Season of Lent

As we continue to journey through the season of Lent, we are encouraged to take small but meaningful steps to deepen our relationship with God and with one another. This sacred season is a time to practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—three ways we can grow in love and faith. We can spend more time talking to God in prayer, give up something as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and show kindness by helping those in need. As we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter, let us open ourselves to God’s grace, seeking to become more like Jesus in the way we love and serve others.

Caritas — Project Compassion

The vital work of Caritas Australia is made possible through the generosity of schools, individuals and organisations like ours. In Vietnam, our support enables Caritas Australia’s partner programs, such as I-SHINE, to empower individuals like Lam—a young man with a disability—by providing graphic design training. With these skills, Lam has built a successful freelance business, inspiring others to pursue their aspirations. In Samoa, our contributions help Caritas Australia collaborate with Caritas Samoa to enhance access to clean water and sanitation. Initiatives like water tank installations are transforming the health and well-being of families like Toefuata’iga’s.In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our support strengthens Caritas Australia’s partnership with Caritas Kongolo through the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program. This initiative equips individuals like Irene, a single mother, with valuable sewing and farming skills, enabling her to support her family and uplift her community. Through partnerships like these, Caritas Australia continues to create lasting change in communities worldwide.

Easter Hat Parade

We are excited to invite you to our Easter Hat Parade on Wednesday, 9th April, at 11:15 AM. This much-loved tradition is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity by designing and wearing their very own Easter hats.

All students are encouraged to participate by coming to school with a fun and festive Easter hat (this might be a great family activity making them!) - it might be bright colours, fluffy chicks, glitter or wherever your imagination goes! The parade will take place under the COLA, where families are warmly welcome to join us in celebrating this joyful occasion.

We look forward to seeing the students’ wonderful hats and sharing in the Easter spirit together. We are sure it will be a memorable event for our school community.

Project Compassion Fundraiser — Easter Egg Raffle

On Monday, Easter raffle tickets were sent home with students. This is a fantastic opportunity for our school community to come together in support of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion campaign, which helps vulnerable communities around the world.

We kindly ask each family to donate an Easter egg or chocolate treat for the raffle prizes and to sell the tickets provided. Every ticket sold contributes to this important cause while also giving participants a chance to win some delicious Easter goodies!

If you need additional tickets, please contact the school office, and if you have any unsold tickets, kindly return them as soon as possible. Further details about the raffle can be found in the attached note.

The raffle will be drawn at our Easter Hat Parade on Wednesday, 9th April 2025, adding to the excitement of the day. Thank you for your generosity and support in making this fundraiser a success! We appreciate your involvement and look forward to a wonderful Easter celebration.

Holy Week Liturgy — Thursday, 10 April

As we prepare for Easter, we invite all families to join us for our Holy Week Liturgy on Thursday, 10th April at 12:00 pm. This special gathering will allow us to come together in faith as we remember the events of Jesus' Passion and celebrate the hope of His resurrection. Led by our staff and students, the liturgy will help us to enter into the solemnity and hope of this important season. We encourage you to take this opportunity to pause, pray, and prepare your hearts for the joy of Easter. We look forward to sharing this special time with you.

Vinnies Visit

Yesterday, our Mini Vinnies team had the wonderful opportunity to welcome Kelly McCrohan, a dedicated member of St Vincent de Paul, along with one of their passionate Vinnies volunteers. As part of their visit, they introduced our students to the Vinnies Van, giving them valuable insight into how this service operates to support those in need within our community.

The visit was an inspiring experience, allowing our students to learn firsthand about the good works of the St Vincent de Paul Society and the impact of their outreach programs. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity, and action in living out our faith.

Our Mini Vinnies team has already begun brainstorming ways in which our school community can contribute to and support the incredible work that Vinnies does. We look forward to sharing these initiatives with you soon and working together to make a difference in the lives of others.

