ST JOHN’S PRIMARY SCHOOLST JOHN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

DUBBODUBBO

NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER

Phone 6882 2677 30th July, 2012 Term 3 Week 3

VISION STATEMENT TO FOSTER A COMMUNITY OF FAITH THAT IS CENTRED ON THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST,

WHERE LOVE AND CONCERN DEVELOPS THE WHOLE CHILD, EMPOWERING EACH INDIVIDUAL TO REALISE HIS/HER FULL POTENTIAL

Email: stjohnsprimarydubbo@bth.catholic.edu.au Website: www.stjohnsprimarydubbo.catholic.edu.au

ADMINISTRATOR: Fr Mark McGuigan

PRINCIPAL:

Mr Anthony O’Leary

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL:

Mr Adam Foley

R.E.C.: Mr David Schwager

TEACHING STAFF:

KINDERGARTEN Katrina Isbester & Emma Gibson

Emma Bolton

YEAR 1

Louise Lindsay & Carmen Gain Maria Brice & Crystal Mudford

YEAR 2 Angela Benton Vereana Ngatuakana

YEAR 3 Anna Veech

Elizabeth McGann

YEAR 4

Michelle Noonan Carmel Reidy & Emma Gibson

YEAR 5 Karyn King David Schwager & Gabrielle

Jones

YEAR 6

Michael Quade & Adam Foley Danielle Edwards & Erin

Carney

TEACHER/LIBRARIAN: Maree Williams

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Patricia Toohey

Sue Gavenlock Deanna Swanson

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION WORKER:

Mylisa Smith

CLASSROOM AIDES:

Bronwyn Harper; Lucy Sissian Natalie McMahon; Trevor Thomas

CREATIVE ARTS: Maggie Dunn

SCHOOL SECRETARY: Margo Green

CANTEEN MANAGER: Cathy Dries

GENERAL HAND :

David Englert

CLEANER:

Kerry Iverach

P&F MEETINGS:

3rd Tuesday every month

PARENTS/GUARDIANS Please note that photographs of students may be used in this publication. Please advise the School if you do not approve of your child’s photo being used.

From the Principal,

Welcome to Week 3. Last week was a busy and exciting one, with the very successful Book Week

celebrations and Northern Athletics Carnival. It was wonderful to hear how well behaved and

supportive our students were at the carnival. Well done team! St Johns Primary concluded the day

with 3 Northern Region Champions. Congratulations to Hamish Grant (11 Year Boys), Grace Gilbert

(11 Year Girls) and Tallulah Ambrose Kassis (Senior Girls Champion) on their efforts and results.

Congratulations to the entire squad—you represented your school with pride.

Today our Debating team will be visiting St Pius X. This is a valuable extra curricula activity for our

students and I thank Mrs Jones for her work in this area. It is only fitting that our children are debating

today. Today is also the funeral of Mrs Liz Gardiner. Liz was a colleague of mine at Orana Heights

School for many years. Over the past 2 years, despite battling ill health, Liz ‘came out of retirement’ to

assist our school in debating and adjudicating for our Catholic Schools Debating competitions. This

typified the person Mrs Gardiner was - always helping. Her willingness to help others was witnessed

in a number of ways .Liz was President of the Dubbo PSSA, President and Patron of Dubbo Netball

Association, President of Orana Heights Netball Club and President of the View Club. She will be

missed by the wider Dubbo community.

Just a reminder that our Staff Religious Retreat will take place next Monday, 6th of August when we

welcome Michael Mangan to our school. Monday will be a pupil free day. Michael will be sharing his

talents with Liturgical music with our students on Tuesday.

Our new school website continues to develop and improve. Please take some time to have a look.

http://www.stjohnsprimarydubbo.catholic.edu.au/

We pray for our Year 6 students who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation this term which

takes place on the 11th and 12th August.

