Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Religious Education
- PB4L
- Merit Awards
- Core Value Awards
- Principal Awards, Bronze-Silver-Gold Medallions
- Sport
- Congratulations Mrs Mitchell
- Year 1 Celebration of Learning
- Stage 3 Public Speaking Competition
- Year 5 Overnight Camp
- Christmas Art Story Competition
- Pivot Wellbeing for Learning Check-Ins — Term 3
- Footy Colours Day
- Holiday Reading
- Premier Bus Company — Change of time
- P&F Family Food and Rides Night
- P&F Term 4 Meeting
- Happy Birthday
- Lowes — Price Increase Term 4
- Year 5 Step up to Corpus
- Whooping Cough
- Illawarra/Shoalhaven — Information for parents if a child is discharged from hospital
- NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook
- St John the Evangelist Dapto Parish News
- Community Announcements
Gospel Reflection
In Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we celebrated the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. The reflection by Loyola Press explains that in today’s Gospel Jesus teaches that those who would be first in God’s kingdom must be servants of all. Jesus calls forward a child and teaches the Twelve Disciples that to receive a child in Jesus’ name is to receive both Jesus and the One who sent him. In this action, Jesus is teaching his disciples and us that when we serve the least ones among us, we serve Jesus himself. Who are the people without power or status in our society that Jesus is calling us to serve? Do we do so willingly? Jesus teaches that God’s judgment of us will be based on this criterion alone.
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the final newsletter for Term 3. It is wonderful to be back from leave and I thank Mr De Battista, Ms Kylie Stephens and the school leadership team for their support whilst I was on leave.
Over the past two weeks, teachers have been meeting with parents and carers regarding personalised plans. This has been an opportunity to discuss the progress our students have made with their learning. I would like to thank those parents and carers who were able to meet with their child’s teacher over the past two weeks and to thank our teachers for their professionalism and knowledge of our students and their precise learning needs. This has been an excellent opportunity to collaborate and establish further goals with our parents and our students.
Student Achievement: Write On Competition and World Teacher’s Day Poster Competition
At last Friday’s assembly, it was my privilege to share the wonderful achievements of two Year 6 students with the school community.
I would like to congratulate Giorgia L who was awarded a silver medal in the NSW Write on Competition. Georgia’s entry was chosen from 740 entries submitted, and her creative work has been featured in The Best of WriteOn 2024 anthology—a testament to her extraordinary talent. Being recognised as one of just 18 Silver Award winners from over 740 entries submitted by students from 405 schools is an extraordinary accomplishment.
WriteOn is a creative writing competition for NSW students in Years 1 to 6. Students submit a 500-word piece inspired by a visual prompt. This year's stimulus, provided by the Art Gallery of NSW, was The railway station, Redfern 1893 by Arthur Streeton. The WriteOn awards recognise students' ability to write clearly and creatively, to engage the reader in imaginative, interpretive, emotive, or creative ways, fostering a passion for written expression. Congratulations to Giorgia for her exceptional writing.
I would like to congratulate Victoria S who received first place in the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollonong’s World Teacher’s Day poster competition. Entries were submitted from students across all primary schools in the Diocese of Wollongong and Victoria’s entry was recognised as the winning entry.
The World Teacher’s day poster competition invited students from Years 4 to 6 in primary schools and students in Years 7 to 10 in secondary schools to design a creative artwork that celebrates World Teachers Day. The design had to include a slogan and all designs had to be original and not breach copyright laws and could include any artistic medium. Victoria’s artistic talent and skill was very evident in her entry and congratulations to Victoria for her exceptional art work.
Staff Professional Learning Update — Pupil Free Days
On Friday, 27th September, St John’s staff will engage in further learning with the Berry Street Education Model. The second day of learning will focus on the importance of relationships and the connection between relationships, learning and well-being. We will be increasing our understanding of the importance of nurturing on-task learning through relational classroom strategies.
On Monday 14th October St John’s staff will engage in further learning in eco spirituality and religious education. The focus of this day is to increase our understanding of ecological responsibility and the link between ecology, Catholic tradition and the curriculum.
Both the 27th September and the 14th October are Pupil Free Days and I hope you are able to enjoy a longer pupil vacation period with your family and we look forward to seeing our students, parents and carers on the 15th October.
Staffing Update
I would like to congratulate Mrs Kate Thomas who was the successful applicant for an Education Officer in the Improvement, Learning and Well-being team within the Catholic Education Officer, Diocese of Wollongong. Mrs Thomas who has been an integral part of our school for 11 years and her impact has certainly been profound and her dedication and many achievements have contributed significantly to the positive culture of St John’s.