Feast of St Joseph — Wednesday, 19 March

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St Joseph, the faithful and humble foster father of Jesus and the patron saint of the universal Church. As a Josephite school, this day holds special significance for us, as we follow in the footsteps of St Joseph and the Sisters of St Joseph, who have dedicated their lives to education and service. St Joseph was a man of great trust in God, caring for Mary and Jesus with love, humility, and strength. His example teaches us the importance of faith, hard work, and compassion. As we honour St Joseph, may we be inspired to live out his values in our school community, serving others with kindness and trusting in God's plan for our lives.

Feast of the Annunciation — Tuesday, 25 March

On 25 March, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, a joyful moment in our faith when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and brought her the incredible news that she would be the mother of Jesus. In this moment, Mary showed great faith and trust in God, responding with a humble and courageous "yes" to His plan. Her openness to God's will is a beautiful example for us all, reminding us to listen for God's call in our own lives and to respond with love and trust. This feast invites us to reflect on how we can say "yes" to God each day—through our kindness, our prayers, and our willingness to serve others. As we honour Mary’s faith and obedience, may we be inspired to follow her example, knowing that God’s love and grace are always with us.

2025 Sacramental Dates

The dates for the Confirmation and Communion Sacramental Preparation Programs have now been set. Please see the attachment that was sent out via Compass.

2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

As we continue on the sacred journey of the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope, we are invited to deepen our faith, renew our hearts, and walk together in hope. This Jubilee is a time of grace, calling us to prayer, reflection and acts of love and mercy. Let us unite as a school community, embracing the spirit of pilgrimage in our daily lives, seeking Christ in one another, and trusting in God’s endless love. May this year be a time of renewal and blessings for all.

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 6

Berry Street Educatioin Model — Morning Circle

Circle routines are supportive classroom practices that foster student engagement, enhance well-being, and cultivate positive classroom communities (Roffey, 2006). A structured Morning Circle not only promotes a sense of safety and belonging but also encourages positive emotions, helping students approach the day with an open, flexible, and engaged mindset.

Throughout 2024–2025, staff have been participating in Berry Street Professional Learning. One key strategy being implemented across classrooms is the Morning Circle, which is practiced consistently each day. We encourage you to talk with your child about their experience and how it supports their learning.

Attendance

At the start of each day, all students participate in a Welcome Circle led by their classroom teacher. This circle plays a crucial role in helping students connect with the day's activities and routines. When students miss the Welcome Circle due to partial attendance, such as arriving late, it can affect their ability to engage fully with the day's lessons. The Welcome Circle is not just a morning ritual; it sets the tone for the day, establishes expectations, and strengthens the sense of community among students.

The bell rings at 8:25 am, and we understand that arriving on time can sometimes be challenging. Partial attendance, such as arriving late or leaving early, can disrupt a student’s connection to the learning process and the classroom community. Missing parts of the day, like the Welcome Circle, may result in students feeling disconnected from their peers and less prepared for the activities ahead. It can also make it harder for them to understand the focus and flow of the day's lessons.

Dates for Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals

• 24 Mar— SJD Cross Country Carnival
• 6 May — Diocesan Cross Country Carnival
• 24 Jun — SJD Athletics Carnival
• 12 Aug — South Coast Regional Athletics
• 19 Aug — Diocesan Athletics Selection Trials
  
  

Gala Day Dates for Stage 2 and Stage 3 Students – 2025

• 10 April — Legends Gala Day, Rugby League Boys & League Tag Girls
• 24 June — Netball Gala Day, unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict with our Athletics Carnival.
• 29 August — Soccer Gala Day
• 18 September — JUNIOR Basketball Gala Day
• 19 September — SENIOR Basketball Gala Day
• 16 October — SENIOR Cricket Gala Day
• 13 November — Catholic Dragon Tag (CHANGE OF DATE)

Representative Sport

Congratulations to:

Brody P who has been selected for the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming Team and will compete at the MacKillop Swimming Trials in Sydney on Wednesday, April 2. He will be representing in the 50m Breaststroke.

We wish Brody the best of luck at the event!

