Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- A message from the Assistant Principal and Mrs D's "Thought of the Week"
- RE News with Laura Matchett
- School Wide Positive Behaviours
- Merit Awards will recommence for 2024 in Week 2
- For the Calendar
- Library News
- Sustainability @ SJV
- ELC news
- Tuckshop
- Community Corner
- Notes to Parents
- CAMP Australia
Principal's MessageDear SJV Families,
Welcome to the end of Wk 1
We have had a wonderful start to our school term with happy faces and eager minds ready for a year’s learning. I am sure that there may be challenges for all our families throughout the year, please know that you can call on the school and community for assistance.
I would also like to welcome all of our wonderful new staff and families into the SJV family.
O God,
I find myself at the beginning of another day.
I do not know what it will bring.
Please help me to be ready for whatever it may be.
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
If I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
I pray just for today, for these twenty-four hours,
for the ability to cooperate with others according to the way Jesus taught us to live.
"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
May these words that he taught us become more than words.
Send your Spirit to inspire me in time of doubt and indecision so that, together, we can walk along your path.
- J. Veltri, S.J.
Introduce Staff and Welcome Picnic– 2nd February 5:00pm-7:00pm
It will be great to celebrate in person again with our opening Picnic. We will have a small Information Session from 5:15pm-5:30pm which will contain the following –
- Introducing Staff
- School Goals
Our evening continues at 5:30 where the children can play on a jumping castle and use our playground equipment. Supervision will be maintained by parents of their own children, but we hope mums and dads use this as an opportunity to say hello to each other and spend some time to get to know more community members.
A fully supervised jumping castle, a free pkt of chips and a Zooper Dooper will be offered to children.
School Goals and Curriculum Updates
Below I have placed out three main goals for 2024.
- Strengthen our understanding of Catholic Identity and Curriculum
- Improve Student Engagement and Growth through accurate interpretation and application of data
- Improve student engagement and growth using High Impact Teaching Strategies
Driving some of these changes will be the work of staff in breaking open the new version 9 Australian Curriculum and adapting new supporting programs such as Spelling Mastery.
A new area that CECG (Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn) is breaking into is called Classroom Mastery. This is explicit teaching of classroom behaviour using common language across the whole school, this aligns to our School Wide Positive Behaviour Program where students are acknowledged for correct decisions through the use of tokens.
The purpose of Classroom Mastery is to increase learning time as small misdemeanours are dealt with before they arise. Key components of the program will result in children lined up and ready with teacher picking them up in a timely fashion to begin learning immediately. An implication for parents will be a locked school gate at 9am as classes forward in immediately. My apologies for parents parking as this occurs, but we all need to begin certain programs on time and waiting at the gate for 1-2 minutes each morning will throw a spanner in the works. I will be discussing more about this program in further newsletters.
School Community Council Members Needed
Being on the Community Council is a great way to volunteer with the school, outside of school hours. There are two meetings a term, in Weeks 3 and 8, held on Monday nights at 6.00pm for about 1 – 1 ½ hours.
The Chair and Secretary positions will be determined at the first meeting of 2024. Joining the Council does not mean you have to volunteer for one of these specific roles.
If you are interested in volunteering for, or want more information about any of these positions, please contact Peter Rodda the Principal or the Front Office.
COMPASS– SJV Communication Platform - Contacting Teachers
Currently we are sending almost all communications using Compass. If you are unsure how to use this communication app, please contact the Front Office for help.
If you need to contact the school regarding your child, the first contact would almost always be the classroom teacher. Parents in the past have emailed the front office regarding an issue, this sometimes does not reach the teacher until the end of the day, when the teacher needs to receive it in the morning. If it is an urgent message you can call the Front Office directly.
Parent Contacts
At the beginning of the year, we ask for one to two parents from each class who would like to be a point of contact for new enrolling families or someone who might like to coordinate helpers for an event. This is a great way for you to network and have some fun (eg. a mum or dad's night out) and meet new people. Please see the attached slip to offer assistance. Class_Contacts
Parent/Teacher 'Meet and Greets' Feb 12th – 16th Feb/ Parent Information Notes
Each teacher will make themselves available for 3-4 days over the week. The booking times which will be available on Compass which will be opened up for inputting requests by next week. These meetings will occur here at school. Teachers will also be sending a general information note home to their parents next week via Compass.
