Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you were not too impacted by the extreme weather conditions over the weekend. While extreme temperatures, strong winds and power outages ravaged a significant number of areas in our region, the school was relatively unscathed with power restored ready for the arrival of staff and students.

The Season of Advent began on Sunday 29th November and is a sacred time of prayer in which we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Our challenge during this time of preparation, amongst the busyness of life, is to look for opportunities and practical ways to honour the holiness of the season - the time when we celebrate Emmanuel - God with us! 

There are many traditions, signs and symbols that are commonly used during Advent. The empty crib in the manger, the colour purple together with Scripture readings that reflect the theme of hope. The Advent Calendar is used to count the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas and the Advent wreath, which holds four candles, one for each Sunday of the season, is placed on the altar in our churches and prayer spaces.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

Tomorrow evening we farewell Year 6 2020 with a special graduation liturgy and presentation in the school hall. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions will not permit parents/carers to attend and the school will therefore be live-streaming the event.

Graduation is a wonderful time of thanksgiving and celebration, and a time to acknowledge the children and their families for all that they have contributed to our school. A significant part of the graduation ceremony is the annual presentation of the Mary MacKillop Awards as well as the Hon Stephen Jones MP (Active Citizenship Award) and the Hon Anna Watson MP (Community Spirit).

Congratulations to our graduating class of 2020. I wish you every blessing and success in the future.

PARENT-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK

In this newsletter, I have included the fifth and final principle of the CEDoW Parent-School Partnership Framework, Active Engagement - 'Supporting engagement in learning and wellbeing'.

In the framework, all parents/carers are asked to commit to:

• Participating in initiatives which share information between school and home to complement learning across both settings.
• Communicating openly via formal and informal opportunities to share all relevant information about each child’s learning and wellbeing.
• Modelling a positive attitude to learning, education, school and co-curricula activities.
• Actively supporting consistent student attendance at school

Facilitating a positive learning environment at school and at home.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL – CHRISTMAS APPEAL

It is that time of year where St Vincent de Paul begins their annual Christmas appeal. Our donations for this appeal go directly to local families who are in great need. By bringing in an item, we can help many people have a brighter Christmas. Could all donations please be brought in by Friday 4th December so St Vincent de Paul have time to pack them into hampers and then distribute. 

Staff
Serviettes / Napkins / Bon Bons 

Gunyah
Tinned fruit

Kinder
Christmas Cakes / Christmas Pudding / Mince Pies 

Year 1
1B        Sweet Biscuits — shortbread, scotch fingers, wafers, ginger biscuits, etc.
1G        Savoury Biscuits — Jatz, Ritz, Sakatas, Shapes, Cheese Twists, etc.
1R        Cake/muffin/pancake mix / Packets of Jelly 

Year 2
Chips / Lollies 

Year 3
Chocolates — Christmas stockings, Block chocolate, Box chocolate 

Year 4
4B        Long Life Custard
4G        Spreads — Nutella / Honey / Jam / Maple Syrup / Vegemite 
4R        Pretzels / Rice Crackers / Nuts

Year 5
Tea Bags / Coffee / Hot Chocolate Mix / Cocoa Mix / Marshmallows 

Year 6
Drinks — Cans / Bottles / Cordial / Poppers

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – 8th December 2020

On Tuesday 8th December, we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Some people believe the Immaculate Conception is about Christ’s conception in Mary’s womb; but that is the Virgin Birth. Others believe that the Immaculate Conception means Mary was conceived "by the power of the Holy Spirit," in the way Jesus was, but that, too, is incorrect. Mary was conceived without original sin —she was "immaculate". From the first instant of her existence, Mary was in the state of sanctifying grace and was free from original sin. 

THE SEASON OF ADVENT

We are currently in the season of Advent, a time of preparing our hearts to ‘receive’ Jesus into the world each year. This Advent season will be different from all the others we've experienced. Those familiar Advent themes of longing for God and waiting in hope take on a special meaning for us in the midst of the storm that surrounds us. As always, God is perhaps giving us a special opportunity this year to grow deeper in hope and stronger in the embrace of God's love. As St. Paul says, we've each been given a gift to share with the people of God. And each gift is important to the building up of the body of Christ.

CATHOLIC MISSION – WORLD MISSION MONTH

Once again, sincere thanks to everyone who supported our “Socktober Shootout” fundraiser for Catholic Mission. We have raised $9500. This is an amazing effort and shows the generosity of our families here at St John’s.

It is the young people at the Arrupe Centre in Cambodia and other communities around the world who benefit from the generosity of our school community. One of those young people is Dara, who is the hero of our World Mission Month campaign this year. He has a very special message of thanks for us:

INTER-DIOCESAN CHRISTMAS STORY ART

The direct link to the Inter-Diocesan Christmas Story Art Launch is:

This link will also take you to The Christmas Story Virtual Gallery. All finalists from Sydney, Wollongong and Bathurst will be featured. There are some amazing artworks to have a look at.

CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST

Masses have resumed at normal times in our Parish but are still limited to 100 parishioners at each mass. It is essential to register for weekend masses as we need to ensure that the maximum capacity is not exceeded. To register for mass please call or email the parish office.  Alternatively, you are able to register your interest to go to mass at the following link: 

Once your interest to register for mass is received by the parish office, you will need to wait for confirmation that you can attend the mass.

Don't forget that you can also participate in one or more of the many online Masses live-streamed throughout our diocese. Check out our diocesan website for all the links.   

ADULT SPIRITUALITY

“Ripples: Inspired Voices, Treasured Stillness”

In response to the current Covid-19 situation, a significant initiative has been developed by the Catholic Education Office CLEM (Catholic Life, Education and Mission) team for staff and parents to support our ongoing personal spiritual formation. It is a new podcast series entitled ‘Ripples: Inspired Voices, Treasured Stillness’. Ripples seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. New Episodes and Meditations are being added regularly. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to others in our world, to creation and to our loving God.

PRAYER INTENTIONS

We pray for all families in our school community who are in need of our prayers, as well as our country and world.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
St John the Evangelist, pray for us.

Kylie Crowe
Religious Education Coordinator

Previously, teachers have reported on student progress and achievement by levels (A-E) of the Common Grade Scale for each Key Learning Area (KLA). In line with the flexible curriculum requirements outline by NESA overall grades for each KLA have been omitted. Therefore, teachers will report to parents/carers on each child's 'achievement' and 'effort' using a five-point scale for KLAs taught during Semester 2. Please note that teachers do have the option to choose ‘excluded’ for content in Religious Education, Human Society and Its Environment, Science, PDHPE and Creative Arts.

As you review your child’s report, remember that your reactions to their report can affect the way your child will see themselves as a learner. Are your expectations in line with your child’s ability? It is important that you don’t make comparisons with siblings, peers, or yourself at the same age. All children learn at different rates, so look for individual progress. The following may be helpful when you read your child’s report.

• Sit down with your children and review their Interim Report together.
• Check with them first. What do you think your report will say about your learning so far, this year?
• Look for strengths, taking into account their effort and engagement in learning.
• Discuss with your child what they need to do to improve. It is their report and they need to take ownership of their progress.
• Praise them for what they can control, that is the amount of effort they put into their learning.

Parent/Teacher interviews are optional in Semester 2 and teachers will be available from Monday 7 through until Wednesday 16 December. Interview times can be organised by contacting the school office.

PB4L is an evidence-based framework that emphasises school-wide systems of support for all students and staff. These include proactive strategies for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviours. Positive behaviour supports are implemented for all students, across all school settings, by all staff, at all times. This continuum of support ensures students’ academic and social outcomes.

All student behaviour expectations are founded on our three school rules that are: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe.

Last day for students for 2020 is Wednesday 16 December.

All Students (Year 1 – 6) return to school on Thursday 28 January 2021. Kindergarten's first full day at school is Thursday 4 February 2021.

Please ensure that your child/ren return to school wearing the correct summer uniform and note that sports shoes MUST be predominately white, not fluorescent in colour. For your convenience, the school uniform policy is attached below.

The school fees for 2021 have been approved by Bishop Brian Mascord and all fees will be billed at the end of January 2021:

Tuition Fees

The Primary tuition fee for 2021 is:
$1,712 per family (per annum)

The SEDSO Levy for 2021 is:
$1,076 per family (per annum)

The School Resource Fee is:
The Resource Fee for 2021 will be $165 for Kindergarten and $155 for Years 1 to 6 per student.

The following are additional costs (per student) for 2021:

• Sport Levy - $15
• Gunyah Excursion - $40
• Kindergarten Excursion - $35
• Year 1 Excursion - $25
• Year 2 Excursion - $45
• Year 3 Excursion - $20
• Year 4 Excursion - $40
• Year 5 Camp - $300
• Year 6 Canberra - $185
• Year 6 TShirt Fee - $35
• Year 6 Leadership Program - $6
• Year 6 Excursion - $47

Parents are strongly advised to put a 2021 payment plan into place if one has not already been done so — if you are paying by CDF Direct Debit or BPay please ensure that the amount you are currently paying will be sufficient to cover your commitment for 2021. Please Note: If you have not elected to pay by instalments, your school fee account will be payable in full — 30 days after annual invoicing. Fee Concession applications for genuine financial hardship will always be considered but must be applied for through the school office.

Christmas time may become a season for financial stress for many families in our parish/school community.

Financial stress can come out in the form of electricity, gas and water bills.  Even basic food items may become a burden.  At Christmas time we also help with toys for children and Christmas hampers. If you need confidential help or know of someone who would appreciate assistance, please do not hesitate to contact any St Vincent De Paul member after mass.  Father will be happy to point us out and we are usually manning the piety shop.  You can also contact through the Dapto Vinnies helpline (Mon – Fri, 9.30am – 11.30am).  We can often give direct help and/or direct you to agencies that will help.

