Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Religious Education
- PB4L
- Principal Awards
- Core Value Awards
- Merit Awards
- Professional Learning
- Year 6 Learning Celebration
- ANZAC DAY
- Harmony Day
- WEN Day
- Sporting News
- Stage 3 Welcomed Police Liaison Officer
- Reconciliation Walk
- Happy Birthday
- Mother's Day Celebrations at St John's Dapto
- Mother's Day Stall
- P&F School Disco
- St John's Parents and Friends Association Update — Fundraising Events 2025
- Parent Calendar — Term 2
- Afternoon Dismissal Reminders
- St John the Evangelist Parish News
- Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT
- St Joseph's CHS — Year 7 2026 & 2027
- IDO Expo: A Networking Opportunity for NDIS Participants
- Appin and Sorry Day Events (Winga Myamly)
- Community Announcements
Gospel Reflection
In Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we celebrated the 4th Sunday of Lent Year C. The 4th Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” Sunday's Gospel describes the reason for our joy: God's great love for us has been revealed in Jesus. Through his Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Christ has reconciled us with God and one another.
Dear Parents and Carers,
Today the St John’s school community recognised a very important day, World Autism Awareness Day. World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day on April 2 every year, encouraging member states of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout the world.
We acknowledged World Autism Awareness Day by inviting our whole school community to wear rainbow mufti for the day. The choice to dress up in rainbow mufti has been made to symbolise the spectrum of colours in a rainbow that represent the wide range of abilities and talents of people with autism. We are each unique and the importance of inclusion and respect of the other is a virtue that is held in high regard at St John’s.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
On Thursday 3rd April a number of our Year 3 students will receive the Sacrament of Penance. I would like to thank Fr Francis, the St John’s Parish Sacramental team, Ms Kylie Stephens, Mrs Lisan Giles, Mrs Sarah Carberry, Mrs Paula Parkes and Mrs Bronwyn Cruickshank and our parents and carers for the preparation, teaching and support of our students as they have prepared to receive this important Sacrament. We wish all the students making the Sacrament of Penance a heart filled with peace and grace. May this special moment bring you closer to God's love, fill you with joy, and strengthen your faith. Please keep our Year 3 students and their families in your prayers and thoughts.
Staff Update
There are a number of staff who will be accessing personal leave during Term 2 and for the remainder of the school year. We welcome the following new staff to the St John's Catholic Parish School Community.
Year 3 Blue Teacher: We welcome Ms Larissa McKirdy who will replace Mrs Lisa Giles as Mrs Giles accesses leave and returns in a part-time capacity at the conclusion of her leave.
Creative Arts Teacher: We welcome Mrs Kayelyn Inwood who will replace Ms Valeria Perez who is moving interstate with her family.
Library SSO: We welcome Ms River Jadim who will replace Mrs Maree Kissell as Mrs Kissell accesses leave in Term 2 and part of Term 3.
Middle Leader 3: We welcome Mr Bill Whittle who will replace Mr Jeff De Battista as Mr De Battista accesses leave in Term 2.
We wish Mrs Giles, Mrs Kissell, Ms Perez and Mr De Battista all the very best with their leave and move interstate. I especially thank Ms Perez for her many contributions to the school community. We look forward to welcoming our new staff in Term 2.
Kindergarten 2026 Enrolement Meetings
Last week, we began Kindergarten 2026 enrolment meetings. It is such an honour to meet with parents and carers and their child to discuss their vision of schooling and how the St John’s community can support this vision. It is always a wonderful part of my role to meet and hear from both new and current families as to the reasons why they are choosing St John's Catholic Parish Primary School for their child's education. This is a time of great privilege as we begin forming our relationship with families for the first time and also welcoming siblings into the school. Enrolment interviews will continue throughout Term 2, with offers of placement being sent at the end of Term 2.
St John's Parents and Friends School Disco — Thank You!!
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jodie Maloney, Renee Whiteside, Jamie Calder, the Parents and Friends Association and the parent volunteers for their incredible efforts in organising our school disco. It was a fantastic evening filled with music, dancing, and laughter, and it wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work and dedication. Thank you for creating such a fun and memorable experience for our students!
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework
On the 11th of April, St John’s staff will join the staff from St Therese to continue our professional learning sequence with the Berry Street Education Model. This professional learning is linked to our School Improvement Plan, incorporating student wellbeing, agency and learning. The Berry Street Education Model is a training course that provides learning and strategies for teachers to increase learning engagement for students. Relationship, body, engagement, stamina and character are the five domains of the Berry Street Education Model, which correspond with child-development capacities that each student must build in order to be ready to learn. Student wellbeing is of paramount importance and encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of a student's life. Student wellbeing is a fundamental prerequisite for effective learning, personal development, and long-term success. The Berry Street Education Model offers a comprehensive framework for supporting the development of student wellbeing, leading to academic engagement.
The Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong has proudly produced a Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework. The Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework supports the creation of communities of educational excellence where every student develops resilience, confidence, and self-efficacy. The Framework highlights evidence-based high-impact strategies. Berry Street Education Model focuses on evidenced-based high-impact strategies for student wellbeing and engagement and links with the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework.
Winter School Uniform
Thank you to parents and carers for the care you take to ensure that your child is in the correct school uniform. During the first two weeks of Term 2, parents and carers can decide if the summer or winter school uniform is suitable for your child to wear, depending on the weather. The formal changeover date for students to wear their winter uniform is Monday, 12th May.
|
Lowes, Dapto Mall |
Poppets Direct |
| Shop G138 Dapto Mall Phone: 4261 4372 |
1/31–33 Montague Street Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm St. Johns customers receive 10% discount on all in store purchases – year-round. Online: www.poppets.com.au – free delivery to all Illawarra addresses. |
At St John’s, we aspire to create a learning community that builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with parents and the broader community, which enhances student learning and well-being outcomes. I would like to thank parents and carers for participating in the various initiatives we have implemented this term which have provided opportunities to share information between school and home to complement learning across both settings. The initiatives have included:
Student Information Notes were distributed to parents and carers in Week 2. This provided an opportunity for parents and carers to share information with the classroom teacher highlighting your child’s strengths and other relevant information. Thank you to those parents and carers who have returned the student information sheets.
Parent and Carer Grade Information Sessions were shared with parents and carers in Week 3. The Parent and Carer Grade Information Sessions provided an opportunity to further understand the content of the school year's learning for each grade and the expectations, key dates and information pertinent to learning. The PowerPoint used to facilitate the content of the Parent and Carer Grade Information Sessions has been shared with parents and carers.
Collaborative Meetings for those students who have a Personalised Plan were an opportunity to discuss the goals which are set for individual students and adjustments to learning which are being made to allow academic, social and behavioural growth.
Individual Parent / Carer and Teacher Learning Conversations will be facilitated throughout the remainder of the term. This will be opportunity to share relevant information about individual student’s academic, spiritual, wellbeing and behaviour needs.
At St John’s, we certainly value the relationship and partnership we have with our parents and carers. In this partnership, the responsibility for student’s learning, wellbeing and faith development is shared between parents and carers as the first and primary educators of their child and the school community. Thank you to our parents and carers for this wonderful partnership.
I am looking forward to celebrating with our school community the upcoming community events, the end of Term 1 Mass and Principal Awards, the Parish and School Weekend Mass with Andrew Chinn, ANZAC Day Liturgy, Easter Hat Parade and the Holy Week Liturgy.
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.
Season of Lent
As we move further into our Lenten journey, we are reminded that each act of prayer, sacrifice, and generosity brings us closer to the heart of Jesus. This week, let us reflect on how we can continue to grow in faith through our daily choices. Are we taking moments to pause and pray? Are we choosing kindness and patience in our interactions? Are we using our gifts to help those in need?
Lent is a time of transformation—a season that invites us to turn our hearts more fully to God. May we embrace this sacred time with open hearts, trusting that even the smallest steps we take in love and faith will prepare us to celebrate the hope and joy of Easter.
Caritas - Project Compassion
On behalf of Caritas Australia, we extend our deepest gratitude to our school community for your incredible generosity and support of Project Compassion this Lent. The overwhelming number of Easter eggs donated for our raffle, the fantastic response to raffle ticket sales, and the generous contributions to class Project Compassion boxes are truly inspiring. Your continued support makes a real difference! Please keep sending in Easter egg donations, selling raffle tickets, and encouraging your children to contribute to their class Mission boxes. Every act of kindness helps empower vulnerable communities, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to build a brighter future. Together, we are bringing hope, dignity and lasting change to those in need. Thank you for standing with Caritas Australia and making a meaningful impact this Lent!
Easter Hat Parade
A reminder that you are invited 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 very 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.
Our Easter raffle, supporting Caritas Australia, will be drawn at our Easter Hat Parade, adding to the excitement of the day. Thank you for your generosity and support in making this fundraiser a success!
St John’s Receives a Peace Pole from Dapto Rotary
As part of the centenary celebrations of Rotary service in Australia, the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin initiated a project to donate 100 Peace Poles to 100 schools, symbolising peace and unity. We are delighted to share that the Dapto Rotary Club has generously donated a Peace Pole to St John’s.
