Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back everyone to Term 4. I hope that your children had an opportunity to unwind during the recent holiday period and were re-energised and ready for the last term of the year. We all look forward to them building on the wonderful growth in faith and learning that has occurred this year. 

Prayer for Reconciliation

God of all creation,

as we journey together in this Great Southern Land,

we pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,

 creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.

Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.

 In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.

Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received. Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one. Amen.

As we approach the referendum vote on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament this Saturday, it is timely to reflect on the important role each of us involved in a Catholic school community has to focus on unity and mutual support. Our values of welcoming, listening, justice and forgiveness guide us in all that we do, and now, more than ever, they should inspire us to come together as one connected Catholic community in faith, hope and love.

Being deeply respectful, treating others with consideration, acknowledging difference and embracing nuance are highly necessary in these remaining days of navigating discussions in advance of the referendum this Saturday.

The Office for Social Justice, an agency of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has released the following factsheet to assist in discussions about the referendum. 

Regardless of the poll result, we must be steadfast in our commitment to respecting one another's perspectives and fostering an environment of understanding and reconciliation. We all have an individual and collective role in working towards supporting our communities - and our nation - continuing to seek healing and bringing people together after what has been a challenging and at times confronting process. 

In a recent pastoral letter, Bishop Vincent Long (Bishop of Parramatta) stated:

Whatever the outcome of the referendum, we must continue the work of justice, healing, reconciliation and recognition of our First Nations People. We need to walk with them, day by day, and work with them to bring about change for the better - for their people and for all of us. Strengthening our relationship with our Indigenous brothers and sisters is integral and indeed critical to the strengthening of the whole nation. (27 September 2023)

In his letter, Bishop Vincent connects our faith and belief in the inherent dignity and worth of each human person to how we are called to respond as the people of God. Let us remember that our greatest strength lies in our ability to support each other, embrace diversity, and work towards a more just and compassionate society for all. Regardless of the outcome, our mission remains the same: to provide every student with the opportunity to find meaning and purpose in their life, guided and inspired by the unfailing love Jesus has for every person.

Wishing you a great week,

Paul Moroney

Principal

WELCOME BACK TO TERM 4

We welcome back all our students, teachers and families for the final term of 2023. We hope the children had a wonderful break and recharged for the term ahead. Term 4 is always busy with lots of events taking place at St John’s. 

We celebrate the liturgical season of Advent, leading up to Christmas. We farewell our Year 6 cohort and wish them every success as they move into Secondary School. Our Playgroup begins and we hold our Kindergarten Orientation for 2024 Kindergarten students and families. Year 5 have their Camp and organise student leadership for next year. Other grades have excursions planned. We have a swimming carnival to look forward to as well. Semester Two reports are also provided outlining the progress of student’s learning. 

We look forward to an enjoyable term ahead to finish the school year and thank parents in anticipation of their continued support.

THE ROSARY

October has been set aside as a time for people to pray and meditate upon the Rosary, a popular devotion among Catholics. Over the centuries the Church has always honoured Mary, the Blessed Mother of God. Praying the Rosary is one of the many ways in which we do this. 

We encourage students to pray to our Our Lady, the Mother of God, and for any intentions they have. For more information about the Rosary please click on this link.

TERM 4 CLASS CAPTAINS

It is wonderful to be recognised for leadership qualities. We have had many students from Years 1 - 6 recognised for such qualities by their peers and teachers. We will congratulate these children who have been selected as Class Captains for this term and look forward to providing opportunities in which they can demonstrate their leadership skills.

These students will be provided with their badge on Monday, 23 October (Week 3) at the morning assembly. We will inform parents via Compass before Friday, 20 October of who our Term 4 Class Captains are, so you might be available to grab a photo and see your child receive their badge.

We are confident that our student leaders will be great examples for others and demonstrate our Good Samaritan values. 

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week 24th September - 14th October

Week 10 - Awards: PRIMARY 

Clothing Pool will be open on Monday 16th October at 3pm

Cash and eftpos accepted

Also accepting uniform donations