Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Religious Education
- PB4L
- Core Value Awards
- Merit Awards
- Gunyah Learning Celebrations
- St John’s Choir Spreads Christmas Cheer
- 2024 Celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
- Student Lead Cultural Workshops
- Student Wellbeing Afternoons — Week 7
- Understanding Your Child's Semester 2 Report
- Celebrating Advent with your Children
- Farewell Mass for Leaving Staff
- Happy Birthday
- School Fees
- Enrolments 2025
- Staff Development Days/ Pupil Free Days 2025
- Parent Calendar
- School Zone Parking
- Christmas Concert
- WCC — Join our Soft Plastics Drop-Off Events
- Parent Page — Ideas for Parenting
- Student School Travel — 2025
- St John the Evangelist Dapto Parish News
- PEAK Vacation Program
- Enrol now for PlaySpace Drama 2025
- Community Announcements
Gospel Reflection
Dear Parents and Carers,
On Friday 22nd November we celebrated with our Year 3 students and families as a number of our Year 3 students received the Sacrament of the Eucharist. An occasion such as this requires a great deal of preparation and organisation. Our students were extremely well prepared for the sacrament and I would like to express my deep gratitude to Fr. Francis and the St John’s Parish Sacramental Team, Ms Kylie Stephens, Mrs Bronwyn Cruikshank, Mrs Parkes, Mrs Carberry and Mrs Ockendon and our parents and carers for their support in preparing our students to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist. If you had the pleasure of being at the Mass on Friday evening you would have enjoyed the wonderful sacred music that brought a very special element to the mass. We very much appreciated the talent of the musicians and singers who gave so generously of their time and talent and a special thank you to Ms Boyd-Skinner, Mrs Sutton and our student choir.
I look with great satisfaction as many of our families continue to pass on their Christian tradition, faith and spirituality to their children. This is not only something that happens within a Catholic school but must come from home, as well as from connection with the Parish. In the words of Pope Francis on the Sacrament of the Eucharist, “... from this Sacrament of love, in fact, flows every authentic journey of faith, of communion, and of witness.” As Catholics we believe that Jesus left us the gift of himself in the Eucharist, and our students have been granted this great gift of love to strengthen and support them in their daily lives as Christian people. Jesus is obviously central to everything we do at St John's and thank you to those families who celebrated with the St John’s Community and ask that you continue to keep our Year 3 students and parents and carers in your prayers.
Student Leadership
I would like to congratulate the Year Five students who presented a Captains Speech as part of the selection process for School Captains for 2025. I had the privilege of talking with the students who have nominated themselves for School Captain for 2025. I was very impressed with our Year 5 students' understanding of leadership qualities, the importance of Christian values, being approachable and a role model for other students.
We expect our school leaders to model responsible, respectful and safe behaviours. They are a student leadership team that supports our Principal, staff and greater school community in delivering the school’s mission and vision. Voting will be finalised in the coming week, and the School Captains and Senior Leadership Team will be acknowledged on Friday, 13th December, at our whole school end-of-year Mass.
2024 Annual Improvement Goal
This year staff have spent time reflecting on the progress and impact of our 2024 School Annual Improvement Goal. The school's commitment to Continuous Catholic School Improvement led to a focused effort on improving student outcomes in Mathematics. Following a thorough analysis of various assessment data, the school identified a need to enhance teacher expertise in Place Value. In collaboration with Bridgeen Pritchard; Education Officer from Catholic Education Office, Wollongong, the staff at St John’s worked to deepen its understanding of Di Siemon and Angela Rogers' research on the importance of Place Value to the teaching and learning of Mathematics and the outcomes and content of the ‘Representing Number’ aspect of the NSW Curriculum.
A robust assessment was administered across Kindergarten to Year 6 and teachers worked collaboratively to mark, moderate and reflect on student progress and achievement in Place Value then used this data to inform teaching and learning programs and targeted teaching opportunities at the point of need. Teachers worked with the Instructional Coaches to embed high-impact teaching strategies including targeted teaching, collaborative learning and the ‘Talk moves’ oral language and questioning strategies to develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills, communication and reasoning skills and metacognition in mathematics.