Our Peace Pole, inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, Dharawal, Hindi and Italian, stands as a daily reminder of our commitment to fostering peace within our school and the wider community. May peace prevail—not just today, but every day—as we work together to build a future grounded in love, respect, and unity.
On Friday, 21st March, as part of our Harmony Day celebrations, we held a special ceremony to bless and install the Peace Pole. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Robyn Ford from Dapto Rotary and our student leaders for their involvement in this meaningful occasion.
Sacrament of First Penance (Reconciliation) — Thursday 3 April
Tomorrow 87 children from our parish will be making their First Reconciliation (Penance). This significant step in their faith journey marks a special moment as they receive God’s forgiveness and experience His mercy. Through this sacrament, the children are learning the importance of reflection, repentance and reconciliation with God. We congratulate these children and their families on this meaningful occasion and pray that this experience brings them closer to Christ and deepens their faith. May they continue to grow in love and understanding of God’s mercy and grace.
Andrew Chinn Family Mass — Saturday, 5th April at 5:00pm
We warmly invite all families, especially those with students in Kinder and Year 6, to join us for a special Family Mass with Andrew Chinn on this coming Saturday. This will be a wonderful opportunity to come together in faith and song as we celebrate as a school and parish community. After Mass, stay and enjoy a sausage sizzle and snow cones—a great way to connect and share in the joy of the evening. We look forward to seeing you there!
Journeying through Holy Week and Easter
Holy Week is a sacred time in our faith, inviting us to reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, His ultimate sacrifice and the joy of His resurrection. As a school community, we will come together in prayer and reflection, preparing our hearts to embrace the hope and renewal that Easter brings.
Easter is the most significant season in the Church year, celebrating the heart of our Christian faith—Jesus’ victory over sin and death. It is a time of joy and renewal, reminding us of God’s infinite love and the promise of new life through Christ. His Passion, death and resurrection call us to live with faith, love and compassion, sharing His light with the world.
Holy Week Liturgy — Thursday, 10th April at 12:00pm
As we prepare for Easter, we invite all families to join us for our Holy Week Liturgy. Together, we will reflect on the events of Jesus’ Passion, His great sacrifice and the hope of His resurrection. This special liturgy will be a time of prayer, reflection, and community as we journey through this sacred season.
Easter Liturgy — Thursday, 1st May at 12:00pm
When we return to school, we will celebrate the joy of the Resurrection with our Easter Liturgy. Families are warmly invited to join us in giving thanks for the hope and new life that Easter brings. We look forward to celebrating these meaningful moments together as a school community.
May this Easter season fill our hearts with peace, love, and gratitude for the blessings of faith.
2025 Sacramental Dates
A reminder that the dates for the Confirmation and Communion Sacramental preparation Programs have now been set. For those families that wish their child to enrol in the Confirmation Preparation Program, please note enrolments will begin on the weekend of the 12th and 13th of April. Please see attachment that was sent out via Compass for further details.
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 8
| Gunyah | Kayley, Evie |
| Kindergarten | Poppy, Neve |
| Year 1 | Lila, Kyan |
| Year 2 | Lottie, Ethan |
| Year 3 | Emma, Charlotte |
| Year 4 | Sebastian, Jay |
| Year 5 | Zahli |
| Year 6 | Isabella, Ellise |
Week 9
| Gunyah | Evie, Evie |
| Kindergarten | Elliot, Leo |
| Year 1 | Willow, Zoey |
| Year 2 | |
| Year 3 | Alessia, Bohdi |
| Year 4 | Isabel, Lucas |
| Year 5 | |
| Year 6 | Zara, Jack |
Week 10
| Gunyah | |
| Kindergarten | Annika, Everly |
| Year 1 | Georgia, Sophie |
| Year 2 | Lottie,, Francesco |
| Year 3 | Alessia, Bohdi |
| Year 4 | Jaxson |
| Year 5 | Joseph K, Leo |
| Year 6 |
Please join us this coming Friday 4th April for our end of Term Mass with the St John's Parish at 9:30am as we congratulate our award recipients. Congratulations!!
This term, staff have engaged in professional learning using the assessment framework Understanding by Design to identify key mathematical concepts in the new reformed syllabus. This process has helped us design lessons that build understanding and develop quality assessment tasks to inform our teaching.
Aligned with our AIP goal: All students achieve relevant learning growth in Mathematics. Staff have been using data to review and track student progress while refining our practice.
Teachers have been working hard to deliver engaging mathematics lessons through hands-on materials and problem-solving tasks.
We look forward to our upcoming staff development day on Monday, the 28th of April. We will continue to enhance our assessment practices, data analysis, and evidence-based teaching strategies to further support student learning.
