In this issue

From the Principal

The Google Car

How rapidly the world changes.

One of the things I often ponder is the rate at which the world is changing. The world that we know and enjoy today is not the one that our current students will graduate into in a decade or so. ‘Duh! Of course!’, I hear you say.

But it’s true isn’t it? I went through school in the 80’s and 90’s, finishing Year 12 in 1992. I can still remember one of my teachers standing in the doorway of our primary classroom smoking! I have vivid memories of teachers hitting kids with sticks across the knuckles and of the then ‘old-fashioned’ desks we had that still had holes for ink wells in them. My generation was still using classroom equipment that was designed for a very different era, my Mum and Dad’s era.

Anyway, my school days were different than my own children’s by a mile. My children have gone through school though in an interesting time of change. The old-fashioned computer lab is a thing of the past, a room full of massive boxes and huge monitors used to look and feel so modern, now it just looks like yesterday. LCD laptops are everywhere, kids are using touch screens and even cabling is now irrelevant with the ubiquitous use of Wi-Fi. I can’t remember the last time I actually plugged something into a network point. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, the cloud, smart watch – some people don’t even look at a phone for texts now, they look at their watch!

The shift is so fast, so sustained, so overwhelming. And it’s all in schools. If there is one institution that has to be at the very front of what is happening – it is schools. We are the ones responsible for emerging young people into this crazy world. Preparing them for life that we remember as their parents, would be like my teachers in the 80’s preparing me for a life of ink wells and slates. Unconscionable.

I have commented to parents before that their child may never need to actually get a license because we are already well on the way to self-driving cars, that the Google Car has done millions of kilometers already by itself.

In 2009 Google launched the self-driving car project. By 2015 it had done a million kilometers (well a few of them had collectively), now, just a few years later, that number has jumped exponentially to 5 million kilometers. The project is now called WAYMO and is an independent company whose sole aim is to get autonomous vehicles on our roads. They exist. They are being used. It’s amazing. 5 million kilometers completed! We have to be so careful that we do not cling onto our past. We have to be so careful as parents, as educators, as a community that we are right at the front of our understanding of this stuff and that we are preparing our kids for their future in this world.

Collaboration, communication, innovation, self-direction, synthesis. These, and more, are the soft skills that our kids need now and moving forward. The iPhone is over 10 years old. It changed the world. Anytime now the Google Car is going to hit us, it will change everything once again.

Thank goodness that some things don’t change though. Good schools still need good teachers. Children still need stable and supportive families with solid foundations. Our bodies need good food and appropriate rest. We all need people in our lives both to care for us and to care for. Little kids still need play-dough and plastic scissors. Out teachers and staff remain supportive in relationships with our children and parents and in doing so I offer a ‘pat on the back’ for all the things they do out of love for our kids.

And we all need to be loved by He whose name is Love.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

A number of parents have taken advantage of meeting with teachers for Parent/Teacher Interviews over the last couple of weeks. Thank you for your willingness to maintain open communication between home and school.

Uniform reminder for Term 2

Please note the following reminders regarding uniform requirements:

Earrings can only be gold or silver sleepers or studs.
All black school shoes worn with the uniform must be polished and in good condition
Hair style is to be neat and tidy and must be tied up with a navy blue/red/white hair tie/band once it touches the collar and pinned off the face at all times.
Nail polish is not to be worn to school.

Thank you

I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful ‘collective’ group of students, parents and staff that we have at our school. It is the fabulous support which allows for an environment for our children to come to school each day with a feeling of happiness, contentment, safety and friendship. It is our people, our community – you people, this community, who provide for our children those exciting learning experiences and educational activities that inspire and enthuse.