New blinds have been installed throughout the Yr 1-6 classrooms. The blinds were funded by a joint

effort with the P&F. It will make a significant difference in utilizing the Interactive Whiteboards.

Staffing News—We welcome Mrs Erin Carney back to school. Mrs Carney will teach Year 6 Blue

students each Friday. We wish Miss McGann all the best as she takes Long Service Leave for three

weeks. Mrs Howey will be teaching 3 Gold in her absence.

God Bless Anthony O’Leary

Dates To Remember

Jul 31 ICAS English Competition Aug 1 AFL Clinic Aug 3 Olympics Challenge Day Aug 6 Pupil Free Day-Staff Retreat Aug 8 Touch Football Gala Day Aug 9 Debating at St John’s Primary Aug 10 Diocesan Athletics Carnival Aug 14 ICAS Maths Competition Aug 17 St Laurence’s Soccer Gala Day

JULIE

GOODRIDGE

CLASS 4 BLUE

Principal’s Award: Julie Goodridge for wonderful bookwork, being responsible and being an asset to the class and school

Religious Education News

For Your Diary:

Confirmation Reflection Evening and Reconciliation: Tuesday 7th August Staff RE Day/Pupil-free Day: Monday 6th August Michael Mangan School Concerts: Tuesday 7th August Saint Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day: Wednesday 8th August Sacrament of Confirmation Masses: Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th August. St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal: Pyjama Day! Last Friday’s Pyjama Day was a great success! Thank you for your support. We are now able to donate $400.00 towards the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. I will put some fun photos in next week’s newsletter. Michael Mangan Staff Development Day and School Concerts Well-known singer and song writer Michael Mangan will be coming to our school for two days next week. On Monday 6th of August, he will be hosting a Staff Development Day, and this will coincide with a pupil-free day for students On Tuesday 7th of August he will lead two school concerts which should be a lot of fun for the children. Year of Grace For the remainder of the year we will be flying the ‘Year of Grace’ flag on Fridays and the Aboriginal Flag from Mondays to Thursdays on our second flagpole. The ‘Travelling Sisters Roadshow’ The Travelling Sisters Roadshow will be coming to our school on Friday 31st of August. We were lucky to be able to book this show which is run by the Mary MacKillop Foundation. The focus is on empowering children to “Never see a need without trying to do something about it”, and will consist of a variety of activities including Video, Role Play, Songs and Discussions.

Wishing everyone a good week, David Schwager (Religious Education Coordinator)

This week’s REC Award St John’s Primary Mission:

‘To live, love and learn in the light of Christ’ CHARLIE LOGAN —CLASS 3 BLUE

Our gifts differ according to the grace given to us (Romans 12:3-13)

In the light of the grace I have received I want to urge each one among you not to exagger-ate his real importance. Each of you must judge himself soberly by the standard of the faith God has given him. Just as each of our bodies has several parts and each part has a separate function, so all of us, in union with Christ, form one body, and as parts of it we belong to each other. Our gifts differ accord-ing to the grace given us. If your gift is prophecy, then use it as your faith suggests; if administration, then use it for administra-tion; if teaching, then use it for teaching. Let the preachers deliver sermons, the almsgiv-ers give freely, the officials be diligent, and those who do works of mercy do them cheer-fully. Do not let your love be a pretence, but sin-cerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care. Take time to consider the many gifts God has given each one of us. What do we do with these gifts? How well have we developed them – or are they yet to be discovered? Choose one particular gift and use it for the ben-

efit of others: family, those close to us, work col-

leagues…

MERIT AWARDS

Congratulations to the following

students who were recently recognized

for their great efforts at school.

At Assembly Merit Awards

were given to:

Aspen Moore Connor Sutherland

James Honeysett Charlotte Ryman

Edwina Tink Ella Graham

Louis Russell Indianna Bealing

Bailey Petrie Olivia Budden

Jackie Mutekedza Emily Hangan

Sam Knaggs Emily Murray

Tyneesha Williams Nik Seaton

Laughlin Wilshire

FAMILY DETAILS UPDATE

It is vitally important that family details are up to date. Any recent changes to your family circumstances must be notified immediately, for example, changes in address, custody of children, work or home telephone numbers.

