In Parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong we celebrated the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C. Last Sunday's Gospel calls us to be ready and attentive: “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.” Jesus reminds us of the importance of living each day with purpose, vigilance, and faith. As people of faith, we are entrusted with the care and formation of others. May we model what it means to live with integrity, responsibility, and a heart open to God’s call.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last week, our school community joyfully celebrated the feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop — a woman of courage, conviction, and deep faith. As Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop continues to inspire generations through her commitment to education, her unwavering trust in God, and her love for the marginalised.

Mary's famous words, "Never see a need without doing something about it," remain a guiding light for all of us in Catholic education. They remind us that our faith is not only something we believe, but something we live—especially in how we care for others and respond to the needs of our time.

At school last week, students learnt about Mary’s extraordinary life, her founding of the Sisters of St Joseph, and her determination to bring education to children in rural and disadvantaged communities. Her legacy lives on in our classrooms, in our service to one another, and in our shared commitment to nurturing the dignity and potential of every child.

As we reflect on Mary MacKillop’s example, we are reminded of the importance of standing strong in our values, listening to the Spirit, and leading with compassion—just as she did.

Catholic education has a long history in the Dapto community and St John’s. A Catholic school was established in West Dapto in 1839 and in 1880 three Sisters of St Joseph assumed control of the West Dapto school. Mary Mackillop visited the Sisters at Dapto in 1883, the school was known as St Joseph's until 1968. 

As we reflect on the gifts of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop I invite you to pray for Sr Narelle and her sisters, and in your prayers offer your thanks for their dedicated and committed service to our school. Everyday at St John’s we try to walk in the footsteps of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and we are truly blessed to have Sr Narelle continuing the work of her sisters at St John’s.

Our school captains Isla and Zac represented St John’s at the Wollongong Diocesan celebration of the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Bishop Brian celebrated the Eucharist and gave thanks for the life of Mary MacKillop, her influence on our world and her legacy as a woman of inspiration and deep faith. She was canonised a saint of the universal church on 17 October 2010, becoming Australia's first saint. 

Let us continue to walk in the footsteps of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop  with courage and hope.

Year 6 Mass with the Bishop

On Tuesday, 5 August Bishop Brian celebrated Mass with our Year 6 students along with 7 other Diocesan Primary Schools who came together at Ss Peter and Paul Kiama. 

The annual Year 6 Mass with the Bishop is an opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist and remind students how they can foster their relationships with Jesus through compassionate actions and loving words as they grow. It was a very prayerful celebration of the Eucharist and our Year 6 students were very responsible, respectful and were mature when interacting with other Year 6 students from the 7 Diocesan Primary Schools.

Following the Mass, students were able to broaden their network of friends across the diocese during lunch time. I was incredibly proud of our Year 6 students who exhibited excellent leadership throughout the day. Thank you to our Year 6 staff who supported our Year 6 students on the day.

 

Feast of the Assumption

This coming Friday, 15 August, St John's staff and students will join the St John's Parish to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption - our Catholic belief that Mary was taken, body and soul, to enjoy eternal life. The Assumption is a beautiful testament to God's love for Mary. It reminds us of her unique role in salvation history and her place as the first and most perfect disciple of Jesus. This feast day also offers us a message of hope, reminding us that we, too, are called to share in the glory of eternal life with God.

On this feast, we celebrate her unique role as a true disciple of Jesus.In Mary’s assumption, we stand on the promise that we can each make a difference in this world. 

To celebrate this special day, our school community will attend the Parish Mass at 9:30 am this Friday, where we will reflect on Mary's unwavering faith and her inspiring journey as we celebrate this important feast day together as a school and Parish community.

I will be taking long service leave from Friday 22nd August till Friday 29th August. In my absence Mr Jeff De Battista and Mrs Fran Berringer will be acting Principal. 

I look forward to our Book Week Celebrations next week.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Yours in Faith and Learning,
Mrs 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.

Year 4 Religious Literacy Assessment 

On Monday 4th of August students in Year Four completed the Religious Literacy Assessment. The primary years Religious Literacy Assessment program evaluates how students use literacy skills to communicate their understanding of the religious tradition to themselves, peers, teachers, and members of the wider community. 