Happy Easter

Here we are at the end of the term already and its Easter time. In our busy world, Easter has become a great holiday break for many. Those who believe in the One Saviour, Jesus Christ, they are the Ones who receive eternal life. This is because Jesus is the One who paid the price for sin and promised eternal life – not because people have lived a good life but because they trust in what Jesus has done for them. He has saved human beings because of His amazing love. This gives HOPE for the future. The fact that our sins are forgiven and dealt with, and that Jesus rose from the dead demonstrates that Jesus is stronger than sin and stronger than dying. He has won. So, this Easter pause to remember what Easter is really about and praise God that He wants you to be part of His forever family. Take some time to make room and celebrate what Jesus has done! I’d like to wish everyone a blessed Easter. The verse, to the right says it all!

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Thank you for working in partnership with us.

Grace and Peace

Chris Mallett

PRINCIPAL

Curriculum Connections

NAPLAN

Well done to Year 3 and Year 5 students and teachers upon the completion of NAPLAN testing over the past 2 weeks. As always, we will use this information as an additional data set to support forward planning in our school, once it becomes available.

NAPLAN individual student reports (ISRs) are sent directly to schools for distribution to parents/carers in Term 3. In 2023, the ISRs will report student results using the new proficiency standards.

Why is a new proficiency standard being introduced for NAPLAN? Education ministers agreed to change the way NAPLAN results are reported to parents and carers, now that all students are taking the tests online, and with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March. The new proficiency standard will provide earlier, simpler and clearer information to parents and carers about their child’s NAPLAN achievement based on new, more rigorous national standards.

What is a proficiency standard? The new proficiency standard includes 4 measures of achievement for each year level to provide clear and simple information on how a child is performing based on their NAPLAN test result. If a student is in the Strong or Exceeding categories, it means they have demonstrated proficiency and are meeting the expected capabilities for their year level. If a child has not yet achieved proficiency, then they will either be in the Developing category or the Needs additional support category.

Year One Writing

This term our Year One classes have been learning about animals and their habitats. To assist with this, they have been learning about information reports in English. First of all, they have researched facts about animals. Students made a list of questions to investigate and used these to create an Animal Fact File. They then used the fact files to investigate the animals and take notes about the important facts. After creating some information reports together, it was time for students to have a go at independently writing their own information report. This week students voted to choose some animals to write the information reports about. The teachers helped by googling the students’ questions and reading out the facts that we found. Students took notes in their Animal Fact File. Students then used the fact files to write their information report. When students completed the information report they edited it, checking for full stops and capitals. Finally, they drew a labelled diagram to attach to their information report. Everyone did an amazing job! Mrs Carroll and I were invited to visit our Year One friends to read their wonderful writing and share in everyone’s achievements. We were so impressed that we asked Miss Bryan and Mrs Burt to share a selection of writing for our newsletter this week.

: Isla

: Giselle

: Jessica

: Maileah

: Sam

: Olivia

: Oliver

: Landyn

: Jayce

: Flynn

: Charlotte

Holiday Activities

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.
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.
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 Easter. Read about the Easter story, watch a movie or YouTube clip and discuss the message with your child.
Remember to take the time to rest and spend time together.

I wish you all a truly blessed, safe and enjoyable holiday period.

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Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

COMBINED STEP UP TO COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION CLASS

Pastor Greg and Pastor Graham will be conducting a combined Step Up to Communion and Confirmation Class each Wednesday afternoon from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. in the St. John’s Supper Room, commencing on Wednesday, 19th April. Confirmation will be held at St. John’s on Reformation Sunday, 29th October. Please Contact St John’s Church Office on (07) 4152 5900 if you would like further information.

HARMONY WEEK COLOURING/POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION

Students from St John’s SSRC conducted a Colouring and Poster Design competition in recognition of Harmony Week – ‘Everyone Belongs’ from 20-26 March. Harmony Week is a celebration that recognizes diversity and brings Australians together from all different backgrounds.

