Dear Parents and Carers,

Christ, come into our world of darkness
Light up our lives with your coming.
Fulfil all our longings with the joy of your birth
Strengthen our resolve to work for change in our world
And to share the hope of your birth that each Advent brings.
Amen.

“Are we there yet?” This is a question we have probably heard, and probably asked, multiple times throughout our lives. It is a question that frequently comes up in a journey, like the kids in the backseat wondering when they would finally arrive at Grandma’s house for a holiday gathering. And it is a question that we may be tempted to ask during the Advent season upon which we are embarking today.

As we approach the beginning of Advent this Sunday, many people have already jumped right into the Christmas season, setting up their homes with decorations and already making plans for family gatherings. But, with this Advent season, we are being reminded that we’re not there yet. This season of Advent, this beginning of the Church’s new liturgical year, is an opportunity for us to take the time to enjoy the journey. To proceed a little more slowly and intentionally towards Christmas – to notice what God is doing in our lives, and in the world around us, to help us be better prepared to welcome Jesus anew.

So, we may not be “there” yet, but, even now, Jesus is here, with us, as we begin this journey through Advent.

Congratulations

Our school congratulates Miss Hannah Witheridge, one of our Kindergarten teachers, on receiving the Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award as part of the Catholic Education Wollongong's Lighting the Way Awards. This is an award for a teacher of 1-5 years of graduate experience who has demonstrated an excellent standard of classroom practice that has resulted in evidenced growth in faith and learning for students over the previous 12-month period. Part of the nomination for Hannah stated: "Hannah is thorough in all aspects of classroom preparation, from explicit modelling to programming and behaviour management. Hannah is an outstanding Early Careers Teacher who, in a short period of time, has achieved so much in service to others, where learning, teaching and community is at the heart of all she does." This is a wonderful acknowledgement of Hannah's dedication to her work and we are so proud of her. 

End of year for students

Please note that the last day for students will now be Friday 16 December which brings our school in line with other local schools. Our office will remain open on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 December. Aspire will be taking bookings for vacation care from 19 December. We apologise for any inconvenience that this change of date may cause.

Parent Survey

Parents are invited to complete an anonymous survey which seeks your input into areas affecting the education of your children and the general functioning of the school. Results will assist the school in the preparation of the Annual School Report as well as strategic planning. A link to the survey can be found here.

Cyclic Review

Earlier this term, our school was prepared for its Cyclic Review that is conducted by the Catholic Education Office. It is a review of the school's strategic planning and to assist in setting future planning goals. These reviews are normally held every five years, however due to the interruption of the pandemic, it has been six years since St John's last review.

As part of this review, a panel was due to visit our  school to engage in conversations with staff about the goals we have been working toward, with a specific focus on Religious Education and faith development, learning, pastoral care and well-being. This visit had to be postponed and will now be held on Tuesday 6 December. The panel would like to engage with a small group of parents between 12.30-1.00pm. Please let the office know if you would like to be a part of this process.

P & F Meeting 

The next meeting for the P & F will take place on Monday 5 December at 7.00pm in the Tiered Learning Space. All are welcome.

Wishing you a safe and rewarding week ahead.

Paul Moroney

Principal