Saint Vincent De Paul Conference
Phone: 0412 912 64

Over the holiday break all students, Kindergarten to Year 5, are invited to take part in the Holiday Reading Challenge. Reading is a very important and necessary skill that we use every day.  It is a skill that we use when reading books and magazines, watching TV, shopping and playing games. When children stop reading for extended periods of time they often take a few steps backwards. This school initiative is intended to help maintain student reading abilities and continue to foster their love of reading over the Christmas holidays.

By participating in the Reading Challenge your child will be practising the skill of reading on a regular basis, reinforcing good reading habits. Parents and carers are encouraged to help their children find fun and interesting books, fiction and non-fiction.  It is important for your child to read aloud to someone and just as important for them to listen and enjoy stories being read to them. 

Next week, children in Kindergarten to Year 5, will be provided with a Holiday Reading Log. Children are encouraged to record the time they spend reading during the holidays into the Holiday Reading Log. Early in 2021, Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be presented based on the number of hours spent reading. 

We all know that reading is one of the most important fundamental skills children must master to succeed, almost everything we do involves reading of some form. Hopefully, this challenge will help motivate your child to continue reading on a regular basis during the holiday break.

Matthew Downes
Assistant Principal

Aboriginal Education Assistant, Uncle Kev Butler has been designing and creating Indigenous artworks for our school. Here is his latest project, this work will continue into next year.

Ascent Footwear in partnership with The Athlete's Foot visited us to educate the students from Kindergarten on Tying shoelaces. This fun, interactive workshop was used to help teach the students the important life skill of how to tie their shoelaces correctly!

As the term draws to a close, the children become increasingly excited about the approaching Christmas season. At school, it is important that we keep firmly focused on learning and maintain our school routines throughout Term 4. When Christmas cards, candy canes arrive too early, the children tend to ‘switch off’ from their learning. While it is acknowledged that children love to share the spirit of Christmas with their friends, it can be quite disruptive and unsettling for the children, particularly when a child does not receive a card. It is for this reason, and in keeping with the season of Advent, Christmas cards are not to be brought to school until Monday 14 December (Week 10). This will give the students time to exchange cards and share this special time with school friends. Thank you for your understanding and support.

A reminder the school bubblers are still not in use. With the weather warming up, we ask that you please ensure your child has sufficient water for the school day.

To the following students who are celebrating their birthday in December — we wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have a great day.

Canteen will be closed after Friday 11 December. Stock will be limited and will not be ordered when we run out. Money will be refunded or replaced with another item. 

Get the Compass mobile app

Access student information on the go with Compass mobile app for iPhone & Android phones.

Automatically Update apps

It is important that your mobile device has the most current version of the app. Make sure that the apps are set to automatically update.

iPhone

Go into Settings and scroll until you see iTunes and App Store. Tap on iTunes & App Store. Then scroll down the bottom until you see AUTOMATIC DOWNLOADS. To turn on automatic app updates, tap in the white oval next to App Updates.

Android

Open the Google Play Store app. Tap Menu Settings. Tap Auto-update apps. Select an option: Over any network to update apps using either Wi-Fi or mobile data. Over Wi-Fi only to update apps only when connected to Wi-Fi.

Get Notifications

An app notification is a message or alert sent by Compass to the user. Notifications sent this way do not require the Compass app to be open and messages are displayed on the screen of the mobile even when the device is locked.

iPhone

Go to Settings > Notifications, select the app, and make sure that Allow Notifications is on. If you have notifications turned on for an app but you're not receiving alerts, you might not have Banners selected. Go to Settings > Notifications, select the app, then select Banners.

Android

Open your phone's Settings app. Tap Apps & notifications Notifications. Under "Lock screen," tap Notifications on lock screen or On lock screen. Choose Show alerting and silent notifications. On some phones, choose Show all notification content.

Prior to Christmas each year, the City of Wollongong Giving Tree Appeal seeks the donation of toys or gift vouchers for children up to 16 years of age from local businesses and the community. The gifts are provided to the St Vincent de Paul Society and Anglicare who distribute them to children in need.

To keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year we are asking for online donations to these two charities: St Vincent de Paul and Anglicare. They'll use your donation to help buy and safely distribute food, gift vouchers and toys for those most vulnerable in our community over the festive season.

The Bikers Toy Run will also look different to previous years and be held in a COVID safe format. For those who would like to make gift donations, there will be a series of small pop-up locations throughout the Wollongong area where these can be dropped off in a COVID safe way.

If you are in a position to contribute, gift vouchers and/or toys suitable for ages 0-16 years will be much appreciated.

We hope you can join us for our Annual
Christmas Remembrance Service
at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney

Dapto Pool

Bookings apply to anyone coming to the pool, whether they’re swimming laps, splashing around, or just watching.