Dear Parents/Carers,

Compassionate God, source of all comfort,
We pray for the people whose lives have devastated by rain and flood.
Bring them comfort, we pray.
Protect the vulnerable.

Strengthen the weak.
Keep at bay the spread of disease.
Have mercy on all those working to rescue the stranded and to feed the hungry.
And may our response to their suffering be generous and bring you praise.
For we ask it in Jesus name, Amen. 

Now that the water levels of our country's river systems appear to be falling, the devastation of the floods is becoming even more apparent. You would be aware of many opportunities that we have to support those who have lost so much. I would like to alert you to an appeal established in our diocese by our Bishop, Brian Mascord. You can donate via this site at which you can also see a heartfelt message from the Bishop of the Lismore Diocese. 

Harmony Day/Rock Your Socks Day

Next Monday celebrates Harmony Day, a chance to raise awareness about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. At school we are engaging the children in some activities to support this. When it comes to values such as inclusiveness, respect and belonging, we need look no further than the life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. A parable such as the Good Samaritan gives us an insight into the way Jesus saw all people, regardless of their status and background. He was also regularly connecting with the marginalised, such as tax collectors and lepers.

On the same day there is a global awareness-raising intiative to support families who have children with Down Syndrome. This initiative is 'lots of socks,' or 'rock your socks,' symbolising that we all might be different but we can all add value to the world. The children are able to wear crazy or odd socks next Monday with their school uniform to help bring attention to this initiative.

Staff Professional Development Day

We are giving you advance notice that our staff will have one of its allocated Professional Development Days on Monday 2nd May. This will be a pupil-free day.

Wishing you a safe and peaceful week,

Paul Moroney
Principal

THE FEAST OF ST JOSEPH

St. Joseph has two feast days on the liturgical calendar. The first is March 19—Joseph, the Husband of Mary. The second is May 1—Joseph, the Worker.

There is very little about the life of Joseph in Scripture but still, we know that he was the chaste husband of Mary, the foster father of Jesus, a carpenter and  a man who was not wealthy. We also know that he came from the royal lineage of King David.

We can see from his actions in scripture that Joseph was a compassionate man, and obedient to the will of God. He also loved Mary and Jesus and wanted to protect and provide for them.

Since Joseph does not appear in Jesus' public life, at his death, or resurrection, many historians believe Joseph had probably died before Jesus entered public ministry.

Joseph is the patron saint of many things, including the universal Church, fathers, the dying and social justice.

Thanks to Fr John, Mrs Hampton and our Year 6 leaders for leading us in the Eucharist in recognition of  the feast of St Joseph this Saturday.

AWARDS ASSEMBLIES

It was wonderful to be part of the first infants assembly last Friday to be held in the hall this year. The Year 6 student leaders did an excellent job leading the assembly. Congratulations to all the students who were recognised for their achievements in the K-2 classes. We hope that parents will be able to join us once again at these events. 

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week , 13th March - 19th March

Week 7 - Awards: INFANTS

This year's Cross Country will be held at School on Friday 1 April.

• All students will participate in  the cross country race, novelty events and cheering in their AGE GROUP (age turned/turning in 2022).
• Students in Kindergarten and Yr 1 will compete in grade groups
• This year we will run competitive and non-competitive races for 8-12 year olds.  You are asked to nominate which race they will compete in when giving permission.
• Students who run in the competitive race are also trialing for the School Team to compete in the Diocesan Carnival in Nowra.
• The competitive race will be 2km and the fun run will be 1 lap of the school perimeter. 
• As the carnival is a normal school day children are expected to remain at the carnival until dismissal.
• Ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd will be given out immediately after each competitive race.  Medallions and the House Champion Trophy will be presented at a later date

Children are advised to begin preparing for the event as soon as possible with the following tips in mind:

• Run most days for 10-15 mins
• Warm up with stretching exercises and cool down with a gentle walk
• Wear joggers and socks
• Try to breathe through the nose & out of the mouth
• Try to run with a partner
• Choose a run that has grass & some hills

Parent Volunteers 
We are in need of MANY parent helpers.  If you, or anyone else in the family, are free and available we would greatly appreciate your help.  These carnivals cannot run without the support that our parents and friends give. 

Due to COVID restrictions ONLY parent helpers will be allowed on-site.  Volunteers must sign in via the Office on the morning of the Carnival 

ALL STUDENT PERMISSIONS ARE TO BE COMPLETED ON COMPASS BY FRIDAY, MARCH 25 

Just a quick reminder that the Canteen is NOT open for over the counter sales. Only Flexischool orders are accepted at this time

Please Do Not send money to school with children

thank you for your understanding and co operation with this

On Monday 14 March, the Diocesan Swimming Selection Trials were held at Corrimal Pool.

Oliver Bailey from Year 4, qualified to compete in the 11 years 50m Backstroke and came 10th overall in the race.

We are very proud of Oliver's efforts and the way he represented St John's.