Term 4 - Week 3, 2022

Principal's Message

Dear Parents,

On Tuesday, we celebrated Grandparents’ Day here at school. It was so good to welcome the students’ grandparents back into the school. It has been a few years since we have been able to do this. We prayed with our grandparents and for them too. We are thankful for the love they share with the students, the support they give them and for the important role they play in shaping our children's lives.

This week we also acknowledged World Teachers’ Day. This day is an opportunity to thank the staff in our school as all staff contribute to the education of the students. I personally thank the staff in our school for providing the many opportunities to engage in the children's development and learning through the arts, sport, English, Mathematics, reading, STEM, social justice, faith, social development and for supporting the needs of each and every student. The staff here work tirelessly to support the development the students and I acknowledge and thank them for their effort. 

Next week, we are holding our next Kindergarten Orientation session. It is on Tuesday from 8:30am - 11:00am. Kindergarten enrolments are open now, please call the school to book an interview for your child for 2023.

Also on Tuesday, we are holding a retreat day for Stage 3 called Exuro. Exuro aims to light up the students’ faith; we look forward to this day as we focus on the Stage 3 students' spiritual formation.

Regards,

Nathan Trezise,

Principal

Grandparents' Day

On Tuesday we welcomed our Grandparents into our school. It was fantastic to have so many of our elder family members here to share lunch, liturgy, and activities as diverse as playing a Maths game, to having a fun photo taken in our kindergarten photo booth. Thank you to all who came and we acknowledge those people who traveled long distances to be here also. The atmosphere was lovely as the children clearly loved having you all here. The photos taken at the photo booth will be emailed to families during the next week.

Below is a video the students made about Why We Love Our Grandparents.

Thankyou,

Louise Sprowles, Leader of Mission

Grandparents' Day Photo Gallery

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Kindergarten Orientation

We have commenced our Kindergarten orientation sessions to support the students to transition to school. Our next session will be held on Tuesday from 8:30am-11am.

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 this Monday 31st October. All ordering is now done through the Compass app - please call the school if you need assistance with this.

Initially there was an issue with Compass charging a $15 service fee for each order, but this has now been rectified and the fee is no longer being charged.

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.

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.