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2025 Term 2 Week 3
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2025 Term 2 Week 3
A big congratulations to the following students:
TUCKSHOP ROSTER
What's coming up and when:
| Every Monday | Sports Day | |
| Every Friday | Sports Day | |
| Every Wednesday for the month of May | Open Day for tours of our school for enrolments | |
| Week 2 | Friday 9th May |
8am - Mother's Day celebration hosted by Year 1 Parents followed by Opening of the Indigenous Community Garden led by the school 9:15am - Tour of the garden |
| Week 3 | Wednesday 14th May |
9:30am Parish Mass - St John Vianney's Parish everyone welcome. Led by 5/6J students.
|
| Thursday 15th May | First Eucharist Registrations close | |
| Friday 16th May | 9:30am SJV Athletics Carnival - Chapman Oval | |
| Week 4 | Wednesday 21st May | National Simultaneous Storytime |
| Saturday 24th May | 5:00pm Sacramental Gathering Mass - St Judes Church | |
| Week 5 |
Monday 26th, Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th, & Friday 30th May
Tuesday 27th May |
Parent Teacher Interviews. Make your appointment for your child's teacher/s on the Compass App. We will advise when this is live BOOK FAIR will be set up during this week for you and your children to choose books from before and after school. SAVE THE DATE - Tuesday Night "Think You Know Presentation" details to follow |
| Friday 30th May | 2:40pm Reconciliation Prayer Celebration presented by Year 2 students. Everyone welcome | |
| Week 6 |
Monday 2nd June Friday 6th June |
Reconciliation Day Public Holiday Parent Teacher Interviews this term, will be held over two weeks. |
| Tuesday 3rd June | South Weston Cross Country | |
| Week 7 | Monday 9th June | King's Birthday Public Holiday |
| Wednesday 11th June | Parish Mass - St John Vianney's Parish everyone welcome. Led by Year 4 students. | |
| Week 8 | Thursday 19th June | School Photos Winter uniform with Polar Fleece on. |
| Week 9 | Monday 23rd June | 2:10pm Semester Awards Ceremony |
| Week 10 | Tuesday 1st July | Confirmation Registrations Close |
| Thursday 3rd July | Last day of Term 2 | |
| Friday 4th July | Pupil Free Day | |
| Term 3, Week 1 | Monday 21st July | Pupil Free Day |
| Tuesday 22nd July | First day of Term 3 |
The school will add notes to the newsletter that have gone home in school bags. We know that sometimes bags are very hungry and eat school notes!!!
As of this week, when a note has gone home with your child, it will also be uploaded onto the "Notes for Parents" section of the newsletter. These notes will remain in the newsletter section for 2025, affording you an electronic version to look at.
Term 1 Week 10 Notes
Federal_election_parent_and_school_forum_flyer.pdf
St_Mary_Mackillop_Try_Mackillop_Day_Event.pdf
Term 2 Week 1 Notes
2025_Mother_s_Day_Flyer.pdfSaint_John_Vianneys_School_Indigenous_Garden_Opening_.pdf
Term 2 Week 2 Notes
Italian_Special_Lunch_2025_Term_2.pdf
Term 2 Week 3 Notes
No Notes went home this week
Compass email RE: Athletics Carnival 16th May
Email regarding Direct Debit option available. Email expires 20th May
Principal's Message
Dear SJV Community
Welcome to the end of Wk 3.
In light of the wonderful Mother's Day Celebration that happened on Friday and all mothers I have placed this prayer below.
Lord Jesus, to You I pray in gratitude: For my mother, whose arms held me close, Touching my heart with her gentle love; For the lessons taught on how to live: Pray, forgive, and rise above. For her comfort as I tried my wings. Sometimes falling when I longed to soar; For encouragement to try again, While loving me all the more. For her love forever in my heart And cherished memories I embrace— Her ways of seeing, doing, bearing, With humility and grace. Amen.
Year 3 and Science Teachers 2025
I would like to announce that we will be appointing Mrs Spackman (Mon-Wed) and Mrs Julie Douglas (Thurs-Fri) from week four as the Year 3 Classroom Teachers for the remainder of 2025. Mrs Spackman will also continue to take Library classes on Thursday.
Mrs Sarah Emerson will return to her regular position on Year 5/6 and Year 1 and Mrs Liz Diskin will be the SJV science teacher for the remainder of the year.