The assessment involves all Year 4 students across the Diocese of Wollongong and consists of multiple choice and short answer questions. Questions are focused on students' knowledge and understanding of Religious Education concepts from Kindergarten to Year 4 and what they mean for the way we live.

Data gathered from the assessment are analysed to inform teaching in schools, and to recognise and celebrate learning in the domain of Religious Education in the Wollongong Diocese.

Year 6 Mass with the Bishop

On Tuesday 5th of August Year 6 students visited Ss Peter & Paul Kiama and the Kiama Parish to attend the Annual Mass with the Bishop. Year 6 students from Catholic schools within the Wollongong Diocese participate in an annual Mass with Bishop Brian Mascord. This event is a significant occasion for the students to experience the Eucharist, connect with their peers, and understand their place within the broader Catholic community. The Mass also serves as a way to strengthen their Catholic faith as they prepare for secondary school. The students reported that the event was a great chance to meet people that they might be going to High School with.

Feast of the Transfiguration

On Wednesday 6th of August the Catholic Church celebrated The Feast of the Transfiguration. This event commemorates the event in the Gospels where Jesus's divine nature was revealed to his disciples Peter, James, and John on a mountain. During this event, Jesus's face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah also appeared, and a voice from a cloud identified Jesus as God's Son. The feast celebrates Jesus's divinity, foreshadows his resurrection, and encourages faith. Classes were given the opportunity to learn more about this event in their Religious Education lesson on this day.

Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

On Friday 8th of August the school community celebrated Australia’s first Saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary MacKillop founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (the Josephites), which has an important connection to St John’s, The office is one building that was standing in her time that she visited. This excerpt is taken from the parent handbook.

With the coming of rail to Dapto, Mary MacKillop, now formally known as St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, purchased a parcel of land in Jerematta Street, Dapto in January 1899. In 1900 she decided to move the convent and school closer to town and establish the school on its present site.

This day is a celebration of her life, her work in Catholic education, and her advocacy for the poor and marginalised. This is especially important as a Josephite school with strong connections to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. 

Our two Year Six leaders also travelled with Mrs Rodwell and Mr Whittle to a diocesean Mass to celebrate Mary MacKillop at the Cathedral. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop with the Bishop and other school leaders.

The Assumption

On Friday 15th of August the whole school will be celebrating this significant event at the Parish Mass. The Assumption of Mary is an important celebration in the Catholic tradition. It portrays the Virgin Mary, at the end of her life, being taken up, body and soul, into heaven. This event is celebrated as a feast day on August 15th in the Catholic Church. It is considered a dogma, a doctrine of faith, by the Catholic Church, defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

Catholic Mission Presentation

On Friday 15th of August students across the school have the chance to participate in a presentation by Catholic Mission about outreach opportunities for people in our community. This year’s project will support a rural community in the Mpika Diocese of Zambia, which is currently facing a severe hunger crisis. As a result, the majority of children in the village are malnourished and suffering from serious, long-term health issues. Your funds this year will help build a Maize Farm for the community and provide education to local parents relating to sustainable agricultural practice, helping the community to have a year round supply of food. K-2 presentation is at 11.30am and 3-6 presentation 12.00pm.

Parish Pie Drive

For those who ordered pies through the Parish the pies will be ready to be picked up from the Parish on Friday 15th of August between 1pm and 4pm. 

2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

As we continue our sacred Jubilee journey, we do so with hearts full of hope and purpose. Inspired by Pope Francis’s call to be Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded each day to walk together in faith, compassion, and unity. This Jubilee is a time to renew our commitment to building a world rooted in mercy, justice, and love. As a school community, we embrace this call by striving to bring encouragement, kindness, and joy to all those around us.

Prayer
Father in heaven,
Fill us with the faith you have given us in your Son, Jesus Christ, our brother.
May the flame of charity, kindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
renew our desire to live as joyful, humble pilgrims of hope.
Grant that the grace of this Jubilee Year strengthens our spirit,
so that all our actions may be rooted in your love.
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.

