Newsletter 29.08.12 - Diocese of Broken Bay

Wednesday August 29 th , 2012 No. 26
Lord God, have mercy on all your people. Keep us close to your heart. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dear Parents, Boys and Girls,
Fathers’ Day
This weekend we celebrate the role of father and significant male
figure to our children and I wish all of these men a wonderful day on
Sunday. I hope to see as many as possible here on Friday morning for as
long as you can stay. Please enjoy breakfast and a sticky beak around
the classroom with your child. The classrooms will be open from 8.00am.
Mrs McCudden is also coordinating information stalls to let you know
many of the aspects of our school such as the Seasons program, etc so
please take some time to wander around the different tables talking to
the people there to inform you. We understand it is not always easy to
get to the school so we are trying to make this time the most
interesting and informative for you. You are also very welcome to stay
and celebrate Mass with us at 9.15 am.
When Jesus was asked by his disciples to teach them to pray the first
thing he thought of was His relationship with His Father and he taught
them the following prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven;
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation:
but deliver us from evil.
National Literacy and Numeracy Week
This week we are celebrating National Literacy and Numeracy Week
with a number of fun and engaging activities organised by Mr Burns and
Miss Dickson. These are explained further in the newsletter so please
be sure to ask your children about them.
Announcement of New Religious Education Coordinator
Earlier in the year I announced that we were very sad to be fare-welling
Miss Rivera at the end of the year as she takes up her appointment as
REC at St Cecilia’s Wyong. The Catholic Schools Office has been
through a recruitment and selection process for her replacement here
at which a parent representative and I were involved. I am very happy
to announce there was a very strong field and the successful applicant
was Mr Brett Perkins. Brett is presently Acting REC at St Cecilia’s and
impressed the panel with his spirituality, energy and creative talents he
will bring to the role. I know you will join me in making Brett very
welcome next year.
Fathers’ Day Stall
Thank you to Louise Miller and all the mums she has named later in the
newsletter for organising the Fathers’ Day Stall yesterday. The gifts
just seem to be getting better and better.
Extra-Curricular Update
Yesterday Mrs McCudden escorted a number of very talented athletes
to the Broken Bay Trials to compete for a spot in the Broken Bay Team
at the Polding Trials. It must be remembered that each step along the
way is a fantastic achievement in its own right so to be selected from
our school carnival to represent at the Central Coast level is fantastic.
From there to be at the Broken Bay trials is a great achievement and I
would like to congratulate Jessica K, Erin M, Cooper P, Lily S, Jacob S,
Travis G, Thomas M and Jayden T.
I also congratulate the following children who were successfully
selected on the day and will join the Broken Bay team to compete
against all the top Athletes in the Catholic Schools in the northern area
of NSW for a spot in the Polding team next Friday: Eddie D, Lucy D,
Mason J, Riley J, Chet R, Joel S, Samuel S, Pypah T and Sophie W.
What an achievement!!!
During lunchtime last Friday we started the first of our Year 6
Volleyball Series with the children playing games in the new hall and
under the COLA. Many thanks to our coordinating team of Cameron D,
Max H, Joshua C, Blake L and Emma T for taking on the designing of the
competition as a special project.
Mr Edwards has included details but I would like to note the excellent
performance of Joshua C and Caitlin A in the Central Coast Public
Speaking Competition. This is such a skill and it takes some nerve to
speak in front of a crowd of strangers and they did us proud.
Congratulations to Mrs French for coordinating the celebration of Book
Week last week. Between the Book Parade, competitions and Book Fair
the energy brought the importance and joy of books to our attention.
Thanks to the many parents and students who purchased at the Book
Fair. I am sure the commission we gain will allow us to purchase many
wonderful books for the LARC.
School Review Survey
Many thanks to the many parents who took the time to complete the
online survey to assist us in our school review. Our figures are now
respectable in terms of response rate and the students in Years 5 and 6
as well as the staff have completed the survey which is now closed for
collation. I will keep you updated as we hear more.
Woolworths and Coles Vouchers
Thank you to all the families who have collected the Coles and
Woolworths vouchers. The sports equipment and LEGO we received last
year has been an outstanding success and we look forward to using the

points gained this year well for the good of the children. Mrs Baggiossi
is organising to collate and send off the vouchers now so please don’t
send in any more. Thanks also to the Year 6 girls who have been
assisting, Emma T, Jasmine B and Hayley C.
God Bless
Barry Shanley
Principal
RE NEWS
Fathers’ Day Reflection
The Bible teaches us that God loves and cares for us. As our Father,
God promises to:
Care for us.
Help us to grow.
Guide us with justice.
Be merciful.
God the Father gave up his only Son, Jesus Christ, so that we might be
saved through him. He provides an example of the very vocation of
fatherhood. Fathers sacrifice their lives for their families. They do
this by:
Being the spiritual leader and guardian of their families.
