St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

Tuesday October 22nd 2024

Letter from the Principal, Kelli Johnston

Dear Families

World Teachers' Day

This Friday 25th October, Australia celebrates World Teachers’ Day. This is an opportunity to celebrate our teachers and thank them for all the work they do to educate, inspire and empower learners.

At SJB we are exceptionally fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated team of teachers who work tirelessly to provide all students with a wonderful learning environment. The team of teachers at SJB pride themselves on providing a safe and nurturing environment that allows for the full flourishing of every child. Together they develop all students spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally, preparing them in partnership with families to be responsible and capable citizens for both now and the future.

We encourage families to watch a little something about our teachers on the SJB Facebook and Instagram platforms!!

To our wonderful team of teachers at St John the Baptist School, THANK YOU for all that you do. 

Building Update

We thank all members of the SJB community for the manner in which everyone has supported the ‘Kiss & Go’ drop off and pick up. Everyone has completely taken this in their stride with the terrific result of ‘Kiss & Go’ working seamlessly.  We expected some initial adjustments to be required, however to be operating seamlessly by Day 2 is an exceptional outcome.  Our sincere thanks to everyone for ensuring that you were familiar with the system. Given the smooth transition of ‘Kiss & Go’ we will return to the one finish time of 3:15pm.  We will have students at ‘Kiss & Go’ ready to be placed in cars.

As families will have seen, fencing has now been established for the building program. Building is about to get underway. Baxter Projects have informed us that on the weekends of the 26th and 27th of October and the Melbourne Cup Weekend that asbestos removal will occur. Over these two weekends families are asked to remain offsite. 

As a result of the asbestos removal occurring next weekend we are required to postpone the Working Bee. The Term 4 Working Bee will now be scheduled to the 16th November commencing at 1:30pm.

As part of the asbestos removal Baxter Projects will provide the school with hygiene certificates to certify that the school site is safe for operation. At all times the building project will operate with the strictest of  building and safety requirements. Baxter Projects continue to be most professional in their communication and meeting of strict building regulations.

Updated Drop Off/Pick Up Process as of 22 October 2024...

About Real Life Sexuality Education Program - Years 3-6

Sexuality education begins at home and is supported by schools as part of a broader health curriculum aimed at maximising children’s wellbeing. About Real Life programs provide an excellent trigger for family discussion about body safety, human sexuality and respectful relationships.

Sessions are planned for students in years 3 - 6 at St. John the Baptist primary school in November and you are invited to attend an information evening regarding these programs.

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024, 7 – 8pm (please be online from 6:50pm)

Meeting Link

This adults only presentation will detail the content for the sessions and provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have before they commence.

I look forward to speaking with the parent community at St. John the Baptist Primary.

Sue Pain

Where families do not have a gmail account to access the parent session they may login into their child’s SJB Google account and log onto the session.

Year 3/4 Camp

Exciting times ahead as the Year 3/4 students head to camp at Phillip Island this week. The students will be attending an overnight camp at Phillip Island this Thursday and Friday.  We look forward to two great days of activities and adventure.

We thank the following staff for their attendance and support of our Year 3/4 students at camp:

Mr Christian der Kinderen, Mrs Lisa Giuliano, Mrs Amanda Heidenrijk, Mrs Emily Johnston, Mrs Susan Smith, Mrs Sue Davey and Miss Sophie Ryan.

Staffing Updates

This week we welcome Mrs Renee Armstrong back to SJB after a period of leave. Renee and her family have had a wonderful time travelling over the last few weeks. We are thrilled to have Renee return to school, as well as being most grateful to her for all of her planning and preparation prior to her leave. We thank Mr Ben Walsh and Mrs Tracey Tremewen, two of our regular CRTs for their work during Renee’s period of leave.

We are excited to announce Ms Melissa Lynch has been successfully appointed to the role of Mental Health in Primary Schools role at SJB for 2025.  Melissa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the MHiPS role with her backgrounds in Psychology and Education, as well as Learning Diversity and Wellbeing.

Melissa will increase her teaching allocation time at SJB in 2025 in order to introduce the MHiPS role whilst maintaining her classroom teaching allocation.

Prep 2025 Important Dates

We look forward to welcoming our 2025 Prep families and students as they start their journey with us at St John the Baptist. The following dates below are important dates for our Preps and their families:

Year 3 - 6 Swimming Carnival

Today the Year 3-6 students participated in the annual SJB Swimming Carnival. It was great to see students having a wonderful time participating in either the formal swimming events and/or the novelty events.

Congratulations to all students on their participation.

School Nurse

The school nurse visits have been rescheduled for this Thursday 24th October. Unfortunately our school nurse, Keera Waterson was unwell last week.  We are pleased to hear that she is now well and able to be at SJB.

Levies for 2025 School Year

Please see below details of the 2025 Levies.  Please note that these must be paid no later than Friday November 29th.

Students in Years 3-6 will not receive a book list for 2025.  Instead, all books/stationery will be purchased in bulk and distributed to students by classroom teachers.

Download

Regional Athletics

We wish all students participating in this week’s Regional Athletics all the best for a fun day of competition.

All the best to the following students:

Nishala A, Max F, Jenna G, Zaylen L, Sebastian R, Josh A

Inform & Empower

Our Year 1-6 students will continue their Cyber Safety sessions this term with Inform and Empower. Please see the focus for this term’s Inform and Empower sessions.

Working Bee - Rescheduled to the 16th November due to building program requirements

We have been most fortunate to have had great support from the SJB school community at this year’s Working Bees. We have one more Working Bee for the year.  The Term 4 Working Bee will now be held on Saturday 16th November between 1:30 - 4:00pm.  

