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- Principal's Report
- Religious Education
- Parish Mass Times
- Catholic Schools Week at St John's
- A message from Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong
- Enrolling Now — Kindergarten 2020
- School Spirit Awards
- Sporting News
- Harmony Day
- NAPLAN — Important Information for Parents
- SPB4L
- Student Workbooks - Term 1
- World Autism Awareness Day
- Bus Number Changes
- Administration of Medication at School
- Disabled Parking
- Compass — Attendance Notes
- Technology Tip
- Parish Working Bee
- Positive Partnerships Workshops
- NSW Fisheries Kids Fishing Workshops
- Canteen Help Form
- Canteen Roster — 21 Mar – 12 Apr
- Attachments
Dear Parents and carers,
It has been wonderful to see the much-needed rain and already the gardens and playgrounds are looking less stressed!
The recent events in Christchurch have certainly shocked the world and our thoughts and prayers are very much with the families of the victims. The constant media coverage can become overwhelming for us all, but for young children, concerns for their own safety and that of family members may emerge. I have therefore included information from ‘Parenting Ideas’ – Michael Grose about suggestions in how to respond to your children about such a tragic event.
In recent weeks, there has been an increase in reports of inappropriate and unsafe behaviours of children travelling to and from school by bus. Transport NSW, Guidelines for Managing School Student Behaviour on Buses, explicitly outlines the code of conduct for students and what is acceptable standards of behaviour when travelling on school buses. If the code of conduct is not adhered to, then it may lead to the withdrawal of travel passes, banning of students from travelling on buses and in some cases police prosecution.
I am seeking your support in reinforcing with your children, that behaviours such as using inappropriate language, fighting, arguing, not remaining seated, not following the directions of the bus drivers, will not be tolerated and there will be appropriate consequences for students who engage in such actions. All students have the right to travel safely to and from school and the NSW Government Guidelines aim to ensure that this is the case. At school, students will again be reminded of behavioural expectations and that their bus travel pass MUST be used daily to tap on when students board the bus.
Andrew Heffernan
Principal
This week we celebrate the Feast of St Patrick (17 March) and the Feast of St Joseph (19 March).
Christ with me,
Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
― Saint Patrick
"Gracious St Joseph, protect all of us here today and all of our families. Keep us safe from all evil, just as you did the Holy Family. Kindly keep us together in the love of Christ and help us to be as devoted to God as you were. Amen"
LENTEN ALMSGIVING - PROJECT COMPASSION (CARITAS) – GIVING 100% IN THE NAME OF HOPE
We continue this Lent with our almsgiving efforts. Each week the Project Compassion box from each classroom will be collected and counted. So far in our first two weeks of Lent, St John’s has raised $162.40 for Project Compassion. 3R are leading the way, raising $42.55 so far.
We are also asking each family to donate one Easter item (an Easter egg, rabbit, etc) so that we can make up baskets of Easter goodies that we will be raffling off. Tickets will be 50c each and our Student Council will be selling these at recess and lunch in weeks 10 and 11. The prizes will be drawn on the last day of term. All money raised from this raffle will go to Caritas to support their Project Compassion Appeal. Please send in your Easter chocolate by Friday 29 March to your child’s class teacher.
For more information regarding Project Compassion and examples of some of the people Caritas are helping through this campaign, please go to https://lent.caritas.org.au/#blank
Creator God,
You are our constant hope! In the season of Lent, you call us to prayer, fasting and love of those most marginalised.
As a community of faith and courage, let our gifts to Project Compassion be symbols of hope and solidarity with our one human family. Accompany us as we journey with Jesus to bring ‘good news’ to all creation and ready our hearts to work for the common good of all your people. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen
PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Please continue to pray for the children who are preparing to make their First Reconciliation:
Loving God,
Help us to teach our children that you love us totally and unconditionally.
Help us to encourage our children to grow in love and to learn how to say sorry, knowing that you always forgive.
