Term 2 Week 2
Principal News
We join the global Catholic community in prayer and celebration as we welcome our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. This is a significant moment in the life of the Church, and we keep Pope Leo in our thoughts and prayers as he begins his sacred mission of leading with faith, compassion, and wisdom.
Prayer for the New Pope
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of our new Pope.
Guide him with Your wisdom, strengthen him with Your love,
and fill his heart with the courage to lead Your Church with truth and humility.
May he be a faithful shepherd, inspired by the example of Christ.
Bless him in his ministry, and bless all of us as we journey together in faith.
Amen.
School Uniforms
Traditionally, students at St John the Baptist transition to the Winter uniform on the first Monday following Mother’s Day. However, due to the unseasonably warm weather we are currently experiencing, the transition period will be extended for an additional two weeks.
Students may continue to wear either their Summer or Winter uniform until Friday, 24 May. From Monday, 26 May, all students are expected to be in full Winter uniform.
Thank you for your support in ensuring our students are dressed appropriately for the season and school expectations.
Canberra Excursion
A big thank you to our Year 6 students for their enthusiasm and excellent behaviour during the recent Canberra excursion. Over two days, students enjoyed a range of learning opportunities and new experiences including the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, Questacon and the AIS. I also extend our sincere thanks to the staff who attended and supported the students throughout the trip especially Mr Tobin and Mrs Stretton for their organisation before the trip.
Mother’s Day
Thank you to all the wonderful mothers and special guests who joined us for our Mother’s Day celebration. We are especially grateful to the staff who arrived early to help prepare the event.
A huge thank you as well to the P&F and all the volunteers who organised and ran the Mother’s Day Stall—our students loved choosing their gifts!
Term 2 Curriculum Updates
Curriculum updates for the term will be sent home through Compass this week. These overviews provide valuable insight into the learning happening across each year level and subject area. They outline key focus areas, topics, and activities planned for the term, helping families stay informed and engaged in their child’s education.
Fortnightly Frames
I loved hearing about the many family connections that our students have during our ANZAC ceremonies.
Thank you to all the students, families and staff who attended the Maitland ANZAC Day march and memorial. It was wonderful to share this important event with our wider community,
Thank you to the students who attend the Blessed Carlos Acutis Mass, especially our three school flag bearers.
I am incredibly proud of our Year 6 students who represented St John the Baptist with maturity and enthusiasm during their recent visit to Canberra. The learning and experiences gained throughout the trip were both meaningful and memorable.
Thank you to the staff that attended this trip to Canberra - for their organisation and for the time they spent away from their own families to ensure a wonderful experience for our students.
Assistant Principal News
At St John the Baptist, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for every student. This term, we are continuing to strengthen our school-wide approach to behaviour using Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L), with a strong focus on restorative justice practice.
What is PB4L?
PB4L is a whole-school framework that helps us teach and support positive behaviour in all areas of school life. It promotes clear expectations, consistent responses, and the belief that every child can learn to behave appropriately with the right support.
What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice is about repairing harm and rebuilding relationships after conflict or challenging behaviour. We guide students to take responsibility for their actions, reflect on how others have been affected, and find ways to restore relationships.
How It Works at Our School:
We hold restorative conversations with students when there’s a conflict. These often include questions like:
“What happened?”
“Who has been affected?”
“What can you do to make things right?”These discussions help children develop empathy, communication skills, and accountability.
Why This Matters:
Research shows that restorative approaches reduce repeated misbehaviour, improve school climate, and help students feel more connected and respected. It also encourages students to see mistakes as learning opportunities.Thank you for supporting us as we help students grow in becoming responsible, respectful, and resilient members of our school community.
REC
Prayers for our new Pope -Welcome Pope Leo XIV
Our students took time in prayer this week to ask for God’s guidance upon the conclave. We also unite in prayer for our new Pope. This sacred moment in the Church’s history is guided by the Holy Spirit, and we ask God to grant wisdom, discernment, and unity.
Honouring Our Mothers with Love and Gratitude
As May unfolds, we take a special moment to celebrate Mother’s Day, a time to honour the incredible women who nurture, guide, and support us with unconditional love. At St John the Baptist, we recognise the beautiful role mothers play—not only in our families but also in shaping the faith and values of their children.
It was lovely to come together as a community to express our gratitude to the mothers, grandmothers and mother figures in our community. Thank you to all who helped especially staff who arrived so early to make it a success. We offer prayers for mothers everywhere—those who are with us and those who have gone before us. May God continue to bless them abundantly with strength, wisdom, and love.
Sporting News
Congratulations to Ethan who was successful at the Rugby League Polding trials last week. We wish him all the best at the NSWPSSA State Championships.
We are super proud of Gigi who competed at the NSWPSSA Tennis Championships in Bathurst this week!
Finance
School Fee Statements – Please Check Your Email
School fee statements have been emailed from our Head Office. Please check both your inbox and junk folder. If you have not received your statement, please email admin@maitlandsj.catholic.edu.au.
Note: Joint fee accounts are emailed to only one account holder.
At the bottom of your statement, you will find the payment amounts required on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis to ensure your account is paid in full by the due date of 30 November 2025.
You can also be in credit with your school fees—any extra payments will remain on your account and be applied to the following year's billing.
You can set up payments via BPAY, or contact us for a form to arrange Direct Debit from your bank account.
Compass has advised a slight change on the parent portal, this update will occur on Thursday 8/5/2025.
NEW - School Fee will show Balance next to amount owing:
PREVIOUS - Action Required:
Class Awards
Congratulations to our class award winners for Week 1 & 2!
Kindergarten: Alex L, Jack C, Jed E, Audrey G, Lily M, Elizabeth M
Year 1: Farrah K, Ivy M, Ryker L, Olivia B, Finn C, Margot D
Year 2: Willa T, Archer T, Chloe S, Frankie P, Scout P
Year 3: Alice, Madeleine, River, Oakland C, Jackson G, Tenley D
Year 4: Harry B, Luka K, Axel L, Gabby G, Sophia H, Lainey M, Thomas N
Year 5: Charli S, Pennie V, Patrick P
Year 6: Zac P, Ellie P, Archer F