Please contact the school office immediately if you have any change in your family details.

STUDENTS ARRIVING LATE, LEAVING EARLY OR ABSENT

Parents are reminded that all students arriving late (after 9:15am) must be signed in at the school office by the person delivering them to school. Similarly, all students leaving school before 3pm must also be signed out at the school office before being collected from their classroom. If your child is sick and unable to attend school, there is no need to telephone the office. Government regulations require a note be sent to the class teacher when your child returns to school ex-plaining their absence, dated and signed by parent/s.

LIBRARY NEWS Book Week was a wonderful experience for all at St Johns Primary! Thank you to all parents, grandparents and friends who attended our Book Character Parade. The chil-dren and staff looked magnificent in their wonderful creative costumes. We are certainly all Reading Champions here at St Johns! A real highlight this year was our visit from well known author Libby Gleeson. Libby spent Tuesday here at St Johns. She presented 2 author talk sessions and a writing workshop with students from Year 5 and 6. Meeting Libby Gleeson in person and listen-ing to her as she talked about her personal writing experiences, the writing and publish-ing process and how she promoted her love of reading and writing was a very special and inspiring experience for students and staff. Another highlight was our annual Book Fair. Children especially enjoyed the opportunity to browse through the exciting display which brought a real ‘bookshop’ to our library. A big ‘Thank you’ to the families who supported our Book Fair. Ellie Driscoll (1Blue) and Hunter Asimus (3Gold) were the lucky winners of the draw for a free book from the Book Fair. Congratulations! The Premier’s Reading Challenge concludes at the end of this month. All participating children need to have all books read and recorded online by Wednesday 29

th August. Visit the PRC website for all details

and updates. www.schools.nsw.edu.au/premiersreadingchallenge Congratulations to the following students who have completed the Premiers Reading Challenge: Ellie Driscoll (1Blue), Eva Osborne (1Gold) and Makayla Tink (2Blue). More special activities will continue throughout the term as we continue to celebrate literature and the love of reading! Happy Reading! Maree Williams

Above: Author Libby Gleeson and

Librarian Mrs Maree Williams

Left: Stuart Goodridge, Matt Riley,

Libby Gleeson, Mrs Williams,

Harry Connell

Sophie Townsend, Ava Smith

Hi everyone! Paddle Pop Lick-a-Prize has started again-new flavours Toffee Apple and Hero/Villain available for $2. Regular flavours Rainbow, Chocolate and Banana still $1.50. Remember our Term 3 super specials a Fish Burger (with lettuce & Mayo) or Singapore Noodles plus a popper or milk for $4.

CANTEEN ROSTER

Tues Jul 31 HELP NEEDED PLEASE

Wed Aug 1 HELP NEEDED PLEASE

Thurs Aug 2 HELP NEEDED PLEASE Fri Aug 3 Michelle Young (FD)

Mon Aug 6 PUPIL FREE DAY

Thanks,

Cathy Dries

Home 68850747 Mobile 0458550747

CDF BANKING ROSTER

Paula Clifford-30/7/12

Renee Crain-7/8/12

Head Lice

Several cases of head lice have been reported in the school. Please check your children for head lice. Children with head lice should be excluded from school until hair is completely clean of eggs and lice.

Anyone requiring any further information regard-ing treatment is asked to contact the school office for a brochure or your local pharmacist.

WINTER WARMER SPECIAL!!

MEAT PIE OR

CHICKEN & VEGE PIE OR

SAUSAGE ROLL

AND

MILK OR POPPER

$4

WANTED

Any small to medium second hand mirrors in any condition for 5 Gold's 'Waste to Art'

Entry please.

