Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Religious Education
- Principal Awards
- School Student Leadership
- Staff Farewell Mass
- Year 6 Graduation
- Celebration of Learning
- Year 6 at Jamberoo Recreation Park
- School Fees
- Christmas Concert - Change of Time
- Understanding Your Child's Semester 2 Report
- Staff List 2025
- Staff Development Days/ Pupil Free Days 2025
- Happy Birthday
- St John the Evangelist Dapto Parish News
- Celebrating Advent with your Children
- Parent Page — Ideas for Parenting
- PEAK Vacation Program
- Enrol now for PlaySpace Drama 2025
- WCC — Join our Soft Plastics Drop-Off Events
- Community Announcements
Gospel Reflection
Yesterday, in Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong, we celebrated the third Sunday of Advent Year C. The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.”
“Gaudete Sunday” — Rejoice Sunday is an opportunity to anticipate the joy of Christmas. In the Gospel of Luke, on Christmas Eve, we hear that the birth of Christ is “news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people” (Luke 2:10).
Pope Francis once wrote that he understood that joy is not always experienced in the same way, especially in difficult times, but that it “adapts and changes, but always endures, even as a flicker of light born of our personal certainty that, when everything is said and done, we are infinitely loved” (Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel). Whatever our circumstances this Advent and Christmas, let us remember that Christ’s coming is a cause of comfort and joy for us and for all people, and let’s open our hearts to receive more of his joy and to bring more of his joy to others!
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the final newsletter for the 2024 school year. I have had the pleasure to read the Semester 2 student reports. The reports are a testament of the high quality of work produced by students and the high quality of learning experiences planned and taught by teachers. The Semester 2 reports were released to parents and carers on Friday 13th December, this allows parents and carers time to contact teachers for a learning conversation.
I would like to thank the staff at St John's for their professionalism. The comments staff have diligently and professionally written highlight the depth and breadth of their knowledge about students and their learning attainment and growth, student attitude to learning and their well-being and behaviour strategies. I would like to congratulate the students of St John’s on their hard work and their pleasing results.
Year 6 2024
As a school community, we had the pleasure of joining our Year Six students and their parents and carers to celebrate the Year Six Graduation on Thursday, 13th December. This was a wonderful occasion to recognise the many achievements of these students. This coming Wednesday, 18th December, our Year Six Students will complete a milestone in their lives, the completion of their Primary Education. For the majority of these students St John’s has been the only school they have ever known. As these students leave us to begin the next phase of their journey, we thank them for sharing their special gifts with all of us.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Fr. Francis, Ms Stephens, Ms Boyd-Skinner, Mrs Mackie, Mrs Blomley, Mrs Di Leo, Mr Madaschi, Mrs Lackersteen, Ms Rae, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Norris, Mrs Camkin and Mrs Finnerty for their hard work and dedication to organising the many details, notes, risk assessments, awards, table seating and the wonderful organisation of the Liturgy of the Word and the graduation dinner. The Year Six Graduation was a community event and celebration that our Year 6 students and parents and carers enjoyed and will remember. On behalf of the St John’s School Community, we wish our Year 6 students all the very best for 2025.
For a number of our families, their association with the St John’s Community will be coming to an end. I take this opportunity to thank these families for living out their commitment to the school and for contributing to the building of this wonderful community in a multitude of ways. We farewell the following families at the end of 2024.
Zieba, Jorgenson, Ockenden, Walker, Aji, Billett, Crawford, De Main, Doan, Goroch, Holland, Jaglica, Lerovski, Murphy, Najendran, Nyabadza, Oiteirinho, Scales, Tanevski, Young, Zieba, Battista, Blue, Corradini, Hardy, Moore, Palmer, Pierro, Ravoi, Storey, Sutherland, Whittle, Angadi, Brown McNamara, Bull, Draper, Dunn, Erikson, Gornall, Ilias, Shinto, Silva, Spencer, and Todd Families.
Staffing Update
I would like to announce that after a recruitment process, Mrs Melissa McEntee and Ms Alana Stroligo have been appointed to the positions of Middle Leader Stage ES1 and Middle Leader Stage 3, respectively, at St John's Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto.
Mrs McEntee is currently a Kindergarten teacher at Holy Cross Catholic Parish Primary School Helensburgh and is the K–2 Curriculum Advisor and was recently awarded her Highly Accomplished teacher accreditation. Mrs McEntee is a very experienced kindergarten teacher and has held an acting Middle Leader position at St John's Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto and at St Brendan's Catholic School Bankstown. Mrs McEntee has led K-2 Diocesan Early Learning initiatives and will bring much knowledge and leadership experience to the role of Early Stage One Middle Leader and Kindergarten teacher at St John's Catholic Parish Primary School.