As Mrs Thomas embarks on a new journey, we extend our warmest wishes for success, fulfilment, and happiness and may this next chapter bring her as much joy and accomplishment as she has brought to all of us here at St John’s. We hope that Mrs Thomas’s enthusiasm for teaching continues to inspire and uplift those fortunate enough to cross her path and wish her all the very best in her role at the Catholic Education Office. Mrs Thomas will be leaving this week and we will formally farewell Mrs Thomas at the end of the school year Mass.
On behalf of the whole school, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all the St John's staff, for the way in which they have supported our students in their academic, faith and well-being growth this term. It has been a very busy term, and the generosity of spirit is quite remarkable. I am very proud of the work of my colleagues and most grateful to them for all that we do in partnering with parents and carers to support and care for our students.
I would like to thank the students for their hard work and commitment to their learning this term. It has been a very busy term and our students certainly deserve a holiday. I would like to thank all parents and carers for your ongoing partnership as together we create a vibrant Catholic school community. I wish you all a very relaxing pupil vacation period and hope you have an opportunity to spend time with your family and friends and look forward to seeing you all in Term 4. Please see below our Vice School Captains Nate and Millicent sharing an end of Term 3 message and we look forward to seeing our students, parents and carers on Tuesday 15th October for a wonderful Term 4.
Yours in Faith and Learning,
Michelle Rodwell
Principal
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.
Wollongong Diocesan Launch of Catholic Mission Month — Thursday 12th September
On Thursday, 12th September, our school captains, Raine and Henry, proudly represented our school at the Diocesan Launch of Catholic Mission Month. This special time encourages schools and parishes across Australia to come together in prayer, reflection and action to support the important work of Catholic missions worldwide. This year's theme, "Go and invite everyone to the banquet," reminds us of our call to extend God’s love and compassion to all. We thank Raine and Henry for their participation in this important event on behalf of our school community.
Thanksgiving Liturgy of the Word and Principal Awards and Medallions — Thursday 26th September
On Thursday at 1:30pm we will come together as a school community in the Church to give thanks to God for all of the blessings of the term. At the conclusion of the liturgy, awards and medallions will be given out. Families are very welcome to join us.
Feast of St. Vincent de Paul — Friday 27th September
On September 27th we celebrate the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul, a saint who dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalised. St. Vincent's deep compassion and commitment to helping others is an inspiration for all of us, especially in our mission as a Catholic school to foster a spirit of generosity and kindness. As part of this mission, we are proud to have our own Mini Vinnies team, where students actively participate in living out these Gospel values through service to others. The Mini Vinnies team works hard to make a difference in our local community, just as St. Vincent did. May this feast day encourage us all to continue reaching out with open hearts and hands, making a positive impact wherever we can.
Feast of St Francis of Assisi — Friday 4th October
On October 4th we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a beloved saint known for his deep love of God’s creation, his humility and his care for the poor. St. Francis inspires us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and to treat all living things with kindness and respect. As a Catholic school, we are called to follow his example by showing compassion for others, being good stewards of the environment and living simply with gratitude for God’s blessings. May this feast day inspire us to embrace St. Francis’ spirit of love and service in our relationships, our care for the earth, and in how we live each day.
Catholic Mission Month: Liturgy and Colour Run Fundraiser — Friday 25th October
This year Catholic Mission’s World Mission Month focuses on Pope Francis’ World Mission Sunday message, ‘Go and invite everyone to the banquet’. On Friday 25th October, we will be having a liturgy at 11:15am to pray for Catholic Mission and all those that they help. After an early lunch, our school will once again be participating in a Colour Run fundraiser. In partnership with Catholic Mission, we aim to raise awareness and funds to support those in the developing world facing many challenges, such as Mongolia – World Mission Month’s focus country for 2024. The Colour Run will take place on Friday 25th October from 1:00 pm. What is a colour run? It is a traditional fun run, with a colourful twist. Students are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt, old pants and closed-in shoes — these will be covered in non-toxic colour powder and slime by the time they reach the finish line. The students who catch a bus home will need to bring a change of clothes with them for the end of the day.
Further details, including how to donate, will be sent out to families in Week 1.
Sacrament of the Eucharist (First Holy Communion) - Preparation Program beginning
A Compass alert was sent out today to all families in Years 3 – 6 outlining the process of enrolling and participating in the Preparation Program for Holy Communion this year. Children must have completed Reconciliation in order to enrol.
