Newsletter - 21st March 2025
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Principal's Address
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Year Five Learning Highlights
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Year 7 - 12 Visual Art
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Careers Education in Week 10
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What's on this Fortnight
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Sweet Stall - Moonlight Fair
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Employment Opportunities at St John's School
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Good News Story?
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School Arrival Prep to Year Six
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Parent Drop-Off Procedures for Student Items
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2025 Roma Community Debutante Ball
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2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey
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Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Reflecting on my childhood, I am filled with fond memories of attending community events with my parents in Emerald. We would stay out far too late, playing with other children while our parents enjoyed the company of their friends. These moments were not just about fun; they were about building a sense of community and belonging.
Last Saturday night, I experienced a sense of déjà vu at the St Patrick’s Day fundraiser for All Saints’ Parish. As I looked around, it occurred to me that I hadn’t seen my own children for a couple of hours. They were joyfully running amok with their friends, just as I used to do. Seeing them having the same opportunities to create lasting memories and friendships was heartwarming.
These events are more than just social gatherings; they are a vital part of our school community. They provide our children with a safe and nurturing environment to grow, learn, and connect with others. I am grateful to all the parents, staff, and volunteers who make these events possible. Your dedication and hard work are what make our school a special place.
Supporting our parish is not only beneficial for our school but also for our broader community. The parish is our link to the Catholic faith and sacraments, and provide spiritual guidance and support for our staff, students, and community
This Friday night presents another opportunity for the Roma community to come together for a night of fun at the Moonlight Fair. The Moonlight Fair is the primary fundraiser for the Parents and Friends (P&F) Association, who generously raise money for our school. In the past, their efforts have enabled us to purchase our Hall, playgrounds, shade covers and bus. Your participation and support at the Moonlight Fair directly contribute to enhancing our school facilities and enriching our children's educational experience.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and working together to make this school year memorable for all our students.
Cheers,
Mark














Religion: How is the Holy Spirit Present in Our World? This term, Year Five students have been exploring the presence of the Holy Spirit in our world. Through engaging discussions and activities, they have learned about the different ways the Holy Spirit guides, comforts, and inspires us in our everyday lives. Students have explored the Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit received during the sacrament of Confirmation.
Maths: In Maths this week, our Year Five students have been mastering the art of multi-digit multiplication. They have been practising various strategies to solve complex multiplication problems, including the traditional algorithm and area models. By working through real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, students are building their confidence and proficiency in handling larger numbers.
English: Our English lessons have been buzzing with excitement as students dive into the world of animals. They have been researching and writing information texts about how animals use behavioural and structural adaptations to survive in their habitats. From the camouflage of Artic Foxes to the migration patterns of hammerhead sharks, students are discovering fascinating facts and honing their skills in organizing and presenting information clearly and effectively.
NAPLAN: Year Five students have also completed the NAPLAN assessments for the past two weeks. They tackled various reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy tasks. Through their hard work and dedication, they demonstrated their learning and resilience. We are proud of their efforts and their positive attitude toward this important milestone.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work and enthusiasm our Year Five students have shown in their learning this term. Keep up the great work, everyone! ?











This term, St John’s Visual Art students have been busy designing and creating a vast array of drawn, painted, etched, collaged, and digital masterpieces that reflect concepts such as ‘Under the Sea’, ‘Pop Art’, ‘Aussie Icons’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, ‘Looking Outwards’, and ‘Transform and Extend’. Students have enjoyed learning about artists relevant to their studies while exploring numerous processes and techniques, which they have then applied to their own creations. Well done, students.


















Year 9 Visual Arts stunts working through the stages of the process in sketching, etching and inking.






Week 10 is busy for our Careers Department as we look to engage in programs, workshops, Work Experience and guest speakers!
Snapshot
- Monday – Year 10 Work Experience starts.
- Tuesday – Year 9 Career Education Program ‘First Steps to Senior’ Day 1
- Wednesday – Year 9 Career Education Program ‘First Steps to Senior’ Day 2
- Thursday – Year 8 Career – LEVEL UP CAREER EXPO
- Friday (10:30-11:00 am) – Year 12 UniSQ University Q&A in Library
- Friday (Lesson 3) – Year 7 Career Activities (UniSQ)
Work Experience
Congratulations to the following students who have secured a Work Experience Placement for Term One.
- Blake Normann and Carter Livermore (Sharpe’s Engineering)
- Jacob Cox (CJ Houston Construction)
- Ethan Donaldson (Baringa Electrical)
- Grace Hooper (Roma Vets)
- Hudson Thomas (Dore’s Elect-Air)
- Penni Walsh (St John’s School Prep)
- Alex Freeman (RDO St George)
- Faith Iseppi (Roma Vets – holidays)
Year 9 and 10 students are encouraged to start looking at Work Experience placements for Term Two, (Week 10 and June/ July Holidays). Expression of Interest Forms are available in the Careers Office in the Library. These need to be in by Week Seven (4th June 2025).
First Steps to Senior – Year 9 Career Education Program
Students will learn more about careers and pathways at St John’s School and beyond during this exciting two-day program.
These workshops include:
- Careers at St John’s School
- Interests and Values
- Creating a Career Profile
- Choosing subjects for careers
- Personal branding and interview skills
- Preparing for Work Experience
- Resumes and Cover Letters
- Pathways through Senior
- Career Prospects
- Exploring Career Resources
- Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- Goal Setting
Year 8 - LEVEL UP your future Career Expo
All Year 8 students will attend this exciting, hands-on career expo, organised by the Country University Centre in partnership with Universities across Queensland. Students will be walked to the PCYC for the day. Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided; however, students are still encouraged to take some snacks and a water bottle.
Workshops include:
- Tech meets farming – Drones in Agriculture
- Crime Scene Investigators
- Manta Ray Marine Biology
- Robotics and Mechatronics
- Town Planning
- Map Masters: Surveyor’s Challenge
- Electromagnetism
- Water Filtration
- Live Welding demonstrations
- Virtual Reality career simulations
- Creative arts
There will also be Beauty and Hairdressing demonstrations, Emergency services, local business showcases, and radio presenting. More information will be available on the app soon. Year 9 Students and Parents are encouraged to return the Media Consent Form and Dietary Considerations to the front office by Monday, March 31st.
St John's School Roma is seeking dedicated Relief Teachers and Relief School Officers to join our vibrant community.
We are looking for individuals who are:
- committed to supporting our students' learning and growth
- have flexibility and reliability
- adaptable to different classroom environments
If you are interested in becoming a part of our supportive and dynamic team, please reach out to us! We would love to hear from you.
Contact the St John’s School Office on 4622 1842 or email roma@twb.catholic.edu.au
If your child has achieved something extraordinary, and you would like to share it with our school community, please submit your story to roma@twb.catholic.edu.au
Teacher supervision commences at 8:10 am each morning. We prefer that students arrive after 8:10 am. If you arrive before 8:10 am, please enrol your child in OSHC or supervise them in the Quad area.
We understand that some bus services arrive before 8:10 am and students on these buses should remain seated in the Quad area until supervision starts.
After 8:40 am, all items from parents should be dropped off at the office. The office staff will notify the classroom teacher and ensure the items are delivered to the child as needed. We kindly ask parents to avoid going to classrooms or school bags during the school day.
All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and support for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.
As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.
We ask parents, siblings, and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forwarding the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email, or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.
For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.
Uniform Shop Hours:
Monday 2:00 - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00 - 10:30 am
Online:
https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-johns-catholic-school
Please note that the uniform shop is only open during the school term and closed on school holidays.