St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

On Wednesday we came together as a school for Mass to recognise the commencement of the Season of Lent. During the Season of Lent we are called to unite against poverty through Caritas’ Project Compassion.

Over the coming weeks students will learn about the inspiring stories of strength, challenge, disruption, journeys of isolation to independence and resilience from poverty to gaining valuable skills.

Families may like to login into the Caritas site with their children and explore ways in which we can support those living in poverty.

Last Thursday Carley McGauran presented a most informative session on Managing Big Feelings. Carley presents practical tips for families to consider as we navigate nurturing and supporting our children through a realm of circumstances. We thank all families who joined Carley for the informative presentation.

A key quote from Carley from the evening included:

“When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not join their chaos”  L.R.Knost

Families who were unable to attend the session may like to view the recording of Carley’s session.  Please see the link below to view Carley’s session along with access to her toolkit:

• Toolkit (slides, links, videos + resources): http://bit.ly/MBFtoolkit 

• Replay: https://youtu.be/ZLZOB8yHzAg  

After a period of long service leave we look forward to welcoming our Tuckshop Co-ordinator Mrs Tracey Walker back to SJB at the commencement of Week 7.  The first tuckshop day for Term 1 is tomorrow, Wednesday 12th March.  Tracey will be seeking community members who are able to assist her in the tuckshop.  Should you wish to assist in the tuckshop please contact the office.

Welcome back Tracey. We are thrilled to see you again!

With Mother's Day soon approaching our P&F team are busy ordering some lovely gifts that will be available for purchase during our Mother’s Day Stall. In the past some parents have shared their talents and contributed gifts that are handmade. These gifts have always been fantastic to see and of high quality. 

We are putting the call out to the community if anyone would like to showcase their talents by contributing any handmade items such as toys, candles, chocolates, jewellery, bath salts or any other little gift ideas.

We would love the chance to recognise the talents of our community whilst contributing to a wonderful day. If you are interested in contributing please email the office at

office@sjferntreegully.catholic.edu.au by Friday 14th March. Your details will then be passed on to the P & F Mother’s Day Stall team.

Exciting times as we prepare for the SJB 2025 Athletics Day.

This year’s Athletics Day will be held at Bill Stewart Athletics Track in Burwood due to work being undertaken at the Knox Athletics Track. The venue for this year’s Athletics Day is outlined below

Where: Bill Stewart Reserve,  330  Burwood Highway, Burwood East, 3151

Time: Year 3-6 students 9:45am - 2:145pm

           Prep - Year 2 students 10:30am - 12:45pm

• Announcement of house places will take place on return to SJB.

Students are encouraged to join in the excitement of the day.  Students may dress in the colour of their house, wear ribbons, nails, coloured zinc or hair, we ask families that this is done prior to arriving at school, (the school toilets are not an area for coloured zinc or hairspray). House posters may be created & brought along for team spirit and cheering.  These are the responsibility of students.  (Coloured streamers are not to brought as these create a significant & time consuming mess to clean up at the end of the day.)

Please complete the Operoo permission form ASAP - thank you.

We congratulate all students for their participation and sportsmanship at Friday’s District Swimming. The students were outstanding in their efforts and support of all participants was exceptional. Congratulations to all students on the manner in which you represented St John the Baptist School and yourselves. 

Congratulations to the following students on progressing to the next stage, Division.

Sophia A, Scarlett, Thaaruni, Anneliese, Mya, Jenna, Ruby, Amelia R, Olivia B and Henry

We have our final training session at 7.45am, tomorrow, Wednesday March 12th.

This year we will celebrate Harmony Day with a prayer service to be led by the Year 1/2 level.  Students may wear a touch of orange on this day in celebration and recognition of Harmony Day. This may be an orange ribbon, clothing or socks.  Students are to wear their school uniform with the option of wearing orange. This is not a free dress day.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out today to help continue building our school chicken coop!  Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated, and we couldn’t have made this progress without you. The chicken run is almost completely predator proof and we are beginning to put the final touches on the coop itself. 

We’re almost there, and we’d love your help to finish the project next Tuesday, March 18, from 9–11 AM.  We still need to build a nesting box, create a chook tunnel into the coop and attach the roof. If you missed out last time, this is your chance to be part of something special for our school community. No experience needed—just a willingness to pitch in!

Hope to see you there! 

Christian der Kinderen

Sustainability Leader

After the ongoing success of the SJB Dads and Kids camping weekend each year our terrific P & F have secured a SJB family weekend at Warburton Holiday Park. Warburton Holiday Park provides a variety of camping options to suit all families. Please see the flyer for details for the family weekend.  When booking, families are asked to mention they are part of the SJB Family Weekend. This will assist the park team with an understanding of the size of the group to expect. Families can check out the Warburton Holiday Park at: https://warburtonholidaypark.com.au/ 

Bookings can be made at: https://bookings12.rmscloud.com/Search/Index/8802/1/?Y=1

We wish all participating families a wonderful weekend away.

This week and next our Year 3 and Year 5 students will participate in the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 

The NAPLAN assessment tasks consist of the following assessment tasks:

• Reading

• Writing

• Conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)

• Numeracy

NAPLAN is one aspect of St John the Baptist’s assessment and data collection used to monitor student progress and growth.  NAPLAN data is used in conjunction with school based data, student work samples and anecdotal records. All of this information is reflected upon in the planning of learning and teaching, as well as assessment and reporting.

We ask families to support our students as they prepare to undertake NAPLAN by encouraging them to give it their best.  This is all we ask of any of our students when entering all tasks.

Wishing all our students and families a wonderful week.

Kelli Johnston

March

12th - Open Day No. 2

12th - Tuck shop commences for 2025

12th - NAPLAN commences

12th - Division Swimming

15th - Working Bee 1.30-4.00pm

17th - P & F Meeting -  SJB Staffroom at 7pm

21st - Regional Swimming

21st - Harmony Day

21st - St Patrick’s Day  Schools Mass

24th - SJB Athletics Day

25th - Open Day No. 3

26th - Sacrament of Reconciliation - 5.00pm

26th - School Advisory Council Meeting at 7.00pm

April

3rd - SJB School Photos

4th - Holy Week Prayer Services

4th - Term 1 concludes at 2.00pm

21st - Easter Monday

22nd - Term 2 commences

24th - Review Day 1

24th - ANZAC Day Prayer Service - 10.40am

25th - ANZAC Day - School Closed

28th - P&F Meeting at 7.00pm

30th - First Eucharist Family Evening - 7.00pm

Canteen orders can be placed via http://www.flexischools.com.au

Orders must be placed no later than 7.30am on the Wednesday or Friday.