Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the end of Term 1, I would like to extend my sincere thank you for your continued support throughout what has been a very productive start to 2023. Thank you also to our committed staff, who work tirelessly in catering for the needs of your children. I am often reminded by new families, as I show them around the classrooms and school facilities, of the respectful, inclusive and supportive learning environment that exists for the children at St John’s.

This Sunday, the church celebrates Palm Sunday, which marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the commencement of Holy Week. Especially important for Catholics is the Easter Triduum. This refers to the three days before Easter, beginning with Holy Thursday. On Holy Thursday, we re-enact the Lord’s Last Supper, which he shared with His apostles on the night before he was betrayed and arrested. On Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion and death of our Lord, we participate in the veneration of the Cross which is followed by the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, a time in which we keep watch for the expectant rising of our Saviour on Easter Sunday.

As Catholics, we are Easter people and with each celebration of the Resurrection, we are drawn deeper into the mystery, that is the foundation of our faith. Jesus was born, died and rose again, bringing eternal life for each of us.

Easter Prayer

May the glory and the promise of this joyous time of year
 bring peace and happiness to you and those you hold most dear.
And may Christ, Our Risen Saviour, always be there by your side
 to bless you most abundantly and be your loving guide.
— Author Unknown

Strategic Priorities

On Thursday, 16 March, the school leadership team worked with Mrs Anna Cindric (Head of Continuous Catholic School Improvement) to refine our strategic priorities for 2023. The SJD Annual Improvement Plan goals include:

• Students will be actively engaged and confident in their mathematical thinking
• Students will improve their technological skills to demonstrate their learning
• Staff well-being will be enhanced so they can better support and manage students.

These goals are informed by evidence and will provide direction when planning and prioritising professional learning for the school year.

Open Day

If you are aware of any families who might be interested in sending their child to St John’s, please inform them that we will be hosting an open day this Saturday, 1 April, between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. The 'Open Day' is aimed at prospective enrolments, particularly Kindergarten 2024. It will provide an opportunity for families to learn more about our school and to meet some of the staff. To register they will be required to click on the OPEN DAY link, located on the SJD webpage.

Important Dates

Please note the following:

• Wednesday 5 April – Last day for students (Term 1)
• Thursday 6 April – Staff Development Day – School Cyclic Inquiry (Pupil Free Day)
• Monday 24 April - Staff Development Day – Mathematics (Pupil Free Day)
• Tuesday 25 April – Public Holiday Day – ANZAC Day
• Wednesday 26 April – First day Term 2 (students)
• Thursday 27 April – ANZAC Day Liturgy

Summer / Winter / Sport Uniform

The official change over to the winter uniform is Monday, 15 May (Week 4 Term 2). However, the winter uniform may be worn from the commencement of Term 2, if the weather necessitates the need to.

Term 2 sport uniform days remain the same as Term 1 for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6. These days are:

• Tuesday – Year 4, Year 5, 2 Green
• Wednesday – Year 6, Kindergarten, 2 Blue
• Thursday – Year 3, Year 1, 2 Red
• Friday – whole school

I wish you an enjoyable, holy and safe Easter holiday break.
 
Kind regards,
 
Mr Matt Downes
Acting Principal  

Trust in God.
Mary MacKillop 1874

Holy Week

Begins on Sunday 2nd April

Holy Week is an important time for Christians throughout the world. Holy Week, the final week of Lent, begins on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. Holy Week is a time when Catholics gather to remember and participate in the Passion of Jesus Christ. The Passion was the final period of Christ’s life in Jerusalem. It spans from when He arrived in Jerusalem to when He was crucified.

Palm Sunday recalls Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.  Palm Sunday is known as such because the faithful will receive palm fronds which they use to participate in the reenactment of Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem with a procession. In the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey to the praise of the townspeople, who laid palms or small branches in front of him as a sign of homage. This was a customary practice for people of great respect.

Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus consecrated bread and wine. In the morning, bishops typically gather with priests from their diocese for the Chrism Mass or a day near Holy Week that works best for the Archdiocese. A Chrism Mass is celebrated prior to this day, where the holy oils are blessed during the Mass. The washing of the feet takes place during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the evening.

Good Friday is one of the darkest days of the year for Catholics. It covers Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. His death and burial are also memorialised. The events of Good Friday are commemorated in the Stations of the Cross, a 14-step devotion, traditionally prayed during Lent and especially on Good Friday.  Good Friday is a day of fasting within the Church. Traditionally, there is no Mass and no celebration of the Eucharist on Good Friday. Communion comes from hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday.
Church bells are silent. Altars are left bare. The solemn, muted atmosphere is preserved until the Easter Vigil.

Holy Saturday remembers the day which Jesus spent in the grave resting. The Paschal candle is blessed and then lit. This Paschal candle will be used throughout the season of Easter, remaining in the sanctuary of the church and throughout the coming year at baptisms and funerals, reminding all that Christ is our life and light.