Download the PDF to view the videos
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 Friday, 4th April.
On Thursday, the 20th of March, Anabelle and Izak from Year 5 and Ryan and Sebastian from Year 6 attended the student WEN day at St Brigid's in Gwynneville with Mrs Fraser.
On the day we learnt about Pope Francis’ Laudato Si Canticle about the environment. We listened to Robert Servine from Green Connect talk about the difference they have made in our local community. We also learnt about the ways in which different schools were solving some of the environmental problems they had.
We found the three hands-on activities in the middle session to be fun and engaging. One of those activities was to make a no-sew bag from an old T-shirt. We found it to be so fun.
We are proud to have become environmental ambassadors for St John's. We look forward to trying to make St John's a greater, environmentally friendly place.
Izak and Ryan
Dates for Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals
- 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)
Cross Country Carnival
Congratulations to all students who ran at our school cross country carnival on Monday, 24th March at Integral Energy Park. Despite the wet weather challenges, it was a great day.
A huge thank you to all our wonderful parent helpers who served as track marshals, guiding and supporting the students around the course. Your time and effort are truly appreciated! A special thanks to: Elton Coltheart, Kim Rees, Samuel Agars, Jessica Hawkins, Beth Morris, Hayley Commins, Catherine Alford, Julie Lyddiard, Amanda Skora, Matt Skora, Julie Mellor, Catherine Troman, Sarah Kenady, and Skie Webster. We couldn’t have done it without you!
The winning house will be announced, and ribbons will be presented this Monday at 1:45 pm under the COLA.
See Compass Newsletter alert for a link to more photos.
Diocesan Cross Country
Congratulations to the following students who will represent St John’s at the Diocesan Cross Country carnival on Tuesday, 6th May at Nowra’s ‘Wilandra Farm’ Cross Country course. A Compass event will be sent home in the coming days.
Congratulations, and we wish these students the best of luck.
|
AGE |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
|
8/9 Yrs Boys |
Luca M |
Lennox R |
Liam C |
|
8/9 Yrs Girls |
Estelle B |
Thalia L |
Olivia M |
|
10 Yrs Boys |
Joseph W |
Connor C |
Henry P |
|
10 Yrs Girls |
Ruby T |
Absalat B |
Mikayla C |
|
11 Yrs Boys |
Morrison B |
Filipe W |
Dimitri L |
|
11 Yrs Girls |
Larissa B |
Mila G |
Emma S |
|
12 Yrs Boys |
Kayden H |
Chase B |
Luke T |
|
12 Yrs Girls |
Annabelle C |
Ruby McA |
Harper B |
Mark Taylor Shield
On Thursday, March 20, our St. John’s School Cricket team faced off against Nazareth, Shellharbour. Although we put up a valiant effort, the strong home team ultimately came out on top. Despite the loss, our team showed incredible resilience, with standout performances from Luke M, Evan J, Ruby McA, and Joseph K with the ball. Aiden B also displayed his impressive wicket-keeping skills. Every player gave their all, and we were expertly led by our Captain, Kayden H, and Vice-Captain, Steve V. Though we didn’t secure the win, the spirit and camaraderie of the team made the experience unforgettable for everyone involved. We are excited for our next match, where we’ll have another opportunity to showcase our skills and hopefully advance to the third round.
A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers, parents, and squad members who supported us throughout!
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
Michelle Atkins
Sports Coordinator
On Monday, Stage 3 welcomed Police Liaison Officer Naomi, who visited to lead an important discussion on online safety. During her visit, students had the opportunity to engage in conversations about issues such as online disrespect and physical aggression. Officer Naomi spoke to the students about the risks and consequences of inappropriate online behaviour, emphasising the importance of maintaining respect and kindness in both online and offline interactions. She also guided them on how to protect their personal information, identify potential online threats, and respond appropriately to cyberbullying. The session was highly interactive, with students asking insightful questions and gaining a deeper understanding of how to stay safe in the digital world.
Throughout this year, we will celebrate and acknowledge many events within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, including National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. As a school, we come together with families and elders to respect and share our culture.
We proudly start each morning with Yulunga as a way of acknowledging the Dharawal people, who are the traditional custodians of the land we gather on at St John’s.
With the support of Mark Mongta and Jo Ball, our students will once again participate in the Careways Koonawarra Community Reconciliation Walk at Lakeside Reserve on Thursday, 22 May from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.
This is a community event, everyone is welcome to participate.
Mrs McEntee
To the following students who will celebrate their birthday in April — we wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have a great day.
