Dear Parents/Carers,

Merciful God,
as we carry the ash tattoo of the cross upon our foreheads,
kindle within us memories of your mercy.
Give us the courage to turn away from sin and return to You,
and so find our way to one another.
It is in this turning that we find our truth. Amen.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the season of Lent. Part of the ritual with today is the distribution of ashes, traditionally placed in the shape of a cross on our forehead. This gesture is a reminder for us to turn away from the things in our life that might affect our relationship with God and others. Ash Wednesday is the only day of the year in which people can immediately identify us as Christian just by looking at us. We do not even have to do anything as it is there on our face.

The challenge for us all, however, is to consider the other ways in which we can be identified as Christian. Our actions and words should make it clear to others that we choose to be faithful to the message of the Gospels. The way we speak to and about family and friends, the times we help our elderly next door neighbour with odd jobs, the meal we make for a sick friend. When we say and do these things from the lens of our faith, we are identified as Christians.

COVID Safe Measures

The students have really enjoyed the change to our playtime routine. We no longer have to stagger our playtimes and the children are able to mingle with others in different grades. This has certainly made the day-to-day operations of the school easier to manage.

For the time being, the canteen will still operate the same way, with items only able to be pre-ordered online. Also, there are still restrictions on having large gatherings of parents, so assemblies, Masses and liturgies for the time being will be held just with the children. Let’s hope this can change soon.

The return to a 3.00pm pick-up for all children obviously means there is more car and pedestrian traffic at that time. You are reminded that you have until 3.25pm to collect your children, so you do not need to be here at exactly 3.00pm. The priority is the children's safety, so give yourself time to find a park and walk to the school. 

Wishing you a safe and peaceful week,

Paul Moroney
Principal

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2022

Catholic Schools Week is from Monday, 28 February through to Sunday, 6 March. 

Last year, Catholic Education celebrated 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820. During Catholic Schools Week, we celebrate this legacy as we continue to grow in our education and faith. At St John the Evangelist, Campbelltown, we continue to write rich chapters in this story of the Australian Catholic Church, as our community is a witness of faith and formation in these modern times. 

We hope to have an open day during the year to promote our wonderful learning and community.

LENT- PROJECT COMPASSION

During Lent, we are called to pray, fast and participate in almsgiving. As part of our Catholic Social Teaching we are obliged to give preferential treatment to the poor. We thank students and families in anticipation for their contribution to Project Compassion during this liturgical season. 

Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion provides those less fortunate than us, the opportunity to learn new skills, enables them to move away from dependence and debt and assists them to become self-supporting. We are extremely grateful for the work of this Catholic organisation. 

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week , 27th February - 5th March

Week 5 - Awards: INFANTS

Notice of P&F Annual General Meeting

Please note that the AGM Agenda is open. Please email any agenda items to pandf@sjctdow.catholic.edu.au by Friday 11th March 5pm.

AGM Details:

Date: Tuesday 15th March 2020

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Tiered Learning Space (near Kindy and Year 1 classes)

All Executive positions will be made vacant and an election held for new office-bearers. The Nomination form and role descriptions follow. All are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there and look forward to meeting new parents of the school. Please contact us if you require any further information

"We are proudly partnering with rebel in their rebel Community Givebacks program which entitles our school to receive 5% of all our members purchases at rebel back as credit to spend instore on sports equipment or teamwear! To support our school all you need to do is join the rebel active loyalty program and link your member account to our school next time you visit your local rebel store. A friendly team member can help you do this instore and you’ll also receive some great benefits like exclusive member offers and access to VIP experiences, rewards and competitions for being a rebel active member. Just remember to swipe your rebel active loyalty card instore or log into your account online when making a purchase at rebel and our school will receive 5% back as credit to spend on sports gear! Thanks for your support"