Bill Whittle
Acting Religious Education Coordinator

At St John’s, we continue to promote a safe, respectful, and responsible learning environment through our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) framework. As we begin Term 3, we’d like to share some key updates and reminders about how PB4L is being implemented across the school.

Clear and Consistent Behaviour Expectations

During our most recent staff meeting, teachers reviewed the PB4L correction sequence to ensure our responses to student behaviour are consistent and fair. This sequence helps students understand expectations, encourages responsibility, and allows them the opportunity to reflect and improve. We believe consistency supports students in feeling secure and respected in their learning environment.

Restorative Justice Room

At St John’s, we use a Restorative Justice Room for students who need extra time and support after displaying high level behaviours. This space gives students the opportunity to calm down, reflect on their choices, and engage in meaningful conversations aimed at repairing relationships and returning to class with a positive mindset. It’s part of our commitment to helping every child grow socially and emotionally.

Celebrating Positive Behaviour

We continue to recognise students who demonstrate our three school rules: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. Raffle tickets are awarded when students consistently show these behaviours, whether in the classroom, playground, or other school settings. These small acknowledgements help build a positive school culture and encourage students to lead by example.

Thank you for your ongoing support in reinforcing these values at home. When school and families work together, we can provide our children with the best chance to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

Week 1

Dates for Term 3

• 19 August — Diocesan Athletics Selection Trials
• 29 August — South Coast Soccer Gala Day (Years 3-6) (B/U 5/9/25)
• 18 September — Basketball Junior Boys & Girls (Years 3&4)
• 19 September — Basketball Senior Girls & Boys (Years 5&6)
• 24 September — Mackillop Athletics
  
  

Dates for Term 4

• 16 October — Cricket Gala Day (Years 5&6) (B/U 23/10/25)
• 11 November — Catholic Dragon Tag Gala Day (Years 3-6)
• 14 November — Annual CDF Sports Awards
  
  

South Coast Athletics Championships

On Tuesday 12th August, St John’s sent a team of talented students to compete in the South Coast Athletics Championships at the Kerryn McCann Athletics Track, Beaton Park. It was a fantastic day, with our students displaying outstanding effort, skill and sportsmanship.

Our school team achieved an impressive 8th place overall out of 17 schools.

A special congratulations to Roman Prasad, who was named Junior Boy Age Champion – an outstanding achievement!

Congratulations to the following students who will now compete next Tuesday 19 August at the Diocesan Selection Trials:

Antiohos, Yasmina — 11 Years 200m (4)

Bailey, Harper — 12 Years Long Jump (2)

Brushwood, Morrison — 11 Years 200m (4); Long Jump (1); High Jump (2)

Byrne, Larissa — 11 Years High Jump (1)

Crossingham, Connor — 10 Years High Jump (2)

Gallina, Elijah — 9 Years 100m (1)

Prasad, Roman — 10 Years 200m (1); 100m (2); Discus (2); Shot Put (1)

Udeh, Echezonachukwu — 12 Years High Jump (3)

Van Akker, Ava — 12 Years Shot Put (4)

Cricket Gala Day

Year 5 and Year 6 students are invited to participate. If your child would like to attend, please complete the Compass permission form by Tuesday, 19 August.

Michelle Atkins
Sports Coordinator

On Tuesday of Week 3, Year 6 students from schools across the diocese came together for a special Mass at Ss Peter and Paul’s in Kiama. This was a significant occasion as Bishop Brian joined us to lead this important celebration in the life of the Catholic Church.

It was truly special to gather as a school community alongside students and staff from many different schools to celebrate the Eucharist. Coming together in prayer and song reminded us that, although we come from different places, we are all part of one Catholic family, united in faith. Listening to Bishop Brian’s message, singing together, and participating in the liturgy strengthened not only our connection with God, but also with one another.

When we arrived, the students and teachers of Ss Peter and Paul’s welcomed us warmly. The stunning view of the beach right next to the school left everyone in awe.

As we stepped inside the church, our eyes were drawn to the beautiful fabrics, rich colours, and intricate details at the front, where Bishop Brian would stand. The celebration was made even more joyful by the uplifting music, led by Tim Hart, which filled the church with energy and reverence.