Primary Girls Rugby 7's Pathway

Please find information below about Primary Girls Rugby 7’s Pathway — Catholic Schools.

NSWCPS — Girls Rugby Selections (MacKillop)

Date: Friday 16 May (Term 2 - Week 3) 

Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm

Venue: Santa Sabina College, Strathfield

Nomination process: Students nominate individually through the CSNSW Sport website/portal - register for a sport (https://csnsw.sport/)

Eligibility: students must be turning 11 or 12 in the year of competition (NO EXEMPTIONS).

Nominations Close: 7 May 

St John’s Cross Country Carnival — @ Kembla Joggers

Our whole school Cross Country Carnival will take place on Monday, 24 March at Integral Energy Park. Please check the COMPASS event for all details, including the start time and race order. Entries close on 17 March. Students are encouraged to wear a coloured T-shirt representing their House.

At the conclusion of the carnival, 1st–4th place ribbons will be awarded for all races, and we will announce the winning House.

To ensure the carnival runs smoothly, we need parent volunteers to serve as course marshals. If you are available to assist, please complete the relevant section on the COMPASS event. Volunteers will be stationed along the track, providing an opportunity to see your child run past. You may wish to bring a chair for your comfort. We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you on the morning of the carnival at 9:00am.

The Parents & Friends will be running a BBQ throughout the day:

• Sausage sandwiches – $3.00
• Poppers / Water – $2.00
• Please bring cash.

We look forward to seeing parents, grandparents and carers come along and support our students.

We look forward to seeing parents, grandparents, and carers come along and support our students!

Dear Parents and Carers,

Learning Conversations (Parent/Teacher Conferences) will take place from Monday, 31 March, to Thursday, 10 April (Weeks 10 and 11). The exception is Kindergarten Red, as Mrs. McEntee will be on leave. Kindergarten Red interviews will be scheduled earlier, and those families have already been notified.

Booking Information:

Opens: Monday, 24 March, at 4:00 pm (Week 9)
Closes: Friday, 28 March, at 4:00 pm (Week 9)

Instructions on how to book via Compass are provided in the guide below.

When booking, select the conference titled Learning Conversations Semester 1.

Key Details:

• All Learning Conversations will be held on-site.
• Students in Years 3–6 are expected to attend with their parents/carers.
• Students in Years K–2 are not required to attend.
• If your child is participating in a Personalised Planning Meeting (PP Meeting), you do not need to book a Learning Conversation, as your child’s progress will already have been discussed.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to meaningful conversations about your child’s learning.

Kind regards,
Mrs Fran Beringer
Assistant Principal

Throughout the year, St John's runs regular Lockdown and Evacuation Drills. These drills are designed to ensure that students and staff are well-prepared to respond effectively to various emergency scenarios, including natural disasters, intruders, or other threats. Through regular practice and training, St John's aims to instil a sense of confidence and readiness in the school, emphasising the importance of clear communication, quick decision-making, and adherence to established safety protocols. By prioritising safety and preparedness, St John's Dapto is taking proactive steps to safeguard the well-being of students and staff in the event of emergencies.

Lockdown Drill: 20 March, 12:30 – 1:00
Evacuation Drill: 27 March, 12:30 – 1:00

On Monday, Year 6 had an incredible leadership day with Mr Cameron Brown! We learned that leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about teamwork, confidence, and kindness. Through fun challenges and problem-solving activities, we discovered how to support and uplift each other. A huge thank you to Cameron Brown for an unforgettable day!

Our Student Wellbeing Day took place last week and on all accounts, the students had an enjoyable time participating in a range of fun activities and enjoyed a sausage sizzle for lunch. The positive comments from both students and staff members highlight the importance of such events and activities that encourage and promote wellbeing at St John’s. Thank you to the staff for organising engaging activities for the students and to the Parents & Friends Association for covering the cost of the sausage sizzle. Some of our Kindergarten students said that the sausages were better than those at Bunnings! It’s amazing the joy that a simple sausage can bring. The next series of Student Wellbeing Days will take place in Term 2.

