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Dear Parents and Carers,
It's Father's Day on Sunday, a time to show appreciation and thanks for all fathers and those who take on the role of fathering in some way for our children.
Did you know that Fathers’ Day started in 1910 as a result of the efforts of a young American girl who, inspired by her own father, wanted to recognise fathers? Since then Fathers’ Day is celebrated in many countries, but not all on the first Sunday in September as it is here in Australia. While Fathers’ Day is a celebration of fatherhood, it’s a time for us to honour, celebrate and to be thankful for all of the men, father figures and male role models in our lives … including our uncles, grandfathers, Godfathers, and even our male teachers. We recognise the very important role you have in the lives of children.
I wish all our fathers a wonderful Father's Day.
National Child Protection Week
Theme | Every child, in every community, needs a fair go
5-11 September 2021
The 2021 theme for National Child Protection Week is calling all people to play their part to build communities that support every child and young person to thrive.
A lot of great research is helping us understand more and more about what children need to thrive. Children and young people need to both ‘feel safe’ and ‘be safe’. National Child Protection Week 2021 will be an opportunity to translate this knowledge into action. All people and all communities play a significant role in this important work in helping our children thrive.
Many of you are already playing your part every day — as individuals, as community members, as volunteers and as workers — to help create safe and supportive communities for children and young people. When we do this together we can give ‘every child, in every neighbourhood, a fair go’.
See here for further details on the National Child Protection Week.
Stay safe and go gently.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Heffernan
(Principal)
NATIVITY OF MARY - Wednesday 8th September
Mary was born to be the mother of the Saviour of the world, the spiritual mother of all, and the holiest of God's creatures. Because of her Son's infinite merits, she was conceived and born immaculate and full of grace. The Blessed Virgin occupies a unique place in the history of salvation, and she has the highest mission ever commended to any creature. We rejoice that the Mother of God is our Mother, too.
We rejoice in her birthday. Perhaps as a family, you could say Mary’s special prayer, the Hail Mary, on her special day.
Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you,
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
DIOCESAN SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION POLICY - SURVEY FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Bishop Brian Mascord has initiated the development of a Diocesan Sacraments of Initiation policy. As part of this process, Bishop Brian would like to invite parents and caregivers to participate in a survey that seeks to collect information regarding "what they believe to be important for their children in presenting them for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist”.
Below is a link to a letter to parents and caregivers from Bishop Brian inviting them to take part in this consultation process and providing a link to the survey. We encourage all parents to respond and have your say:
Congratulations to the following students for receiving Merit Awards for Term 3, Week 8.
We have now wrapped up the final week, Week 8 (closed 3 Sep) Category – 'Creativity' of the St John's Photography Competition – Hit me with your best shot.
The category 'Creativity' was out-of-the-box thinking (anything goes) has helped create some amazing creative photography. There were no rules or guidelines for this category, the challenge was to experiment and intentionally capture a moment or object by doing something different.
Thank you to everyone who sent in their photos.
This weeks category 'Creative' has closed and we are excited to showcase all the photos submitted and announce the winners.
R U OK? Day (Thursday 9 September 2021) is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life's ups and downs.
While children can't be expected to fix someone’s problems, they can be encouraged to listen to what their friend is saying, show they care and tell a teacher, school counsellor or trusted adult if they are worried about their friend. This video shows them how to do that.
Fight Cancer Foundation’s Footy Colours Day is a national fundraising campaign held during the month of September to support kids living with cancer. Students are encouraged to wear their favourite footy team’s colours, for a donation that can be made online. Every dollar raised supports Fight Cancer Foundation’s education programs to help kids with cancer continue with their education during treatment and recovery.
If you know that your child will not be returning to St John’s in 2022, would you please notify the school, in writing, as we require this information to assist with our planning for the new school year.
To the following students who are celebrating their birthday in September — we wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have a great day.
| Kinder | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| Mikayla | Luca | Mitchell | Riya | Ari | Lilly | Ava |
| Zayne | Rory | Noah | Els | Patrick | Maddison | Jackson |
| Ilija | Rory | Charlie | Gabriella | Joshua | Keelen | Dakota |
| Jett | Caleb | Sophie | Grady | Hazel | Mikayla | |
| Asher | Anthony | Beau | Xander | Mitchell | Matthew | |
| Evan | Benjamin | Lomena | Tia | Alyssa | ||
| Evie | Sophie | Isabelle | Jake | Libby | ||
| Dakoda | Theodore | Matilda | Madden | Lucia | ||
| Harper | Lilly | Julius | Xara-Jade | |||
| Harris | Nayte | |||||
| Miriam | ||||||
| Mia | ||||||
| Harry | ||||||
| Max |
- Stage 3 Cricket Gala Day planned for the 7th October has been cancelled.
Understandably, many questions may arise and it is hoped that frequent school communication via Compass, assists you in clarifying your concerns. Teachers will respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner during school hours (8:00 am – 3:00 pm) only. Requests for technology support can be made via the form below.
We know that connecting with people is difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we're looking for projects that help people connect with their neighbours safely. We’re looking for ideas which will bring people together and help neighbours get to know each other. We are open to projects that could be online, creative ways of connecting without meeting up, or face-to-face projects for a time in the future.
Individuals and Community Groups are invited to apply. The Connecting Neighbours Grants are now open click here for more information.
A neighbourhood could include a street, a few houses, a group, or a place where you socialise.
https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/book-and-apply/apply-for-a-grant/connecting-neighbours-grants
Applications Close Monday 27th September 2021