Please note the following important dates:
Friday 18th October
- enrolment form and payment of $30 due to either School or Parish Office
- preference of ceremony date to be given on Google form Saturday 19th October/Sunday 20th October
- attendance at one of the weekend Masses for Commitment ceremony
CANCELLATION — PLEASE NOTE
Parish Stage 3 Mass — The Mass that was planned for Sunday, 10th November at 9:30am with Andrew Chinn has unfortunately been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience. All families are still very welcome to attend the regular weekend Mass; however, Andrew Chinn will not be providing the music for this service.
Season of Creation
We are now in the Season of Creation, a special time in the Church calendar when we are called to reflect on the gift of God's creation and our responsibility to care for the Earth. Running from September 1st, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, this season invites us to deepen our appreciation of the natural world, protect it and promote sustainable living in our communities. Let us join in prayer, action and reflection, as we honour our common home and work together for a more just and green future.
Season of Creation 2024 Prayer
Triune God, Creator of all,
We praise you for your goodness, visible in all the diversity that you have created,
making us a cosmic family living in a common home.
Through the Earth you created, we experience love and nourishment,
home and protection.
We confess that we do not relate to the Earth as a Mothering gift from you,
our Creator.
Our selfishness, greed, neglect, and abuse have caused the climate crisis,
loss of biodiversity, human suffering as well as the suffering of all our fellow creatures.
We confess that we have failed to listen to the groans of the Earth,
the groans of all creatures, and the groans of the Spirit of hope and justice
that lives within us.
May your Creator Spirit help us in our weakness,
so that we may know the redeeming power of Christ and the hope found in him.
May the groans of the Spirit birth in us a willingness to serve you faithfully,
so that we may hear and heal Creation, to hope and act together with her,
so that the firstfruits of hope may blossom.
Loving and Creator God,
we pray that you will make us sensitive to these groans
and enable us to have the same compassion as that of Jesus, the redeeming Lord.
Grant us a fresh vision of our relationship with Earth, and with one another,
as creatures that are made in your image.
In the name of the one who came to proclaim the good news to all Creation,
Jesus Christ.
Amen.
2024 THE YEAR OF PRAYER — in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’
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,
reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators
of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.
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
PB4L is an evidence-based framework that emphasises school-wide systems of support for all students and staff. These include proactive strategies for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviours. Positive behaviour supports are implemented for all students, across all school settings, by all staff, at all times. This continuum of support ensures students’ academic and social outcomes.
All student behaviour expectations are founded on our three school rules – Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe.
PB4L Raffle Ticket Winners
Week 8
| Gunyah | Alani P |
| Kindergarten | Indie-Rose M, Savannah A |
| Year 1 | Dominic M, Aiden S |
| Year 2 | Annabelle P, Benjamin G |
| Year 3 | Evan J, Madison W |
| Year 4 | Zahli T, Indi N |
| Year 5 | Clara M, Isla P |
| Year 6 | Sebastian D, Whyatt S |
Week 9
| Gunyah | Evie E |
| Kindergarten | Noah A, Jesse P |
| Year 1 | Zoe C, Savio O |
| Year 2 | Elias G, Arianna F |
| Year 3 | Mikayla C, Liana D |
| Year 4 | Yasmina A, Daniel G |
| Year 5 | Georgia H, Ruby M |
| Year 6 | Georgia L, Hannah S |
Congratulations to the students who received Core Value Awards in Week 9.
Congratulations to all the students receiving Principal Awards and Medallions this Thursday after the end of term Liturgy.
All parents, carers and grandparents are welcome to attend.
Basketball Gala Day
Last Friday, 18 Year 6 students participated in the Senior Basketball Gala Day at Illawarra Sports Stadium. Each team played 8 fast paced games demonstrating teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination. It was a wonderful day filled with skill-building, fun, and lots of positive energy. Well done to everyone involved and a special thank you to Kye Mitchell and Kristy Whittle for managing a team.
Junior Basketball
Senior Basketball
Congratulations Ella and Nicola
During Week 5 this Term, Ella and Nicola participated in TAP, the Talented Athlete Program with Basketball NSW. In TAP only 50 girls and 50 boys were selected from over 800 students from all over NSW. They had an amazing time learning new skills in a real fast paced environment. They then spent last weekend in Newcastle trialling for D League and The Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup. Both girls were in the 30 selected girls for both of these programs which is a really remarkable achievement.
Recently, Mrs Mitchell travelled to Launceston, Tasmania, to compete in the Australian Cross Country Masters for those over 40. Despite challenging conditions, including rain, mud and 70 km/h winds, she secured 1st place.