Kindergarten
Evelyn S: I enjoyed wearing my mufti clothes to school. It was lots of fun. 
Everly B: I liked learning to draw Bluey in the afternoon and using the oil pastels. 
Harvey S: The sausage sizzle was so yummy! 

Isy and Archer — 2B
We loved decorating cookies and we took them home to show our parents. 
'I ate mine for dessert', said Archer. I like dressing up in mufti clothes.  
'I shared mine with my brothers', said Isy, and I liked spending time with my friends.

Lottie and Xavier — Year 4
I like that we can choose active activities like Bin Ball and that we get to choose things that we like. It's fun to be with our friends, wear a mufti clothes and not do schoolwork.

Hannah and Harper — Year 6
In Year 6, we had a party game rotation featuring two exciting activities: "Head, Shoulders, Snatch" and a teamwork challenge. The teamwork game was especially fun! In teams of three, we were given a rubber band, three strings, and ten cups. Our goal was to work together to stretch the rubber band using the strings and stack the cups into a pyramid. We even had relay races to see which team could complete the challenge the fastest! A huge thank you to all the staff, we truly appreciate all the staff who made this amazing day possible.

Over the last 4 weeks, Year 2 and Year 6 students have been participating in an exciting gymnastics program led by Corie from Milk Crate Circus. Throughout the program, students have been developing a variety of new skills including forward rolls, ball juggling, cartwheels, hula hoops, backward rolls, spin sticks, combination tumbling, spinning plates, mini tramp jumps, and hand prop skills. They’ve also had the chance to work on tumbling with run-ups and more! The students have had a fantastic time learning and improving their coordination, balance, and agility. There are still 2 more lessons left this term, and we look forward to seeing them continue to build on these fun skills!

Discover the fascinating journey of literacy with "How We Read: A Graphic Guide to Literacy." This engaging guide breaks down the complex process of reading, offering valuable insights into how we process and understand text. Whether you're an educator, parent, or literacy advocate, this guide provides essential knowledge to support reading development effectively.

• Explains the cognitive processes involved in learning to read.
• Highlights the importance of phonemic awareness and decoding.
• Discusses the role of vocabulary and comprehension in literacy.
• Illustrates how visual and auditory cues support reading.
• Provides strategies to overcome common reading challenges.
• Emphasises the value of practice and exposure in building literacy skills.
  
  

This guide is an essential resource for fostering a deeper understanding of literacy and empowering readers of all ages.

As is usually the case, Anzac Day takes place during the Term 1 student vacation period. As a school, we will be commemorating this very important national day with our annual Anzac Day Liturgy this term on Tuesday, 8 April, commencing at 11.15am. Members of the Wollongong Army Cadet Unit, representatives from the Dapto RSL Sub Branch and other special guests will be attending the liturgy.

All families and friends are most welcome to join us for this very special occasion. If there are any family members who have/are serving in the Armed Forces and are able to join us on the day, please contact the school office by Tuesday, 1 April.

Over the past week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students have been busy sitting their NAPLAN assessments in reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. These assessments provide valuable insights into students’ progress and help guide future learning.

We’d like to congratulate all our Year 3 and 5 students for their hard work, focus, and resilience throughout the process. A big thank you also to their teachers for their dedication in preparing and supporting them. Well done, everyone!

Our Personalised Planning phone meetings began this week and will continue into Week 9. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to collaborate on student learning goals, progress, and support provisions. By working together, we ensure that each child receives the tailored assistance they need to thrive.

Thank you to our parents and carers for your participation and ongoing partnership. Thank you to our teachers for your commitment to supporting student learning at St John’s.

Regional da Vinci Decathlon

This term, a group of students from Years 5 and 6 have been preparing themselves to take on the challenge of the Regional da Vinci Decathlon. 

The da Vinci Decathlon is an interschool gala day that is conducted in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon with each team competing in ten academic disciplines.

The theme for the 2025 da Vinci Decathlon is Sustainability.

