In Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we celebrated the Ascension of the Lord Year C. In last Sunday’s Gospel we heard that Jesus directed the disciples to return to Jerusalem to await the fulfilment of his promise to send them the Holy Spirit. From his place with God in heaven, Jesus helped his disciples, and he continues to help us as we try to live as his followers.

Dear Parents and Carers,

It was a pleasure to join families at our Stage One Mass with Fr. Francis, staff from St John’s Catholic Parish Primary School and musician Andrew Chinn on Saturday 31st May. The Eucharistic celebration was an opportunity to come together to share a liturgical celebration involving students, families, staff, and parishioners as we  continue to grow in faith and unity, living out our shared mission with purpose and joy.

On Thursday 5th June, a number of our Year 6 students will join the St John's Parish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This will be an opportunity to join Fr. Francis, Year 6 students and parents and carers, staff and the St John’s Parish community to celebrate and give witness as our Year 6 students as they receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Year 6 students have been learning about the importance of the Holy Spirit who helps us think with clarity, make decisions with sound judgement and view others with fresh eyes, seeing others always as brothers and sisters in Jesus, to be respected and loved.

I would like to thank Fr. Francis, the St John's Parish Sacramental Team, Ms Kylie Stephens, Mr Lino Madaschi, Ms Alana Stroligo, Mrs Naomi Scales, Mrs Rachel Mackie and Mrs Kate Wilkins and our parents and carers for preparing and supporting our students as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. I would like to thank the School Choir, Ms Olivia Boyd-Skinner and Mrs Catherine Sutton for preparing the music that will be shared with the community at the celebration on the 5th June.

With the strengthening of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit our students will have an opportunity to accept new responsibilities for witnessing Jesus to the world and we keep our Year 6 students and their families in our prayers.

Acknowledgement to Country

St John’s Dapto acknowledges and pays respect to the Dharawal people, past and present, the traditional custodians of the land on which our school is built.

Sacrament of Confirmation 

Last Thursday, our Year 6 children joined with some students from neighboring schools for a wonderful day of learning and activities focused on the Holy Spirit and the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a truly enriching experience, helping them to deepen their understanding of this important step in their faith journey.

Tomorrow evening, sixty-seven children in our parish who have been preparing will make that significant commitment to their faith. For those enrolled in the program, please remember that all candidates and their sponsors need to arrive at 6:30 PM and proceed directly to the school library.

We hold all our Confirmation candidates in our prayers and we pray that they come to understand more deeply the gifts of the Holy Spirit and embrace their vital role as committed members of the Church.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. 
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Amen.

Andrew Chinn Mass

What a wonderful celebration we had last Saturday at our Parish Vigil Mass! Thank you to all our Year 1 and Year 2 families who joined us to celebrate with the parish community. It was truly special to see so many of you there.

The Mass was made even more joyful by the presence of Andrew Chinn, well-known singer and musician. His vibrant music and the children's enthusiastic singing brought such wonderful energy and spirit to our celebration, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone.

Following Mass, it was lovely to see so many families stay and enjoy the sausage sizzle. These relaxed opportunities to connect with other families and parish members are so important for strengthening our school and church community.

Thank you again to all those who were able to come along. Your presence helps to make these events so special!

Feast of Pentecost — 8 June

The Feast of Pentecost, often referred to as the "birthday of the Church," is a significant event in our liturgical calendar. Celebrated this coming Sunday, it commemorates the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples. As described in Acts 2:1-4, fifty days after Easter, the disciples were gathered when a sound like a mighty wind filled the room, and tongues of fire appeared, resting on each of them. They were then filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, enabling them to share the Gospel with people from every nation. This event reminds us that the Holy Spirit continues to guide, strengthen, and empower us to live as faithful disciples of Jesus.

Feast of the Most Holy Trinity - 15 June

Next Sunday, June 15th, we celebrate the wonderful Feast of the Most Holy Trinity! This special day helps us remember a really important mystery of our faith: that God is one, yet also three divine persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. It's a beautiful expression of perfect relationship, where each divine person is distinct yet always united in love and purpose. We can't fully grasp this with our minds, but we know through faith that this is how God reveals Himself to us. Let's take some time this week to think about how each person of the Trinity shows us God's amazing love and how we can invite them more into our lives.

