In this issue

Welcome to Term 2!

I hope that you have had a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break with your family and that you are ready for another exciting term. Term 2 will present many wonderful opportunities for our students to strive for their personal best in a variety of pursuits. We ask that you continue to work with us as educators, so that together we can encourage our children to give their best effort always.

Achieving Your Personal Best

The idea of a Personal Best or ‘PB’ encourages students to meet and exceed their own best performance and standards. Athletes tend to judge their own performances by how close to their ‘PB’ it is. It can be a huge source of disappointment to fall below this in a major championship.

In a recent article I read regarding work/life balance, the following was noted:

Your ‘PB’ can be used as a tool to navigate your own performances and expectations. A ‘PB’ is an acknowledgment that an individual gave their best possible response based on the knowledge and capabilities they had in that moment. In our normal day-to-day life, some of the criteria we can use for assessing our own ‘PB’ is to ask ourselves some of the following questions:

• Am I thinking clearly here?
• What can I learn from the feelings I have in this situation?
• Are these feelings an accurate representation of reality?
• How can I solve this problem in the short-term?
• What steps can I take to ensure it doesn’t happen again?
• Have I done my best?

There’s a satisfaction and honour that comes with doing your ‘PB’ in any given situation. I commend our students to this notion. Commit to doing your ‘PB’ this term.

Cross Country

Talking of achieving our personal best – last Friday was our annual Cross Country carnival. A great day for our children with much support from our parent and friend community. Thank you to our students for the spirit in which you engaged in the cross country. There was a lovely atmosphere of support and encouragement.

Thank you to parents and staff for your help and support during the carnival. I especially acknowledge Nathan Higgins for his organization and coordination of the carnival throughout the day.

ANZAC Day

On Tuesday 25 April members of our school community represented St John’s at the Dawn Service at Bargara as well as the Bundaberg Civic Service. Thank you to the families who came and represented our school at either or both of those services. Honouring ANZAC Day is an important way to continue the legacy of those men and women who have served our country for the freedoms we enjoy today. Again, deep thanks to the children, parents and staff who gave of their time to join our school for ANZAC Day commemorations on Tuesday. We will be honouring ANZAC Day at school on Friday at Chapel/Assembly. All welcome.

Australian Cricketer – Visit

Recently we were very fortunate to welcome Australian Women’s Cricketer Beth Mooney to our school. Beth is well known to Abbey-Rose Gaston and her family and as such we were able to host Beth at our school for a quick visit whilst she was in Bundaberg for cricket. Beth spoke with the senior class about all things cricket and the children had many questions for her about her cricketing career. It was wonderful to be able to host an elite sportsperson at our school and for the children to learn more about what it takes to play sport at the elite level.

Thank you Abbey-Rose (and family) for connecting us with Beth and ‘showing’ her off in and around our school.

Futsal

On Monday and Wednesday of this week a number of our Year4-6 students completed in the Wide Bay Futsal competition. This was a wonderful opportunity for our young people and enabled them to compete against other schools from across the region. On Monday one of our teams won the competition and will be invited to compete in Brisbane at the State competition later this year and the second team came runners-up! A fabulous effort. Thank you to students and parents for your support of this event. Especially, I thanks Mr Bakker and Mr Higgins for coaching and supervising.

Chapel Offerings

Our offerings this term continue to support our Compassion child. Students are reminded to bring their offering along each Friday morning. Our first Chapel for the term is this Friday 28 April.

Contact Information

If any changes to contact details (home address, phones, email contacts etc.) has occurred in recent times and these have not been updated at school, please contact the school office as soon as possible. This is extremely important should we need to contact you urgently regarding your child.

Grooming and Workbook Standards

Parents are reminded of the need to ensure that grooming and the wearing of uniforms are in line with the school’s expectations.

Particularly, we would draw your attention to the following areas:

• Boys’ and girls’ hair is to be kept clean, neat and tidy, off the face; of natural appearance, not dyed, tinted or bleached. Boys’ hair should be short.
• Black leather shoes should be plain, conventional lace-up and well maintained.
• Students may not wear any makeup at any time.
• Girls may wear gold or silver studs of sleepers only.

Our students have a responsibility to uphold the ethos of our school and to show pride in such by wearing the uniform correctly – both at school and when in the community. Your support in this regard is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for working in partnership with us.

Grace and Peace

Chris Mallett

Welcome back to school for Term 2 – I look forward to working in partnership with your family this term. Classroom teachers have some exciting learning prepared for each class this term.

