Dear Parents and Carers,

It's Harmony Week, a time in which we acknowledge and celebrate Australian multiculturalism. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world. In celebrating, we strengthen our resolve to foster a nation founded on inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

 Some interesting facts about multicultural Australia;

• nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was
• since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia
• 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for our country
• more than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia
• apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi.

HARMONY DAY PRAYER

Dear God,

You created all people in your image.

We thank you for the variety of races and cultures in

our community and Australia.

Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of friendship,

and show us your presence in those who differ most from us.

Grant that we may always promote the justice and

acceptance that ensures lasting peace and racial harmony.

Grant that we may always show equal respect to

all persons of different cultures,

And help us to remember and appreciate that we

are one country, with many stories.

Amen.

School Open Day

A school 'Open Day' has been planned for this coming Saturday from 9:30 - 12:00 noon, involving a guided tour of our new contemporary learning spaces and school facilities.

The 'Open Day' is aimed at prospective enrollments, particularly Kindergarten 2022. It will provide an opportunity for families to learn more about our school, and to experience the difference, a Catholic education offers in the quality of partnerships between families and school, and the strong sense of inclusivity and community.

St John’s Catholic Parish Primary School
Open Day
Saturday 20 March
9:30 am - 12:00 noon

As a COVID Safe event, please register your attendance at: https://bit.ly/3cnoFd8

LENT

This coming Sunday is the 5th Sunday of Lent (Year B). In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, ‘Anyone who loves (their) life loses it; anyone who hates (their) life in this world will keep it for the eternal life.’ This can seem pretty tough! It challenges us about how much we cling to the ‘things’ of this life. Are we concerned about the labels on our clothes; the number of our friends; how much money we have; the sort of house we live in? If this is the ‘life’ that we place meaning on, then we will surely lose it. However, if we put aside the world’s focus on material things and focus our attention on others then we are assured of eternal life.

Thank you to all who are able to support our classroom Project Compassion boxes. So far this Lent we have raised $352.60. Special mention to the following classes who have raised very significant amounts:

EASTER RAFFLE

Please read the attached note in regards to our Easter Raffle, with all money raised going to Project Compassion.
 

 
YEAR OF ST JOSEPH

To mark the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a “Year of St Joseph”, running from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021.

On Friday 19th March, we celebrate the Feast of St Joseph. We know little more about the historical Joseph than his name and that he was a teknon, one who worked with his hands. Traditionally we have thought of this as working in wood. In the dry country of Israel, it is more likely that he worked in stone. The ancient village of Capernaum had stone houses and close to Nazareth was a very large Greco-Roman city that had elaborate villas, and a theatre, all made in stone. While having no detailed knowledge, we can glean from the Gospels something of his character. We know he was an observant Jew. He would have seen to Jesus’ education in the faith of Israel. He would have taken Jesus to Jerusalem to celebrate the great festivals of the Jewish people and taught Jesus the prayers of his people. This is what a Jewish father would do for his son. When Jesus emerges as an adult, his faith has to some extent been shaped within his home and the village life of Nazareth. As we celebrate Joseph we might consider the many people in our own lives who have been part of our faith story – people in our families and beyond.

As a Josephite school, the feast of St Joseph is of particular importance to us. It was 19th March 1866, the Feast of St Joseph that Mary MacKillop wore her simple black dress to Mass, made her unpretentious commitment, and so began the order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. She and her brave team of Sisters would work tirelessly and passionately to educate children in the more remote poor areas of Australia and New Zealand.  Some 150 years later we witness her work alive and continued in our school, St John’s.

On Friday, all classes will come together in the Church for a whole school liturgy to commemorate this important feast. Also, in celebration of St Joseph, all students will receive a super dooper ice-clock and 15 minutes extra play!
 

 
FEAST OF ST PATRICK – Wednesday 17th March

Today is the feast of St Patrick – patron saint of Ireland. St Patrick is one of the Church’s most famous saints. Although he is the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick was actually born in Roman Britain in the fifth century. When he was a teenager, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. It was during this time, that he discovered his own faith, finding strength through his relationship with God. Saint Patrick’s enslavement lasted for six years until he had a dream in which he was told to escape by going by way of the coast. He successfully made it back to Britain, but after a few years, he had a vision in which a man came to him from Ireland and gave him a letter with the heading "The Voice of the Irish." It led Patrick to further his education and study for the priesthood.  He would later be ordained a bishop and was appointed as successor to Saint Palladius, the first bishop of Ireland. Saint Patrick spent the rest of his life bringing the Good News of the Gospel to the people of Ireland, which was a pagan country at the time. He is believed to have used the three leaves of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, and the shamrock remains associated with the saint and the Trinity to this day. The prayer “Breastplate” is attributed to Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick died on March 17, 461.  

END OF TERM WHOLE SCHOOL MASS

On Wednesday 24th March at 12:00, we will be having a whole school Mass to thank God for all the blessings of Term 1. Principal awards will also be given out at this Mass. To allow us to invite parents to attend, our Mass will be celebrated outdoors under the COLA. We hope you can attend.

As it is the Feast of the Annunciation on Thursday 25th March, our Mass will remember this important feast day. The feast of the Annunciation celebrates the day the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her to be the Mother of Jesus.  Mary was an ordinary girl from a simple town.  Yet, God chose her from all time, and set her apart to be the mother of His Son.  She was preserved from the stain of original sin from the very moment of her conception.  Mary understands, loves and cares for each one of us in a very special way. 

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

The preparation program for the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) has begun. Let us pray for the 60 children in our parish who are taking this important step in their faith journey.

A reminder for all Reconciliation candidates to bring their workbooks to school each Monday.

A Prayer for our Reconciliation Candidates

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

CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST

Masses have resumed at normal times in our Parish. Parishioners still need to sign in on arrival, sanitise and maintain social distancing. Don't forget that you can also participate in one or more of the many online Masses livestreamed throughout our diocese. Check out our diocesan website for all the links.   

ADULT SPIRITUALITY

“Ripples: Inspired Voices, Treasured Stillness” – Adult Spiritual Formation
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. 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.

https://ripples.dow.catholic.edu.au/p/introduction-1588201803/

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

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:

Our current school awards have a specific value and as with our previous system, awards accrue to receive a Principal’s Award, followed by school medallions. Students will now be awarded the following awards:

To assist in understanding how Merit and Core Value awards combine to achieve a Principal’s Award, the following examples have been provided.

Examples of current system awards

• 6 Merit Awards (6 points) = Principal’s Award
• 4 Merit Awards (4 points) + 1 Core Value Award (2 points) = Principal’s Award
• 2 Core Value Awards (4 points) and 2 Merit Awards (2 points) = Principal’s Award

All other awards including Welcome Certificates, School Spirit Awards, Sport Awards etc do not contribute to receiving a Principal’s Award.

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.

Diocesan Primary Swimming Trials

Congratulations to Tia MC, Jye P, Reaghan R and Jessica D for competing in the Diocesan Primary Swimming Trials last Monday 8 March. All students represented our school with sportsmanship and fantastic swimming. 

Congratulations and best wishes to Jye P who was selected at these trials to represent the Wollongong Diocese at the MacKillop Trials on Monday 22 March at (SOPAC) Homebush. He will compete in 50m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly.

Cross Country

On Friday 26 March we will hold our annual Cross Country Carnival at Kembla Joggers located at Integral Energy Park, Darkes Road, West Dapto. We look forward to our first whole school sporting event since mid 2019. Please complete the Compass online permission by Friday 19 March.

Catholic Legends Gala Day

On Thursday 25 March Stage 2 boys and Stage 3 girls and boys who have nominated will be attending the Catholic Legends Gala Day hosted by NRL at Croome Road, Albion Park. We wish the students a great day. Compass online permission is due today - Wednesday 17 March.

Sports Representative News

Congratulations Emily H and Will G

• Emily has been named in the Wollongong Diocesan soccer team.
• Will has been named in the Wollongong Diocesan Australian Rules football team.

Both students will now attend the Mackillop Trials in their respective sports. 

We wish Emily and Will the best of luck!

Watercolour art work from 2 Red ... Inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper, featuring Jesus and his twelve Disciples.

Newsletter is available each fortnight at:

Or download the Schoolzine Newsletter app -- SZapp, download instructions and setup:

Practice Test

Children in Years 3 & 5 throughout Australia will be doing the NAPLAN Practice Test from 23 March to 26 March. Parents who would like to know more about the NAPLAN assessment are encouraged to visit the website:

https://www.nap.edu.au/

Book Club - Issue 2 is now available to order from. All book club orders MUST be placed online at scholastic.com.au/LOOP or by using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Books start from as little as $3 and each order helps earn free books and teaching materials for our classrooms. 

Due to current COVID restrictions, all book club orders will be home delivered for a small delivery fee.  Please have your orders submitted by 19 March 2021.