Corpus Christi Event 2025 — REMINDER

If you're seeking a deeper understanding of the Eucharist, the origins of the Mass or want to deepen your faith, then this day is for you! You will never celebrate Mass again the same way!

When: Sunday 22 June (10am to 3:30pm)

Where: St. Joachim Hall at the Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians, Rosemeadow 

For more information see below.

2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

As we continue on the sacred Jubilee journey, we do so with hearts full of both hope and remembrance following the recent passing of Pope Francis. His leadership and unwavering commitment to mercy, justice, and care for all people touched lives across the globe. The Jubilee theme he gave us, Pilgrims of Hope, now resonates more deeply than ever, calling us to walk forward in faith and unity, inspired by his example. As a school community, we honour his memory by living out this call—bringing hope, compassion, and love to those around us.

Father in heaven, 
May the faith you have given us in your Son, Jesus Christ, our brother, 
and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, 
renew our commitment to a life as joyful and humble pilgrims of hope. 

May the grace of the Jubilee strengthen in us the spirit of faith, 
so that our works may always be rooted in you. 

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer Intentions

We pray for all families in our school community who are in need of our prayers.
We pray for the needs of our country and our world. 

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
St John the Evangelist, pray for us.

Kylie Stephens
Religious Education Coordinator

The Positive Behaviours for Learning (PB4L) framework is implemented at St John’s to help create vibrant and positive learning environments in which all students are supported to reach their full potential.

PB4L is an evidenced-based, organisational framework for behaviour support to enhance respectful relationships and engagement of students in their learning. It encompasses a broad range of systemic and individualised strategies and agreed practices for achieving important social and academic outcomes for all students.

All staff at our school work together to explicitly teach, affirm and correct agreed behaviour expectations across school-wide, classroom and non-classroom settings based on our school rules that underpin who we are and what we do at St John’s.

Students at St John’s follow explicit behaviour expectations based on the following school rules:

• BE RESPECTFUL
• BE RESPONSIBLE
• BE SAFE
  
  

Week 4

Week 5

Dates for Term 2

• 24 June — Athletics Carnival (K-6)
  
  

Dates for Term 3 

• 12 August — South Coast Athletics Carnival
• 19 August — Diocesan Athletics Selection Trials
• 29 August — South Coast Soccer Gala Day (B/U 5/9/25) (Years 3-6)
• 18 September — Basketball Junior Boys & Girls (Years 3 & 4)
• 19 September — Basketball Senior Girls & Boys (Years 5 & 6)
  
  

Term 2 Athletics Carnival — 24 June

Field events such as long jump, high jump, shot put, and discus will be held at school for all students in the Junior (8, 9, 10 years), 11 Years, and Senior (12, 13 years) categories during the term. Track events—80m, 100m, 200m, and 800m races—will take place at our Athletics Carnival at Beaton Park on Monday, 24 June.

A Compass permission has been sent home and is closing on 10 June. We warmly invite families to join us for this exciting event.

Event Details & Recognition:

Sprint races (for ages 5–12) will be run in age groups at Beaton Park. The top four finishers in each age group will receive ribbons for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place.

For field events, students in the Junior, 11 Years, and Senior categories will also receive ribbons for the top four places.

Age Champion Medallions will be awarded in each category (Junior, 11 Years, and Senior) based on overall performance across both track and field events.

We’re looking forward to a fun and active term of Athletics and celebrating all students’ efforts and achievements.

Congratulations

Harper B and Emma S proudly represented the Wollongong Diocese at the MacKillop Football Trials last Friday. Although they were not selected for the final MacKillop team, both girls reached the highly competitive possibles and probables stage — a remarkable achievement that reflects their talent, determination, and commitment. They should be extremely proud of their efforts in representing both St John's and the Diocese at such a high level.

Michelle Atkins
Sports Coordinator

As you may be aware, the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) undertook a comprehensive review of the NSW Curriculum, resulting in significant curriculum reform. The implementation of the reformed curriculum began in 2023 and continues to shape teaching and learning practices across NSW.