Fortnightly Parent Compass Communications from Teachers
Please make sure that you have access to the Compass Portal as your child’s teacher will keep you up to date with what is happening or going to happen in your child’s class through a fortnightly communique.
Canteen - Volunteers needed
A Compass notification was sent out this week asking for volunteers for the Canteen. Please look to see if you can assist, especially on a Friday. Anyone who works in the Canteen must hold a current WWVP card.
A reminder that if you child is sick on the day and they have a lunch order, please contact the school and cancel your order by 9:30am. Unfortunately after this time items will already be in the process of being made or heated and your order cannot be refunded.
Student Pick Up and Drop Off
Don't forget that SJV has an entry and exit system only. You enter from the driveway closest to Hindmarsh Drive and exit from the driveway closest to Stromlo High. Today there was some confusion over this.
Please pick up and drop off only in the designated drop off/pick-up zone which is directly outside the school hall, no parking here please. Otherwise park your car (not against the red kerb) and pick your child up from the school gate.
School Fees
These will be issued by the central office early this term, we have not yet been given a specific date. When you receive your statement, it may be for the entire year. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY THIS, IF THAT IS THE CASE. You need only pay a term's worth of fees.
If your family is experiencing financial difficulty please contact the front office and make an appointment to see me so we can investigate Fee Remission.
Easy Communication/ What's On
A simple way to know what's coming up and happening in our school is by using either the School Calendar, Newsletter or Newsletter Calendar - 'Dates to remember' for the month. These are supplements to COMPASS but are quite useful and easy to find.
God bless you and your families
Peter Rodda
Principal
Welcome to a new academic term filled with endless opportunities for growth, discovery, and achievement here at St John Vianney's!
As the Assistant Principal, I am honoured to extend a warm welcome to both returning families and those joining our school community for the first time. Our primary goal is to create a nurturing and dynamic environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to excel. Our theme for 2024 is 'Holy Spirt' and our challenge is to use our gifts and talents for good deeds and service.
A warm welcome is extended to the youngest arrivals – the Kindergarten students – who have settled so quickly into their class! In addition we welcome Sanuthi (Yr 3) and Jason (Yr5) Levi Yr 2 and Ben Yr 1.
I welcome Miss Anna Mihalyka (Yr 1), Miss Emma Donaghue (Yr 3), Ms Olivia Hart (Yr 5/6P), Mrs Mandy Cowley (Yr 2 & K) and Mrs Zoe Craven (Learning Support) to the staff. We also welcome Mrs Sarah Emerson back to SJV from maternity leave (Yr 4), I sincerely hope these staff members will enjoy being part of the St John Vianney school community and I wish them every blessing as they begin their new roles.
In the week prior to the children’s return, the staff worked very hard to complete a number of professional development sessions. We also spent time nurturing our souls on Retreat. I thank Laura (REC) for facilitating and leading the Retreat experience. We spent the day reflecting on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how we can feel the power and foster the gifts we have been given. It was a beautiful way of re-establishing our relationship with the Holy Spirit and setting faith goals. Other days were spent engaging with learning about implementing Catalyst, Polices and Procedures, programming and understanding V9 of the Australian Curriculum and completing our First Aid training.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone on staff for their hard work in the days leading up to the start of the term. The administration staff, teachers and support staff, worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was in readiness for the new school year. I thank you for your efforts in preparing your children so well for what has been a smooth and calm start to the year.
Reminders & Important Information
-
- Starting time is 9.00am sharp. Students arriving after this time will need to be signed in the Front Office.
- Supervision commences at 8.30am and NO STUDENT should be at school before then. Students arriving before 8.30am are not supervised. Please note we do have before school care run by Camp Australia if this service could be of assistance to families.
- Correct School Uniform is to be worn.
- If a student’s hair is longer than shoulder length, it should be tied back
- Parents are requested not to send any nut products to school such as Peanut Butter, Nutella, nut based or topped muesli bars, etc. Please understand bringing these items to school may be life threatening to other students.
- Please ensure that all school items are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
- Students who are collected by their parents during the day for appointments must be signed out/in at the Front Office before and after the appointment.
- Parents assisting at the school must have a WWVP card on their person and are also asked to sign in/out at the Front Office and will receive a visitor’s badge.
- Please ensure that the school always has up to date parent and
emergency contact details for your child. - Please ensure that any notes/envelopes sent to the front office are clearly labelled.