Praying for and with their families.
Being a witness to the Gospel.
Providing care and support for their families.
Serving as an example of goodness and truth.
Leading with courage and accountability.
Laying down one’s life for another.
Fathers are called in a special way to reflect God’s unconditional love
and forgiveness. Like God, they correct us when we sin but always pick
us up when we fall. We wish all the fathers and father figures in our
community a very special day this Sunday. We are very grateful and feel
blessed that you are part of our community and our families.
Fathers’ Day Mass
Will be held this Friday in the hall at 9:15am straight after our Fathers’
Day breakfast. We are still looking for volunteer dads to share a brief
reflection of their experience as a father. We would love to have at
least three volunteers. Please contact me via email or school phone if
you are interested: michelle.rivera@dbb.catholic.edu.au
Parish Picnic and Priests’ Farewell
Many thanks to all the students who have returned the note to
participate in the Mass. Mass will begin at 9am on Sunday 9 th
September and will be followed by a sausage sizzle, games and
entertainment. Come along for a morning of fun and friendship. We
would love to see as many of our families there.
Miss Rivera
LARC NEWS
Book Week Art Competition
During Book Week, an art competition was held. Students were invited
to create a piece of artwork based in this year’s Book Week theme of
“Champions Read”. Congratulations go to the following students for
their winning entries: Aiofe M Year 4, Tayla T Year 4, Lauren A Year 4,
Jack R Year 4, Annie B Year 5, Makayla D Year 1, Daniel B Year 4,
Joshua C Year 4, Ella C Year 1, Caitlin A Year 6 and Tess B Year 2
Mrs French
MATHAMAGICAL
Next Friday, 7 th September is a Mathamagical day! After recess, all the
students will be working on a variety of mathematical challenges and
would like to invite family members to join them in the search for
solutions. If you would like to work collaboratively with your son or
daughter then please join them after recess (11.50 am) in their
classroom. The Mathamagical session will last for 30 minutes and then
we will make out way to the Hall for the final of the Spelling Bee.
SPELLING BEE
Children have been busy practising for the school spelling
bee. Next Friday, 7 th September we will have the finals
of our SJF spelling bee. Two children from each class
will be selected to compete in the final. All words will be
taken from students’ stage spelling lists and extension words. This will
take place on the stage in the hall at 12.30pm (after Mathamagic
activities). Parents are invited to attend this prestigious event!
Thank you, Queen Bee (Jenny Dickson)
HANDWRITING COMPETITION
As part of Literacy Week we have been focussing on handwriting skills.
This week many children have entered the SJF handwriting competition.
This handwriting competition will be judged on size, slope, letter
formation and joins (if applicable). Winners will be announced at
assembly on Monday 3rd September.
ICAS 2012 WRITING RESULTS
It is always a great pleasure to inform you of the impressive
performances of St John Fisher Students. All seven students who
entered the Writing competition received an advanced award. At next
Monday morning assembly Charlotte F, Joshua C and Kate M will be
receiving Credit certificates for a very good performance in the
competition. Very well done indeed to Mackenzie E, Daniel B and Leo E
who performed at a very high level and will be presented with
Distinction certificates at our assembly. Special congratulations to
Thomas M who performed at the highest level possible in this
competition and will receive a High Distinction!
CENTRAL COAST PUBLIC SPEAKING FINALS
Last Thursday 23rd August it was my pleasure to escort Caitlin A and
Joshua C from Year 6 to the Central Coast Public Speaking Finals at
Woy Woy. These two students were up against 20 other
representatives and had to present a three minute prepared speech,
followed by a one minute impromptu speech, to a
large audience. Caitlin’s prepared speech was
called Animals at Work, while Josh’s was Deep
Water. They were up against some tough
competition and both these students spoke very
well and were excellent representatives of our
school. Mr Edwards (year 6 teacher)
YEAR 6 FUNDRAISER RAFFLE
On Friday 14 th September Year 6 will be running their annual ‘Year 6
FUNdraiser. This year we are having an “Olympics” theme. We will use
the money raised from this event to purchase a Thank you gift from
Year 6 to St. John Fisher School, to be presented on Graduation night
(Monday 17 th December). The Year 6 children are hoping to run stalls
and activities for the children from K-5, who may wear ‘Olympics mufti’
on the day, for a gold coin donation. Most of the other activities will
then be free of charge. We are also holding a raffle and students will
be selling tickets each day at morning tea and lunch and also at the
Father’s Day Breakfast for .50c for two tickets. Prizes are; an
Australian One-day cricket shirt, a Steeden football, a beach bag, a
$30 Smiggles gift card and a SJF drink bottle.