In response to these changes, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong made important modifications to student semester reports for Primary schools, first introduced in 2024. These updates were designed to better reflect your child’s academic progress at key points throughout the year and provide parents and carers with a clearer understanding of their child’s strengths and areas for improvement across subject areas.

Now in its second year of use, the updated semester report format includes:

• A revised report layout delivered via Compass, aligned with the outcomes of the new K–10 English and Mathematics syllabuses. Each focus area includes a descriptor that reflects student achievement in relation to syllabus expectations.

• Kindergarten students now receive written reports in both Semester 1 and Semester 2, with achievement reported using a three-point performance scale:

  • Thorough
  • Sound
  • Basic

• Students in Years 1–6 continue to receive semester reports twice a year, using a five-point scale:

  • Extensive
  • Thorough
  • Sound
  • Basic
  • Elementary

In addition, report formats remain available for students working towards outcomes where a graded report may not accurately reflect their progress. In these cases, personalised comments are provided for each Key Learning Area, based on the student’s goals as outlined in their Personalised Plan. These alternative reports are used following consultation between the school and parents/carers.

To assist families in understanding the updated report format, a video developed by the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong continues to be available for viewing below.

We look forward to this positive shift in our reporting system and appreciate your continued support in your child's educational journey. 

IMPORTANT DATES

• Semester 1 Reports will be available on Compass for all students in Year K to Year 6 on Friday 27 June.

This week, we celebrated Laudato Si’ Week, inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. This year marks ten years since Pope Francis released this inspiring encyclical which called for people around the world to respond to the cry of the poor through positive climate action. Students across all grades reflected on how we can care for God's creation through prayer, learning, and action. They participated in a range of activities to explore how we as students can care for the creation and learn more about Pope Francis. 

Mack D — "We only have one world and we have to not use all the water so we can save the plants and animals".

Ryan C — "I can help by picking up rubbish in the playground".

Over the past few weeks, Kindergarten and Year 1 students have begun an exciting 6-week gymnastics program led by Corie from Milk Crate Circus. So far, students have been exploring foundational movement skills through fun and engaging activities such as forward rolls, balance work, mini tramp jumps, and hand-eye coordination challenges using props like hula hoops and spin sticks. The program is a wonderful opportunity for our youngest learners to build confidence, coordination, and agility in a supportive environment. With several sessions still to come, we’re excited to see their skills continue to grow!

Meanwhile, students in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 have been working hard to develop their skills in preparation for the upcoming athletics carnival in Week 9. They’ve been practicing a variety of track and field events including shot put, discus, long jump, high jump, and fitness-based activities. These sessions have helped students improve their strength, technique, and overall athletic ability. It’s been fantastic to see their enthusiasm and determination as they get ready to showcase their efforts at the carnival!

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

On Monday 2nd June as a St John's Community we acknowledged Reconciliation Week. We gathered together in a whole school liturgy to recognise the importance of Reconciliation and hope for the future as we unite together remembering to live in action the theme of this year: 'Bridging Now to Next'.

Thank you to Alyssa H, Isla P, Ryder W for their fantastic speeches that highlighted what Reconciliation means for them in their lives.

Reconciliation Week Walk

Students from St John's proudly took part in this year’s Careways Reconciliation Week Walk alongside other local schools, uniting in a spirit of respect, remembrance, and hope. We had the honour of creating the event’s banner, designed by our students with the guidance of our Aboriginal Education Assistants Uncle Mark and Aunty Jo, reflecting this year's theme "Bridging Now to Next." Rydah, Alyssa and Isla students gave heartfelt speeches, acknowledging the deep pain and hardships faced by those who came before us, and spoke about what reconciliation means to them personally and culturally. Our school also shared traditional dances, including the pippi dance, berry picking dance, welcome dance, and shake-a-leg show off dance, celebrating culture and connection. It was a powerful day of learning, listening, and walking together towards a more united future. 

Save the date — Thursday, 21 August!                               

This year the theme for Book Week is “BOOK AN ADVENTURE”.