Thankyou to the students who have submitted an entry into this competition. Entries will be displayed outside of the school office and judged later this week. Winning entries will be announced this coming Friday at our school Chapel/Assembly Service.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE PARTICIPATION

Correspondence was sent home at the conclusion of last week requesting student participation in the annual Bundaberg Regional Council Anzac Day Services – Bundaberg Civic Service and Dawn Service in Bargara. Thankyou to those families who have returned participation forms or made contact via email. We look forward to having our students, parents/caregivers and staff commit to one of these services. In doing so we join together to honour our Australian and New Zealand soldiers, that have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations. We recognise and are eternally grateful for the sacrifices that were made for us. Our students are expected to wear their uniforms with pride, and uphold our core values as a school during participation. Please contact our school office should you require further information regarding ANZAC DAY service participation.

EASTER TRADITIONS

How can you nurture your FAITH at Easter?

Our friends at Grow Ministries suggest, there are four core things that can help positively shape our children’s faith, values, and character. These keys strengthen not only the life of individuals but also the communities where we live. They are;

Caring conversations and time (as mentioned above)
Devotions – relating to ‘God’
Family Service to one another
Rituals and Traditions (everyday things OR every year things)

Why not form a new Easter Tradition for your loved ones this year and attend an Easter Service such as the Good Friday Easter Service? Or on Easter Sunday morning, greet one another with the traditional Easter greeting ‘Christ is risen!’ and replying ‘He is risen indeed!’ Forming and repeating some of these practices, year after year, can give your children a wonderful store of memories, experiences that bond your family together and a framework for growing and understanding their faith.

Contact St John’s Lutheran Church Bundaberg for details of Easter Services on (07) 4152 5900 or at office@stjohnsbundy.org.au We wish you a safe and blessed Easter and give thanks to God for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His only son for the gift of salvation for us all.

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P&F Update & School News

P&F News

Term 1 has flown by. We would like to take this opportunity to again warmly welcome all of our new families and welcome back our current families. This year we sent out over 50 Welcome Bags to our new Prep families and we were delighted to again hold a Welcome BBQ after having to put this event on hold for the past 3 years. Thank you to all of our Volunteers who helped on the night and in the lead up to these events.

Shrove Tuesday we provided the school with Mini Pancakes. A huge Thank You goes out to The Cupcake Girls who kindly donated our delicious Dairy & Gluten Free option on the day. An amazing local business and current St John’s family. Thank you again!

All excess Pancakes were donated to Angels Mini Mart by our Service Leader Lawson & SSRC Representative Phoebe. Thank you to Mrs Carroll & Mrs Heidke for accompanying the children for this donation.

Our next General P&F Meeting will be held on Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 5:30pm at the School. Everyone is welcome and we would love for you to join us. In the meantime, if you have any queries or suggestions, please email pandf@stjohnsbundaberg.qld.edu.au

Blessings for the holiday period

St John’s P&F Executive

Life Education Van – Triple P Resilience Seminar

Helping your kids cope with life’s ups and downs and learn more about raising resilient children, giving them the know-how to tackle problems, now and in the future. Please see attached a flyer about this free seminar that will be held on Thursday 4 May 2023. More details to come.

Think U Know Presentation

On Monday the 20th of February, the students of St John’s had some visitors from Queensland police. They held a presentation in the hall all about cyber safety! The stunning presentation taught us all about being safe on the internet such as keeping our personal information a secret, the dangers of chatting with strangers online and the importance of sticking to age limits.

Did you know that your name in games shouldn’t be your real name? You should have a name that doesn’t give away your identity like ‘Potato Slayer’ or ‘Superhero999’. The presentation also told us that you shouldn’t post inappropriate information such as your age, name or address. When you post videos or use your personal information, people can find out truckloads of personal information about you which can make you unsafe both online and in your real life.

Another thing we found out was that the average gamer is 33 years old. So you may not be chatting with someone who is the same age as you. Watch out! They might be older than you think or they might lie to you.

Finally, age limits matter. Some games have an age limit such as MA 15+ for users under this age, it might be inappropriate. There is plenty of time to play these games when we are older.