Teachers engaged in targeted teaching, collaboratively designing lessons based on mathematical outcomes, analysing student work samples, and tailoring instruction to individual student levels. Professional learning sessions were strategically organised to promote reflection and a commitment to continuous improvement among teachers.
Further reflection and collaboration is occuring to identify the 2025 Annual Improvement Goal based on the recommendations of the 2023 School Cyclic Inquiry.
Staffing 2025 Update
I would like to congratulate Ms Angela Boyd-Skinner who was the successful applicant for a Middle Leader 2 position at St Joseph's Catholic Parish Primary School Bulli and Ms Peta Idstein who was the successful applicant for the Middle Leader 2 Position at Nazareth Catholic Parish Primary School Shellharbour City.
Both Ms Boyd-Skinner and Ms Idstein will bring much wisdom, skill and knowledge as leaders to the St Joseph and Nazareth school communities and will be missed greatly at St John's. We will farewell both Ms Boyd-Skinner and Ms Idstein on the 6th December along with other staff members who are leaving and this will be an opportunity to pay tribute to their many achievements and contributions here at St John's.
I wish Ms Boyd-Skinner and Ms Idstein the very best in their new school communities and know how lucky St Joseph's Catholic Parish Primary School Bulli and Nazareth Catholic Parish Primary School Shellharbour City are to have two exceptional leaders join their school community.
An external recruitment process will be undertaken to appoint two permanent Middle Leader 2 positions at St John's. The staffing process is currently continuing and I am hoping to have this complete by the end of next week. Following this I will be able to communicate staff and class allocations with parents and carers in the Week 10 school newsletter after the Meet and Greet sessions on Monday 16th December.
I also congratulate Lauren Mitchell who has accepted a 12 month temporary P.E position at St Joseph's Catholic Parish Primary School Bulli. I wish Lauren all the very best for the 2025 school year and we look forward to Lauren returning to St John's in 2026.
Semester Two Student Reports
The Semester Two Student Reports are an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and growth students have made in the second Semester of the 2024 school year. I would like to express my gratitude to the teachers and Stage Leaders who have spent much of their time finalising the student reports that will be shared with parents and carers on Friday, 13th December, Week 9. In Week 10, there is an opportunity to make contact with your child's teacher to discuss the student reports for Semester Two. I am very proud of our students and the growth they have made in their learning, faith and well-being during Semester Two.
Thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support.
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.
Sacrament of the Eucharist (First Holy Communion)
It is with great joy that we congratulate the children in our school community who have recently celebrated their First Holy Communion. This special sacrament is a significant step in their faith journey, as they receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. We are so proud of their preparation, reverence and understanding of this sacred moment. Thank you to their families, teachers and catechists for guiding and supporting them through this milestone. May our First Communicants continue to grow in faith and experience the love and grace of Jesus in their lives.
Season of Advent
This week, we begin our journey through Advent, a season of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus. As we light the first candle on our Advent wreath, the candle of hope, we reflect on the promise of Christ’s coming and how we can share His hope with others. In our classrooms, students have been learning about the significance of Advent and creating their own special ways to prepare their hearts for Christmas. Families are encouraged to spend time together in prayer, reflecting on how they can bring hope to those in need during this holy season. May this week fill us with joyful expectations as we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
On December 8th, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, honouring Mary, who was conceived without sin to be the pure and holy mother of Jesus. This special feast reminds us of Mary’s unwavering faith and her "yes" to God's plan. As a school community, let us reflect on Mary’s example of trust, love, and discipleship and have gratitude for Mary’s role in bringing Jesus, the light of the world, into our lives. Let us follow her example of faith and devotion as we journey through this Advent.
St Vincent de Paul Annual Christmas Appeal
Over the course of the next couple of weeks, we are encouraging students in each class to bring in items to support the ‘St Vincent De Paul Annual Christmas Appeal’ (see attached for items). The Dapto St Vincent De Paul Society provides over one hundred hampers to families experiencing difficulties in our local area. The generosity of our school community helps allow this to happen. For St Vincent de Paul members to have enough time to put together the hampers, we are asking that all items are brought into school by Wednesday, 11th December 2024.
Thank you in advance for supporting St Vincent de Paul and the wonderful work that they do.