We will be celebrating Book Week at St. John’s on Thursday, 21st August. More information will be shared early next term however we encourage families to start planning their costumes for our parade.

Children’s Book Week is The CBCA’s key highlight national event of the year. The feature artist for this year, Jess McGeachin, has brilliantly captured this adventurous spirit in his artwork, which features a whimsical map filled with imaginary characters. Jess’ illustration invites young readers to embark on fantastical journeys, inspiring them to travel through the worlds that books open up. As an award-winning Australian picture book illustrator, Jess’ work encourages children to imagine, explore, and create their own adventures.

2025 is also a milestone year for CBCA as they celebrate 80 years of Children’s Book Week! For 8 decades, CBCA has been dedicated to inspiring young minds to journey through the countless worlds that books offer.

Staff Development Day — Tuesday 10th June

On Tuesday, 10th June, Week 7, our staff will engage in professional learning focused on a review and refine our school vision for learning. This important process will ensure that our vision aligns with our core purpose, educating every student to be successful, engaged, and challenged in their learning. We will consider how to create a learning environment that builds high expectations, fosters curiosity, and supports all students to make relevant growth. Drawing on Jane Bezzina’s insights on collaborative culture and shared vision, we will discuss how a strong, clear purpose can drive our collective efforts to improve student outcomes and build a positive, successful learning community.

Collaborative Focus Planning — Week 6

Teachers will also spend time analysing student data to identify strengths, gaps, and areas for growth. This data will inform planning and contribute to the development of a Mathematics Data Wall, which will support ongoing tracking of student progress. This approach is aligned with our AIP goal to ensure targeted teaching and consistent monitoring, helping all students achieve sustained growth across all areas of mathematics.

Mrs Belinda Evans and Mrs Fran Beringer

To the following students who will celebrate their birthday in June — we wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have a great day.

Saturday, 28 June at 6:00 pm
Dapto Leagues Club Auditorium

BOOK NOW: https://events.humanitix.com/st-john-s-dapto-trivia-night

Get ready for a night of fun and fundraising at the St John’s Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto P&F Trivia Night, our major 2025 fundraising event in support of new play equipment for the Father Ward Playground!

Join us on Saturday, 28 June from 6pm at Dapto Leagues Club Auditorium for an adults-only evening packed with trivia, laughs, music, drinks, nibbles and more.

There’ll be games, raffles, and silent auctions running throughout the night, so bring your cash and coins – EFTPOS facilities will also be available. Please give generously as every contribution will make a real difference for our kids.

Tabatinga’s Drop and Dine will be available for children aged 3–12, so book the kids in early while spaces last BOOK NOW: https://www.trybooking.com/events/817358/sessions/5524602/sections/1465513/tickets

Tickets: $25 per person or $250 per table of 10 – Book your tickets HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/st-john-s-dapto-trivia-night

Questions? Email us at pandf@sjddow.catholicedu.au

Let’s come together and create a safe, fun and engaging outdoor space for the students of St John’s. Book your table now and join us for a night to remember!

Parish News

As a school community we value school events that celebrate faith, learning and wellbeing and there are a number of events planned for Term Two. Please find below an overview of some key events for the school community. Please note that this overview will be updated regularly and will be shared with parents and carers via the fortnightly newsletter and via the Compass online platform.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Get ready for a delicious adventure! The Parish is thrilled to announce their exciting Pie Drive Fundraiser, featuring scrumptious cakes and pies.

Additionally, a form is attached to the compass alert. Payments can be made in cash or via online transfer—just check the order form for all the details. Don't miss out—orders close on Friday, 4th July. Mark your calendars for the big pickup day on Friday, 15th August, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Parish.

Please ensure your order form (and cash in an envelope or ziplock bag if not paying online) is returned to the school office by Friday, 4th July (last week of Term 2).

For any questions, feel free to contact the school office or Jenny in the Parish Office at 4261 1315.

Let's make this Pie Drive a smashing success!

This booklet for families offers practical advice and strategies for parents and carers, to help them tackle the key online safety issues for children from birth to 5 years old.

You can download it or order free printed copies.

Follow us:

Facebook	Instagram	Youtube	Web