From Year 6, Andrew Caminiti and Adam Edwards
WANTED MUSIC MAKERS FOR FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
The Magical Marimba Club will be providing some ambient music for our
visitors to the Father’s Day Breakfast. All Marimba Club Members from
last term and this term are welcome to be part of the performance. If
you are in years 3-6 and would like to help with percussion, please meet
The Marimba Club and Mrs O’Shea in the school hall at 8.15am on Friday
31 st August.
SJF DRINK BOTTLES
There are only a few SJF drink bottles remaining if you would like to
purchase one please see Mr Caminiti.

Last Friday the children meet in their Student Support Groups to
learn more about Bouncing Back when we are feeling down. The
children discussed strategies that they could use when they don’t
feel themselves eg. talk to family or a friend.
The children also discussed that there are times in our lives when
we just can’t fix problems and during these times we have to make
the most of the situation and try to think positive. I encourage you
to discuss this with your child and promote ‘positive thinking’.
"Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children."
- WALT DISNEY
Did you know we have a range of parent resources for our parents
to borrow? They are now in the front office. You will need to sign
them out and return them to the office when you are finished. We
also have a brochure stand full of information on parenting, health
issues, divorce/ separation, helpful tips to assist your child's
learning etc.
List of parent resources:
• “Parenting after separation: making the most of family
changes” by Jill Burrett
• “An Iona Prayer Book” by Peter W. Millar
• “One Hundred Wisdom Stories From All Over the World”
CANTEEN
I am about to do the canteen roster for term 4, If you need to make
any changes or would like to add your name to the roster please fill out
the slip below.
CANTEEN
I _____________________________________ am available on
Monday / Friday (please circle) to work in the canteen. My contact
number is __________________________________________.
CANTEEN CANTEEN CANTEEN ROSTER
ROSTER
FRIDAY 31 ST AUGUST
Wendy Dennis Sally Durman Sallianne Tucker
MONDAY 3 RD SEPTEMBER
Angela Sullivan Roxanne Mills
FRIDAY 7 TH SEPTEMBER
Kristy Horvat Suzie Evans
B/B DIOCESAN PARENT COUNCIL FREE PARENT SEMINAR
The DPC are proud to be bringing to Australia, NZ author Celia Lashlie.
“Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men” on Thursday September 20th 7.30
– 9pm at St Cecila’s Catholic School, Panonia Road Wyong. Due to the
popularity of the presenter, an RSVP is essential via the DPC website
www.brokenbayparentcouncil.com
AUGUST
31
31
SEPTEMBER
3
7
9
14
28
CALENDAR 2012 - TERM 3
Whole School Mass - Father’s Day
Father’s Day BBQ
Mass – Kindergarten
Mass – Year 6
Parish Mass and Picnic
K-5 FUNdraiser Olympics Day
Major Parish Fundraiser
P&F
LEFTOVER FATHER’S DAY GIFTS
At our stall yesterday, we allowed the students who had forgotten their
money to choose a gift. These gifts have been given to their teachers
for safe keeping & will be given to the students to take home, once they
have brought in their $5 to pay for the gift.
If anyone was absent and would like to purchase a gift, or would like to
purchase an additional gift, they will be for sale during the Father’s Day
Breakfast on Friday. Any unsold gifts will then be sold from 3pm outside
the Mass Centre. Gifts can be purchased for $5 each.
FATHER’S DAY STALL THANK YOU’S
I would like to thank all of the wonderful Mums who helped with the
Father’s Day Stall yesterday- Niki Pavy, Charmaine Andrews, Lani Milne,
Rebecca Duke & Karen Nicholas. A special thank you to Niki for helping
me choose and pack the gifts and prepare the gift bags & thanks to
Charmaine for doing a lot of running around for me on the day. I
couldn’t have managed without all of your help!
Louise Miller
FATHERS DAY BREAKFAST AND MASS
We hope all the Dads, Granddads, Uncles and Significant Men in our
children's lives can join us for this years Fathers Day Breakfast and
Mass this Friday. The breakfast of bacon and egg sandwiches will be
held on Friday 31st August, starting at 7.00am. The classrooms will then
be open from 8am for you to take the opportunity to see what your
child has been working on; and this will be followed by a special Fathers
Day Mass from 9.15am. Please come along and celebrate.
Marnie Easson
MERIT AWARDS
MR BURNS AND MRS AMOR
Oliver N and Madeleine K
MR CAMINITI
Emma T, Jasmine B and Hayley C
MRS COTTERELL
Travis G and Bree P
MS DICKSON
Shelby F, Tayla T, Makayla P and Annelise B
MRS FOLEY
Jesse R, Bronte T, Ashton W and Chantelle N
MRS MCCUDDEN
Sienna M and Corrigan P
MISS RIVERA AND MRS POWELL
Ella C, Georgia B, Chase B and Joseph B
MRS RODGERS
Aiden S, Bailey B, Amy R and Jessica G
MRS O’SHANNASSY AND MRS CUMMING
Cooper S and Jennifer L
MRS VAIL
Sienna K, Tevita P and Mason P