2024 - THE YEAR OF PRAYER — in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
As we continue through the Year of Prayer, our school community remains focused on deepening our relationship with God. This year invites us to pause, reflect, and pray—both individually and together. Let us keep supporting one another in prayer, trusting in its power to guide and strengthen us.
The Jubilee Prayer
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 6
| Gunyah | Alani P |
| Kindergarten | Ellis S, Rumi F |
| Year 1 | Ashton R, Des H |
| Year 2 | Aria V, Sienna F |
| Year 3 | Aiden B, Georgia D |
| Year 4 | Annabelle F, Ana A R |
| Year 5 | Grace H, Everly D G |
| Year 6 | Samantha M, Caydence L |
Week 7
| Gunyah | Isaac J |
| Kindergarten | Roman B, Santi W |
| Year 1 | Aiden I, Willow B |
| Year 2 | Frankie S, Eva T |
| Year 3 | Lennox C, Jaxson D |
| Year 4 | Jake B, Filipe W |
| Year 5 | Zoe M, Zac M |
| Year 6 | Memphis S, Harry B |
Congratulations to the following students who will be receiving a Core Value Award on Friday.
Week 9: There will be no assembly.
Today, our St John’s School Choir brought the spirit of Christmas to life with a series of heartwarming performances at Dapto Mall, IRT Unanderra, and IRT Kanahooka.
Our students delighted shoppers, residents, and staff with their festive songs, spreading joy and cheer throughout the community. It was a fantastic opportunity for the choir to give back, sharing the true meaning of the season through the universal language of music.
The choir’s hard work and dedication were evident in every performance. Their enthusiasm and love for singing shone brightly, earning praise and smiles from all who listened. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented St John’s. Thank you to everyone who supported our choir today.
Throughout this year, we have celebrated and acknowledged many events within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, including National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. As a school, we came together with families and elders to respect and share our culture.
We proudly start each morning with Yalunga as a way of acknowledging the Dharawal people, who are the traditional custodians of the land we gather on aat St John’s.
With the support of Mark Mongta and Jo Ball, our students once again participated in the Careways Koonawarra Community Reconciliation Walk, and Mark’s artwork was proudly displayed for all to see.
Mark and Jo have also worked with all our students and teachers to share their culture and talents through workshops.
Finally, our Aboriginal students created beautiful canvas artworks and are looking forward to learning to play the didgeridoo and clapping sticks next year.
Peta Idstein
‘Embracing Cultures, Embracing Our Differences’
Throughout weeks 7 and 8 of this term, Emily Z, Victoria S, Hannah S, Serene R T, Riya A and Samantha M from Year 6 will visit all classes to share a presentation on 'Embracing Cultures, Embracing Our Differences'.
The girls worked as a team to prepare the presentation as well as an activity for students to complete to help share and further understand the Chinese culture.
Their aim was to help our school community celebrate and appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students, offering a unique opportunity to explore the richness of the many cultures that comprise our school community.
Thank you girls for planning such a wonderful opportunity for our students.
Peta Idstein
Last week, our Term 4 Student Wellbeing Afternoons brought energy and excitement to St John’s! Students had an incredible time diving into a variety of fun and engaging activities, capped off with a delicious sausage sizzle for lunch. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and staff underscores just how valuable these events are in fostering wellbeing.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff for planning such fantastic activities and to the Parents & Friends Association for generously sponsoring the sausage sizzles throughout 2024. Your support makes these special days truly unforgettable!
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On our Wellbeing Afternoon we used special paint pens to decorate rocks and had a delicious sausage sizzle for lunch. It was so much fun! Frankie — Year 2
We love our Wellbeing Afternoons! It’s great to wear mufti clothes and do fun activities with our friends from different classes. Yasmina — Year 4
It was great fun making friendship bracelets that I made for a friend who was at sick at home. We also really enjoyed the break from regular schoolwork and the sausages were great too. Ethan — Year 5
On Friday, 13 December (Week 9), your child’s Semester 2 report will be accessible via the Parent Portal in Compass.
These reports for Kindergarten to Year 6 are standards-referenced. This means they reflect what students are expected to learn and how well they have achieved that learning, as outlined in the NSW syllabuses. By the end of each stage, students are assessed against the intended learning outcomes, and the Common Grade Scale is used to describe the quality of achievement for each grade.