Ms Stroligo is currently an acting REC at St Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School Albion Park. Ms Stroligo has held Middle Leader positions at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Parish Primary School Rosemeadow, Holy Family Catholic Parish Primary School Ingleburn and St Paul's Catholic Parish Primary School Albion Park. Ms Stroligo is an experienced Year 6 teacher and Stage 3 leader and will bring much knowledge and leadership experience to the role of Stage 3 Middle Leader and Year 6 teacher at St John's Catholic Parish Primary School.
I congratulate Mrs McEntee and Ms Stroligo on their appointments and warmly welcome them to the St John's Catholic Parish Primary School community.
I would like to congratulate Miss Bree Fox who was the successful applicant for the temporary Physical Education role for the 2025 school year. Ms Fox will replace Mrs Mitchell for 2025 and we warmly welcome Miss Fox to St John's.
I would like to congratulate Mrs Jessica Finnerty who was the successful applicant for the temporary first aid officer for the 2025 school year.
Last week Mrs Ockendon informed me that she is resigning from her teaching position with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong. Mrs Ockendon has accepted a teaching position at One School Global, an independent school. I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Ockendon for her many contributions to the St John’s school community over the past 7 years and wish her all the very best in her new endeavours.
I wish Mrs Christine Garrett the very best as she takes long service leave for Term 1 and Term 2 2025.
CatholicCare has informed me that there will be a change of school counsellor for 2025. We welcome Ms Sahar Yazdani to St John's and we farewell and wish Mrs Michelle Donachy all the very best for 2025.
I wish all our leaving staff the very best as they move into new roles, extended leave and for some retirement. We pray that the Holy Spirit is with you as you embark on your new journeys and we pray that you will leave St John’s with a heart full of gratitude and memories of the time you have spent with students, staff and families that will stay with you forever.
Student Leadership 2025
It was my great pleasure last week to announce the 2025 Student Leadership Team that will represent the student body at St John's Catholic Parish Primary School. The 2025 Student Leadership Team will be formally recognised at our Whole School Mass on the 7th February 2025 where they will be commissioned and receive their badges.
I am looking forward to working alongside these wonderful leaders in 2025. I would also like to acknowledge the 2024 Student Leadership Team for their outstanding contribution to St John’s Catholic Parish Primary School.
Merry Christmas
As we come to the end of the 2024 school year I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support from our families across this year. We are very fortunate to be part of a community who work together for the benefit of all our students, who are at the centre of all the decisions we make and the goals we set. And to you, our parents and carers, my sincerest thanks for your support of the school this year, for the way in which you have engaged fully in the partnership with us in the education of your child. Thank you on behalf of all staff for everything you have contributed to our community this year.
I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the staff at St John’s, for guiding and supporting our students, for their commitment to St John’s, to the school’s purpose, mission, and values. I would like to acknowledge the staff’s commitment to the well being and the growth of our students. The staff have worked tirelessly throughout the year, demonstrating tremendous adaptability and commitment to ensuring learning continuity for all students as we have come out of two years of remote learning.
Thank you to our amazing students, who with the support of their parents and carers, have engaged in their learning with enthusiasm and confidence. The courage, determination, openness to what might be, curiosity, love of learning, and attitude that springs from a place of gratitude are true testaments to what our St John’s students have demonstrated this year. Congratulations to our students on all they have achieved in their own personal growth in faith and learning.
A special thank you to Fr Francis for his unwavering support for our parish school. He is an inspiration to us all through the work of his ministry, constantly positive and deeply committed to our parish community.
I would also like to acknowledge Jodie Maloney and the Parents and Friends Association at St John’s for their support throughout the year, as they have made genuine efforts to be invitational in creating community. Thank you for the wonderful fundraising opportunities that were planned and facilitated so well by the Parents and Friends Association. St John’s is very fortunate to have a culture of collaboration with parents and carers and we will continue this collaboration in 2025.
I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to all members of this community for the care and support each of you have provided. I look forward to continuing our journey and am excited by the opportunities for continued collaboration in 2025. On behalf of the staff, I wish all of our families a blessed Christmas filled with hope, joy and love. I pray you all have a safe and happy Christmas and holiday break and we wish you and your families all the joy that Christmas brings. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with you in 2025 and on behalf of the staff, we look forward to seeing our Year 1 to Year 6 students and parents and carers on Monday, 3rd February and our Kindergarten students on Tuesday, 4th February 2025. Please see a Christmas message from our 2024 School Captains, Raine and Henry.
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.