Homework

Homework for Term 2 begins this week. Homework at St John’s is generally set as a weekly contract with homework being distributed on Tuesday and returned on the following Monday. The amount of homework is determined by each class teacher; however, work should be:

• A realistic amount.
• A follow up or revision of work being taught in the classroom.
• Relative to the work being taught in the classroom.
• Spelling that has been determined by individual student needs and developmental level – spelling should be practised at least four nights per week. Completing spelling in one night is not best practise and does not support your child’s spelling development.
• Times Tables or maths facts knowledge to be reviewed and rote learnt.
• Reading is to always be encouraged and should be attended to at least four nights per week.

How long should homework roughly take?

• Prep – throughout the year Prep students will have literacy and/or numeracy activities.
• Year 1 – 15 minutes
• Year 2 – 15 minutes
• Year 3 – 20 minutes
• Year 4 – 25 minutes
• Year 5 – 30 minutes
• Year 6 – 40 minutes

On occasion this may include completing unfinished class work and research for ‘in-class’ assignments, more likely in the senior year levels. As the year progresses, Year 6 students may be asked to complete work overnight to prepare them for the challenges of high school commitments. The above time allocations do not include reading.  Parents are very strongly encouraged to read with their child/ren every night in all classes, with four nights recorded as a minimum.

Students with special or individual needs should receive homework that is modified to suit their needs.

Homework shouldn’t be too stressful, if you or child has concerns regarding homework, please speak to the classroom teacher.

Five Good Homework Habits for Kids

Start by building a foundation of good homework and study habits that dictate where, when, and how homework should be done. Here are six of the best homework habits you can help your child establish.

1. Set a Homework Schedule

One of the easiest ways to help your child develop their best homework habits is to set aside homework time each day. Having daily homework time will prevent procrastination and ensure that your child is on track to finish his work on time.

Some children may prefer to do homework as soon as they get home. Others may need some time to play and burn off energy before settling in with their assignments. If your schedule changes daily with after-school sports and activities, consider instituting homework rules instead. For example, your child might have to do his homework before having any screen time.

Setting a schedule will help homework become a regular part of the day, rather than a daily disagreement between you and your child.

2. Provide a Regular Homework Space

Another important part of establishing a regular homework schedule is providing your child with a space to do his/her homework. Older students may enjoy having a desk with storage for supplies and a large space to work.

Younger children who need more help with their homework may prefer working at the kitchen table or in another communal space in the house. This can be especially helpful when your child is working on subjects or tasks that he struggles with.

Wherever your child is most comfortable, make sure he/she has the room and supplies he/she needs to develop good homework and study habits.

3. Assist Your Child (But Not Too Much!)

One of the trickiest parts of establishing good homework habits for kids is deciding how much help they need. Some parents may be tempted to rush over the moment they see their child is getting frustrated. However, it is important for students young and old to challenge themselves and work through frustration.

At the first complaint or sign of frustration, encourage your child to keep trying. Here are a few easy ways to keep him/her moving on a tricky question or task:

• Ask if he has completed all the sections he/she understands before tackling the ones he doesn’t.
• Provide encouragement and praise when he/she makes a step in the right direction.
• Ask what /heshe remembers from class that might help her.
• Determine if there are additional resources he/she may need, words he needs to have defined, or directions he needs to have clarified.

There will certainly be times when your child will need help, but homework is designed to reinforce skills and subjects taught in class. Doing your child’s homework or helping her too much will only hurt his/her learning in the long run.

4. Stay Positive and Confident

Keeping your cool will help homework become a positive opportunity for your child to practice the skills they learn in the classroom. It’s also your chance to see what your child is learning and make sure he/she has the tools he needs to succeed.

Praise your child not only when they get the answer right away, but when they struggle and persevere. Remaining confident in your child’s abilities throughout the process is key to thier own self-belief.

5. Give Your Child A Say

With all of the tips above kept in mind — be flexible. School days are long, and some children may need a break before digging into homework after school. Talk with your child about when, where, and how he does his homework best.

Just like adults, some children may work better with music or white noise. Others may prefer silence. Some may like to be left alone and ask questions at the end, while others may like to go back and forth with a parent as they need. Children may prefer to do one subject at a time or bounce between them to stay interested.

Giving your child a voice will help them develop personal best homework habits. In turn, your child will have the skills needed to grow homework and study habits for the rest of their educational years.

You can read more about homework habits using this link: Homework Habits Link

Grace and peace

Jocelyn Bakker

Director of Learning and Teaching

HARMONY WEEK COLOURING/POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION WINNERS

Congratulations to the winning recipients of the SSRC Harmony Week Colouring/Poster Design Competition.

Thank you to all students who submitted an entry into this competition, acknowledging ‘Everyone Belongs.’ Thank you to our SSRC representatives who facilitated this opportunity to value and celebrate the diversity of our St John’s Community.