Stay cyber safe and have a great day!

Connor and Dakoda

Thank you for this timely reminder Connor & Dakoda – just in time for School holidays.

Lost Property

We currently have a number of lost property items in the office. The following items are currently waiting to be collected by their owner. If you recognise any of these items, we encourage students and parents to visit the office to collect. Any uncollected items remaining at the end of term will be donated.

Year 6 Easter Raffle Fundraising

Thank you to everyone who supported this raffle and a huge Thank You to all of the businesses who donated items to make this raffle absolutely amazing. The Multi-Prize Raffle will be drawn this Friday 31 March 2023. Good luck to everyone who purchased tickets.

Learn n Play Tennis Sessions

Join Bundaberg Tennis Academy’s Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach, Kevin Banner & become a Tennis Hot Shot. Kevin will be conducting Learn n Play Tennis Sessions with lots of fun & games at the Tennis Courts at school for Grades 3-6 every Tuesday morning from 7:40 – 8:25am commencing in Week 3 (2 May 2023). Cost TBC (approx $96.00 for the 8 weeks).

Loan racquets are available and racquets are available for purchase. Limited vacancies with minimum of 6 players. Please register before attending and if you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Kevin on 0409 520 753.

Kind Regards

Kevin Banner

Tennis Australia Club Professional Tennis Coach

Bundaberg Tennis Academy & Bundaberg Junior Tennis Assoc Inc

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Uniform Shop – Winter Uniforms

With the cooler months approaching, now is a timely reminder to please check the sizing of all of your winter uniform items. During the school holidays we will be opening the Uniform Shop on Monday 3 April, Tuesday 4 April and Wednesday 5 April 2023. Please be aware that this will be by appointment only and spaces are limited. This is an opportunity for parents to purchase any new uniforms (in preparation for School Photo Day) and Winter items that may be required during the cooler months.

Prep students require a Prep Pullover (Jumper) and Prep Track Pants. Please note: Tights are not part of the Prep Uniform.

Years 1 – 6 require the following:

Girls	Boys
*Formal Uniform*	*Formal Uniform*
Knit Jumper	Knit Jumper
Cotton Tights (optional)	Trousers (optional)

*Sports Uniform*	*Sports Uniform*
Sports Jacket	Sports Jacket
Sports Track Pants	Sports Track Pants

Appointments can be made via the following link: https://www.picktime.com/StJohnsUniformShop

If you know your sizing, please feel free to fill out and return the following forms to the school office: school@stjohnsbundaberg.qld.edu.au and we will advise when your order is ready to collect.

Prep Uniforms: Order Form

Boys Uniforms: Order Form

Girls Uniforms: Order Form

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.

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School Photo Day – Reminder

The school has engaged MSP Photography to create our school records this year and you are invited to purchase prints of your child/ren. Photo day will take place on Tuesday 18 April, 2023. (1st week of Term 2)

Please find below important information directly from MSP Photography regarding ordering and photo day:

On photo day, every student will be photographed regardless of whether you are purchasing or not. Your child will be bringing home a personalised order envelope from the photographers very soon. Please take care to read and follow all the instructions carefully. This will ensure your order is processed smoothly and efficiently and will help you to avoid any late fees. You will have the option to order online or with cash in your child’s envelope.

Additional order envelopes are available from the school office for separated parents, blended families and grandparents. You will need to collect these on or before photo day and give it to the photographer on photo day. Please be sure to write “Mum’s order” or “Dad’s order” on top of your envelope.

Sibling Photos

Sibling photos are only for siblings who all attend the school. Sibling photos can be ordered via the sibling envelope form that was sent home, and following the instructions on the envelope.

NOTE: Online sibling orders close at midday the day before photo day. (Monday 17 April, 2023) Cash orders can still be accepted on photo day.

