From the Principal
How wealthy are you?
There was a boy, whose family was very wealthy. One day his father took him on a trip to the country, where he aimed to show his son, how poor people live. So they arrived to a farm of a very poor family, as he considered. They spend several days there. On their return, the father asked his son, did he like the trip.
“Oh, it was great, Dad,” the boy replied.
“Did you notice, how poor people live?”
“Yeah, I did,” said the boy. The father asked his son to tell in more details about his impressions from their trip“.
“Well, we have only one dog, and they have four of them. In our garden there is a pool, while they have a river that has no end. We‘ve got expensive lanterns, but they have stars above their heads at night. We have the patio, and they have the whole horizon. We have only a small piece of land, while they have the endless fields. We buy food, but they grow it. We have a high fence for protection of our property, and they don‘t need it, as their friends protect them”
The father was stunned, he could not say a word.
Then the boy added, “Thank you, Dad, for letting me see how poor we are.”
True wealth and happiness are not measured by materials things. Love, friendship and freedom are far more valuable. I know I will be re-focusing my priorities. Will you?
Some tips for helping your child have a successful end-of-term
I came across some great ideas recently whilst wading through some old files. Sometimes it’s the ‘old tried and true’ methods, which abounded during our childhood, that stand the test of time. I hope you find them useful.
Help your child get organised. Instead of doing everything for your child, encourage them to be active in the organisation process. Let your child experience the ease of being able to find things, the joy of being on time, and the sense of control that organisation will bring.
Plan ahead so mornings go smoothly. There is an old saying, “well begun is half done,” and it certainly is true about getting off to school. Start planning the night before by making sure your child gets enough rest. A slightly earlier bedtime may make a big difference to your child’s ability to function in the morning. Have your child lay out clothes before bed, and put everything else needed for school in the backpack. It is a good idea to have your child put the backpack right on top of his/her shoes, so he/she can’t leave the house without it.
Help your child keep up with work. Share a tip from time-management experts: break tasks into manageable parts, and do one at a time until the job is finished.
Get a handle on homework. Provide a place for your child to do homework, and make sure your child has the necessary supplies. Keep things like pencils, paper, ruler and coloured markers all together in a pencil box or shoe box to save time looking around when doing homework. Set a time to do homework. Some families like to do homework right after school, while others prefer doing it after dinner. Whatever you decide, find what works for everyone in your family, then stick to it as often as possible. Don’t forget to read!
Keep track of important notes from school. Here’s an easy way: the minute your child gets home, stick the note on the refrigerator or magnetic bulletin board. It won’t get lost in a pile of papers, and it won’t succumb to the “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” syndrome, either.
Try some offbeat ways to entice your child to read. Use a current film as a starting point to encourage your child to dip into the book it is based on. Or help your child to write a letter to the author of a favourite book. (Send it to the publisher – most authors are good about replying to letters from children.) Do all you can to foster your child’s love of reading. Video games are fun, but they don’t develop vocabulary and language skills the way reading does.
Take a critical look at your child’s activities. Be careful that screen time does not take up lots of time – especially during the week. Ensure that there is a balance of inside and outside activity.
Remember the power of praise. Let it work its magic to motivate your child. Displaying a child’s best work is a form of praise. Add a special touch to an especially good piece of work by having it laminated. (You can do it yourself with clear contact paper.)
Celebrate your child’s effort and attitude as successes, no matter how small. Learning is not always easy for children, and sometimes their progress may be measured in very small steps – and particularly the attitude and effort they put in rather than the outcome or result itself. When your child does master a new skill through hard work, effort and attitude, rejoice together.
Maintain consistent rules and approaches at home. Irrespective of what you believe to be important values in your home, maintaining a clear set of ‘expectations’ in line with your beliefs and values is important for stability in your child. Whilst this can be hard to stick to, it remains important to do so in order to send clear and consistent messages of expectations to your child. You could even try aligning your expectations with that of our school.
Our 6 Rs are as follows: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Random-Acts-of-Kindness and Rigour and Relationships.
Thank you for working in partnership with us.