Advent/Christmas
As we approach the end of Advent, our hearts are filled with joyful anticipation for the celebration of Christ's birth. Advent has been a time of waiting, reflection, and preparing our hearts to welcome Jesus anew into our lives. Now, as Christmas draws near, we are reminded of the incredible gift of God's love through the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. May this holy season bring peace, hope, and joy to our families and school community. Let us carry the spirit of Christmas—love, generosity, and faith—into all that we do, remembering that Christ is at the heart of this sacred season.
St Vincent de Paul Annual Christmas Appeal
This year’s St Vincent de Paul Annual Christmas Appeal has been a shining example of the generosity and kindness within our school community. Each grade has contributed so thoughtfully, and these donations will enable the Dapto St Vincent de Paul Society to assist so many local families in need during this Christmas season. We extend a special thank you to our wonderful Mini Vinnies team for their leadership and hard work in organizing the appeal. Through your collective efforts, we are helping to bring hope, joy, and comfort to those who need it most. Thank you for embodying the true meaning of Christmas through your giving hearts.
"Never see a need without doing something about it"
(Mary MacKillop)
A special mention goes to Lewis and Izak Rachlewicz for their incredible generosity and dedication to supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Lewis, who is currently in Year 6, began this heartfelt tradition back in Kindergarten when he started collecting money (through recycling cans and bottles) to purchase donations for the appeal. Each year since, Lewis has continued this selfless act, and when his younger brother Izak joined St John’s, he eagerly became part of the tradition. Together, the brothers have consistently brought in an impressive amount of donations year after year, showcasing their unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Their efforts of generosity, particularly at this special time of the year, are truly inspiring and embody the spirit of giving. Congratulations to Lewis and Izak and thank you for your example to all of us in our community.
Here are some photos of Lewis and Izak over their 7 year journey supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society and those in need.
St John the Evangelist Feast Day – Friday 27 December
On December 27, we celebrate the Feast of St John the Evangelist, the patron saint of our school. St John, one of Jesus’ beloved apostles, is remembered for his deep faith and love for Christ, as well as his important role in spreading the Good News through his Gospel and letters. Known as the "Apostle of Love," St John teaches us the importance of living with compassion, kindness and a heart centered on Jesus. As a school community, let us reflect on his example and strive to live out his message of love and faith in our daily lives. May St John the Evangelist continue to inspire and guide us in our journey as a Catholic community.
Commissioning of our Student Leaders and Mini Vinnies Team - Friday 7th February 2025
On Friday, 7th February 2025, our new Student Leaders and Mini Vinnies Team will be officially commissioned and presented with their badges during our first whole school Mass of the year. Following the Mass, students, along with their parents and carers, are invited to a special morning tea. Please save the date—we hope you can join us!
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
We are thrilled to share the news of our newly appointed student leaders for 2025.
Let's join the staff and school community in extending our heartfelt congratulations to these students.
The staff, students, and school community gathered for a memorable Mass to bid farewell to departing staff members. It was a meaningful occasion filled with gratitude, well-wishes, and prayers for their future endeavours, highlighting the strong bonds and shared spirit within the school.
As we wrap up an incredible year of growth and achievement, we’re excited to share our Celebration of Learning videos! These highlight the creativity, hard work, and progress our students have made across various projects and activities. Join us in reflecting on the milestones reached and the vibrant learning journeys that made this year so memorable.
All videos are viewable on Youtube: http://youtube.com/@sjdmedia4918
Year 6 students marked the end of their primary school journey with a fun-filled day at Jamberoo Recreation Park. It was a memorable celebration filled with laughter, excitement, and cherished moments to close this chapter of their education.
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/
Change of Time
Tuesday 17th December — 9:00 am
We warmly invite all families and friends to join us for our annual Christmas Concert, which will be held on Tuesday, 17th December at 9am. 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!
On Friday, 13 December (Week 9), your child’s Semester 2 report was 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. |
To the following students who will celebrate their birthday in January — we wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have a great day.
January
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
| Julian | Willow | Amelia | Nate |
| Rylee | Oliver | Kayley | Liam |
| Tiffany | Leo | Eva | Nash |
| Owen | Azahliah | Emma | Lucas |
| Lotti | Julian | Sophia | Zoe |
| George | Kristian | Paige | Zain |
| Santi | Ruby | Sophie | Henry |
| Kyan | Francesco | Oscar | Hendrix |
| Brody | Aria | Amelia | |
| Ethan | |||
| Ashton | |||
| Gordon | |||
| Elijah |
| Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Jaxson | Porsha | Maria |
| Evelyn | Nixon | Mila |
| Marli | Mason | Bronte |
| Jamiah | Logan | James |
| Zoey | Isaak | Levi |
| Mila | Shreya | |
| Ruby | Gianni | |
| Taj | Victoria | |
| Noah | Memphis | |
| Avah | ||
| Harper | ||
| Luke |
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 Journal below written by a number of St John's students.
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.
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.
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
