God, our Father
Bless these men,
that they may find strength as fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
may honour them always
with a spirit of profound respect.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Happy Father's Day to all the men in our school community who provide wonderful guidance and support to their children/grandchildren. You play such a significant role and I pray that you feel well acknowledged on this special day.

Last Sunday our parish held its Annual Celebration, which was a great success. This annual celebration commenced in 2022 as a commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the very first Catholic Mass that was said in the Macarthur area. On that day in 1822, Fr John Therry rode on horseback to the area now known as Mawson Park to say the Mass. In an interesting turn of events, rain caused the Mass to be moved to the nearby Anglican church which was still under construction. 

Since 2022, the parish uses this anniversary to bring the community of faith together to in a spirit of peace and unity. There are many wonderful cultural groups which add to the occasion with their own food, dancing and singing which add to the colour of the day. 

It was wonderful to have some of our students share their talents, with the choir adding their angelic voices to the entertainment, and Jasper and Sebastian from Year 6 displaying their skills on guitar and drums. During the Mass we also had students involved in the offertory, singing, reading and serving. Thank you to those families who were able to support this event. 

CatholicCare parent workshop

I commend to you a workshop that CatholicCare is running at our school next Wednesday 4 September 6.00-7.00pm. Titled 'Social Media and Your Child' the workshop will provide you with strategies that may assist in supporting your children as they navigate the world of social media. A flyer for this event is included in this Newsletter, and it has previously been pushed out on Compass. 

God bless, 

Paul Moroney
Principal

MAPLE- RETURNS NEXT WEEK & A REMINDER OF THE THREE EXPECTATIONS

Maple has continued to support the well being of students throughout 2024. She has played a key role in assisting students with school attendance and their overall well being. 

With the building project she has been frightened of the loud noises being made during the demolition of the old canteen and toilet block. With the new awning at the Lindesay Street gate, it has also meant she has not had access where she would normally go to the toilet. As a result, she has been on leave for the last few weeks.

The good news is that she will make a return as of next week. Before she does, this is just a reminder for our community regarding the three expectations in support of Maple and the Dogs Connect Program: 

SOCCER GALA DAY- YEARS 3-6

On Friday, 23 August, we had nine teams represent St John’s at the Western Region Soccer Gala Day. The day was non-competitive to cater for children of all abilities. The aim was to give everyone an opportunity to participate, regardless of skill or ability. 

The day was a huge success. Our students demonstrated fantastic skill and sportsmanship throughout the day. There was some wonderful teamwork demonstrated with crisp passing between players. 

A special thank you once again to Miss Clarke and Mr Toohey for coordinating the teams for our school. Thanks to the parent volunteers who assisted in coaching the teams on the day- Mrs Bartulovic, Mrs Jones, Mr Brown, Mrs Spannenberg, Mrs Bazouni & Mr Martinez. Thanks also to the staff who assisted on the day- Mrs Marshall, Mrs Seweryn, Mrs Walker, Mrs Lucas, Miss Costello and Miss Kaitlyn.

 

FATHERS DAY CELEBRATIONS

We hope that all fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other men in the lives of our children have a Happy Father’s Day on Sunday, 1 September. It is a day for people to show their appreciation for fathers and father figures. 

This Thursday, 29 August, there will be an opportunity for the students to purchase a special something for Father’s Day. Thank you to the P & F who have organised this opportunity for the children to buy something at the Father’s Day Stall.

On Friday, 30 August, we invite our fathers, grandfathers and other men in the lives of the students to have a picnic lunch.

Year 1 will be leading a special Father’s Day Liturgy at our Monday morning assembly, 2 September. We hope many of our fathers and grandfathers will be able to attend.

Lord God, who is Father of all,

send your blessing down on these men who are fathers.

For those who in the night worry for their child,

grant them your comfort.

For those who in the day work and struggle to provide for their child,

send them your strength.

For those who mourn a child,

hold them in your love.

For those who play, laugh, sing and dance with their child,

you share in their joy.

Lord God, who is Father of all,

walk with these fathers, in the light times and the dark.

Bless them, and may they each be a living symbol of your fatherly love;

a symbol to their children and all who they encounter.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week :25th August - 31st August

Week 5 - Awards: INFANTS

From tomorrow the students will be allowed to wear either summer or winter uniform. It needs to be one or the other, not a combination.

The next Book club is now open, orders due in by 12th September

Clothing Pool will be open this Friday after the Fathers Day picnic

cash & eftpos accepted

school uniform donations also accepted

YOUTH SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Operating hours: 8:00am-4:00pm         Location: Campbelltown

FOCUS Connect's Youth School Holiday Program offers an adventure-filled and fun-filled experience for children with disabilities in a supportive environment, aimed at creating lasting memories, acquiring new skills, and fostering long-lasting friendships.

Listed below are the key aspects of the program:

Community access and inclusion

Social interaction

Friendship building

Independence

Physical activity

Therapeutic benefits

Stepping outside of one's comfort zone and trying new things

Most importantly, having fun

The Youth Holiday calendar provides a detailed outline of activities scheduled for each day. Participants are responsible for covering the cost of activities on the day of attendance.

Transportation to and from the program can be arranged if needed.

If you're interested in attending the program or have any questions, please feel free to contact Nikki Ali, our Disability Services Coordinator, at 0491 064 409 or 4627 1188, or via email at Nikkiali@focusconnect.org.au .

Please note that we welcome you to arrange a site tour of the venue.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!