Grace and Peace
Chris Mallett
PRINCIPAL
Curriculum Connections
Year 5 Council Engagement Our Year 5 class, under the direction of Mr Bakker are engaged in an Inquiry and Design Unit: Preparedness = Resilience …
Curriculum Connections
Year 5 Council Engagement
Our Year 5 class, under the direction of Mr Bakker are engaged in an Inquiry and Design Unit: Preparedness = Resilience
This unit covers the key themes of:
- Preparing our Minds – knowing the local hazard risks, where to find information, understanding that hazard events can be stressful and scary and some methods to help cope.
- Preparing ourselves and our Households – what to include in an Emergency Kit and why, making an Emergency Plan for all the household.
- Preparing our Homes -what measures can be taken to protect property and possessions against natural disasters.
Our Year 5 students recently had Anne Kirby and David Batt visit from the Community Resilience Team at Bundaberg Regional Council. This visit provided students the opportunity to form a partnership with these members of council and learn about the Bundaberg Council’s Disaster Management Dashboard website for the community. The students learnt that this dashboard provides community members with key information on the natural disaster management and preparation for the Bundaberg region. The students were able to ask questions and engage in real-life feedback around their unit of work.
Scientists at Prep
Our youngest learners have been learning all about Australia. Under the direction of Mrs Higgins and Mrs Jones the Prep students have been investigating how to group plants and animals based on external features and are exploring ways people make and use observations and questions to learn about the natural world. Students are learning about the importance of country to First Nations Australians and learning to explain ways to care for places around us.
It has been very exciting in Prep learning about how plants grow and that scientists draw pictures, take photos and use labels to record and give information. To support this learning our Prep students planted their own bean seeds to watch how they grow and took photos of the features – roots, stem, leaves and other physical features.
ICAS
We have had a number of parents enquiring about ICAS in 2023. Please note that we will be running Mathematics and English ICAS sessions for those students in Years 2 – Year 6. Mathematics and English tests will be held in August as per the ICAS schedule. Parents of students in Years 2 – Year 6 will receive an email prior to this sitting window with key information for sign-up and payment. If you have any questions, please reach out at any time.
Bundaberg Show
Competition schedules for 2023 have been added to the Bundaberg Show site. There are approximately 24 different sections for competitors to enter and compete where they can showcase their crafts and skills. These range from handcrafts and cooking to several animal classes.
There are a large number of competitions for all skill levels to enter. Bundaberg has many craft groups who oversee and help to set the requirements of each individual competition schedule. These groups provide the Stewards who do a wonderful job of coordinating and laying out the display cases, allocating stables or cattle stalls etc.
Sections your child may like to enter include Fruit and Vegetable, Cooking and Iced Cakes, Crafty Creations, Lego and more!
If your child would like to enter you can find all of the details, along with entry forms here: https://www.bundabergshow.com.au/get-involved/competitors
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
RE: Community Sunday Worship Service – Sunday 18 June 2023 We invite you and your family to join with us for our Community Sunday Worship …
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
RE: Community Sunday Worship Service – Sunday 18 June 2023 
We invite you and your family to join with us for our Community Sunday Worship Service with the St John’s Lutheran Church congregation on Sunday 18 June 2023 commencing at 9.00 am.
We would love you to come along and be part of this special time together. Worshipping with others is a great way to praise God, nurture our faith in Him and encourage one another.
There will be a shared morning tea following the service. Please bring along a plate to share and join us under the mango tree.
Students in Prep and Grade Three will be directly involved in the service, along with any other students and families that would like to participate.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES
As part of our commitment to Student Wellbeing, our goal is to support student attendance at St John’s Lutheran Primary School. In the improvement of student learning and student wellbeing, we expect that each child is at school learning every school day.
The research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.’
You may be questioning – Why is regular attendance at school important? It is simple really – Regular school attendance will mean that your child gets a better chance at life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day:
- they learn better
- they make friends
- they are happier
- they have a brighter future.
Under Queensland law and relevant school policy, you must make sure your child of school age is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have a reasonable excuse.
Illness, competing in a school sporting event or going on a school excursion are reasonable excuses for being absent from school. We ask respectfully, that Parents/Caregivers, avoid keeping their child away from school for birthdays, shopping, visiting family and friends, if they sleep in, looking after other children, or haircuts.
Please note also that it is preferable that parents/caregivers note any absences on Parent Lounge. Please contact the office should you require support in the use of Parent Lounge.