As you know we had announced that Mr Geoff Walker would be teaching the class from Term 3 onward, but upon consideration he gave me notice at the end of last term that he could not accept the position.
As such, we advertised the position for almost three weeks and feel that the best for Year 3 would be to offer the class the continuity of Mrs Spackman combined with Mrs Douglas.
Compliance Review
On Monday we had a representative from CECG to discuss with our leadership team on next year's compliance review, formerly know as School Registration. This process will afford the opportunity for growth and development. As such we will look at our Statement's of Practice to see how our school operates and where improvements can be made.
Attendance
Following on from the above piece on compliance an area for tightening is the explanation in the Compass app in regards to Attendance. If your child is away from school, could you please indicate the specific reason why.
Mother's Day and Indigenous Garden Thanks
I would like to thank Erin Robinson and her team for her coordination of our Mother's Day celebration last Friday. This event was extremely well attended and it was great for everyone to catch up over a coffee and a pastry to chat.
There are too many people for the creation of our Indigenous Garden and the preparation of the day in this small space. Therefore I have attached my speech to this newsletter and I ask you to please read it. This is an amazing new space and I think it important that you recognise the key people and groups involved.
Merit Award Assembly - Carnival Ribbons and Assembly
As mentioned previously, Week 1 and Week 2 merit awards will be handed out before the Athletics carnival tomorrow. During our Wk 4 Merit Awards ceremony, we will hand out our Cross Country ribbons to students. Athletics Carnival ribbons will be handed out at a date that is still TBA.
Implementation of Direct Debit
As per communication sent our by Catholic Education Finance - most families are now able to access a Direct Debit option as a form of payment of school fees. Within the email received, there is a link to opt in. Please note, this link will expire midnight Tuesday 20th May.
Athletics Carnival
I look forward to seeing parents tomorrow to watch the children at our Athletics Carnival tomorrow. A massive thankyou to Mrs Malpas, Mrs Matchett and Mr Young who have coordinated tomorrow's event. I would also like to thank St Mary MacKillop College who are sending some of their wonderful students to assist with the running of the carnival. Finally a big thank you to parents who have volunteered and will be able to help on the day.
Biggest Morning Tea - Wednesday 30th May
Our canteen is once again supporting BMT this year. As such there will be a cupcake and hot milo deal for sale at our canteen. The cupcakes have been donated by one of our wonderful grandmothers to help raise funds for a very worthy cause. If your child has recently earned a treat, then next week would be the perfect time to give them one.
Resilience Project
Please find important information regarding the Resilience Project in Mrs De Rosa's newsletter page.
Important Dates for Term 2 -
Please see the calendar of events page in this newsletter for Term 2 important dates.
Access to the School Calendar - How to navigate
Access the school website either through your computer or phone following this link https://www.sjv.act.edu.au/
Mobile Phone – Scroll down until you see the second last coloured tile which I have pasted below. Follow this link to our school calendar.
Computer – Scroll down until you see the second last coloured tile which I have pasted below. Follow this link to our school calendar.
God Bless
Peter Rodda
Principal
with Nina De Rosa
Newly Elected Pope Leo XVI
On Friday morning we awoke to the news that the white smoke had risen out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling that the Cardinals had voted and that a new Pope had been chosen. We are delighted to acknowledge the appointment of Pope Leo XIV to lead our Church.
A Statement from Archbishop Christopher Prowse on the election of Pope Leo XVI is available, see attached.
I encourage you to read Archbishop Christopher’s statement on the occasion of the announcement of the 267th successor of St Peter.
Let’s keep Pope Leo XIV in our prayers as he embarks on this significant journey, guiding the Church with compassion, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the Gospel
A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
Heavenly Father,
You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter.
Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him.
Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven.
Grant him wisdom to discern Your will,
Courage to fulfil it,
And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ.
In this time of transition,
Bring peace to troubled hearts,
Joy to those who suffer,
And hope to the despairing.
May he be a faithful successor to Saint Peter,
A humble servant of Your Word,
And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth.
Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity.
We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
And to the prayers of all the saints.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Resilience Project - GEM CHATS
GEM Chats are questions and prompts designed to start a conversation or encourage students to reflect on their GEM+EL habits. (Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy)The goal is for the practice of GEM to become a habit, and by engaging in these activities daily, we can support students in developing this habit. GEM Chats consist of 2-5 minute activities that we can do individually or as a family at different points throughout the day. Students have been participating in GEM chats through The Resilience Project lessons. I have included a copy of a few different ones for families to have a go at home.
