"Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of grandparents. Thank you for the life they gave my parents and the life they give to me. For the ways they have loved me and made me strong, I give thanks. Let them grow in wisdom and joy and let them find peace and rest. Amen".

Dear Parents and Carers,

Grandparents hold a special place in our hearts!

Students were so excited to welcome their Grandparents to school today, 31 October, a day filled with laughter, love and togetherness. Grandparents Day is a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the love, wisdom, and support that grandparents bring into our lives.

We recognise the invaluable role grandparents play in our student’s lives and love to see generations unite and enjoy their time together. Each year, we set time aside in our school calendar to honour and thank them for all they do.

We watched as children laughed, created, and had fun with the special loved ones in their lives. Tasty picnic food and pretty blankets adorned the floors amongst the chatter and laughter coming from all corners of our playground area. Some children proudly showed their loved ones what they could create, what they have been learning, making cards, reading stories while others showed their competitive side while playing board games.

As the echoes of laughter fade and the memories linger, we are reminded of the profound impact grandparents have on shaping our student’s lives.

Thank you to everyone involved for helping to make Grandparents Day a memorable one!

Hats

Please remind your child to have their school hat at school each day. They should also be wearing it before and after school to ensure they are fully protected. I highly encourage all families to check tonight to make sure hats are clearly labelled. A child who is not wearing a hat will be asked to play in the shaded areas of our school yard.

Is It Fruit?

An effective practice each of our classes participates in is “Fruit Break”. Research has shown that a short break, when children snack on fresh fruit or vegetables, is beneficial to learning as well as overall health.

Why have a Fruit and Veg Break at school?

· To improve the overall intake of fruit and vegetables in students while at school

· To ensure all students have some nutritious food early in the morning, especially as some children do not eat breakfast

· Fruit and veg breaks can help to improve student’s concentration and learning capacity

· Students are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if other snacks are not an option

· Students are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables if their friends are doing it too

· Students may skip recess to play - they can be very hungry by lunch time

What can my child eat?

· All fresh fruit is permitted (e.g. whole fruits such as a banana or a small apple, chopped melon)

· Fruit canned with artificial sweeteners added is not permitted. Artificial sweeteners are not recommended for children

· Yoghurt and fruit pouches

· Dried fruit is permitted, although, fresh fruit or vegetables is the first choice because dried fruit contains high concentration of natural sugar and it tends to cling to teeth, increasing risk of tooth decay (e.g. sultanas)

· All fresh vegetables are permitted (e.g. celery, carrot sticks, broccoli bits etc.)

What foods are not allowed during fruit break?

All other foods are not permitted including:

· 'Fruit' products (e.g. fruit leather, fruit roll-ups, fruit bars or similar)

· Fruit jams or jellies

· Fruit pies or cakes

· Fruit canned in syrup or jelly or with artificial sweeteners

· Canned or processed vegetables

· Vegetable or potato crisps, hot potato chips, olives

· Vegetable pastries (pies, pasties, sausage rolls)

· Baked vegetable breads

· Vegetable cakes, fritters, quiches or similar

· Popcorn

Absences from School

As parents, we are legally required to send our child to school every day. It is also, therefore, a legal requirement that all absences are explained. Please notify the school of your child’s absence by either: Using the Compass App; Calling the Front Office; Emailing the Front Office at office.sjaps@cg.catholic.edu.au indicating your child’s name, class, reason for absence and date; or sending a note to the classroom teacher indicating date and reason for absence.

Families Leaving St John the Apostle

As we begin preparations for 2026, it is important for the school to have accurate enrolment projections. If you haven't already, we ask you to contact the front office if your family will be moving interstate, or has made the decision to choose another school for your child in 2026. This will assist in giving another family an opportunity to join our wonderful community.

2026 Class Groupings

Teachers will shortly commence planning class groupings for 2026 and will consider the following:

· Faith, gender balance, learning styles, learning accommodations, enrichment needs, learning habits, social needs, health considerations, emotional needs, behaviour considerations and other relevant issues.

When creating 2026 class groupings at SJA:

· We aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics in every class

· Every care will be taken to ensure that your child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development

· Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Assistant Principal, Coordinators, Learning Support Teachers, previous teachers, School Counsellor, etc during this process

· Teachers should already be aware of any issues you have, if not please contact them to discuss

· Teachers have the main responsibility for placing their current students in the most appropriate class for next year;

· Executive staff will examine the draft lists to highlight any concerns; and

Students will be informed of their class placement for 2026 late this term and the opportunity will be provided for them to spend some time with their new class teacher. Class lists will not be sent home or displayed.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly on jo.reed@cg.catholic.edu.au or if you would like to speak to me about your child and their particular circumstances, please make an appointment through the Front Office.

2026 Classes for 2026

As we have grown in kinder enrolments the CE has granted SJA a new class, this new class will be known as Kindergarten White. Year 1 numbers were very high, and we have decided to split them into 3 classes. This will allow them more space in the classrooms and also the benefits of smaller classes. The third Year 2 class will be Year 2 White.

Facility Upgrades

Our school has a Master Plan which includes many upgrades. Currently we are building an assessable toilet and shower in the Junior school, an assessable ramp into Kinder, and looking at other replacing structures that need a facelift. You may have noticed the gardens look well-kept and internally there have been many subtle upgrades including internal painting. We are in the process of applying for a Block Grant which will hopefully see our hall extended and an upgraded to accommodate the school. In the interim, we are working on securing plans in place for major events to ensure that everyone is included.

The pergola which was removed outside the library will be replaced with a new structure, it had rotted and was a safety hazard. We are waiting for plans and availability of

contractors. New blinds will go into the portables and shades will cover areas for students to enjoy. There are so many wonderful upgrades happening and I thank you for your support as we journey together.

I was talking to my mother in law, Colleen Reed, about all of the upgrades and what were happening in and around the school. She mentioned that her first classroom at SJA was under the big trees in the playground because the demountable were not ready. I am sure many of our children would love that today. How blessed we are to have such great school facilities, gorgeous grounds and a faith filled community.

Blessings to you and your family.

Jo Reed
Principal