On Monday, 23rd September, the Stage 3 students gathered in the library to watch 12 selected peers present their public speaking speeches. Each student demonstrated their unique speaking style, captivating the audience with well-prepared speeches. The competition celebrated the students' hard work, showcasing their developing public speaking skills and encouraging their peers to take on similar challenges in the future.
We congratulate Celeste N (5G) and Emily Z (6B) who were selected to represent St John’s Dapto at the South Eastern Regional Competition on Friday, 25th October, at St Therese, West Wollongong. We sincerely thank Mrs. Kate Thomas & Mrs. Jen DiLeo for their time and dedication in adjudicating the competition! It certainly wasn’t an easy job with all of those exceptional students!
Last week, Year 5 students and staff attended a 3 day overnight camp at The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Park. The students had a great time engaging in a range of small group outdoor activities that fostered team building, resilience and challenged them to move outside their comfort zone. Students participated in Archery, Vertical Climb challenge, Drifters, Survivor games and the Goliath Big Swing (26m high swing).
We also had the opportunity to come together as a grade each day for meals and some group activities. The children really enjoyed the trivia, indoor games and the silent disco on the final night was a big hit!
We congratulate the children on their exemplary behaviour. The leaders of the camp commented on the positive way in which the children of St John’s encouraged and supported each other.
Well done Year 5!
The Christmas Story Art Competition and Exhibition is an initiative of the Catholic Education Offices in Wollongong and Sydney, designed to celebrate and explore children's creative and artistic ability in illustrating the Christmas story. This exhibition and competition provides the opportunity for Years 5 and 6 students to share with the wider community a greater awareness of the role of the arts in Religious Education. Children can develop a deeper appreciation for their talents and recognise the value of the arts in expressing understandings of the Catholic faith.
Congratulations to Hannah S (Y6), Serene Rose T (Y6) and Lewis R (Y6), Samantha Nicole P (Y5), Alyce Baker (Y5) and Dylan X (Y5), whose artworks and reflective written responses have been selected to be entered into the initial stage of the Diocese of Wollongong Exhibition of the Christmas Story Art Competition.
Each year the judges look for artworks that reflect an understanding and interpretation of one of the scripture verses that also includes authentic imagery from the time of Jesus. The artworks that are judged to have best responded to the criteria will be hung in the Wollongong City Art Gallery.
We have completed the Pivot Wellbeing For Learning Check-Ins for Term 3 and are awaiting the analysis of our data. This will be received early next term and key findings will be shared with the school community.
Looking at some of the early data, it is clear that sleep remains an area of concern where a significant percentage of our Years 3-6 students feel that they do not receive adequate or effective sleep.
Sleep is important in allowing our bodies to rest, recharge and reset. Experts suggest that 5-11 year olds require around 9-11 hours of sleep each night. When students experience healthy sleeping patterns and good quality sleep, they are more likely to:
- Feel physically healthy
- Think clearly
- Concentrate for extended periods of time
- Learn new information
- Recall information previously learned
- Experience stable moods and emotions
- Respond proportionally to situations they find themselves in
Evidence shows that good sleep routines can help sleep come more easily and can improve how well someone sleeps. Here are a few tips to encourage effective sleep routines during the student vacation period and into Term 4.
Good sleep routines include:
- Keeping bedtime around the same time every night
- Removing the use of iPads, mobile phones and other blue-light emitting devices in the hours before bedtime
- Removing devices from bedrooms during sleep time
If we don’t sleep well, research shows that we are more likely to experience heightened emotions and become increasingly sensitive to stressful situations. Sleep can impact our ability to regulate our behaviour. Poor sleep can impact how students perceive and judge the different situations that they find themselves in throughout the school day. If they find themselves in new or challenging situations, students who aren’t sleeping well may be less likely to assess these situations accurately. This can result in students struggling to react with appropriate behaviours. For students, poor quality sleep or reduced sleep can result in a higher risk of anxiety, depression and aggressive behaviour in their learning environments.
A fantastic time of year to raise money for Fight Cancer Foundation — Footy Colours Day. The students loved wearing their favourite sporting jerseys with the hot topic around the playground was which team was going to win the grand finals.
Thank you for your support. We have raised $547.65, and it is not too late to donate.
https://www.footycoloursday.com.au/fundraisers/stjohnsdapto/footy-colours-day-2024-school
Premier Bus Company is advising that there are some adjustments (see pdf below) to some school bus services as of Monday, 14 October.
It would appear that bus S227AM will operate 5 minutes later.
