As we enter the last stretch of the 2020 school year there is much to celebrate and be thankful for. Yes, COVID-19 has impacted our year significantly. What we have discovered is we all have an inner strength that we can draw upon when required. As adults we regroup and try to keep life as normal as possible for our children. I would like to thank the dedicated staff for their tremendous effort this year to ensure the continuity of teaching and learning continued through the ups and downs of the year. We must acknowledge the spirit, resilience and positivity of our children throughout the year. Even throughout the lowest points of the year; sports day continually being postponed, swimming, excursions and our end of year Christmas Picnic being cancelled our children put on a brave face and accepted the decision with dignity and a smile. I am thankful that each and every day I come to work in a community with staff, children and families that support each other through the ups and downs of life. Some of our children reflected on what they are thankful for in 2020:
I’m thankful for no one being rude and everybody being kind throughout the year - Santhana
I’m thankful for being part of Mission Day this year as we raised a lot of money for our sister schools in Samoa - Madhav
I am thankful that we had the chance to keep going to school throughout COVID-19 - Charlie
I am thankful for all of my great friends this year who have supported me - Faith
I am thankful for the people who care for me and keep me safe at school and home - Yuvraj
I am happy that most people kept making good choices this year - Nate
2021 Teaching Staff
On Monday afternoon, 7th December, our children will visit their 2021 class teacher and meet their new classmates. The children will bring home a letter at the end of the day, which will inform you of their class placement. I am pleased to present the class structure and specialist teachers for 2021:
Reception Giovanna Burgess, Amelia Le Duff
Reception Gloria-Rita Cirillo
Year 1-2 Sue Croese, Susan Steer
Year 1-2 Rebecca Werner
Year 3-4 Emma Hudson
Year 3-4 Lauren Pryor
Year 5-6 Nicki Sharrad, Alexandra Rolfe
Year 5-6 Dino Zandona, Anna Terminello
Performing Arts Robyn Windham
Japanese Alexandra Rolfe
Physical Education Dino Zandona
Farewells
You may have noticed that there is a name missing in the teacher line up for 2021. Mark Black would like to retire gracefully and make a quiet exit without a fuss. It would be neglectful of me not to thank Mark for his work over the last decade for our community. In the short period of time I have known Mark he has proven to be a true gentleman that places the child at the heart of his work. Although Mark will not be at school each day in 2021 he has indicated that he will be our number one relief teacher, when he’s not out hiking!
I would also like to farewell Rosy Caltabiano who has worked in our Uniform Shop for the last few years. Rosy has been a parent, volunteer and a staff member of St John Bosco School for quite some time. We deeply thank Rosy for her passion and dedication to our community always serving with a smile and piece of helpful advice.
Kerry Mooney one of our Educational Support Officers will also be retiring at the end of the year. Kerry has worked closely with the early year’s children and teachers over the past few years. She particularly assists our children in the MiniLit program, ensuring each child is progressing on their learning journey. Kerry is looking forward to travelling Australia in her new Camper trailer and cruising the coast on her new paddle board.
Reena Aftab our Japanese teacher is leaving at the end of the year to venture into a new school community. Reena has been instrumental in leading a quality Japanese program, exploring the Japanese culture and language with our children. We wish you well Reena.
Evelyn Grantham has been ensuring our school is safe and sound as our Work Health and Safety Officer. Evelyn has decided it is time to retire and farewell our community. We thank Evelyn for her work within our community and wish her a happy retirement.
Finally, if you missed our last newsletter I announced Catherine Birchmore is leaving at the end of the school year. Catherine has been active in leading the community in Religious Education, working in partnership with the parish, school and families to ensure our school has a constant lens on continuous improvement in the area of Catholic Identity. Catherine has also been instrumental in maintaining a relationship with our sister schools St Josephs and the Divine Mercy School in Samoa. We thank Catherine for her work over the last 24 years at St John Bosco School.
Please join me in thanking the staff for their dedication and passion towards our St John Bosco community. As a staff we will pay tribute to our parting colleagues next Thursday evening.
School Reports
Semester 2 School Reports will be emailed to families on Wednesday 9th December. Please ensure the school has your current email address. If you do not receive your child’s School Report, please check your Junk Mail and if you still can’t locate it contact the school office.
Year 6 Graduation
We are thankful that we can celebrate and farewell our Year 6 children in a special way that they truly deserve. We have altered the plan this year to allow for COVID restrictions, we will have the Liturgy and Dinner at The Lakes Resort, West Lakes beginning at 6:30pm on Wednesday 9th December. We are grateful that we can farewell and celebrate our Year 6 children in a special way that they truly deserve. We look forward to farewelling the graduating class of 2020!
Little Boscos Graduate
Our Little Boscos completed their seven week transition program last Friday with a small graduation liturgy. The children are truly ready to begin their schooling journey with many friendships and connections already formed. We look forward to seeing our new Receptions in their St John Bosco School uniform on Wednesday 27th January.
Wishing all families a restful, happy and safe Christmas. Thank you for making my first year at St John Bosco School a memorable year in so many ways. I feel like I have been part of the community for much longer than a year. St John Bosco has a special place in my heart already.
Kate Turner
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