Term 2 - Week 2, 2023

Principal's Message

Dear Parents,

Congratulations to our amazing Cross Country runners who braved very warm and rugged conditions at Grafton for the Zone titles. They all competed well and represented the school with pride. Well done!

On Thursday next week from 5-7pm we have a Parent Information Night on the Resilience Project. The aim of the program is to build the resilience of children to help them withstand and thrive with the inevitable ups and downs of life. I encourage parents to attend to find out about this innovative wellbeing program being implemented in the school and how you can help at home. Sausage sizzle dinner and tasty treats from 5pm then a presentation from the team after that. There will be a movie on for kids if they want to attend while the adults listen to the information. 

As part of compliance I am required to let you know about our Child Protection Policy and Procedures. All staff are mandatory reporters which means that legally we are obliged to report to the NSW Government any reports of children at risk of harm or any significant incidents involving child safety. The policy can be found on our website here  and if you need further information, let me know. Also as part of compliance, I’m letting you know that the Complaints Handling Policy can be found on our website here. 

Enjoy the weekend,  

Peter Watts,

Principal

Mothers' Day Fair - Thursday 11th May

What is it? It is a market where children bring up to $5 to school and they have an opportunity to buy a gift for their Mother for Mothers' Day.

How does it work? We ask families to send in gifts that they have been given that maybe didn’t quite hit the mark, but that other Mums might love. These are then regifted. It is an opportunity to clean out the cupboards by regifting unopened and unused presents that you may have been given. These gifts are sent to school and then the children have an opportunity to buy a gift for their Mum.

If you have gathered items to add to our fair, please bring them in. Children will be making their purchases on Thursday 11th May in the morning.

Items will be sold for $5, $3, $2 and will be wrapped after children make their selection. 

This is an exciting event for the children as they get to shop for their Mum independently. Remember - all items that are for sale are items that have been re-gifted and are in excellent condition. If you don’t want your donation returned to you it might be a good idea to let the children know what you are donating (just a tip from past experience).

The proceeds from our market will be sent to support Pregnancy Care in Coffs Harbour. We plan to run a similar event for Father’s Day later in the year.

Thank you for your support with this event!

Sue Darby

Mothers' Day Liturgy & Afternoon Tea

All Mums, Grandmothers, and those who fulfil the mothering role to the children in our school are invited to a special Mothers' Day liturgy and afternoon tea next Friday 12th May at 2 pm.

Could you please send in a photo of yourself to be used as part of our liturgy by next Wednesday to my email: louise.sprowles@lism.catholic.edu.au

Looking forward to seeing you next Friday!

Louise Sprowles, LOSEC

Project Compassion

We are continuing to collect toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, brushes, combs, sanitary items, shampoo, deodorant, washing powder and warm items like socks and beanies, all of which will be donated to Pete's Place in Coffs Harbour to help homeless people in our local area.

St Vincent de Paul are also looking for any 2nd-hand drink bottles such as kids' drink bottles (not plastic PET water bottles). 

Please help if you can - there is a basket at the front office in which to place your donations.

Thank you!

Louise Sprowles - LOSEC

Weekly Awards

Congratulations to the following students, who received learning awards this week and last week:

Sophie C - for great work in Maths when showing all the different ways we can make the numbers 1-10

Genevieve J - for great effort and work when doing your sound work! Keep it up!

Samo F - for a great start at your new school.  Welcome!

Patrick M - for his concentration, effort and great Mathematical thinking during our Maths lessons - Well done!

Cooper H - for creating a rhythmic poem using multi-syllabic words.

Mia G - for using adjectives and emotional language in your poem about war.

Finlay M - for creating a poem which depicts different perspectives of war.

GEM (Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness) awards went to:

Hunter G - for showing kindness by helping others in our class.

Finlay M - for always having beautiful manners and appreciating others. 

Term 2 School Fees

Term 2 school fees have been billed to each family. These fees are payable by Friday 2nd June, unless you are paying by regular direct debit amounts.
 
1 student - $290
2 students - $507.50
3 or more students - $652.50
 
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 1 school fees by this date, some financial assistance may be available from St Vincent de Paul - to make an appointment with them, call 0472 718862. You will need to take your school fee statement with you to your appointment.

Thank you!

Issue 3 Book Club

Issue 3 Book Club catalogues were sent home last week. Orders and money are due back by Thursday 11th May.

How to Cancel a Canteen Order

If you need to, you can cancel canteen orders before 9am on Friday mornings. If you know your child is going to be away you can go into Compass Canteen and select "cancel order".

The refunded 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. 

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. 

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. 

GLUE

GLUE "God Loves Us Eternally" KidsClub is held each Wednesday during term time from 3-5pm at the Anglican Hall. Afternoon tea, games, fun worship and craft. All primary kids in Years 1-6 are welcome, as are newcomers. For more info, ring Gwenneth on 6657 2135. COVID-safe practices will apply.

Games afternoon @Dorrigo Library

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.