Term 4 - Week 2, 2022

Principal's Message

Dear Parents,

This year, one of our school goals has been to support each student to improve their writing. We have been working together as a staff to closely monitor their writing progress based on the research of Lyn Sharratt. We have created a whole school data wall that tracks every student's progress. We have also explored different ways to support student development with writing by using a ‘Bump it Up’ wall. This wall is a learning space in the classroom that scaffolds student writing by showing examples, providing clarity about what quality writing looks like, and which allows students to see how they can improve their writing.

To celebrate the work we have been undertaking, we are inviting parents and supporters to visit our school for a Writing Fair on Monday 14th November from 2:30pm. We will have students' writing on display and will showcase what writing development looks like from Kindergarten up to Year 6. We hope you can be part of this celebration of learning.

Into 2023, we are implementing a new curriculum for Kindergarten to Year 2. As such, we have been assigned an extra Staff Development Day to prepare for this new curriculum. Please note that Friday 18th November will be a pupil free day.

Lastly, don’t forget that we are celebrating our grandparents on Monday from 1pm. Please come and join us to show our gratitude for everything our grandparents do in the lives of our students.

Regards,

Nathan Trezise,

Principal

Grandparents' Day

We warmly invite all all Grandparents (or significant grandparent figures) to join us for a celebration at Mt St John's school next Monday 24th October. We will be sharing a picnic lunch from 1pm (BYO lunch), followed by a Liturgy and games / activities for students and their grandparents.
Hope to see lots of our lovely grandparents here for this special event!

Thankyou,

Louise Sprowles, Leader of Mission

Weekly Awards

Congratulations to the following students, who received class awards this week:

Chayse B - For great work identifying money in Maths and sorting coins.

Rokko B - For great listening and reading in our English block. Keep it up!

Aurora W - For great work creating a flower by turning, sliding and flipping one shape.

Piper B - For your excellent team work. Well done, listening to others and sharing ideas.

Cayden W - For great mathematical thinking when working out volume of shapes. Super job!

Malachi F - For settling into his new school. An awesome 1st week. Welcome to Mt St John's!!!

Makayla C - For being an enthusiastic learner and showing responsible learning behaviours.

Reid G - For creating an engaging and interesting text on electric cars vs fuel cars.

Kindergarten Orientation

We have commenced our Kindergarten orientation sessions to support the students to transition to school. We enjoyed a great morning with our new Kindergarten students on Tuesday, learning about frogs, having a frog scavenger hunt and doing some art & craft.

Our 2023 Kinder Orientation sessions will be held from 8:30am to 11am on the following days:

Tuesday 18th October

Tuesday 1st November

Tuesday 15th November (also includes a Parent information session with the principal and Instructional Leader)

Tuesday 29th November (includes Parent morning tea)

Students should bring a hat to wear in the playground, a snack for recess and a bottle of water.

Enrolments Open for 2023

Enrolments are open for Kindergarten and all other grades for 2023. Please phone the school on 6657 2552 to request an enrolment pack. When you have returned your completed application form to the school, you and your child will be invited to attend an enrolment interview. 

School Photos

Our 2022 School photos will be taken on Monday 31st October. All ordering is now done through the Compass app - please call the school if you need assistance with this.

Uniform Items

We have received stock in more sizes of school shirts and jackets. Uniform prices are as follows:

School hats - $15

Shirts - $25

Skorts - $20

Shorts - $20

Rain jackets - $50

Term 4 School Fees

Term 4 school fees have been billed to each family. These fees are payable by Friday 25th November, unless you are paying by regular direct debit amounts. 
 
1 student - $281.50 
2 students - $492.62
3 or more students - $633.37
 
Payment options are:  

1. using the Compass app - You can check your school fee balance and pay fees through the Compass app. Select more - school fees - next - and enter your credit card details. You have the option to pay in full or pay a portion of your fees. 
2. cash or cheque at school 
3. direct deposit to the school's bank account (see instructions below)

When using Internet banking, please use your child’s surname as a reference.
Banancoast Community Credit Union   
BSB no. 533-000
Account no. 3282 0430                 
Name: Mt St John’s Primary School
 
Remember, if you feel you will be unable to finalise your Term 4 school fees by this date, some financial assistance may be available from St Vincent de Paul - to make an appointment with them, call          0472 718 862. You will need to take your school fee statement with you to your appointment.

How to Cancel a Canteen Order

If you need to, you can cancel canteen orders before 8:30am on Friday mornings. If you know your child is going to be away you can go into Compass Canteen and select "cancel order". The money goes back into your Compass "wallet" so you can use it next time you order - when you get to the Confirm & pay screen, click on the down arrow and select Compass Credit. 

Leaving Students Access to Compass Portal

Parents of students who are leaving school at the end of year, and not continuing their education within the Diocese of Lismore, will lose access to their Compass portal on the 31st December 2022. Therefore parents should download their child’s reports in Compass prior to the 31st December.

Parents of students who are continuing their education within the Diocese of Lismore will still be
able to access their child’s reports through their Compass portal.

Head Lice

There have been reports of head lice in the school this week. Please check your child's head regularly and treat if necessary.

School Facebook Page

Check out our school Facebook page! It is wonderful to be able to share the good news of our school with our families and community. 

Student Art - Dorrigo Show

Library Day - Wednesday

Library day for all students is Wednesday - please make sure your child brings in his or her cloth library bag on this day. Each student may borrow four books per week. 

School Bus Travel

Applications for student travel can be made online. Apply here 

School Drive Subsidy

The School Drive Subsidy is available for eligible school students where there is no public transport available for all or part of the journey. If you have to drive your child more than 1.6km to a school bus stop, you may be eligible for this subsidy – go to the link below to apply. 

Camp Creative Scholarships

Scholarships for Camp Creative's summer holiday courses are now open. This is your chance to get a hands-on experience in the creative and performing arts – visual art, craft, drama, music, singing, dancing, photography, and so much more!

You could receive a Camp Creative course of your choice and a week of Camp events, concerts, and creative gatherings.

Scholarships are available for kids and teens aged 5-18 across Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads and Bellingen.

It's time for a special week at Camp Creative Bellingen - 9-13 January 2023.

Apply online at https://campcreative.com.au/apply/scholarships-2023/

Applications close 5.00 pm Tuesday 1 November 2022.

Ian J. Cooper Awards

Every two years Bellingen Shire Council acknowledges local groups, services, organisations, businesses and or individuals that have made a contribution to raising awareness of access and inclusion in our community by way of the Ian J. Cooper Awards for Access and Inclusion. 

Nominations are now open. Self-nominations are also acceptable. So, if you know of a local group, organisation, business, service or individual that is making a difference to improving access and inclusion in our Shire, make sure you complete a nomination form. Closes 4 November.

GLUE

GLUE "God Loves Us Eternally" KidsClub is held each Wednesday during school terms from 3-5pm at the Anglican Hall. Afternoon tea, games, fun worship and craft. All primary kids welcome, as are newcomers. For more info, ring Gwenneth on 6657 2135. COVID-safe practices will apply.

The last Messy Church  of the year "Messy Kings" will be held on Sunday 27th November 2022 4-6pm.

Instrumental Music With Hazel

Hazel Buchanan is offering individual music lessons on Friday afternoons at school again this year, and currently has a couple of spaces. Hazel teaches woodwind, brass and piano. For more details, please call Hazel on 0458 572525.

Cricket Registration Open

Movies on the Mountain

Healthy Lunchbox Website

Cancer Council’s Healthy Lunch Box website is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about packing a healthy lunch box.  For recipes, information and health tips please visit the website below.