Teachers use a professional on-balance judgement to decide which grade best represents each student’s performance at this point in time. This judgement is based on evidence of student achievement gathered throughout the teaching and learning process.
What is the Common Grade Scale?
The Common Grade Scale, used for Years 1-6, provides a summary of achievement standards. It describes:
- Depth of knowledge and understanding, and
- Range of skills demonstrated by students working at each grade level.
Grades are awarded for individual achievement, with students receiving the grade that best matches the quality of their achievement.
This standards-based approach ensures that each grade reflects a consistent level of understanding and skill. We encourage parents to review these reports to recognise their child’s learning gains and identify areas for further growth.
| Extensive | The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. |
| Thorough | The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations. |
| Sound | The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. |
| Basic | The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. |
| Elementary | The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills. |
Understanding the Three-Point Scale for Kindergarten
Kindergarten Semester 2 reports use a three-point scale to describe student performance. This scale represents achievement across three levels, helping to communicate your child's progress in a clear and accessible way. Each level reflects the student's understanding, skills, and knowledge development in key learning areas.
| Thorough | Your child has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, your child is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations. |
| Sound |
Your child has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. |
| Basic | Your child has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. |
Advent is a time of great joy and expectation. Throughout December, students at St John's are learning what Christmas truly means and how we can prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. If you’re looking for ways to engage with your son or daughter during this special time, we’ve put together a few ideas.
Save the Date! — 6 December 2024
Join us for St. John's Farewell Mass on Friday 6th December at 9:30am for staff who are leaving at the end of the 2024 school Year. This will be a special occasion to give thanks and farewell cherished members of our school community.
We will acknowledge and express our gratitude to:
- Mr Matthew Downes
- Mrs Kate Thomas
- Mrs Angela Boyd-Skinner
- Ms Peta Idstein
- Mrs Bree Henderson
- Mrs Bernadette Baker
- Mrs Loretta Tuccia
- Mrs Janet Burgess
- Mrs Lauren Mitchell - leaving for the 2025 school year and returning in 2026
Let’s come together to celebrate their contributions and wish them well in their future endeavours and travels.
To the following students who will celebrate their birthday in December — we wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have a great day.
December
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
| Elsie | Daphne | Anabel | Kobi |
| Tully | Isy | Skylah | Cooper |
| Jordan | Olivia | Conrad | Hannah |
| Lucy | Ariana | Joe | |
| Dominic | Frankie | ||
| Aydan | Ikemsinachi | ||
| Heidi | Christian | ||
| Annabelle |
| Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Tien | Reece | Lilly |
| Izak | Khian | Jordan |
| Airlie | Zac | Nicola |
| Anka | Peter | Whyatt |
| Celeste | Hannah | |
| Myah |
Thank you to all those families that have finalised their fees for 2024.
- Please ensure all school fees are paid in full before the end of the 2024 school year. If you are having genuine financial stress please make contact with the Principal as a matter of urgency to discuss your school fee situation or alternatively email Mr Rodwell at rodwellm01@dow.catholic.edu.au
- Families that currently pay school fees by instalment do not need to complete another 'Request to Pay by Instalment' form, as your current form carries over from year to year unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments, e.g. Weekly to fortnightly.
- If your child is commencing Year 7 at one of our Diocesan Catholic Colleges, your secondary school fees frequency for payment will be the same as the primary school unless you complete the 'Request to pay by Instalment' form to alter this.
- Families that do not currently pay school fees by instalment or are new to the school and would like to take up the option to pay their school fees by instalment, please ensure that you complete a 'Request to pay by Instalment' form and either return this to the school office or submit it directly to instalments@dow.catholic.
edu.au before the conclusion of the 2024 school year.
Further information is available at: https://www.sjddow.catholic.edu.au/parents-and-carers/school-fees-information/
If you know that your child will not be returning to St John’s in 2025 (not applicable to Year 6), would you please notify the school, in writing, as we require this information to assist with our planning for the new school year.
Car Lines & School Zone Parking
The car lines on Jerematta and Werowi Streets provide a convenient and safe option for families to drop off and pick up their children. To ensure this system operates efficiently, it is essential for all parents and carers to follow road rules and the school’s established practices, which prioritise safety. Families using the car lines are encouraged to do so responsibly and with safety in mind.