For more information about TRP and to support the program at home
Community Garden - NARAGANAWALI
Last Friday, our school witnessed one of most memorable community events so far. As mentioned by many of our speakers it has been a long journey. It's development provided an opportunity for like minded passionate people to work together to achieve one goal and WE DID IT!
Our community garden - NARAGANAWALI:
- is ALIVE - with native plants growing in a thriving environment
- provides a sense of WELL BEING - for community to have a yarn, connect and be present
- Is a place to COME TOGETHER - catchup, gather and build community
Italian News - Buon Appetito
There were many 'saucy smiles' yesterday, following the Italian Lunch of Pasta and Meatballs. Our graditude and grazie to Signora Monagle for her organisation of the event and Mrs Harding and her Canteen helpers for the delicious food.
Mrs D’s ‘Thought of the Week….’
Nina De Rosa
Assistant Principal
RE News
Week 3 Term 2 2025
Prayer for Pope Leo XIV
God of all people,
In trust and gratitude, we turn to your Holy Spirit. We know your Spirit has been active during this time of conclave, guiding the prayerful discernment that has brought your Church to this important moment. Now, as Pope Leo XIV assumes the Petrine Ministry, we pray that your Spirit draw ever closer to our new Holy Father, illuminating his path so that he may faithfully see and respond to the needs of your people.
We pray that Pope Leo XIV be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love. We pray that you give him joy in his work and a renewed fervour for your Gospel message. May he never lose sight of Christ who walks before us and among us — particularly in the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the outcast.
Christ Jesus, bless Pope Leo XIV — and bless us, your holy people, as together we strive to be your Body in our wounded world.
Amen.
Source: https:www.jesuitscentralsouthernnorg/stories/a-pray-forpopeleo-xiv/
Prayer Celebrations Term 2
We warmly welcome parents and friends of SJV to join us for our Reconciliation Week Prayer Celebration. The prayer celebrations will commence at 2:40pm in the school hall.
Reconciliation Week Prayer Celebration - presented by Year 2 on Friday 30th May
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:
Wednesday 11th June - led by Year 4
Wednesday 25th June - led by Year 3
St Vincent de Paul
In term 2, our social justice and fundraising focus turns to St Vincent de Paul in preparation for the Winter Appeal. We are always looking for donations for our hygiene station which is located in the school’s foyer area. We welcome donations of new and sealed hygiene products such as
- Oral hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrushes)
- Deodorant, body spray, and perfume
- Body wash and soap
- Hair care items (shampoo, conditioner)
- Face wash and skincare products
- Moisturiser and hand sanitiser
- Sanitary products
- Toiletries bags
Your donations are made into small bags which will be distributed by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of Canberra Goulburn, ensuring they reach those in our local community most in need.
If you’re wondering how you can contribute, here are a few simple ideas:
- Planning a holiday? If you visit a hotel and don’t need the complimentary toiletries, consider bringing them home to donate to our hygiene station. Please ensure they are sealed.
- Shopping for yourself? Next time you’re buying a new toothbrush or bottle of shampoo, why not pick up an extra one to help someone in need?
We thank you for your generous support of this initiative.
SPAR - Parents and Friends Prayer Group
Our SPAR Parents and Friends Prayer Group will be held regularly on Thursday mornings at 8:45am in the space between the canteen and the hall, and will run for 10 minutes. A reminder that the group is open to everyone regardless of faith background, practising or non-practising Catholics, those who pray regularly, those who haven’t prayed in a while, anyone considering becoming Catholic, anyone curious about how we pray here at school, or anyone who would like 10 minutes of peace and calm in their week! You don’t need to attend each week, it will always be open to anyone who wants to come along.
Parents and friends with younger children are welcome to bring them along where they will be watched by Year 6 students in the hall. The prayer group will focus on reflections on the forthcoming Sunday’s Gospel, Christian meditation, significant events and feast days central to the Catholic faith or current community, national or global events. No one will be asked to share or verbally participate unless they feel comfortable to do so. I’d encourage you to consider whether this might be something you give a try this year. Please feel free to contact me: laura.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au with any questions or feedback (particularly regarding the timing, if this is a barrier for you to attend). I hope to see you there.