Each team of eight students competes in ten disciplines:

• Mathematics – problem solving, number patterns and logic puzzles
• English – spelling, word origins, definitions, textual analysis and writing tasks
• Science – engage with higher level scientific concepts and test your ability to apply them
• Code Breaking – decipher complex, mysterious codes
• Engineering Challenge – a design task that tests problem solving skills, creativity and
  ingenuity
• Ideation – unleashing your skills of creativity, critical problem solving, collaboration and
  communication to solve real-world problems
• Creative Producers – create and perform a 60 sec drama or 30 sec commercial to promote a product
• Art and Poetry – develop an original poem and a connected artwork on a given theme
• Cartography – interpret spatial information, decipher and create imaginative maps
• Legacy – a study of significant people (including Leonardo da Vinci), inventions and events around our theme

All tasks in the da Vinci Decathlon emphasise higher-order thinking skills – assisting students in developing their abilities in analysis, synthesis and creativity. 

The regional competition will be coordinated by Illawarra Christian School and take place in Term 2 on Wednesday, 30th April, at Figtree Anglican Church. We have been able to enter a team of 8 that will be made up of Year 5 and 6 students. Individual team members will be selected to complement each other's strengths in all ten disciplines.

On Friday, 21 March, we will be celebrating Harmony Day by encouraging all students to come to school dressed in orange mufti clothes. Harmony Day is a day dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity, inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all Australians. 

It is a day when we celebrate cultural diversity. Harmony Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate what makes each Australian unique and to share what we have in common. 

Australians are a welcome part of our country, regardless of their background. We reflect on the origins of our land by recognising the traditional owners. We also recognise those who have come to our shores in search of a new life. We celebrate community participation, including everyone and respect across the different cultures that call Australia home. 

This year, in celebration of Harmony Day, a group of our Year 6 students will be visiting various classes to deliver engaging presentations about different cultures from around the world. Through these presentations, students will have the opportunity to learn about the traditions, values, and customs of a specific culture. After the presentation, students will participate in a hands-on activity that reflects the culture they’ve just learned about, providing a fun and interactive way to deepen their understanding and appreciation for diversity. This activity aims to promote respect, curiosity, and a sense of belonging, as students explore the cultures that shape our world.

Here are some ideas for incorporating orange accessories:

• Ribbon
• Scarf
• Headband or hair accessories
• Socks
• Wristband
• Bow tie
• Hat

For those of you new to St John's, I am Sahar, the school counsellor (also a social worker and ex-primary school teacher). I am here, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Every fourth Thursday I am offsite. If my door is open, please come say hello or feel free to email me at other times.

I am happy for parents to meet with me before referral forms go home if they are not sure if school counselling is what they want/need or if they just want to brainstorm some tips to try themselves.

Some things that school counsellors do:

• Support children who are experiencing anxiety, worries, or stresses that limit their academic and/or social abilities.
• Support children who are experiencing stressful and or emotional changes at home such as parental separation, family illness, or death of a loved one.
• Support children who have difficulty attending school.
• Support children to cope with their own medical condition, especially if it is affecting their comfort and abilities at school.
• Support children whose mood or self-esteem is negatively affecting their academic and/or social abilities.
• Provide one-off, 'emotional first aid' support if a child is very distressed.
• Collaborate with school staff to provide general resources, tips, and strategies to implement in classes, or with groups of children.
• Support parents/carers to find appropriate services best suited in the long-term if needed.

If you think school counselling is something your child might benefit from, you can let your child's teacher know or talk to the Principal, Mrs Rodwell for enquiries.

Resources:

CatholicCare Ph (02) 4227 1122 or enquiries@catholiccare.dow.org.au #alwaysconnected

Parent Line http://www.parentline.org.au 1300 1300 52

Raising Children Website http://raisingchildren.net.au

Kids Helpline http://kidshelpline.com.au/parents 1800 55 1800

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au

CatholicCare School, Student and Family Program – School Counselling

The video below highlights the work of CatholicCare Wollongong's school counsellors in partnership with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong.