- If you or your child are unwell, please do not attend school. We have community members who are vulnerable to illness.
Throughout this term, we will continue to uphold our commitment to academic excellence, character development, and fostering a love for learning. Our dedicated teachers and staff are here to guide and encourage each child on their educational journey, nurturing their individual talents and helping them reach their fullest potential.
I encourage parents and guardians to actively engage in their child's education by staying informed about school events, participating in parent-teacher conferences, and volunteering when possible. Your partnership is invaluable in creating a positive and enriching experience for our students.
Together, let us embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, knowing that by working collaboratively, we can empower our students to become confident, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
I thank the Lord for bringing everyone back safe and sound after the holidays and for the happy start to the year and ask God’s continued blessings on all of us during 2024. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and growth of your children. Here's to a fantastic term ahead!
"You have a new backpack, a new lunch box, and new shoes. You are ready to rule the world!"
- Love2Know
Nina De Rosa
Assistant Principal
RE News with Laura Matchett
Prayer for the Beginning of the School Year
God of wisdom and might,
we praise you for the wonder of our being,
for mind, body, and spirit.
Be with our children as they begin a new school year.
Bless them and their families, teachers and staff.
Give them the strength and grace as their bodies grow;
wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they search for understanding;
and peace and zeal to their hearts.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reconciliation 2024
A reflection hour for parents and candidates who would like their child to make their first Reconciliation this year, is on next Wednesday, 7th February at St John Vianney’s Church at 5:30pm. Registrations for Reconciliation will close on Thursday 8th February and can be made through the Parish’s Qkr! App. Please be in touch with the Parish via email: SacramentalOLA@cg.org.au or by phone: 6288 1979 with any questions about the evening or registration.
Important dates for Reconciliation are:
Reflection Hour: 7th February 5:30-6:30pm at St John Vianney’s Church
Gathering Masses: 2/3 March (all Sacraments)
Reflection Hour: 5th March 5:30-6:30pm at St John Vianney’s Church
Wednesday, 6th March: First Reconciliation (St Jude’s Church, 6pm)
Thursday, 7th March: First Reconciliation (St John Vianney’s Church, 6pm)
Saturday, 9th March: First Reconciliation (St Jude’s Church, after 8am Mass at 9am)
Sacraments 2024
Students who are eligible to make one of the Sacraments (Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation) this year received a formal invitation from the Parish to be part of the Sacramental program for 2024. These invitations were sent home with students last year. We encourage you to read the information (on the back of the invitation) and visit the Parish's website for more information. The Parish website is: https://stjjvwestoncreek.blogspot.com/
If your child is new to our school community this year and you would like them to receive one of the Sacraments, please let me know via email: laura.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au.
Eligibility for each Sacrament is as follows:
Reconciliation - open to students who have been baptised Catholic and who are in Year 3 or above.
First Eucharist - open to baptised Catholic students who have made their Reconciliation and are in Year 4 or above.
Confirmation - open to baptised Catholic students who have received their First Eucharist and who are in Year 6 or above.
It is possible to receive more than one Sacrament in the same year, however, the Sacraments usually need to made in order (i.e. Reconciliation, followed by First Eucharist, then Confirmation). These questions and other general enquiries about the Sacramental program are best directed to the Parish Office via email: SacramentalOLA@cg.org.au
There is a gathering Mass for candidates and their families for all Sacraments on the weekend of 2nd/3rd March. Further updates and information about the Sacramental program will be published in the school newsletter and Parish bulletin throughout the year.
School Masses
As a school, we regularly attend the Wednesday morning 9:30 am Mass at St John Vianney’s Church. The choir sings at this Mass and sometimes our students have a role in other parts of the celebration. Parents and friends of our school are welcome to join us alongside parishioners at this Mass. Dates the school will be attending Mass this term are as follows:
Friday 9th February: Opening School Mass at 9:30am - TBC
Wednesday 14th February: Ash Wednesday Mass at 9:30am
Wednesday 20th March: Parish Mass at 9:30am (led by Year 4)
Monday 8th April: Annunciation Feast Day Mass, TBC.