As school staff are unable to help with photography enquiries or payments, please direct your questions and comments directly to MSP Photography by phoning 4921 3355 or to schoolphotos.cq@msp.com.au

Thank you for working with us and we look forward to a great photo day. Keep smiling!

MSP Photography Team

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Community News

Spinneroos Table Tennis

Spinneroos gives kids a great first experience with Table Tennis! Your child will learn all the basics to enjoy this great game and is perfect for children of all abilities.

Each child will receive their very own Spinneroos bag to get started which includes a t-shirt with their name, balls and a bat.

Program runs on Wednesday afternoons between 3 May – 21 June 2023 – 4:30-5:30pm each week for ages 7-11 years.

To find out more and to book your child in this 8 week program, please see the attached flyer or visit spinneroos.com.au

The Surfing Scientist

The Eat, Breathe, Move program brings Ruben Meerman to Bundaberg to deliver a series of engaging public lectures and professional development workshops around the “carbon in, carbon out” concept. Learn the science behind eating, movement and breathing…with an explosion or two thrown in to demonstrate the facts!

Ruben Meerman (The Surfing Scientist) will engage the audience in the fascinating science behind how the food you eat becomes the carbon dioxide you exhale, why we breathe more during exercise and what this means for our weight and health. The whole family will benefit from this intriguing presentation on health.

Please see the attached flyer for more details on this free event.

“Get Active” Tennis Clinic for Children

Where: Bundaberg Junior Tennis Association, Rotary Park Tennis Complex, 69B George Street, South Bundaberg (2 blocks from Woolworths Petrol/Kmart, diagonally across from The Melbourne Hotel)

Junior Beginners (5 – 12 years) 8:30am – 10:30am. Cost $15.00

High School / Intermediate / Advanced – 2:00pm – 4:30pm. Cost $22.00

Limited class sizes with maximum of 8 players. Bookings are essential!

Conducted by Bundaberg Tennis Academy Professional Tennis Coaches Murray & Kevin

To make a booking or for further information please contact – Kevin Banner: 0409 520 753 & Murray Whitbread: 0407 639 824

Tennis lessons will also continue at school for Term 3. Please see the School News article for more information.

Minions: The Rise of Gru ~ Moncrieff Theatre

The Moncrieff Theatre will be screening the free movie: Minions: The Rise of Gru on Wednesday, 12 April 2023 at 10.30am. Whilst tickets are free, bookings are essential as seating is allocated: https://aubundaberg.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/93848

The colouring-in competition closes at 4pm on Tuesday, 11 April 2023. Please keep in mind the Moncrieff will be closed for Easter from 5pm on Thursday, 6 April and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 11 April. Winners will be contacted directly, and first names only will be announced on the Moncrieff Facebook page on Wednesday 12 April.

Bargara Little Athletics

You are invited to Bargara Little Athletics Come n Try days on Sunday 16 April & Sunday 23 April at Bargara Sports Complex. Both Sunday sessions are an opportunity to come and try without paying the $10 Trial fee.

WHO can join?
We offer the Tiny Tots program for 3 and 4 year olds. Athletes run in age groups from Under 6 to Under 17.
We also offer a Senior Program for any interested adults.
Seniors Club Fee: $40 (Senior athletes are also required to be registered as an independent athlete (base membership) with Queensland Athletics (QA) not through LAQ.)

2023 Registration Costs
Tiny Tots: $55
U6-17: $130

Start date for 2023:- Sunday 16th April (Come ‘n’ Try). For more information please visit: www.bargaraathletics.org.au

Wattle Woman Kids Workshop

Scan the QR Code on the below photos or visit www.wattlewoman.com.au to purchase tickets for these sessions.

The Windeward Bound Fundraising

Past students Jaryn & Ashtynne Gallwey are trying to fundraise $2500 each after being selected to complete the Windeward Bound Youth Leadership Challenge in May. It is a 10 day voyage up the coast, where they partner with Refugee teens to help teach them English and life skills whilst actually running a traditional tall ship for an amazing experience of cross-cultural sharing, personal
challenges, team-building, and leadership development.