Please drop into office or 5 Gold classroom thank you.

LOST PROPERTY

Unfortunately there is an ongoing problem

with many children losing clothing items, es-

pecially HATS.

Would you please ensure that all items are

clearly marked with your child’s name and

remind your child that they must put their hat

in their bag or in their desk when not being

worn.

Could all parents please check your child’s

clothing and hats to ensure that they belong

to your child.

Should any item belonging to someone else

be found, please return to the school office.

REMINDER: STUDENTS ARE NOT TO

TAKE ANY ITEM WHICH DOES NOT

BELONG TO THEM

Your co-operation is much appreciated.

AROUND THE CLASSROOMS…………..

KINDER GOLD

At the end of last term all of Kindergarten was lucky enough to go on a Teddy Bear’s

Picnic at Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre. We got to do lots of fun

activities about the environment and animal needs. We played Teddy Bear tag, walked

along the Tikabilly Track and saw the world through a magnifying glass. We also made

a beautiful rainbow from the colours of nature all around us.

However, while we were having fun the Teddies stole our lunch and we had to follow

the clues they left before we could have our picnic!!

It was a great day and we would like to thank the Mums and Dads who came to help us

on the day.

We also had a fantastic time last week dressing up for the Book Parade, and seeing all

the big kids dressed up too. We wish we could come to school in our PJ’s every day!!!

Mrs Isbester

St John’s Olympics Challenge Day

This year, as part of our Gifted and Talented program, we will be

holding “An Olympics Challenge Day” on Friday 3rd August.

It will involve all students in Years 3 – 6 participating in a fun day

which also extends their problem solving skills.

The students will have the opportunity to experience a variety

of Olympic themed activities throughout the day with a focus on literacy, mathe-

matics, science and sport. The students will be working, and sharing, alongside

their peers.

Normal school sports uniform to be worn on this day.

Gabrielle Jones

Dubbo Stampede The Schools Challenge St John’s Primary School has been challenged to get as many stu-dents, teachers, parents and friends as possible to participate in the inaugural ‘Dubbo Stampede’ Running Festival on Sunday, Septem-ber 2nd 2012.

The school with the most participants will be awarded a cash prize of $300 and a trophy.

There are three events to choose from:

The Dingo Dash offers runners and walkers alike a fun 5.5km “safari” through the picturesque Western Plains Zoo. A great family activity for Father’s Day morning

The Cheetah Chase is for serious runners, weekend warriors or walkers wishing to conquer the 10 km challenge

The Zebra Zoom gives runners an opportunity to compete in one of the most picturesque and unique half marathons on the Australian running calendar. A fast time is guaranteed on this relatively flat course.

Those looking for further information or wishing to enter can do so by going to the Dubbo Stampede website,

www.dubbostampede.com.au Students and families will be able to nominate their school when registering

online for the event.

This year the money is being raised for the Red Cross. If you would like more information about the School’s

Challenge, contact Mr Schwager at our school.

SPORTS NEWS…. Last Thursday students from St John’s Primary School competed in the Northern Region Athletics Car-

nival held at Barden Park North Dubbo. At this carnival our students competed in track and field events

against students from St Laurence’s Dubbo, St Michael’s Dunedoo, All Hallows Gulgong and Sacred

Heart school Coolah.

A special thank you must go to the staff of St Laurence’s Dubbo for all of the work that they did to or-

ganise and convene the Northern Region Athletics Carnival, much appreciated.

All of the students from St John’s Primary who attended the carnival displayed excellent sportsmanship

and were great representatives of our wonderful school, well done.

Special mention must go to the following students (pictured below) who performed particularly well on

the day.