April
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
| Harper | Luka | Joey | Grace |
| Kai | Iylah | Erik | Harry |
| Elliot | Joe | Aiden | Eli |
| Tupou | Marli | ||
| Allara | |||
| Leo |
| Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Lennox | Hayley | Haylen |
| Oscar | Lucas | Dimitri |
| Connor | Ethan | Justin |
| Hannah | Elisha | Ava |
| Ava | Joseph | Lola |
| Jahnyah | Brody | Annabel |
| Charlotte | Isabel | Ethan |
| Tanyn | Filipe | |
| April | ||
| Mia |
Mother's Day Liturgy — 9 May
Dear Mothers and Grandmothers
You're invited to a special Mother’s Day Liturgy at the Church at 12:30 pm.
After the service, choose between:
- A picnic lunch (bring your own) with your children or grandchildren, or
- A delightful Afternoon Tea in the Hall for adults only.
Following lunch or afternoon tea, we’ll reunite with the children in their classrooms for a heartwarming visit.
We look forward to celebrating this special day with you!
Friday 9th May
| 12:30 pm | Mother's Day Liturgy (Church) |
| 1:00 pm | Picnic Lunch (bring your own lunch and blanket) |
| 1:00 pm | Afternoon Tea (adults only) Hall |
| 1:45 pm | Open Classrooms |
Last Thursday night, the school Parents and Friends hosted a fantastic disco, bringing students together for an evening of fun and excitement. The event was a great success, with students from Kindergarten to Year Six enjoying a night of dancing, laughter, and music.
A huge thank you to Jodie Maloney and Renee Whiteside from the Parents and Friends Association for organising the disco, as well as the many parent volunteers who helped on the night. These events wouldn’t be possible without your support!
The Parents and Friends Association have formed a Fundraising Committee and would like to thank Maddison P, Jodie Mc, Renee H, Kelly G, Kristy S and Rebecca A for joining the Parents and Friends Association Fundraising Committee. The committee members have met and have organised a draft fundraising event timetable for the 2025 school year.
Term One — Cross Country Carnival BBQ and School Disco.
Term Two — Mother's Day Stall, Mother's Day Raffle, Athletics Carnival BBQ, Trivia Night for Parents and Carers.
Term Three — Father's Day Stall and School Disco.
Term Four — Family Movie Night.
The St John's Food and Ride Night will be replaced this year by the Family Movie Night.
Further details will be shared by the Parents and Friends Association Fundraising Committee.
Thank you to all parents and carers for your ongoing support.
Mrs Jodie Maloney
Parents and Friends Association President
As a school community we value school events that celebrate faith, learning and wellbeing and there are a number of events planned for Term Two. Please find below an overview of some key events for the school community. Please note that this overview will be updated regularly and will be shared with parents and carers via the fortnightly newsletter and via the Compass online platform.
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.
Kindergarten and Year 6 Mass with Andrew Chinn
Fr Francis and the Parish Pastoral Council warmly invite all students and families to celebrate the Kindergarten and Year 6 Mass with Andrew Chinn on Saturday, 5th April at 5 pm. This will be followed by a sausage sizzle and ice cones. All welcome!!
Ashes to Easter: Invitation to all
Peter Kearney Lenten Concert-Reflection
Saturday 12th April, 6.30 pm (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.
Please see the Parish Journal below written by a number of St John's students. We are very proud of their work!!
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 latest Parish newsletter below.
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.
ENROLLING NOW — St Joseph's Catholic High School
Join us for our Year 7 2026/2027 Open Afternoon and Information Evening.
Tuesday 4 March 2025
- Student-led tours at 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 pm
- Information Session at 6:45 pm
Bookings are essential. Use the QR code or the link below:
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.
Festival of Democracy
These April school holidays, NSW Parliament is excited to open its doors for the fourth annual Festival of Democracy!
When: Tuesday 15 April, 9:30am – 3:00pm
Where: NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney
This jam-packed day of discovery, learning, and hands-on activities will bring civics, citizenship and the history of Australia’s first and oldest legislature to life for 5-12 year olds and their parents/carers:
- Step inside history with guided chamber tours
- Get creative in arts and crafts workshops
- Go behind the scenes with special video and documentary screenings and learn about how laws are made
- Travel through time to meet the suffragettes and Henry Parkes
- Participate in a story reading of the signing of the Magna Carta
- Take to the floor in a mock committee hearing
- Learn about voting with the NSW Electoral Commission
- Engage with the role of Legal Aid in assisting NSW citizens
Get involved, have fun and learn at this free and one-day-only event!
Parents/carers can learn more and get their free ticket by visiting: https://education.parliament.nsw.gov.au/free-event-festival-of-democracy-2025/