The following day is Easter Sunday, the day on which it was discovered the Tomb was empty, and our Lord was resurrected, triumphing over death once and for all time.
Please see the photo below for the Parish Holy Week & Easter Mass Times.

Easter Raffle

Thank you for your donations for the Easter Raffle. Could any Easter Egg donations be brought to school by Friday, 31st March and Raffle Tickets by Monday, 3rd April. The Raffle will be drawn on Tuesday, 4th April, after the Holy Week Liturgy.

Holy Week Liturgy, Principal’s Awards and Easter Raffle

Parents and Carers are invited to attend the Holy Week Liturgy in the church at 11:15 am on Tuesday, 4th April. After the raffle, we will move to the COLA or Hall (depending on the weather) for the Principal Awards and then the Easter Raffle will be drawn.

Confirmation Dates Reminder

Please see the document below for Confirmation Dates.

 
Dates for your Diary

• Kindergarten and Year 6 Mass - 9:30 am 31st March
• Confirmation Enrolment Masses - 1st and 2nd April
• Holy Week Liturgy - 4th April 11:15 am
• Easter Liturgy - 27th April 12 pm
• Confirmation Enrolment Masses - 22nd and 23rd April
• Anzac Day Liturgy - 27th April 11:15am
• Confirmation Parent Night - 27th April 6 pm
   
   

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 – Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe.

Cross Country Carnival

Congratulations to all students who ran at our school cross country carnival on Friday, 17th March at Integral Energy Park. It was a great day, despite the hot weather. A huge thank you to all our parent helpers who were track marshalls guiding and helping the students. Your help is very much appreciated.

All photos taken on the day by Mrs Emery can be seen on our school facebook page and a link was also published in Compass.

Congratulations to the winning house, Mackillop.

Diocesan Cross Country

Congratulations to the following students who will represent St John’s at the Diocesan Cross Country carnival on Tuesday, 2nd May at Nowra’s ‘Wilandra Farm’ Cross Country course.

Congratulations and we wish these students the best of luck.

NRL Catholic Legends Gala Day

Next Wednesday 5th April we have a number of students from Year 3 to Year 6 participating in a NRL Catholic Football and League Tag Gala day. The day is funded by the NRL with an emphasis on participation and fun. We hope all our students have a great day.

Michelle Atkins
Sports Coordinator

What's happening in Sport?

It's an exciting time for students beginning the Athletics Unit during PE.
As we start practicing and competing in the various events, we would like to thank the Sports Captains for preparing our long jump pit.

Lauren Mitchell
Physical Education Teacher

Mrs. Vigorito organized a delightful afternoon for a select group of students who she has had close contact with over the years, which included pizza, cake, and gifts. We extend our gratitude to Luke for delivering a speech on behalf of the attending students and to Mrs. V for her efforts in putting together this special event.

A school 'Open Day' has been planned for Saturday 1st April from 1:00 pm - 3:30pm, involving a guided tour of the learning spaces and school facilities.

The 'Open Day' is aimed at prospective enrolments, particularly Kindergarten 2024. 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 1st April
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Not too late to Enrol!

Kindergarten 2024 enrolment forms are due by Wednesday 5 April. Interview letters will be posted Term 2, Week 1.

It has come to our attention that a number of families with siblings already enrolled may not have yet submitted an application for Kindergarten. If this is the case, please attend to this as a matter of priority, as we do have limited places available. 

This year, Anzac Day falls on Tuesday of Week 1, Term 2. As a school, we will be commemorating this very important national day with our annual Anzac Day Liturgy at St John’s. The liturgy will take place on Thursday, 27 April at 11.15 am. Members of the Wollongong Army Cadet Unit, representatives from the Dapto RSL Sub Branch and other special guests will be attending the liturgy.

All families and friends are most welcome to join us for this special occasion. If there are any family members who have/are serving in the Armed Forces and are able to join us on the day, please contact the school office by Wednesday, 5 April.

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

Please note that there has been a price increase on some items.

FREE WEBINAR | On 29 March at 7:00pm, Council of Catholic School Parents are running a free 60 minute webinar for parents, carers, and staff of students at Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong schools, on the topic of anxiety and resilience.

Dr Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance and holds a PhD in positive psychology.

You can attend the webinar using your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet, and do not need to download any programs.

Registration is essential, and can be done here: http://bitly.ws/Bwey

The “NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook” is a comprehensive resource to assist parents, carers as well as teachers on a range of topics essential to child safety.  

The handbook has been updated to include key messages about storm and flood safety, covid safety, children's personal safety and online safety.

The updated digital edition (link below) also includes important content updates from: NSW Ministry of Health, NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, Rural Fire NSW, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, NSW Department of Family & Community Services, eSafety Commissioner and NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.

Here are also a couple of other links where the digital handbook can be viewed:
NSW Police Legacy – https://www.policelegacynsw.org.au/resources/

Child Safety Hub website – http://nsw.childsafetyhub.com.au/handbook/

The handbook is also available to download for free on all the App stores.