We would be most appreciative to all who are able to assist with a number of jobs we have to complete around the school.  We are seeking assistance with parents who are able to assist with the maintenance of the SJB Naturescape in particular. Mulching, weeding & oiling of structures are few of the jobs to be completed. Families are welcome to contact Ursula De Corrado in regard to the Working Bee or jobs to be completed. Ursula may be contacted through her email: udecorrado@sjferntreegully.catholic.edu.au

Families who will be attending the Working Bee are asked to respond via Operoo.

Dads and Kids Gilwell Park Weekend Away

We have a terrific team of Dads organising this year’s Gilwell Park Dads and Kids weekend away.  We ask that all families attending the Dads and Kids weekend please confirm via the QR code. 

For planning purposes registration and payment are required by Thursday 31st October.

See booking link/QR Code below

Book In Here

Link to book in for the Dads & Kids Camping Weekend -

 https://www.trybooking.com/CVRHE

SJB 2025 Sacramental Program

In 2025 the Year 3 students will be preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Year 4 students will be preparing for their first Eucharist. 

We ask families who have not yet had their child baptised and who are seeking for their child to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist in 2025 to please make contact with the Parish Office prior to the end of this year.

Wishing everyone a great week. 

Kelli Johnston

$1000 Grant from Junior Landcare Supports Indigenous Planting Project

We are thrilled to announce that our school has been awarded a $1000 grant from Junior Landcare! This funding has been used to purchase a variety of indigenous plants, which will enhance the biodiversity along the Forest Road fenceline.

The planting project kicked off today, with enthusiastic students getting their hands dirty and helping to lay the groundwork for what will become a beautiful, sustainable garden. Next week, the planting will continue, involving even more students in this exciting initiative.

These plants will not only beautify our school but also provide vital habitats for local wildlife, support sustainability efforts, and serve as an educational tool for students to learn about the importance of native vegetation and caring for the environment.

A big thank you to Junior Landcare for their generous support! We can’t wait to see the growth and positive impact of this project in the coming months.

Join Me for an Introduction to Permaculture Workshop!

I am excited to invite parents and community members to an Introduction to Permaculture workshop on Sunday, November 3rd. This workshop will be run by myself and Jane Coleman from Earth and Soul Permaculture and promises to be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about living in the right relationship with the planet and how permaculture principles can be applied in our own lives and gardens.

Whether you're new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will offer practical insights and inspiration. You'll learn how to work with nature, create sustainable systems, and make the most of the resources we have.

Date: Sunday, November 3rd

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: 19 Paternoster Rd, Cockatoo

To secure your spot, please register through the following link:

Permaculture Workshop Link

I look forward to seeing many of you there! Let’s grow together and learn how we can contribute to a more sustainable future for our children and community.

Warm regards,

Christian der Kinderen

Term 4 Dates

October

24th - School Nurse in

24th - Year 3/4 Phillip Island Camp

25th - Year 3/4 Phillip Island Camp

25th - Assembly @ 2.45pm - 1/2KC presenting

26th - Working Bee (postponed)

26th - Asbestos removal from SJB buildings

28th - P-2 Swimming continues

30th - Prep 2025 Information Evening at 7.00pm

31st - About Real Life Session Yr 3-6 - Family Online Session

31st - Prep Ferntree Gully Library visit

November

1st - All Saints Day Mass @ 11am

2nd - Asbestos removal from SJB building

4th - School Closure Day

5th - Melbourne Cup Day - School Closed

7th - Prep 2025 Transition Session #1

7th - Year 3/4 Level Mass @ 9.15am

8th - About Real Life Session 1 Yrs 3-6

8th - Yr 7 2026 placememnt offers to be finalised

11th - P-2 Swimming continues

11th - Remembrance Day - Prayer Service @ 10.45am

14th - Prep 2025 Transition #2

15th - Assembly @ 2.45pm - Prep BA

15th - About Real Life Session - Years 3-6

16th - Working Bee - 1.30-4.00pm

18th - School Closure Day - Staff Professional Learning

20th - School Advisory Council - 7.00pm

21st - Prep Transition Session #3

22nd - About Real Life Session - Years 5-6

25th - Prep-2 Swimming continues

29th - Assembly Prep LC

Remembrance Day - ANZAC Poppy Appeal

Appeal Merchandise on sale now in the Office

$5 - Slouch Hat Pin

$5 - Pen

$5 - Poppy Pin (Premium)

$4 - Poppy Key Ring

$3 - Wrist Band

$2 - Poppy Pin (Standard)

$1 - Poppy Pin (Budget)


Uniform Shop News

The 2nd Hand Uniform Shop is open Tuesdays 2:45 - 3:15pm.

A current stock list is below.

Items $5 each - cash only.

Donations of clean, official SJB uniform are always gratefully accepted and can be dropped at the office at your convenience. 

Current available stock

Canteen News

Open on Wednesdays & Fridays


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.


Canteen Helpers Needed

Are you able to help in the Canteen on a Friday morning. New volunteers are very welcome and it’s only for a couple of hours, very easy and fun!  Please pop in and see Tracey in the canteen on either a Wednesday or Friday morning if you can help out. 

Canteen Roster Term 4, 2024

Friday October 25th

Leanne Gaunt

Emma Jenkins

Friday November 1st

Nelson Serrao

Cassie Croning

Friday November 8th

Lauren Wearne

Claire Lewis

Parish News

St John the Baptist Tennis Club

Community News

St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully