Dear Parents and Carers,

Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning is now and ever will be,

World without end. Amen

This prayer is a dedication to the Holy Trinity, the concept that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are as one. We celebrate the feast of the Trinity this Sunday. 

The Trinity is a mystery that we are to experience with our hearts not with our heads. It is not a puzzle or a riddle that we are expected to answer or solve. When we use the word ‘mystery’ to talk about and describe the Trinity, we are talking about a reality that is so endlessly rich and profound that it will never be exhausted. 

The Trinity offers us a model of sharing, belonging and community. It also challenges our individualism and our demand that our rights be met all the time. The Trinity asks us to be mindful of our responsibilities to those around us in our families, our neighbourhood and our parish community.

In the Christian tradition, when we begin our prayers, whether as individuals or a community, we do so by making the sign of the cross and calling on the power and presence of the Trinity. When we pray glory be…, we do the same. We deliberately and consciously ask the Trinity to be part of prayer and our daily life. Perhaps on the Feast of the Trinity we could say these prayers slower and let their meaning become part of us in a more intimate and personal way.

Wollongong Diocese system perspective

There has been much to celebrate at St John’s up to this point of the year, with many examples of engagement in faith development, improvement in learning and  community events. I continue to be filled with many moments of pride and privilege in being able to work at St John’s.

It is a timely reminder, however, that our school is part of the system of schools in the Diocese of Wollongong. Our system is made up of 29 primary, 8 secondary and 1 K-12 school. Being part of a system means there are support structures in place in a range of areas, such as faith development, curriculum support, financial and property management and well-being support. This year there have been two significant publications for our diocese. The first was written by Bishop Brian Mascord - "Bearers of Christ’s Love." Tt is his personal statement about Catholic schools and the important role they play in the evangelising mission of the Church, and it makes it more relevant knowing that he was a teacher in a Catholic primary school before joining the priesthood.

The second publication is the strategic plan for Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong. It is titled "2023+" and is only available online. It outlines the system’s goals covering the five key areas of:

    Formation in the Catholic Tradition

    Student Learning and Wellbeing

    Belonging in a Connected Community

    System Support for the Core Work of Teaching

    Ensuring Catholic Schools Continue to Thrive

Our school sets its priorities ensuring there is coherence with these two key system perspectives.

Staff Development Day

You are reminded that our Staff Development Day (pupil-free) is next Monday 5 June. 

Wishing you a great week,

Paul Moroney

Principal

RECONCILIATION WEEK

Each year our country celebrates National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week is Be a Voice for Generations challenging all Australians to listen to the invitation made by the Uluru Statement from the Heart by advocating for the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament. The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives.

As Catholics we understand deeply the concept of Reconciliation. We have the Sacrament of Penance which invites us to reflect on those times when we have missed the mark in how we live and then calls us to repair and restore the broken aspects of our lives and relationships with God, people and all of creation. During National Reconciliation Week we are called to repair and restore the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and all Australians, recognising the history of what has been and moving forward together in a spirit of love.

PENTECOST

Last Sunday, 28 May, was the feast of Pentecost. This day is extremely important as we remember the beginning of our Church.  

Jesus had ascended back into the heavens, the Apostles were hanging around, scared and confused, and nobody knew what to do. Going out to baptise people and preach about Jesus was the last thing they had in mind because their lives would be in danger.

But Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit – the force that turned a bunch of frightened, mixed-up folks into church. The Holy Spirit provided them with courage, knowledge, direction and commitment! Everyone started speaking and was understood, no matter what the language of the listener was! These were saints suddenly on fire with the Holy Spirit. And it all began with the sending of the Spirit.

MINI VINNIES GROUP

Mini Vinnies introduces children to social justice issues, to the St Vincent de Paul Society and to living faith through action. The Mini Vinnies groups use the simple SEE, THINK, DO model. 

Our team of year 5 students meet every Monday at Lunch time. 

We engage in fun activities that allow us to understand social justice issues like homelessness and bullying. Mini Vinnies also helps us develop leadership skills and engage with the local community.

This term we have 2 more exciting Vinnies initiatives:

• 2023 Winter Appeal
• Year 5 and Year 6 school sleepout (to raise awareness around homelessness)

We look forward to sharing the wonderful things we are doing this year. 

Keep a lookout in our weekly school newsletters for updates!

 By Ms Afchal

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week  28th May- 3rd June

Week 5 - Awards: INFANTS