After Mass, we shared recess together, enjoying conversations with new friends, before heading to the sand to play by the beach. It was a day of faith, friendship, and fun. It will be an experience we will cherish for years to come.

On Friday 1st  August we celebrated and thanked our principal, Mrs Michelle Rodwell, for her leadership, care for our students, and commitment to our school community. Her calm and thoughtful presence supports both staff and families, and she works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure our school is a place where everyone can thrive. We are truly grateful for all that she brings to our school, every day.

Thank you Mrs Rodwell

On Thursday 7th August, our Kindergarten students set off on an unforgettable adventure to Symbio Wildlife Park! The excitement was contagious as they explored the wonders of Living Things, coming face-to-face with some incredible animals. From learning fascinating facts about what animals need to survive to observing them up close in their natural habitats, every moment was filled with discovery. It was a truly amazing day, full of smiles, learning, and memorable encounters!

Our Year 2 students had an amazing time on their recent excursion to Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney Zoo, blessed with blue skies and perfect weather. Students showed excellent behaviour on the bus ride, setting the tone for a day full of wonder and learning.

Half the group began their day exploring the underwater wonders of the aquarium, where they were captivated by enormous shark tanks, graceful stingrays, colourful coral reefs, playful penguins, and tropical fish. They discovered fascinating facts about marine life and were thrilled to see creatures they had only read about in books.

After a quick lunch break, the adventure continued at Wildlife Sydney Zoo. Here, the students enjoyed close encounters with Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and even a crocodile! This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of animal behaviour and the importance of conservation.

The day was filled with excitement, memorable moments, and special learning experiences, leaving our Year 2s with a lasting appreciation for the natural world. A big thank you to all our wonderfully behaved students and to the helpers who made this excursion such a success.

In 2025, the national theme for Bullying No Way Week calls on all Australians to be bold, be kind, and speak up. These three simple yet powerful actions remind us that it takes courage to create real change, and that bullying is never okay!

At the heart of this year’s theme is the understanding that addressing bullying is a shared responsibility. Whether it happens in the classroom, on the playground, online, or beyond the school gate, it is up to all of us to stand together and foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety.

Be bold: It takes strength to speak up when you see someone being bullied. It takes courage to say “this isn’t right” and to take action, even in small ways. We are encouraging students to be leaders in kindness and bravery—to challenge harmful behaviour and show others what it means to care.

Be kind: Kindness has the power to uplift, to connect, and to heal. During Bullying No Way Week, we shine a light on the importance of treating others with compassion and empathy. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference to someone who feels isolated or targeted.

Speak up: Words matter. Whether you're reporting bullying, offering support to someone in need, or simply being a voice for fairness. We encourage all young people to have the confidence to share concerns and know they will be supported.

At St John’s, we believe in creating a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and celebrated. We are committed to building an environment where diversity is embraced, and where bullying is never ignored or tolerated.

This Bullying No Way Week, we are inviting every student, staff member, parent, and community partner to take a stand. Be bold and say something. Be kind and show support. Be proud to be a voice against bullying.

Together, we can shape a future where everyone belongs.

Save the date — Thursday, 21 August! 

This year the theme for Book Week is “BOOK AN ADVENTURE”.

The theme for the 2025 Children's Book Week is "Book an Adventure” and students are encouraged to get creative with items you already have at home and take inspiration from your favourite characters to dress up.

We are very excited to welcome Nathaniel Eckstrom, our visiting author and illustrator, who will come and speak, illustrate and read to the children throughout the day.

Nathaniel Eckstrom
Artist | Illustrator

The ability to visualise gentle realms of fun and adventure has made Nathaniel Eckstrom one of Australia’s leading children’s illustrators, capable of taking concepts and turning them into something imaginative, quirky and eye-catching. A number of Nathaniel’s books have been both notable and shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year. Nathaniel has illustrated over twenty titles. His books include Meg McKinlay’s – DUCK, The Dress-Up Box written by Patrick Guest and The Hole Idea written by Beth and Paul MacDonald, Ten Little Figs and The Happiest Boy on Earth.

