Dear Parents/Carers,

This Sunday we begin the beautiful season of Advent. The word Advent derives from the Latin word adventus meaning 'coming.' Obviously, in the Christian tradition, we use the season of Advent to prepare for the coming of Christ - his birth.

Of course, there are many secular things that we attend to when preparing for Christmas - decorations, gifts, food, invitations etc. As Christians, it is especially important that we prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas. Giving ourselves the gift of time to be able to reflect on the significance of Christmas in our modern world, to thank God for our many blessings, to attend Mass, to be in nature so as to help reconnect with God, or to seek ways to support someone in need. There are many ways in which we use Advent as a time to feel ready for everything that Christmas brings.

Student Leaders for 2021

We are currently in the process of electing our student leaders for 2021. At this stage our Captains and Vice-Captains have been chosen. Congratulations to Jiya and Luca, who be our captains, and Sage, Azaria, Zephania and Lara for been elected vice-captains.

P & F 5c Fundraiser

Thank you for your support of this fundraiser happening this week. Many children have been able to bring in 5c coins to add to their class's container. Just a reminder that the class with the most coins wins a pizza lunch party.

'Christmas' Mufti Day - Friday 27 November

You are reminded of the mufti day being held this Friday 27 November so that we are able to do some filming of the children for the digital Christmas card. Details are provided in this Newsletter. Thank you for your support of this.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable week,

Paul Moroney
Principal

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week ,  November 21st - November 27th

Congratulations to the following students for receiving a Good Samaritan Award this week

KB - Anthony B

1B - Matilda B

2B - Aria C

3B - Anna O

4B - Gabriella M

5B - Karen P

6B - Sethma R

Week 6 - Awards: PRIMARY 

PLEASE CONGRATULATE OUR AWARD WINNERS

St John’s Digital Christmas Card

Due to COVID restrictions, we’ve had to think creatively about how we will celebrate Christmas this year as a school.  We have decided to make a digital Christmas card that will be made up of students dancing and performing.  We hope to involve all students in this celebration and the final product will be shared on our school’s Facebook page allowing the wider community, such as grandparents, to also join in the celebration.

On Friday 27 November teachers will be filming their classes performing dances as part of the digital Christmas card.  On this day we are asking students to wear the following mufit clothes:

Primary - Christmas clothing.  This could include a Christmas shirt, Santa hat, reindeer ears, Christmas earrings, red, green or white clothes, etc.

Infants - Reindeer inspired clothing.  This could include brown or white clothing.  Alternatively it could include any Christmas clothing with reindeer antlers or a red nose.

All children need to wear clothing appropriate for dancing, and enclosed shoes.

Finding suitable clothing should not cause any angst for your family.  If you have any questions regarding clothing on this day, please contact your child’s teacher.

Disability Parking

We ask that all parents and grandparents be aware that the car park only contains three disability parking spots.  These parking spots must be left clear for drivers displaying a valid permit only.  We have a number of parents and grandparents who rely on the availability of these parking spots when collecting children from school. In addition, we also have some students that have a disability permit and their parents need to be able to access these parking spots.  Please be mindful that not all people who qualify for a permit have a disability that is visible, and questioning the authenticity of their disability is inappropriate.  

If you do have a disability permit, we ask that it is clearly displayed.

We appreciate that dismissal can be a busy time, however, we cannot allow convenience to take priority over the safety of our school community.

The school has contacted Campbelltown Council and will be working with their rangers to monitor these allocated parking spots. For more information please go to:

https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/Yourneighbourhood/NeighbourhoodIssuesRestrictionsandInfo/RoadsManagementCampbelltownLGA/IllegalParking#Disability-parking-3

Orientation day for Mount Carmel, was on the 20 November 2020.  Due to Covid restrictions this date has changed to 4 December 2020. 

We will be contacting  parents directly to inform them of the change, along with details of the day

Just a reminder that due to Covid restrictions and CEO directives Children are unable to bring in any type of food/gifts for sharing with their class. There is the option of purchasing Zooper Doopers from the canteen, Just give the canteen a couple of days notice to ensure they have enough, you can order through the office and a bill will be sent home.

Thank you for your understanding with this matter

Due to COVID restrictions parents are currently not allowed on school grounds. We also need to limit the amount of visitors that come into the office, so please only come into the office if necessary.

It is important that you let the office know as soon as possible, via email or phone, if you are picking your child up prior to dismissal (including time).  We can then arrange to have them in the office ready for you. Please note that we are unable to arrange collection of your children during break times (11.15am-12 & 1.15pm-2pm) or after 2.30pm without prior notice.
Please do not enter late arrivals or early departures into compass, this needs to be done by the school office.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.