamic and inclusive program that will allow our students to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and express themselves through various forms of art. Our first iteration of this program will be launched in readiness for Term Two.  

In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more details about the program schedule, instructors, and tutors, and how to register. Please keep an eye on your email for updates. 

Parent and Friends Association 

We are excited as we continue toward the rejuvenation of our Parent and Friends Association (P&F). After diligent work and collaboration, we are nearing the completion of our review of the P&F Terms of Reference—a critical piece of work for the transparent and effective operation of our association. 

This comprehensive review has been undertaken with the aim of ensuring that our P&F is equipped to meet the evolving needs of our school community, fostering an environment of support, engagement, and enrichment for our children. The updated Terms of Reference guide our operations, responsibilities, and the framework for our collective efforts in supporting the school. 

We are on track to publish the revised Terms of Reference early next term. This publication will mark a significant milestone in our journey towards revitalising the P&F, setting the stage for a new era of collaboration, support, and community building. 

Easter Reflections  

As Easter approaches, we are reminded of the themes of renewal, hope, and the profound love that defines our faith. This season, let’s draw inspiration from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, seeing it as a call to renew our commitment to learning, to strengthen our community bonds, and to live out our faith through acts of kindness and compassion. 

In our school and beyond, the story of Easter encourages us to approach challenges with perseverance and to support one another with unwavering hope. As we enjoy the Easter break, I encourage everyone to reflect on these messages and return reinvigorated to continue our academic year with a spirit of optimism and shared purpose. 

May your Easter be filled with joy, peace, and the comfort of family and friends. 

“But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.'” – Mark 16:6 (ESV) 

Blessings  

Jocelyn Bakker  

Principal  

Harmony Week 2024  

The Department of Home Affairs leads national celebrations for Harmony Week to recognise diversity and inclusion across our Nation. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. 

Last week, the SSRC coordinated a ‘Paper Chain’ activity. Classes were asked to consider how SJLP fosters harmony among our school community – the theme being ‘Everyone Belongs’. Each child was asked to write/draw on a paper link to complete a class chain. These were then added to a whole-school paper chain. The school boundary fence on Elizabeth Street was clothed with our student ideas in recognition of Harmony Week. 

Mission Pantry & Angels Lunch packs 

The Bible tells us to encourage, support and love one another, and during these hard times it would be easy to excuse yourself from helping others. But there are many families experiencing even harder times who are struggling to provide basics for their children. We would like to say a huge thank you to our St John’s Lutheran Church Family and Angels Community Group for providing a helping hand to our people in need. 

ANZAC DAY Date claimer  

St John’s Lutheran Primary School will again be participating in this year’s ANZAC DAY Commemoration Services – Bargara Dawn Service and Bundaberg Civic Service. Please look out for up-and-coming correspondence to nominate your child’s participation at either of these services as part of the St John’s School Community. 

Leadership – SSRC/Peer Advisory/Health & Wellbeing/ Service Leader Team 

This term the Year 6 Leaders have been meeting on a Friday morning to engage in team building activities and develop their leadership skills, as they serve the needs and greater wellbeing of the school community. Students have been learning about mediation and the qualities necessary to be a mentor to other students in the school community. They identified one area in which they possess a strength and identified an area they would like to explore for growth during the term of the leadership i.e. empathy, active listening, assertiveness etc.

Easter Blessing

Many rich blessings for Holy Week and at Easter. May God bless you and your families as you spend this time together. We pray the joy of the resurrection carries you forward in Christ, as we are his and he is ours, today and forever. 

Empowering Queensland Families with FairPlay Vouchers

Round 10 of the FairPlay vouchers program are open for applications! Designed to promote and support children’s participation in sport and active recreation, FairPlay vouchers offer up to $150 per child, per calendar year, to assist with membership, registration, or participation fees.

What are FairPlay Vouchers?

FairPlay vouchers are a fantastic initiative by the Queensland Government aimed at making sports and active recreation more accessible to families. These vouchers provide financial assistance to offset the costs associated with participating in organised activities, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder children from enjoying the benefits of sports and recreation.

Who is Eligible?

Children eligible to apply for FairPlay Vouchers must meet the following criteria at time of application:

• between the ages of 5 and 17 (inclusive);
• is a resident of Queensland;

• holds, or has a parent, carer or guardian (who is also a resident of Queensland) that holds, a valid Services Australia (Centrelink)Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card with the child’s or young person’s name on it; and
• has not received a FairPlay Voucher this calendar year.

For families who do not have a valid Services Australia Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, but still require financial assistance, remember that schools can act as referral agents. You can contact your child’s school for assistance with obtaining a referral for the FairPlay voucher program.

How to Apply?

Applying for a FairPlay voucher is a straightforward process. Parents, carers, or guardians simply need to register for an Enquire account, if they haven’t already done so, and apply for a voucher when the round is open. Round 10 is currently open, with applications closing on May 1, 2024.

Using Your Voucher

Once you’ve secured your voucher, the next steps are equally simple. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate through:

• Choose an Approved Activity Provider: FairPlay vouchers can only be redeemed with registered activity providers. If your preferred club or organisation isn’t listed, you can encourage them to register.
• Confirm Costs: Reach out to the activity provider to understand the costs associated with the activity. Remember, the voucher can cover membership, registration, or participation fees, but not equipment or uniforms.
• Print Your Voucher: Log in to your Enquire account, locate your voucher under the Vouchers section, and download it. You can then print or email it to the activity provider.
• Redeem Your Voucher: Present the voucher to the activity provider when registering your child and ensure it’s utilised before the expiry date.Bottom of Form

Act Now!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to encourage your child’s participation in sports and active recreation. Whether it’s joining a local soccer team, learning to swim, or trying out gymnastics, FairPlay vouchers can make it happen.

For any queries or assistance, feel free to contact the FairPlay vouchers team via email at fairplayvouchers@dtis.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday.

Let’s empower our children to lead active and healthy lives with FairPlay vouchers!

A “Know Your Bible Study” for women is being held every Friday from 9am to 10.30am.

Meet in the Church Hall youth room, upstairs above the Op Shop. KYB uses a question-and-answer learning style, reinforced by group discussion, summaries and review notes. The straightforward approach is designed to help all people engage with the richness of God’s word for themselves.

The Next study for Term 2 will begin on Friday 19th April with an introduction to the study – Prayers of the Old Testament – Ancient prayers for modern people.
Our group welcomes interested women to join us in growing women in Christ through sharing the Bible.

If you are interested, please contact Alicia Graham on 0448 673 731.

Weekly Awards are presented each week at Chapel & Assembly from 8.45am, SMS notifications are sent prior to this advising of your child’s upcoming award – everyone is welcome to attend.

Please come along and join us before Chapel & Assembly for Coffee & Connect from 8am.

St John’s Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Vacation Care Program is on again during the upcoming Easter holidays!

The below link includes details pertaining to the Vacation Care Program. These holidays, some and very exciting excursions and incursions are planned, so make sure you get your bookings in quickly!

OSHC Vacation Care Program – St John’s Lutheran OSHC Program April 2024

For all bookings and enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Barb Thom on 0409 759 831 or email stjohns.oshc@qlecs.org.au