Premier Bus Company current timetable is available here.
P&F Meeting — 29 October
Please join us for the P&F Meeting on 29 October at 7pm.
If you would like to add any items for discussion, please complete the form below.
To the following students who will celebrate their birthday in October — we wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have a great day.
October
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
| Celine | Octavia | Alfie | Hadley |
| Eloise | Ethan | Lola | Lewis |
| Sophie | Aliyah | Jonah | Alessa |
| Tessa | Anaiyah | Jack | Thomas |
| Cooper | Levi | James | Lucas |
| Mina | George | Daisy | Hazel |
| Jesse | Aidan | Roman | |
| Georgia | Cassidy | ||
| Ellis | |||
| Melissa |
| Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Liam | Imogen | Jake |
| Ana | Grace | Charlotte |
| Leo | Kayden | Ruby |
| Allegra | Celina | |
| Daniel | Isaac | |
| Ivy | ||
| Sevi | ||
| Luca | ||
| Cooper |
Lowes wish to notify the St John's Parents and Carers of a price increase on school uniforms; to be implemented in fourth term this year. This will be applied as an average of 4.6% across all schoolwear garments.
This decision was made after a careful analysis of increased:
- Production and Distribution costs &
- Retail Wages
We are conscious of the impact to families. To minimise this, we have kept the increase to the minimum required to maintain our product quality and service levels. Lowes will continue to offer our regular “20% off” sale days through the year.
Lowes will continue to explore alternative production methods to offer cost-saving solutions.
The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive and free resource to assist parents and carers on a range of topics essential to child safety.
This new digital edition (link below) includes important content updates from: NSW Rural Fire Service (NEW fire danger ratings), NSW Health (Water & Pool Safety), Transport NSW (School Bus Safety).
Please click on the cover below to view the digital handbook:
Child Safety Handbook is also available for download on:
Parish News
We warmly welcome Fr Francis back from his trip to Vietnam and hope that he had a relaxing time away and a well deserved break.
As mentioned in the last newsketter The St John’s Journal is a new publication which is now available via the St John’s Parish website and is attached below. Some paper copies are available in the foyer of the church. As previously indicated, each edition (published once per school term), will feature the profiles of 4 students, a staff member, and a parishioner. We are grateful for those who have shared of themselves, and we celebrate them and draw from their words to help us, along our own journeys. This project involved close collaboration between the school and parish, developing our sense of community. Special thanks to Ms Angela Boyd-Skinner and her team of student reporters, who gave their time to be part of this project.
Fr Francis and the St John the Evangelist Parish Pastoral Council warmly invites all families to join in the celebration of the Eucharist. See below the times for Mass.
Saturday Vigil — 5pm
Sunday — 7:30am, 9:30am and 6pm.
Please see the Parish Bulletin below.
KidzBreak School Holiday Program is Back at South Coast Gymnastics Academy
Once again our KidzBreak School Holiday Clinic is back these school holidays. The dates available for these school holidays will be weekdays between Monday the 30th of September and Friday the 11th of October (excluding weekends and public holidays).
Our KidzBreak School Holiday Clinic is suitable for children aged 4 to 14 years old and incorporates unique special themed activities and setups each afternoon.
Please note that meals are not included and must be brought on the day. We have 3 meal breaks throughout a full-day program. Morning tea at 10:30 am, Lunch at 12:30 pm and afternoon tea at 3:00 pm.
Half Day9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Short Day9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Long Day8:00 am - 4:00 pm |
| Perfect for those little ones who find a full day a bit too tiring or for those who are new to the program and wish to sample how our KidzBreak Holiday Clinic runs. | Perfect to sample everything KidzBreak Holiday Clinic has to offer, from our Special theme of the day, obstacle courses, games, activities, challenges, aerial awareness and much more. | Can't get enough of our KidzBreak Holiday Clinic? Book in for our Long day program to fit in a full, 8 hours of jam-packed gymnastics fun. |
| $35 per participant | $55 non-members $50 member price |
$65 non-members $60 member price |
For more information on our special themed days or to book in for one or multiple days, please visit our customer portal to register online or email us at admin@scga.com.au
Italian Classes for Children Are Here!
Enroll now and let the fun begin!
I'm thrilled to announce that St. John’s School has kindly offered me the use of the Library for after-school Italian classes. Starting in Term 4 this October, your child will have the chance to learn Italian in a fun and engaging way!
If you're interested, please click on the link and fill out the form to secure a spot.
Can't wait to start this exciting adventure!
Chiara Elia
