St John's School Roma eNewsletter

Principal's Address

Going to work

At Monday’s P-6 Assembly, I spoke to the students about the importance of getting up and going to work. It’s gotten cold, and I’m sure we are all struggling to emerge from the doonas, but I explained that we all have important jobs to do, and that’s why we get up and go to work.

Their job is to be St John’s students, and that requires them to come to school and learn as much as they can. I explained to them that I don’t need them all to get A’s; rather, I expect to see improvement and growth in skills and knowledge, whatever that looks like for them.

However, it is impossible for them to learn as much as they can if they aren’t here. So, we need to build some resilience in them on these cold mornings and encourage them to get up and go to work.

Enrichment Night

In a recent celebration of learning and passion, our school's Enrichment Night spotlighted our students' diverse interests and talents. This vibrant evening was a kaleidoscope of innovation, where each presentation was a window into the unique world of a student's passion. Fishing, Pokémon, art, fashion, grazing and space were all represented. The range of topics was as broad as the spectrum of children’s curiosity.

We were captivated by each student's depth of knowledge and enthusiasm. It was a night when the sometimes-rigid structure of the prescribed curriculum dissolved, and the joy of learning for the sake of learning was evident.

The success of the Enrichment Night was not just in the presentations themselves but in the conversations they sparked. Having the students discuss their area of interest with other students and answer the questions of teachers and parents was powerful in developing their confidence and public speaking skills. This event reminded us that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about igniting the flame of curiosity that leads to lifelong learning. We hope this experience has inspired our students to continue their journey of discovery.

Reflecting on this enriching experience, we are reminded of the importance of providing platforms for students to express their passions. Enrichment Night has shown us that when students are given the opportunity to explore and share what they love, the entire community grows richer in knowledge and understanding. We look forward to next year’s event.

Cheers,

Mark

Year Three HASS

This term in HASS, students have been investigating their local community of Roma in the past and present. Last week was particularly special as we had the privilege of welcoming local guests who generously shared their knowledge about our community. Our students were so intrigued by the stories of Roma in the past and gained valuable perspectives on how the community has evolved over time.

Year Four English

In English this term in Year Four, students are learning all about information texts. We have been reading and examining all different subjects through our studies and have improved our knowledge and understanding of why information texts are different to narratives in particular. We have dissected and rewritten many different texts in our investigations. We have been able to combine our Science and English units, learning all about different materials both processed and natural. Next week, students will embark on writing their own information texts about different materials and their purpose in our everyday lives.

Year Six Religion

In Year Six Religion, we have been using our knowledge of the Catholic Social Teachings to become Superheroes of Justice. We have explored how to love one other as Jesus’ New Law teaches us and how we must respect and help one another to allow St John’s to be a place of Catholic social justice. Students also dived into the different ways we can be just within our community using the Caritas Australia cards. These showed the students different ways we can help people all around the world by following the Catholic Social Teachings. We will continue to better our actions as we learn how people in Roma have spent their lives helping their neighbours through charitable acts and compare our actions to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Year 10 Drama

Year 12 Mathematics

Mathematics Methods

Students have just received their confirmed marks for the Problem Solving and Modelling Task. Overall, the class has done exceptionally well, and I am very proud of their achievements with 93% of the class receiving the highest possible mark of 20.

The assigned task for the PSMT is listed below.

Task

Write a report that determines the shaded region of a logo, represented by a number of curves, by first finding the functions that model the logo design and using calculus techniques to determine the shaded area.

Specialist Mathematics

Students have also received their confirmed marks for the PSMT for Specialist Mathematics. Once again, I was very proud of their achievements with 75% of the class receiving the highest possible mark of 20.

The assigned task for the PSMT is listed below.

Task

Population growth can be modelled using a variety of methods; however, levels of accuracy may vary. Your task is to prepare a report using a suitable matrix application, whilst considering other models, for accurately predicting the population growth of organisms. To complete this task, you must:

respond with a range of understanding and skills, such as mathematical language, appropriate calculations, tables of data, graphs and diagrams.
respond using a written report format that can be read and interpreted independently of the instrument task sheet.
present your findings as an investigative report based on the approach to problem solving and mathematical modelling outlined in the Specialist Mathematics syllabus.
develop a unique response.
use both analytical procedures and technology.

Students in both classes are currently studying for the final internal examination (IA3) which will be held in Term Three.

Mr Penrose

Roma Show: School Display

At the recent Roma Show held on Friday 10^th and Saturday 11^th of May, St John’s School participated in the School Display along with other schools, kindys and day care facilities from Roma and District.

We were fortunate to be judged the best school in Category One: Large School Display and overall Grand Champion. Mr David Bowden, who returned as judge, was impressed how the designers utilised ‘the space available to transition from one class of students to another showing work or opportunities for the future incorporating the Creating Champions Theme’. In summary, Mr Bowden added that ‘In general, the photos and explanations are big enough to read from behind the barrier’ and designers made ‘good use of floor space to highlight students work’.

Feedback received from the Show Society Executives, locals and visitors was very positive for the entire display. It is important to acknowledge the support of the Roma State College, Injune and Surat State Schools and our local day care/kindy providers for their willingness to showcase their students’ work.

A big thank you to all the students and staff who provided samples of their work. A special thank you to Mrs Yenda Emery and Mrs Angela Brennan for their continued support to make our display a fantastic advertisement for the high-quality education provided at St John’s School.

