Welcome to Week 5 everyone.
When I participate in wonderful events like our Grandparents Day and Book Week celebrations it reminds me of the most important Gospel verse from John (13:34-35)

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

The love that I saw from all the children, to their parents and grandparents yesterday was beautiful.  The comments I heard from the Grandparents at how welcomed they were by the teachers and school community was lovely to hear. 

School Movement

At this time of year families often become aware of new postings, employment opportunities or relocation of their actual residence.  These moves could effect where students attend school.  If you are planning some type of move and you are aware that your son/daughter will not be attending SJV in 2020 could you please notify the front office via email.  This will help us with our planning for next year.

Fete – Raffle Ticket Coordinator
We are currently seeking a coordinator for the Fete raffle.  Much of the legwork has been completed with tickets being ordered and a major sponsor for the cash prizes secured.  What we really need now is a parent to coordinate families and children on a roster to help sell tickets at Cooleman Court, as this is a great way to promote our Fete and raise much-needed funds.

Szapp App – please sign up – Skoolbag to be deleted by Friday Wk 7
We have placed advertising in previous newsletters that the Skoolbag App is being superseded by the Szapp App.  This will occur by Wk 7.  Please see the instructions in this week’s newsletter on how to install the new app.  This is a superior app so we are hoping it will streamline communication between the Newsletter and School Website.

Canteen
It is with very sad tidings that I announce that Trish McDonald our wonderful Canteen Manager will be leaving by the end of this year.  Trish will be joining her husband with his business and so unfortunately will not be able to hold down both jobs at the same time. A community farewell will be organised before the end of the year.

We will be advertising Trish’s position and if you feel you have the relevant qualifications please do not hesitate to apply.

Netball Gala Day
Well done to our teams of Year 5/6 who represented SJV and the inaugural ACT Primary Schools competition.  Thanks to the parents who made it possible by volunteering their time to spend the day for the girls. 

Well done to the Year 6 team who pulled out a win in the Northside draw.  Well done girls.

Recycling
If you attended our Book Week celebrations, you will have noticed that our school is doing its best to be a great recycler.  If you could affirm this message at home to the children that would be wonderful.  Mrs Malpas has done outstanding work with the children to get the recycling message across and this will continue with modified bins making the task easier.   A great project worth celebrating, do not forget to high five your child for doing their part.

School Satisfaction Survey
I have published below an Executive Summary of the recent Satisfaction Survey.  Ninety of our one hundred and twenty four families completed the survey; this is considered a very good response rate. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide us with such comprehensive feedback. As you can see, the results are overwhelmingly positive yet still provide us with areas in to change and grow.

School Security
Just a reminder to all parents to sign into the front office when coming to the school to drop their child off or pick them up, outside of our normal start and finish times.  This avoids doors being left open and keeps all or students safe.

Maths Club
Is now full.  I will look to see if we have some more spots available in Term 4

Building Fund
Several parents have recently asked me what our Building Fund is spent on here at SJV. I thought it was worthwhile to highlight some of the areas that the Building Fund has been used for at our school in the last 2.5 years. 

• Carpet - $30 000
• Air-conditioning Install - $24 000
• Air-conditioning Repair - $18 000 + $? Infants repair
• Eaves Soffit upgrade – $40 000
• Maintenance – $15 000
• Internal Kinder and Learning Support privacy upgrade - $10 000
• Bathroom Upgrades - $20 000-$40 000
• Insurance - $60 000

In total over the last 2.5 years the CSBF expenditure at SJV has been just over $254 000 which is more than what we have collected.  

Please do not forget that your Building Fund is fully tax deductable.

Catholic School Netball and Soccer Carnivals 2020
Regretfully, this year is the final year for the ACT Catholic School Soccer and Netball Carnivals.

This decision was carefully considered and was made unanimously at the recent ACT Catholic Primary Principal’s Meeting.

Although these are great community days and have been going for many years, the huge workload on staff, increasing costs, complexity of indemnity and insurance and a lack of volunteers to assist has necessitated the decision to no longer host these events.

Schools are rostered on to coordinate, run and volunteer these events and are run, entirely, by the host school, irrespective of the school size. Parents volunteer on the day and staff work all weekend on these events. In the past few years, some executive staff have worked nearly fulltime in the lead-up to pull off these carnivals, along with many staff who commit their time to support the planning and preparation, all of which is impacting on the teaching and learning agenda of the host school. 

ACT Principals acknowledge that there may be some parents and students disappointed by this decision, however, we have agreed that the future of hosting and leading an event such as this is untenable.

This year, Holy Rosary Watson will host the final ACT Catholic School’s Netball Carnival.

ACT Primary Principals

WWVP – Volunteering in the school
Given that our Fete approaches soon and we call upon volunteers to help out, it is timely to remind parents that to volunteer in schools you must have your WWVP card.  A simple, free process is through Access Canberra.

 Have a great week.

Peter Rodda

Principal