Grace Gilbert – 11yr Girl Northern Region Athletics Champion

Hamish Grant – 11yr Boy Northern Region Athletics Champion

Tullulah Ambrose Kassis – Senior Girl Northern Region Athletics Champion

Crunch&Sip

Building healthy habits

Children are learning habits that will often last them a lifetime. Consider the following:

Breakfast is important. Children who eat breakfast have better concentration. Eating breakfast can reduce snacking on high-energy foods in the afternoon in both adults and children.

Be realistic about the size of the serve you offer children. Forcing children to finish what is on their plate when they are not hungry may lead to overeating and/or strong food dislikes.

Avoid giving children processed snack foods high in sugar. Encourage brushing teeth in the morning and before bed to develop good dental habits.

Water

Tap water makes the best drink!

Not only is it thirst quenching, but also contains fluoride which helps make teeth stronger. Here’s what water has to offer:

it is cheap and readily available

it doesn’t contain any kilojoules or sugar

it encourages optimal function of the body

We should all aim to drink between five to eight cups of water a day. In the warmer months it is important to keep well hydrated. Always have water available when children are active.

Encourage them to drink water regularly, even in cooler months.

BOOK PARADE PHOTOS

T H E P & F G A Z E T T E

P & F E M A I L :

President:

Tracey Duncan

Email:

trace.craig@bigpond.com

Communications secretary:

Therese Quigley

Email:

tmacpog@gmail.com

Meeting secretary & Class parent Co-ordinator.

Kristine Blake

Email:

kblake2@bigpond.com

Class parent Co-ordinator:

Nicky Bourke

Email: martinandnicky@bigpond.com

Treasurer:

Andrew Bealing

Email:

ajbealing@bigpond.com

Vice President:

Paula Clifford

Email:

apclifford02@hotmail.com

Clothing Pool purchasing officer:

Cath Osbourne

Email:

swim@splashwimschool.com.au

V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 1 9

3 0 T H J U L Y 2 0 1 2

stjohnspandf@gmail.com Page 1

C

Points to remember :

SAFETY FIRST

WITH OUR

CHILDREN.

Next P&F meeting will

be Tuesday August 21st.

Fete cancelled for this

year.

Be mindful of

Bunnings gardens.

The Peace Child ticket

order to be sent out in

Week 4.

A Prayer for our families

O dear Jesus,

I humbly implore You to grant Your special graces to our family.

May our home be the shrine of peace, purity, love, labour and

faith.

I beg You, dear Jesus, to protect and bless all of us, absent and pre-

sent, living and dead.

The Peace Child

Tickets will not be sold at performances.

All tickets will need to be pre-ordered.

The P&F will send out the ticket order forms in

Week 4.

The children and teachers are working really

hard; excitement levels are high!

Blinds The blinds have been installed in Years 1-6

and they look awesome.

What a great example of teamwork!

www.stjohnsprimarydubbo.catholic.edu.au

www.subak-martialarts.com ALL NEW CLASSES FOR JULY

* Family Martial Arts Beginners commence

Tuesday 5pm 24/7/12

* Little Tigers Martial Arts for children Thurs-

day 4pm commencing 19/7/12

BRAND NEW Girls / Ladies Only Class

6:00pm each Wednesday

Fitness skills, self defence & fun

St Johns Primary School Hall

Phone: 0419 629 528

Orana School Uniforms Sale

25% discount

ACTIVE KIDS CLUB

Active Kids Club is operating on the Pupil Free Day on

Monday 6th August, 2012

Bookings Essential. For more details, please call

Kristy on 0457854626

St John’s Primary is again collecting vouchers for the Coles Sports for

Schools 2012.

Collecting vouchers is easy! Every member of our school’s community will

earn one voucher for every $10 spent in a Coles store until August 14, 2012.

Plus throughout the program there will be opportunities to collect bonus

vouchers with special promotional offers on over 1,800 selected products. So

keep an eye out instore and on TV.

There is a box in the school office so send in your vouchers as often as you

like with your children. We encourage all families to collect vouchers from

extended family and friends as the more vouchers we collect, the more sports gear our school will receive!