Dear SJV Community

It is great to be back from my Sabbatical and in amongst staff and students.  Thank you to Mrs De Rosa who ran the school in my absence and the whole staff for the hard work completed to end Term 3.

Dear people, love Jesus Christ more and more!. Our life is a response to his call and you will be happy and will build your life well if you can answer this call. May you feel the Lord’s presence in your life. He is close to you as a companion, as a friend who knows how to help and understand you, who encourages you in difficult times and never abandons you.  Pope Francis 2017

Survey - Multi age or Single Stream Classes

There are positives for both multi age (eg. two groups of 3/4 and 5/6) composite classes and for single streamed classes (Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6), this means we review our class structure annually.  Due to our current numbers and what we can predict into the future, we now have an opportunity to make a renewed, considered choice of either format or a mixture of both.

This information was presented in the Newsletter last term but I am still seeking responses from several families. 

Thank you in anticipation for your valued feedback. Please click on the link below.

https://forms.gle/ehW7YRd4bsQfLfnq6

School Fete November 4th - Volunteers Needed

Today a letter has been sent home asking for volunteers.  PLEASE RESPOND! Many times I am told by parents that they would like to help but often can't make an event.  This is the one event that we really need you to volunteer 1-2 hrs for.  If you don't know how to volunteer, just contact the Front Office and we will pass your details on.  There is also a need for the committee to borrow some rice cookers for food stalls.  If you have one that we can borrow, that would be great.  

Year 5/6 BYOD - 2024

In Years 5/6 the children bring in their own devices (laptop) to use at school.  The aim of this program is to prepare students for high school where they need to be responsible for bringing a device to and from school and taking care of it.  It also helps with their time management for completing set school tasks. 

Next week a letter will go home to our current Year 4 parents outlining the program, to make sure that you are prepared for 2024.  Parents often buy these devices during the Black Friday or Boxing Day Sales and use them as presents.   

Office Administration Procedure

As you are aware Mrs Simpson works very hard, often at school well after her allotted time.  This is because she is a very giving person. 

I ask for your help by making sure that if you need to contact a teacher or staff member about your child, that you do so directly and not use Mrs Simpson as an intermediary.  This usually occurs when parents send Jeanette an email asking her to contact a student's classroom teacher.  I have directed Jeanette to send this article  to any parent who asks her to do so, that way you understand the process.  The exception to this rule is if you need to make contact in an emergency.  Below I have placed the link to our website that has staff contact details but you can also use the Compass App to contact teachers as well.  https://www.sjv.act.edu.au/our-school/our-staff 

Maths Club

Now that I have returned, Maths Club will be opening up on Thursday morning again at 8:30am.  If your child is in Years 3-6 and they would like some extension or extra support.  Please make sure you are at the Front Office by 8:30am

Working Bee

Normally, we would hold a Working Bee prior to the fete, however our playground is looking good and I would like all efforts to be placed towards volunteering for our largest fundraiser.  Therefore there will be no Working Bee this term.

Uniform Term 4

Just a reminder that we are in full summer uniform for Term 4.  This also means summer sports uniform. If you are not sure what the uniform is, please contact the uniform shop.  If you are not sure when your child's sports days are, please contact your classroom teacher directly. A reminder that sneakers should only be worn on Sport Days. 

Classroom Contacts for 2024 needed.

The last couple of years have been difficult with trying to organise outside school events. Moving forward, it would be lovely to see all classes having someone to liase a get together to enjoy gatherings outside of school time. 

A Class Contact role can include:

• Welcoming new families to our school after being notified of their arrival by the front office.
• Organising help for a family in need.
• Organising a student event like hot chocolate and afternoon play or soccer after school for their grade level.

These type of fun activities need not be large or often.  One event a semester is enough to enhance our wonderful community and keep parents in contact with each other, something very much needed for everyone after the last couple of years.  If you can help in this area for 2021, it would be very much appreciated.  Please email me to let me know you would be keen to be a Class Contact for next year.

Classroom Considerations for 2024

As is the practice at SJV, the staff will discuss how we place students in grades 3-6 for 2024 as the school believes that the classroom teachers are best placed to make these decisions based on their time spent with all stakeholder. This process may change depending on the survey results mentioned above.  

If you would like to discuss specific needs of your child in regard to next years placement, please make an appointment with me from now until the end of week four to discuss your child's needs.  I will ensure that teachers know any issues raised by you, when they work through class placements. 

God Bless

Peter Rodda

Principal