Find out more about the program here. 

CatholicCare — Growing Into Me

Growing Into Me is a program that supports schools in providing an opportunity for parents and children to understand and explore the physical and emotional changes experienced through the puberty journey.

Download the flyer here.

For more information or to register interest complete the online form here. 

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with a Disability (NCCD) takes place every year. St John's staff work consistently each year collecting and recording data about student goals and progress to be counted within the collection.

The NCCD is a collection that counts: 

• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability or learning difficulties 
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students. 
  

Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without disability.  

• The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
• The Disability Standards for Education 2005 define ‘reasonable adjustment’ as an adjustment that balances the interests of all parties affected.
  

The NCCD process is a mandatory process which occurs throughout the year culminating in August when data is collected and schools provide this information to educational authorities. 

To commence this process for 2025, our teachers will be  hosting “Personalised Plan (PP)” meetings in Week 8 and 9 of Term One. If your child has a personalised plan due to specific learning needs you will be invited to a phone meeting to collaborate on goals and strategies to support your child in the school setting. These plans include uniquely tailored strategies collaboratively developed with students, parents, carers and at times external providers to address the diverse learning styles, strengths, and areas for growth that each student brings to the classroom. This highlights our commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment at St John's Dapto.

The following fact sheet provides parents with more detailed information on the NCCD process.

A Compass notification will be sent to parents and carers whose child will participate in a personalised planning meeting over the next week. 

If you have any questions or require any additional information please contact your child's classroom teacher

Help Needed for the Foods and Rides Night to go ahead in 2025

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and organised individuals to take on the role of Event Coordinators to form a Food & Rides Night Committee for this exciting occasion. The responsibilities will include coordinating with vendors, managing volunteers, overseeing logistics, and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our school community.

If you are interested or know someone who would be perfect for it, please reach out to Jodie Maloney ph: 0404 846 106 by 28th February, or complete the form below. Together, we can create a memorable and fun-filled evening for everyone!

If you would like to be part of a committee to organise the 2025 Foods and Rides Night please fill in the form below.

Parish News

On Wednesday 2 April there will be a Healing Mass on at 9.30am. Everyone is welcome to attend this mass with Fr. Francis. 

Ashes to Easter: Invitation to all

Peter Kearney Lenten Concert-Reflection

Saturday 12th April, 6.30pm (after vigil Mass and sausage sizzle) in St. John the Evangelist Church. Gold coin donation. 

Peter's concert will weave songs, hymns, stories and reflections on Lenten & Easter themes. 

Past comments: “A beautiful Lenten reflection” … “prayerful and spiritual” ... “a worthwhile part of our Lenten journey”. 

Peter Kearney is an Australian Catholic songwriter, singer and guitarist who has sung widely through Australia and overseas. 

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.

See below for the latest Parish Newsletter

Tell us about your experiences as a Catholic school parent and what you'd like to know more about.

We value every parent's thoughts and opinions!

Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) NSW/ACT would like to know how involved/engaged you feel you are in your child's learning at a NSW/ACT Catholic school, how connected you feel in your child's school, and your thoughts on how schools could enhance family-school partnerships.

This data informs our parent learning program and provides us with valuable information about how our dioceses and schools are engaging with families.

Thank you so much for taking time out to give us your feedback.

Please use the following link to access the survey: https://ccsp.schoolzineplus.com/survey/71.

In today's digital age, children are increasingly using various apps and technologies, especially chat applications, to connect with peers and explore the online world. While these platforms offer opportunities for learning and socialisation, they also present potential risks. It's crucial for parents to engage in open dialogues with their children about online safety to ensure they navigate the digital landscape securely.

Initiating conversations about the appropriate use of chat apps can be challenging but is essential. Discussing topics such as privacy settings, recognising inappropriate content, and understanding the implications of sharing personal information can empower children to make safer choices online. The eSafety Commissioner provides valuable resources to assist parents in these discussions, including advice sheets and conversation starters available in multiple languages. 