Mark Brennan
Chief Steward
Roma Show School Display

Theresian Report

Throughout Term Two, St John’s actively hosted and participated in a diverse array of cultural, sporting and social extracurricular activities, with more exciting events on the horizon. The resilience of our Theresian Tigers was evident during the Cross-Country events for both primary and high school students. At Coolumboola, our Year 11 students faced leadership challenges through daunting high ropes and orienteering activities. The Year 12 Formal was a remarkable showcase of the maturity of our young adults as they elegantly strutted their stuff! Additionally, the community events ‘Easter in the Country’ and ANZAC Day saw a fantastic turnout of volunteer students who wholeheartedly supported the school—a gesture deeply appreciated. The school fundraiser is approaching rapidly, so grab your fuzzy socks and prepare your appetite for doughnuts! Also, keep an eye out for the upcoming Athletics Carnival with the theme of ‘Dynamic Duos’, and the St John’s Spectacular Showcase!

P-3 Cross Country

Week Four of Term Two saw a hearty effort from the young runners and a brilliant turnout from parents and students alike. The Theresian Tigers, truly gave it their all, with many supporters cheering them on from the sidelines. Through multiple laps of the field, each Theresian passed the finish line no matter what position they came in. Through this Theresian Tigers fought the ‘Good fight’ in order to win the spirit cup.

Cross Country Secondary

Cross Country for our competitive Theresian Tigers, was definitely not all sunshine and rainbows. Literally!! When they say winning isn’t everything, this was certainly proved to be wrong through the Theresian athletes, where winning became the driving goal to finish through the harsh weather of wind, rain and mud. Although the weather was harsh for our Tigers to run in, the true St Johns’ spirit shone through every runner on the day as the sad event of running in the rain, became fun for many runners, with teamwork and laughs to be seen and heard all the way from the timing tent. A huge thank you to all the supporters who stood there witnessing the momentous moment of running in the rain, as well as a huge thank you to the organiser of the event, Miss Lyons. Without both, Miss Lyons and Mr Creeley, the sportsmanship of St John’s would not be possible.

Year 12 Formal

On Friday of Week Two, the Year 12 students at St John’s experienced a once-in-a-lifetime event, where dressing up in fancy suits and extravagant dresses, became each Year 12’s highlight for the year. For our Theresian Year 12 students, we took a final moment together as a House, so our last days as Theresian cohort members will be captured and remembered for many years to come.

(Theresian House Formal Students)

Year 11 Camp

The future leaders of the school – the Year 11 students – participated in a challenging but rewarding camp in Week One Term Two. During this camp, they faced barriers both physically and mentally. They overcame their fears of falling on the high ropes course and worked as a team to orientate their way through thick scrub. Teachers on the camp were able to scout out those who they believe would make great future leaders. We are all looking forward to seeing who our future leaders may be and who will be leading the Theresian Tigers for the 2024/2025 season.

Mother’s Day Stall

“Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall. A mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” —Oliver Wendell Holmes. We all appreciate our mothers, and we appreciate the mothers we helped run our school’s Mothers Day stall. We have to say a massive thank you to the lovely mothers who helped serve at the stall and a massive thank you to Mrs Williams for the set up and the preparation of the amazing gifts.

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day holds immense importance for Australia and our community. We express our gratitude to the students who came together during the ceremonies held throughout the day to honour and commemorate all defence personnel past and present who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. By participating in these ceremonies and memorial services, they ensure that the ANZAC legend endures and that the sacrifices made by these brave individuals were not in vain. The students who dedicated their time on this ‘day off’ from school, are the people who will continue to carry forward the ANZAC legacy.

Spectacular Showcase

This term is moving quickly, and there is no better time to organise your tickets for the St John’s Spectacular Showcase! Join us on Thursday of Week Nine at 6.00pm to witness the extraordinary talents that we have to offer. The canteen will be serving great food, and some amazing prizes - donated from the generous businesses of Roma - are up for grabs in the raffle held on the night! So come along and join us for a night filled with laughter, amazement and spectacular performances.

Kind regards,

Grace Horn & Tayla Doig

Theresian House Prefects

Xaverian House Report

Enrichment Night

What an incredible evening! Thank you to all the students who participated in this year’s Enrichment Night. Your displays were truly remarkable, showcasing a diverse range of student interests. Thank you to the choir and instrumental students for their performances throughout the evening, as well as the CONFRO/QISSN teams who organised the barbecue. Winners will be announced at the next whole school assembly.

Marian Two – Most Noteworthy Student

Ted Henricks

Ted joined Marian Two at the beginning of 2024 as a Year Seven student. He has made a great transition from Year Six to Year Seven and has settled well into Marian Two. He is a kind, friendly and caring young man. When asked to participate in Pastoral Care liturgies, he does so in an obliging and respectful manner. He has a unique sense of humour and the friendly banter between Ted and his older brother, Spencer, is a pleasure to witness. He always greets me with a ‘Good morning, Mrs Purssell’ when he enters the room. He has seamlessly taken on the role of a ‘buddy’ with our Year Two class. Marian Two looks forward to watching Ted grow and develop as a student of St John’s. It is a pleasure to have him in Marian Two.

Mrs Maria Purssell

Important Dates - Term Two

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Uniform Shop Hours:

Monday 2:00 - 4:30pm

Wednesday 8:00 - 10:30 am

Online:

https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-johns-catholic-school

Newsletter - 23rd May 2024