Student reminders:
- Students should enter and exit from the kerbside when possible. If using the driver’s side, they must be accompanied by a parent or staff member. Drivers may assist students but must remain within 3 metres of their car and limit their time to 2 minutes.
- Listen for their name and walk immediately when called.
- Students to wait until their car comes to a complete stop.
- Enter their cars quickly.
Parent reminders:
- Students should enter and exit from the kerbside when possible. If using the driver’s side, they must be accompanied by a parent or staff member. Drivers may assist students but must remain within 3 metres of their car and limit their time to 2 minutes.
- Drive forward completely without leaving gaps and advance forward when directed by staff.
- Display your family nameplate upon approach for afternoon pickup.
- Not queue, blocking traffic flow in surrounding streets and roundabouts.
- Parents are encouraged to comply with legal requirements at all times.
If you prefer to accompany your child to the school gate, please park in the designated car parking areas and not the drop-off zone.
Regular police and council patrols ensure the safety of all in and around school zones. If you operate contrary to the signage, you risk a substantial fine.
To request a family nameplate, parents and carers are invited to complete the online form, by accessing the following link https://goo.gl/forms/L1KuKhqKB9Kj49wq1
Road Safety and Management Plan
Please refer to our updated Roadmap Safety Management Plan, which includes important information regarding car lines
Tuesday 17th December — 1pm
We warmly invite all families and friends to join us for our annual Christmas Concert, which will be held on Tuesday, 17th December at 1pm. Come and enjoy an afternoon filled with festive cheer as our students present a wonderful selection of Christmas songs to celebrate this joyous season. It’s a special event for our school community and we look forward to sharing the spirit of Christmas with you all. Mark your calendars— we hope to see you there!
Parenting Ideas by Dr Justin Coulson- Family Time During the School Holidays
Dr Justin Coulson is a dad to 6 daughters. He is the parenting expert and co-host of Channel Nine’s Parental Guidance, and he and his wife host Australia’s #1 podcast for parents and family: The Happy Families Podcast. He has written 9 books about families and parenting. In the article below Dr Justin Coulson provides suggestion for the school holidays.
The school holidays are a unique opportunity to cultivate deep family bonds, healthy habits, and a sense of freedom and self-expression in your family. And they’re nearly here!
Instead of rushing through endless activities or striving for perfection, the following five principles will help you create a balanced and joyful summer holiday experience for your family.
Parish News
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.
Dear Parents and Students,
PlaySpace Drama is held after school each Tuesday afternoon in the School Library. It is a fun-filled programme available to Yrs 1-6. Many games, activities and scripts see Drama students develop voice skills; stagecraft skills; expressive skills; co-operative skills; confidence, and empathy.
Now is the time to enrol for 2025, with classes commencing Tuesday, 4th February
- Yr 1–3 Drama: 2.45 – 3.45pm
- Yr 4–6 Drama: 3.45 – 4.45pm
Places fill very quickly, and all existing students have priority placement, subject to confirmation. There is often a waiting list, so get your child’s name down now to secure a spot!
See the flyer below for further details!
Contact the teacher directly via email: playspacemusicdramaed@yahoo.com.au
Italian Students — Performing Italian Christmas Carols
I’m thrilled to share that our little Italian students will be performing Italian Christmas carols as part of the Christmas event organised by the Italian Consulate, right here in Dapto.
It would be wonderful if you or any representatives from the school could attend to enjoy the event and cheer on our amazing young singers. Below are the event details and a link to register your attendance. Please feel free to share the invitation— the more, the merrier!
The Consulate General of Italy in Sydney and Learn Italian in the Illawarra are delighted to invite you to a magical Christmas Concert!
When: Sunday 8 December 2024
Time: 10:30 AM - 12.00 PM
Where: Wollongong, Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, Kurrajong Hall
A special occasion to celebrate the Christmas season with Italian music and tradition.
- Children from the primary school, St John's Catholic Parish Primary School of Dapto, sing Christmas Carols
- Students from the Learn Italian in the Illawarra school will read short Christmas stories
- Ms Gina Ottaway from Masterchef Australia will do a cooking demonstration of Christmas cakes
Free admission with prior registration at link http://bit.ly/nataleitaliano