You can follow the journey and the program on Facebook: facebook.com/windewardbound

Congratulations to this fortnight’s award recipients
Prep Red	Olivia Zunker, Darcie Dunsmore, Archer Anderson, Briella-May Whitney, Kirra Williams, Sonny Pohlman
Prep Blue	Ned Campbell, Lexi Loch, Ruby Wheeler, Liam Ale, Murphy Carter, Mitchell Steindl, Ava Williams
Year 1 Red	Eve Welch, Marcus Merrett, Bennett Smith, Dakota Than
Year 1 Blue	Samuel Austin, Archer Loeskow, Gabriella Chase, Connor Farley
Year 2 Red	Thoryn Murphy, Myles Holzberger, Harper Daley, Ashleigh Tonkin, Harper Fulcher, Mila McKeown, Laila Hay, Lillian Pozzan
Year 2 Blue	Ebony-Grace Gallwey, Lucy Orford, Azaiah Clarke, Gabriel Clarke
Year 3 Red	George Carter, Jhett Lord, Poppy Burfield, Austin Routledge
Year 3 Blue	Alexandra Perez, Chloe Warburton, Adrian Lu, Chloe Warburton, Darcy Angel, Tiffany Fyfe
Year 4	Seavanna Lovett, Jack Tonkin, James Hendrick, Kelsie Norris
Year 4/5	Oliver Commandeur, Bailey Green, Hayden Evans, Kamdyn Burkitt, Abigail O’Brien
Year 5	Aiden Smith, Asa Farrar, Lindon Merrett, Lachlan Ewald, Nixon Jones, Eloise Milton
Year 6	Dakoda Atkinson, Sienna Evans, Caius Norris, Charlie McDonald
Music	Adrian Lu, Poppy Burfield, Eugene Tchong, Charlotte Hood, Scarlett Porter, Layla Heading, Sophie Warburton, Charlie Hill
Principal’s Award	Samuel Austin

Date	Activity	Venue	Details
Fri 31 Mar	Chapel & Assembly	St John’s Church	8.45am – All Welcome. Come and join us for Coffee & Connect from 8am.
Fri 31 Mar	Last Day of Term 1	–	Have a safe & blessed holidays
Mon 17 Apr	Term 2 commences	–	Welcome back to all our families
Tues 18 Apr	School Photo Day	–	Please refer to email sent 20th February 2023.

Past Issues

Year 1 Animal Experts!

Issue 6 - 24 April 2024

Issue 5 - 27 March 2024

Issue 4 - 13 March 2024

Issue 3 - 28 February 2024

Issue 2 - 14 February 2024

In this issue

Past Issues

Year 1 Animal Experts!

Issue 6 - 24 April 2024

Issue 5 - 27 March 2024

Issue 4 - 13 March 2024

Issue 3 - 28 February 2024

Issue 2 - 14 February 2024

In this issue

From the Principal

From the Principal

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Curriculum Connections

Curriculum Connections

Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

P&F Update & School News

P&F Update & School News

P&F News

Life Education Van – Triple P Resilience Seminar

Lost Property

Year 6 Easter Raffle Fundraising

Learn n Play Tennis Sessions

Uniform Shop – Winter Uniforms

Uniform Shop – Winter Uniforms

Uniform Shop – Winter Uniforms

St John’s Vacation Care – Book Now

St John’s Vacation Care – Book Now

Weekly Awards

Weekly Awards

School Photo Day – Reminder

School Photo Day – Reminder

Two Weeks at a Glance

Two Weeks at a Glance

Community News

Community News

Spinneroos Table Tennis

The Surfing Scientist

“Get Active” Tennis Clinic for Children

Minions: The Rise of Gru ~ Moncrieff Theatre

Bargara Little Athletics

Wattle Woman Kids Workshop

The Windeward Bound Fundraising