Sacraments 2025
Registrations for First Eucharist and Confirmation are currently open. First Eucharist registrations will close today - May 15th 2025. Families of students who are eligible to make one of the Sacraments (Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation) this year are encouraged to visit the Parish website: https:stjvwestoncreekblogspot.com/ for information and registration details for each of the Sacraments.
. 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
Key dates for this term are as follows:
First Eucharist Registration cut off: Thursday 15th May
Gathering Mass (for First Eucharist and Confirmation candidates): Saturday 14th June/Sunday 15th June (any of the weekend Masses)
Reflection Evening for First Eucharist: Tuesday 24th June, 5:30pm at St John Vianney’s Church
Sacrament of First Eucharist: Saturday 28th June, 5:30pm at St Jude’s Church and Sunday 29th June, 9am at St John Vianney’s Church.
Please note - Merit Awards will be handed out at NEXT Friday's morning assembly.
|
KA |
Mailen Tapia Figueroa |
|
1 B |
Max Robinson |
|
2 J |
Arsh Ratnala |
|
3 P |
Emmanuel Nhial |
|
4CA |
Zara Cameron |
|
5/6 J |
Elio Buenaventura |
|
5/6 P |
Elsie Spackman |
|
The Arts |
Nivaan Shine Kumar |
|
Italian |
Roisin Early |
|
Science |
Sebastian Collins |
This weeks focus for our SJV students is
Move safely around the school
For further information on our SWPB program visit our
Please note the Library schedule for this term:
| Wednesday | Year 3 | |||||
| Thursday | Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 4 | Year 5/6J | Year 5/6P |
Held during week 5 - Parent/Teacher Meet and Greets - before and afterschool.
It starts with a choice: What do I want to read? And since being empowered to choose their own books is a milestone opportunity to identify and express their own voice, kids also leave the Book Fair as bolder, prouder, and stronger individuals.
Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge
All SJV students have been registered to participate in the 2025 Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge. At school, and at home, students are encouraged to read 30 books by the end of June (this includes books that are read to them/shared).
Each student from Year 2 to Year 6 has a recording sheet in the library that they are encouraged to fill in to show the 30 books they have read. I will keep a note of the books we read in the library from Kinder to Year 2.
Janice Spackman
ELC NEWS
Happy Birthday to Lucy W
ELC Staffing - Turtles
Last week we welcomed Kristine Pedraja (Ms Kristine) as the new educator in the Turtles room. She brings a wealth of experience working with young children. Mr Luc will be away for 2 weeks due to a family emergency. We are very lucky that Mrs Lewis, Ms Guillot and Mrs Drayton are able to cover the Turtles class so the children will have consistency and familiar faces.
Prac Teachers
This week the ELC welcomed Mandeep and Mia who are completing a 6 week practicum at our ELC on their journey to becoming early childhood teachers.
SJV Athletics Carnival
The ELC will be joining St John Vianney’s for the athletics carnival tomorrow, Friday 16 May at Chapman Oval. Thank you to SJV for providing a bus so that our ELC children can join in the fun. Please ensure the children are wearing appropriate running shoes with their ELC uniforms.
World Bee Day – Tuesday 20 May
Next Tuesday is World Bee Day. We’ll be celebrating with some fun bee-themed provocations in class. Children are invited to wear yellow to help us create a buzz around bees and their importance!
ELC Enrolment Tours
We will hold tours on Tuesdays in May from 9:30 – 11am. Please contact the ELC if you would like to book a tour. If you know any families with children approaching preschool age, invite them along to have a look at our amazing ELC. Online enrolments are open via the ELC page of the school website until the end of May.
St John Vianney’s Open Days
St John Vianney’s will have an Open Day every Wednesday in May from 10:30am to 5pm.
Carla Drayton - St Jude's ELC
Phone: 6287 5520
Email: elc.stjudes@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 17th May
Jen
Smaller menu items available to order because of the Athletics Carnival.
Wednesday 22nd May
BIGGEST MORNING TEA!!
Jen, Karen and Luke
Friday 24th May
Sonia and Karen
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
Term 2 & 3 The Winter Tuckshop Menu kicks in. Don't forget the winter options available Mac and Cheese and Butter Chicken with Rice (this is for Friday orders only.)
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