What's coming up and when:
| Every Monday | Sports Day |
| Every Friday | Sports Day |
| Friday 2nd February | School Opening and Welcome Picnic 5:00-7:00pm
 |
| Wednesday 7th February | Kinder Rest Day |
| Monday 12th - Friday 16th February | Teacher and Parents Meet and Greets |
| Wednesday 14th February | Kinder Rest Day Whole School Mass from 9:30am: Ash Wednesday everyone welcome |
| Monday 19th - Wednesday 21st February |
Year 5 & 6 Leadership Borambola Camp |
| Wednesday 21st February | Kinder Rest Day |
| Tuesday 27th February | "Think you know" Presentation |
Welcome back to the Library :)
Students have had borrowing time in the library this week. All students have been given the opportunity to borrow books from our amazing library.
From next week, Library lessons will begin.
Please pack your library bag on the following days :)
Tuesday - Year one, Year Two, Year Three and 5/6J.
Wednesday - Kinder, Year 4 and 5/6P.
SUSTAINABILITY @ SJV
A HUGE thank you to Louise and the family for watering our veggie garden over the school holiday period.
After a huge tidy up and some planting at the end of the school year, plus watering and rain over the holidays, we now have a very successful crop of vegetables.
We have grown (and eaten) tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini’s, many herbs and onions. We have potatoes nearly ready to dig out and finger limes growing for the first time!!
If you order a wrap in the canteen over the coming weeks be sure to enjoy the delicious cucumber and tomatoes grown in our own school garden.
Thank you!
and Happy Gardening !!
The Sustainability Team
Happy Birthday to Hazel W, Martina A, Zeon A, Jayden J and Mia D
A very warm welcome to our new and returning ELC families. The first week of preschool is an exciting time. The children have been exploring their new environment whilst getting to know one another and their teachers. Thank you for having your children so well prepared for preschool and for a positive first week. We look forward to the year ahead.
Emails
All families should have received an email from your class teacher. If you have not received this email, please notify the ELC so you can be added to the distribution list. You may also need to check your junk/spam folder and mark the email as a trusted source.
ELC Fee Statements
ELC Fee statements are sent fortnightly on Tuesdays and direct debits occur on the following Thursday. Please check the ‘Due Now’ amount at the top of your statement and ensure there are sufficient funds available in your account in order to avoid extra charges from Debit Success. Our statements are backdated so that you have a record of the payments made, and CCS received in the last fortnight.
Parent Information Night
Please come along to our ELC Parent Information Night next Tuesday 6 February at 5:30pm. We will go over all the frequently asked questions to help you get a better idea of how our ELC runs.
Karen Leighton - St Jude's Early Learning Centre
Phone: +61262875520
Email: karen.leighton@cg.catholic.edu.au
SJV Tuckshop is open Wednesday & Friday. Orders can be made online via Qkr! A copy of the Menu and Qkr! instructions can be found on the Tuckshop Webpage.
TUCKSHOP ROSTER
Friday 2nd February
Karen
Wednesday 7th February
Jen
Friday 9th February
Deb
Canteen Volunteer Roster for Term 1 is a work in progress - if you have some free time to help out, Mel would greatly appreciate your assistance.
Term_1_2024_Canteen_Roster.pdf
Please remember to bring your WWVP- (Working with Vulnerable People) card with you.
You can apply for the card via Access Canberra: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/s/article/working-with-vulnerable-people-wwvp-registration-tab-how-to-apply
WINTER Canteen Menu is available here and on our website. Term 2 & 3 2022 Winter Tuckshop Menu
Term 1 & 4 The SUMMER Menu kicks in. 2022_Summer_Tuckshop_Menu.pdf
Please contact the Front Office or Mel or simply fill in the Canteen Volunteer Note to let us know you are able to help and when.
Mel Harding
Canteen Manager
melanie.harding@cg.catholic.edu.au
Term 1
Week 1 Notes
No notes sent home this week.
Tailored Experiences
The program at St John Vianney's Primary School Your OSHC is unique and tailored to the educational ethos and values of your school and the individual needs of the children in the service. In every before and afterschool session, your coordinator designs a featured activity to engage the children. Complementing the feature activity are experience zones that give children the freedom of choice and guide them to learn through play. Our Pupil Free Day sessions have at least three key feature activities, based around family and child feedback.
Pop into the Your OSHC service at St John Vianney's Primary School to chat to your Coordinator about the program.
Register with Camp Australia via the link https://pp.campaustralia.com.au/
Get Term 1 Ready