As part of our obligation and revised procedures in monitoring student attendance, you can expect:
- Procedures to monitor student attendance
- An SMS any day your child is not at school as expected
- Further correspondence via Parent Lounge, following-up any unexplained absences as per our records. • Continued effective teaching strategies to engage your child in learning
- Strategies to help you, to encourage your child to go to school. Please contact your child’s teacher or the DPCW for assistance and support, should this be the case.
DID YOU KNOW THAT MISSING JUST A SMALL AMOUNT OF SCHOOL CAN AMOUNT TO A LOT?
| If your child is missing … | That equals … | Which is … | In over 13 years of schooling, that equates to… |
| 10 mins per day | 50 mins per week | Nearly 1.5 weeks per year | Nearly ½ year |
| 20 mins per day | 1 hour 40 mins per week | Over 2.5 weeks per year | Nearly 1 year |
| 30 mins per day | ½ day per week | 4 weeks per year | Nearly 1 ½ years |
| 60 mins per day | 1 full day | 8 weeks per year | Over 2 ½ years |
Your child’s best learning time is at the start of the school day! Every Minute and Everyday Counts
LIFE EDUCATION – ‘TALK ABOUT IT’ PROGRAM 
Later this term, students from Years 4-6 will be involved in a human relationships and education program run by Life Education Queensland called – ‘Talk about it’. Talk about it is a sensitive and age-appropriate program designed to help support students understand and manage physical and emotional changes and engage in respectful relationships. This program will be facilitated by a Life Education Specialist Health Educator. There will also be a parent information session taking place. Detailed information will be outlined in a permission letter in the coming days. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Tamara Carroll to discuss further on 41326888.
Year 6 Camp Fundraising Events
As part of the upcoming educational Year 6 Camp to Luther Heights, the students are fundraising throughout the year to assist with their trip. Year …
Year 6 Camp Fundraising Events
As part of the upcoming educational Year 6 Camp to Luther Heights, the students are fundraising throughout the year to assist with their trip.
Year 6 are involved in the following events:
Pizza & Free Dress Day – Wednesday 31 May
Pizza Day order forms were sent home last week. A copy of the order form can be found here. Order forms with the CORRECT MONEY are due tomorrow, Thursday 25 May 2023 (Please note: No change will be given). This is also a Free Dress Day – come dressed in your favourite State of Origin team colours and bring along your gold coin donation on Wednesday 31 May 2023.
Pie Drive – Collection Day Thursday 15 June
The very popular Chic’s Pie Drive will be returning for 2023 – order forms & further information can be found here. All order forms and correct monies are due Monday 5 June 2023. Pies will be delivered to school on Thursday 15 June 2023 for collection.
School Disco – Friday 16 June, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Variety of market stalls will be run by the Year 6 students, the Snack Bar and a BBQ Dinner will be run by the Year 6 Fundraising Committee on the night. Drinks will be available for purchase through the P&F Committee.
We thank everyone for their support so far and look forward to bringing you these events for Term 2.
Year 6 Fundraising Committee
Bundaberg School Futsal Titles
St John’s competed at the Bundaberg School Futsal Titles on Monday 24 & Wednesday 26 April. We had six teams competing across three age groups …
Bundaberg School Futsal Titles
St John’s competed at the Bundaberg School Futsal Titles on Monday 24 & Wednesday 26 April. We had six teams competing across three age groups (U/12, U10 and U11). All of the teams did extremely well and continually improved throughout the tournament. For some of the students it was the first-time playing futsal.
The U10 Blue team made the final. The boys played their best game of the tournament. In a tightly fought contest and at 1-1 at full time the game went to golden goal extra time. The tension was immense. St John’s successfully scored in to secure the victory and be crown Bundaberg Schools Champions!
The U11 Blue team was also successful in making the final and played against St Luke’s. The team put up a fantastic fight, but eventually went down 3-0.
Congratulations to all the students for your sportsmanship and efforts! A big thank you to Mr Higgins for assisting with the coaching of the teams.
Also, Nikith, Bodhi, Nicholas, Toby, Jackson, Jonte, Utah, Abbey, Knox, and Caleb have been selected in the Queensland Country Futsal Squad! A massive congratulations to those students!