Give us the courage to pray with our children and to share our faith with them as we journey together.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
COMING EVENTS
- March 22, 9:30 am: PARISH MASS – Year 2 attending
- March 22, 11:15 am: RECONCILIATION – 6R attending
- March 24 – 3rd: SUNDAY OF LENT
- March 25: FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
- March 28: RECONCILIATION WORKSHOP DAY
- March 29, 9:30 am: PARISH MASS – YEAR 1 attending
- March 29, 11:15 am: RECONCILIATION – 5R attending
- March 31 – 4th: SUNDAY OF LENT
STAGE WEEKEND MASSES (WITH ANDREW CHINN)
A reminder of our stage Masses with Andrew Chinn, a well-known singer and musician:
- Term 2 – Saturday May 18, 5 pm: STAGE 3 (but all families warmly invited)
- Term 3 – Saturday 7 September, 5 pm: STAGE 2 (but all families warmly invited)
- Term 4 – to be advised
PARISH CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST
A reminder of weekend Parish Mass times for St John the Evangelist, Dapto.
Fr Francis loves to see our families there.
- Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am
- Sunday 7:30 am
- Sunday 6:00 pm
PRAYER INTENTIONS
We pray for all families in our school community who are in need of our prayers.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
St John the Evangelist, pray for us.
Kylie Crowe
Religious Education Coordinator
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
- Every Friday during lent at 6pm in the church. Everyone is invited to attend.
2nd RITE OF RECONCILIATION
- Dapto Wednesday 10 April at 7pm
MASS TIMES OVER EASTER
- Holy Thursday – 18 April, 7pm
- Good Friday – 19 April, 10am (Stations of the Cross) & 3pm (Passion of the Lord)
- Holy Saturday – 20 April, 7pm (Vigil mass)
- Easter Sunday – 21 April, 7.30am and 9.30am
Catholic schools across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory celebrated Catholic Schools Week (CSW) from the 3 - 9 March. Thank you to the many parents, carers, grandparents and friends who celebrated with us on Friday 8 March, as we proudly showcased our wonderful school and the exceptional learning and teaching that takes place in our classrooms every day.
As a school we have much to celebrate, thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of many. Our school enjoys an enviable reputation in the wider community and is deeply committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which all, individuals feel valued and encouraged to achieve their potential.
Congratulations to the following students who were the recipients of the Annual Catholic Schools Week Award.
|
Kindergarten |
Julian J |
Kayden H |
Marli L |
|
Year 1 |
Raine P |
Millicent W |
Evie S |
|
Year 2 |
Dean P |
Dylan B |
Sophie A |
|
Year 3 |
Anna A |
Lani L |
Angel B |
|
Year 4 |
Dakota D’A |
Matilda G |
Joseph S |
|
Year 5 |
Sienna C |
Ruby W |
Austin R |
|
Year 6 |
Amelia M |
Lacie McK |
Rihana B |
|
Gunyah |
Isaac J |
Luke M |
|
Applications for enrolment for Kindergarten 2020 are now available from the school office. Alternatively, they can be downloaded from our school website.
Click here for further information
Children are eligible for enrolment if they turn 5 before 30 June 2020.
School Spirit Awards will be presented to the following students at this Friday's assembly:
5 Blue
Jessica K
Jesse N
5 Green
Zali B
James B
5 Red
Brigitte de L
River C
DATES
- 4 April – Rod Wishart and Paul McGregor Gala Day
- 5 April – Cross Country Carnival
SOUTH COAST SWIMMING CARNIVAL
St John’s swimming team of 22 students participated on Thursday, 7 March at the South Coast Swimming Carnival at Corrimal Pool. Students showed great sportsmanship, team spirit and all had fun. Thank you to Amy Billet, Jo Edgar, Glori Cachia, Jason Foye, Brad Powell, Lynette Helm, Kim Grant and Liz Ursino who volunteered as our parent officials for the day.
Well done to Alexia Foye who came 2nd overall 11 years girl champion.
Congratulations to the following students who made it through to the Diocesan Swimming Selection Trials on Monday 11 March:
- Matthew U, Adam B, Alexia F, Shae C, Makenzie P and Ciarra W
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Congratulations to:
- Cohen L who attended the Mackillop Basketball trials on Friday 1 March.
- Matthew U who made the Wollongong Diocesan Swimming team for 50m Freestyle and will compete at the Mackillop trials Wednesday 27 March.
AFL PAUL KELLY CUP GALA DAY
On Tuesday 12 March, 36 eager boys and girls from Stage 3 braved the heat to play AFL in the Paul Kelly Cup at Albion Oval, Albion Park. All the students were a credit to our school and played extremely well. A big thank you to the following parents- Mrs Chapman, Mrs Micallef and Mrs Winn who managed teams on the day, as well as all the parents who came and supported their children.
Congratulations to the St John's swimming team that represented the school at the South Coast Swimming Carnival.
On Thursday 21 March we will be celebrating Harmony Day at St John’s with in-class activities and a morning prayer.
Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harmony Day.
Our cultural diversity
Australia is a vibrant and multicultural country — from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.
Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. It makes Australia a great place to live.
An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our national identity. All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions, as well as taking on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions have enriched our nation.
Facts and figures
There are some fascinating statistics about Australia’s diversity:
- 49 per cent of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas,
- we identify with over 300 ancestries,
- since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia,
- 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia,
- apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi,
- more than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.
Children in Years 3 & 5 throughout Australia will be sitting for the NAPLAN Assessment from 14 May to 24 May. Parents who would like to know more about the NAPLAN assessment are encouraged to visit the website:
SPB4L 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:
Our SPB4L focus for weeks 8 and 9:
- Wearing correct school uniform
- Focus on shoes and socks
- Making sure all lunch boxes, drink bottles, hats, jumpers etc. are labelled
- Putting all rubbish in the bin
- Picking up rubbish that isn’t yours
- Picking up rubbish that isn’t yours
Congratulations to the following students who were seen by staff following our school rules in the playground:
Week 6
Kindergarten |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Evangelist Campus |
| Justin (KR) | Emily (1R) | Lucas (2B) | Levi (3G) | Will (6R) |
| Rocco (KR) | Joel (1R) | Kahn (2R) | Peyton (3R) | Nicky (5B) |
| Riley (5G) | ||||
| Zali (5G) |
Week 7
Kindergarten |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Evangelist Campus |
| Noah | Dean (2B) | Cooper C | Will (6R) | |
| Marli | Emilia (3R) | Heath (5G) | ||
| Isacc (4R) | ||||
| Nicky (5B) |
As a way of providing feedback to parents/carers about their children’s learning, students from K-6 will be bringing home selected workbooks each term to celebrate the learning that has been taking place in their class. Parents/carers are encouraged to sit with their child to discuss what they have learnt during the term and make a positive comment about the work completed.
This term the Religious Education and English books will be sent home on Wednesday 3 April and will need to be returned to school on Monday 8 April. We ask that you complete and sign the ‘Feedback’ form, which will be included in your child’s workbook.
World Autism Awareness Day is held annually on April 2 the commencement of Autism Awareness Month in Australia. World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) aims to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism – and others living with autism – face every day. On this day, landmarks and iconic buildings across Australia and the world turn their lights blue in recognition of people living with Autism, 'Go Blue in April' aims to help increase understanding and acceptance for people of all ages living with ASD and their families. What’s more, World Autism Awareness Day goes one step further to celebrate the unique talents of those with autism, while putting a huge focus on the warm embrace and welcome that these skills deserve through community events around the globe.
The numbers for our buses have been changed. To avoid confusion and potential 'mix ups' we have been advised to use these new numbers. They are as follows...
| Previous Bus Number | New Bus Number |
| 1 | S225 |
| 3 | S226 |
| 5 | S227 |
| 6 | S228 |
Please be aware that there are disabled parking spots around our school which, should not be taken, unless you display a disability sticker. The police fine, if you are found in one of these spots, is up to $450. Thank you for your consideration.
If you are entering an attendance note in the Compass Parent Portal, it is not necessary to also send a written note to school.
Useful technology tips for Parents and Carers.
On Saturday the 6th April the parish council is holding a working bee from 1pm, meeting behind the church.
We will be cleaning, washing windows, raking, cobwebbing etc in preparation for our Easter Services.
We hope many people will be willing to help as 'many hands make light work'.
A Positive Partnerships FREE Parent/Carer Autism Workshop is coming to Wollongong 14th & 15th May, 2019.
REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN – Positions fill up fast!
Positive Partnerships is a national program funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training to improve support for school-aged students on the autism spectrum.
Read Less
Kids fishing workshop for 8-14 year olds run by NSW Fisheries at Windang on 24th April. The workshops run for 4 hours, including lessons on casting, knot tying, tackle and rules before 90 minutes fishing. Kids get to take home a quality rod and reel, all for $40. Bookings are essential, contact Stephen on stephen.thurstan@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 0438245190.
It would be great if you could spare any time and on any day to give us a helping hand, please register via the form below.