Implementing parental controls is another effective strategy to help manage and monitor your child's online interactions. These tools can restrict access to certain apps, limit screen time, and filter inappropriate content, providing an added layer of protection. Guidance on setting up these controls is available through the eSafety Commissioner's website, offering step-by-step instructions tailored to various devices and platforms. 

For comprehensive information and additional resources, parents are encouraged to visit the eSafety Commissioner's official website.

By staying informed and maintaining open communication, parents can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their children's online experiences.

I invite Catholics in the Diocese of Wollongong, especially those in the Illawarra Region, to attend this Ecumenical Event, inviting others so as to hear the Gospel proclaimed anew. In embracing our Jubilee Year of Hope, consider attending Hope for the Illawarra on 28–29 March in Wollongong.

Main Events:

Friday 28 March — An Evening for Youth (7pm)
Saturday 29 March — A Morning Event for Children (11am)
Saturday 29 March — A Celebration with Dr Michael Youssef (7pm)

For more information go to: https://www.hopefortheilawarra.com.au/about-1

Bishop Brian Mascord

School Travel Passes

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. 

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student Code of Conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

A NSW Parliament select committee has been established to inquire into and report on child development, early childhood intervention services, and other foundational and disability supports available for children and young people with developmental concerns, delays, differences, or disabilities in New South Wales.

Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee's website here. 

As part of the inquiry, the committee is seeking online submissions from NSW residents through the following questions. Responses are due by Monday 31 March 2025.

Responses may be used in the committee's report. Names and contact details of respondents will not be published. The questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Individual contributors can complete an online questionnaire. 

Terms of Reference.

The Illawarra Disability Options (IDO) Expo provides an opportunity for families of NDIS participants to familiarise themselves with local disability service providers and registered training organisations. This annual event is of particular relevance to students with disability planning post school pathways.

Schools in the Illawarra are encouraged to include a notice of this event in school newsletters.

When: Thursday 3 April 2025 11.00 am to 3.00 pm

Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow

Registration: Not required

This year marks the 209th Anniversary of the Appin Massacre. The memorial service will be held on Sunday 13 April 2025 at Cataract Dam from 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, with a free sausage sizzle.

We encourage staff, students, and their parents, to attend the Appin Memorial as a sign of respect for the Dharawal people who were killed in the Massacre at Appin on 17 April 1816. 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are thrilled to invite your child to participate in a fun and creative Easter-themed Colouring Competition run by Ray White Dapto & Horsley, designed to celebrate creativity and support our school community!

Why Join?

• Win Amazing Prizes: One talented student from our school will win a $100 Smiggle voucher for their outstanding artwork!

• Support Our School: The winning artwork from each school will be showcased to local businesses. The artwork receiving the most votes will earn a $500 donation to our school's P&F!

• Community Connection: This competition is a fantastic opportunity for students to express their creativity and be part of a wider community initiative.

Key Dates:

• Submit Entries By: Thursday, 3rd April

• Prize Presentation: Monday, 7th April (Ray White team members will visit to collect the winning artwork and present the prize)

• Local Business Voting & Final Winner Announcement: Tuesday, 8th April

How It Works:

• Download a printable Easter-themed colouring sheet.

• Printed copies are available from the school office.

• Students can use crayons, markers, or coloured pencils to complete their artwork.

Guidelines:

• Open to students of all age groups.

• Artwork must be original and created by the student.

• All entries must be in A4 format.

• The winner will be chosen based on creativity, effort, and interpretation of the Easter theme.

• All entries must be submitted by Thursday, 3rd April to your classroom teacher.

• By submitting, participants grant permission for the artwork to be used in promotional materials by Ray White Dapto & Horsley and local businesses.

We encourage all students to participate and showcase their artistic talents! This is a wonderful chance to celebrate creativity, win exciting prizes, and contribute to our school’s success.

If you have any questions or would like to confirm your child's participation, please let us know.

Thank you for your support!

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