Mr Bakker
School News & Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop – NOW OPEN We are pleased to announce that the Uniform Shop is now open every week for packing and processing orders. The …
School News & Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop – NOW OPEN
We are pleased to announce that the Uniform Shop is now open every week for packing and processing orders. The Uniform Shop’s opening hours are:
Tuesday – 2.30pm – 4.00pm
Friday – 7.45am – 9.15am
Please be aware that fittings are by appointment only and spaces are limited. If your child requires a fitting, please book using the Uniform Fitting Booking Link
Winter Uniforms
With the cooler months now on us, please check the sizing and requirements below of all of your winter uniform items.
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 |
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.
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.
Lunch Time Collage Club
This term we will be offering a lunch time craft club for junior students Prep to Year Two. 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.
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
Vacation Care – Book Now
St John’s Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Vacation Care Program is on again during the holidays! The below link includes details pertaining to the Vacation Care …
Vacation Care – Book Now
St John’s Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Vacation Care Program is on again during the holidays!
The below link includes details pertaining to the Vacation Care Program.
OSHC Vacation Care Program – Vacation Care June July 23
For all bookings and enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Barb Thom on 0409 759 831 or email stjohns.oshc@qlecs.org.au.
P&F – Annual Election Meeting
The P&F Annual Election Meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th August 2023. Any interested parties will need to be member’s of the P&F committee …
P&F – Annual Election Meeting
The P&F Annual Election Meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th August 2023. Any interested parties will need to be member’s of the P&F committee by 15th June 2023 if they would like to nominate for a position. Nominations for all positions will need to be received no later then 6th July 2023.
If you would like to become a member of the P&F please fill out this membership form and return to: pandf@stjohnsbundaberg.qld.edu.au
To nominate for an executive position, please fill out the nomination form and return to: pandf@stjohnsbundaberg.qld.edu.au
Weekly Awards
Congratulations to this fortnight’s award recipients Prep Red Charlotte Chase, Olivia Zunker, Hadley Smith, Tom McKeown Prep Blue Billy Gibb, Jude Leckie, Quinnie Volzke, Ava …
Weekly Awards
| Congratulations to this fortnight’s award recipients | |
| Prep Red | Charlotte Chase, Olivia Zunker, Hadley Smith, Tom McKeown |
| Prep Blue | Billy Gibb, Jude Leckie, Quinnie Volzke, Ava Williams |
| Year 1 Red | Miley Duggan, Theo Higgins |
| Year 1 Blue | Arden Thompson, Charlotte Thornton, Olivia Carter, Aarya KC |
| Year 2 Red | Annabelle Hood, Isabelle Eapen, Mila McKeown, Bridget Watts, Zayden Doble, Tariq Pacey |
| Year 2 Blue | Charlie Duggan, Lylah Anthony, Zayden Bramham, Scarlett Eliott |
| Year 3 Red | Ezme Wilson, Aleeia Quinn, Hannah Roll, Bill Heading, Clara Volzke |
| Year 3 Blue | Lochie Cleve, Alexandra Perez, Ruby Moreno, Adrian Lu, Kyrylo Nikolaienko, Maverick Robertson |
| Year 4 | Jackson Gordon, Lola Kronk, Jack Tonkin, Harlow Tickel |
| Year 4/5 | Harrison Neal, Annabeth Lankowski, Zaiden Thompson, Billy Duggan |
| Year 5 | Gilbert Tasker-Holmes, Blake Rayner, Dyjey Linderberg, Ella Bion |
| Year 6 | Alaina Midgely, Jhett Heilbronn, Thomas Von Deest, Gabriel Allen |
| Music | Jack Tonkin, Bodhi Harris, Mia Pearce, Jessica Jenes, Isabelle Eapen, Annabelle Hood, Ashleigh Tonkin, Abbey-Rose Gaston |
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.
Two Weeks at a Glance
Date Activity Venue Details Fri 26 May Chapel & Assembly St John’s Church 8.45am – All Welcome. Come and join us for Coffee & Connect …
Two Weeks at a Glance
| Date | Activity | Venue | Details |
| Fri 26 May | Chapel & Assembly | St John’s Church | 8.45am – All Welcome. Come and join us for Coffee & Connect from 8am. |
| Wed 31 May | Free Dress & Pizza Day | School | State of Origin Theme |
| Thu 1 June | Bundaberg Show Public Holiday | – | |
| Fri 2 June | Pupil Free Day | – |