We warmly invite all fathers and father figures to join us for a special Father’s Day celebration on Friday, 5th September! The day will begin with a heartfelt Father’s Day Liturgy, honouring the important role you play in your children's lives. After the liturgy, enjoy a picnic lunch in the playground—a great opportunity to relax, connect, and make memories with your child. The celebration will continue with Open Classrooms, where you’ll be able to step into your child’s learning world and see all the wonderful things they’ve been working on. We look forward to celebrating this special day with you—it’s sure to be a fantastic day!

Father's Day Stall — Help Needed

Exciting News! The P&F have organised a fantastic Father's Day Stall on Friday, 5 September! With gifts ranging from just $1 to $5, it's the perfect chance for your children to pick up something special. Don't forget to pack a reusable bag for their treasures!

We need volunteers to help set up on Thursday 4 September, starting at 2:30 pm, and on Friday 5 September, from 8:30 am until after recess.

If you can lend a hand, please fill out the form below.

Our students have been rehearsing tirelessly for Shrek the Musical Jr., showcasing their talent and enthusiasm. The production runs from 16–19 October, with ticket details to be shared soon.

A friendly reminder to please ensure you clearly display your sign with your name on the dashboard of your car when you are collecting your child from Jerematta Street or Werowi Street carlines pick up in the afternoon. This assists with ensuring a smooth and efficient pick up process.

New Online Menu Starting Monday 18th August

Flexischools menu just got a major upgrade — easier to use, more flexibility and packed with pictures.

Each day when you order online, you'll go into the draw to sin a full refund of your entire order!

• Winner is automatically refunded into their Flexischools account.

Don't miss out-order now.

The Notification of Extended Absence form is required for any student absence exceeding five school days due to one of the following reasons. 

• Misadventure or an unforeseen event

• Participation in special events unrelated to the school

• Domestic necessity such as a serious illness in the immediate family

• Attendance at funerals

• Travel within Australia and Overseas

• Recognised religious festivals or ceremoial occasions

Please refer to the CEDOW Attendance Procedure and Policy for specific details relating to Extended Absence.

This form must be submitted in advance—the school is not permitted to backdate any approvals.

Accessing the application form is now easier than ever with the form working on both mobile and desktop platforms. Parents can complete the application electronically and can also send the application for multiple students across CEDoW schools.

Access to the Form

If parents attempt to enter an absence note exceeding five days in the Compass portal, they will be directed to the parent attendance information document that has a link to the online form.

The URL for the new online form is https://forms.dow.catholic.edu.au/to/yVv9DA.

The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) has announced that tickets to the 2025 CCSP Parents and Carers’ Conference on Saturday, 25 October 2025 are now on sale.

This year’s conference celebrates 30 years of CCSP supporting and advocating for parents and carers of children in Catholic schools. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee.

The 2025 conference theme is Supporting Families: Working Together in a Modern World.

Keynote speakers at the conference include:

Dr Justin Coulson – one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au.

Michelle Mitchell – author and speaker, sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens.

Daniel Principe – passionate youth advocate and educator. Through his work, Daniel encourages young people to recognise and resist distorted attitudes towards bodies, relationships, and sex.

The conference, which is being held at the Novotel, 350 Church Street, Parramatta, is a one-day event and is only $30 to attend. It is a wonderful opportunity to hear and engage with some of Australia’s leading experts on raising young people in our complex society. For further information about the conference, go to the CCSP conference website.

As a school community we value school events that celebrate faith, learning and wellbeing and there are a number of events planned for Term Three. 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.

We will be trialling a new assembly format that includes a mix of whole school gatherings, stage-based assemblies, and two weeks without assemblies to allow for major school events.

Please note: the same number of merit awards will continue to be presented, in line with our school’s merit award system.

Term Three Assembly Format Trial Overview

Parish News

Children's Liturgy

Parish Father's Day Raffle

Make sure you check out our Father’s Day Raffle!! Tickets are available in the foyer, they are one ticket for $2 or three tickets for $5. The raffle will be drawn on the 31st of August and winners notified from there. We thank you for your support!!

NSW Group 2025

NSW Group 2025 625.90 KB

WCC - Disability, Let's Talk

WCC - Disability, Let's Talk 336.31 KB

---

Dapto Cricket Club

Register Now.

Follow us:

Facebook	Instagram	Youtube	Web