CQU EMPOWERING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH TEAM PD

Staff from St John’s Lutheran Primary School and other surrounding Bundaberg Independent and Catholic Schools met last Thursday afternoon at St John’s Lutheran Primary School, taking part in a Professional Learning Opportunity facilitated by Dr Joanne Orlando, Dr Kwong Nui Sim and Associate Professor Michael Cowling. This presentation was based on research that was conducted in 2022 with our Year 6 St John’s students. Responses from our school were analysed as part of a State Wide Research Project and informed a Framework for Digital Wellbeing in/outside of schools for students transitioning to independent use of technology. WE thank the team for their travel from Sydney and Brisbane to present to our Educators. Thankyou also to our teachers who commited their time to taking part as active participants in this presentation.

ESAFETY COMMISSIONER PARENT WEBINARS/RESOURCES

Please follow the link to gain access to webinar information and registration including:

• Parental Controls (Software Tools – monitor, filter, block etc.)
• Digital Technologies and Mental Health
• Cyber bullying and online drama

Parent resources | eSafety Commissioner

LIFE EDUCATION PARENT/CARER HUB

As part of a School-Wide Personal Health and Development Plan, students from Prep-Year Three will be involved in a complementary educational program run by Life Education Queensland. The Primary Program aligns to the Australian Curriculum Learning Area of Health and Physical Education and will be delivered by an experienced Life Education Consultant. The program offers opportunity for students to learn more about physical and emotional growth and development, covering key concepts from nutrition, healthy eating, personal safety and respectful relationships. All key learnings are addressed in a fun, interactive and age-appropriate manner. Student sessions will occur at school during the regular school day during from Tuesday 9 May-Thursday 11 May 2023. Parents are encouraged to join us for a Triple P ‘Building Resilient Children’ Parent Zoom session, scheduled on Thursday 4 May from 4:30 p.m. for approximately one hour. Please register your interest in the ‘Building Resilient Children’ Parent Zoom session  https://forms.office.com/r/Mphnv8hqGq

Further information regarding the Life Education ‘Talk About It’ program for students in Years Four-Six will be communicated mid-term. A parent session will also accompany these presentations.

ANZAC DAY

Thank you to those families who participated in one of the Bundaberg Regional Council Anzac Day Services. St John’s families were widely represented at Bundaberg Civic, Bargara, Moore Park and Elliot Heads Services. In doing so we joined together to honour our Australian and New Zealand soldiers, that served and died in all wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations. We are eternally grateful for the sacrifices that were made for us. Our students wore their uniforms with pride, and upheld our core values as a school during participation.

SSRC MEETINGS TERM 2 2023

Date Claimers for this term’s SSRC meetings are;

Week 2 – 27 April

Week 5 – 18 May

Week 8 – 08 June

SSRC Meetings are held during morning tea (play and eating time) on Thursdays in the Library Courtyard.

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. We are pleased to announce that we will be re-opening the Uniform Shop one morning and one afternoon every week for packing and processing orders. Further information regarding bookings will be sent in separate correspondence. 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 or 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:

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 these will be packed during the Uniform Shops opening hours 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. 

P&F Update

Mothers Day Stall 2023

This year we will be holding our Mother’s Day Stall in the hall on Monday 8 May. There will be many different products available Purchasing a gift is not compulsory. If you would like your child to participate, gifts are available ranging in price from just $1.00 to $10.00. A complimentary gift bag service will be available. So, as well as your Mothers’ Day gift being inexpensive, it will be a real surprise!

We recommend that students bring their money in a sealed labelled envelope so that it does not get lost. A limited amount of change will be available on the day and, as such, we ask for your assistance by trying to send small notes or coins. CASH ONLY.

Parent help is greatly appreciated as these events are unable to go ahead without volunteers to help run the stall. If you are able to help in any way, big or small, please follow the Volunteer Link: Mother’s Day Volunteer Form

General P&F Meeting – All Welcome

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

We hope you can attend.

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.

Lost Property

We currently have a number of lost property items in the office waiting to be collected by their owner. We encourage students and parents to visit the office to check for any missing items. Any uncollected items remaining at the end of term are donated. In preparation for the cooler months, please ensure that all jumpers and long pants are clearly named so that we can return these items to their owner in a timely manner.

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 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

Lunch Time Craft Club

This term we will be offering a lunch time craft club for junior students. To assist with this, we would love to collect items such as empty cardboard boxes, plastic containers (such as berry containers), craft items such as clean plastic lids, wool, material scraps. If you have any of these items, please drop them in at the school office or to Mrs Peta Burt in Year 1 Blue. Please ensure all items sent in are empty and clean. To ensure the health and safety of all students please do not send in egg cartons, boxes that have contained nuts (please check muesli bars and cereal to ensure they do not contain nuts), medicine packets, milk bottles or toilet roll tubes. Thanks for your assistance.

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.