Dear Parents/Carers,

It is not surprising to see the marketing increase significantly for everything related to Christmas. I was struck recently as I wondered through a shopping centre at the variety of Advent Calendars that are available. When you search for information on the history of these calendars, you soon learn that when they commenced in the 19th century, they were simply a way for Christians to keep a track of the days until Christmas from the first Sunday of Advent, and they were usually home-made. (Now they always seem to begin on 1 December which isn't quite accurate.) After a period of time, people would add a short prayer or a part of the Nativity story to help the reader spend some time in reflection on what Christmas was truly about. Adding chocolate seemed to begin in the 1950s, and now you can get all sorts of 'goodies' to look forward to on each of the days. I even saw one for beer!

I wonder if people who buy an Advent Calendar are aware of its original purpose. It is a hope of mine that as the user enjoys the 'treat' each day, that they also spend some time considering and reflecting on why they are 'counting down' to December 25. 

Student Leaders for 2021

The next stage of electing student leaders for 2021 has concluded, and we congratulate Evangeline, Ryder, Mia, Ava, Charlotte, Tessa, Liam and Erica on being voted House Captains.

Staffing for 2021

Recently we have had to engage in some recruitment for new staff at St John's for 2021. Following this process, I am pleased to welcome Mr Anthony Nash, Miss Bianca Grasso and Miss Kirsty Pannu as classroom teachers.

It is always with mixed blessings when we bid farewell to staff at the conclusion of a year. Mr Andrew Astill will be moving to Mary Immaculate in Eagle Vale in the role of Middle Leader; Miss Elizabeth Symons is moving to Our Lady of the Rosary in Waitara; Mrs Leah Skinner will be teaching at St Thomas More, Ruse; Mrs Hayley Katon will be working closer to home at St John Vianney, Greenacre; Mrs Rita Gruning-Fankhauser is completing her work as our Art teacher at the end of this year. We thank each of them for their contributions to St John's and wish them the very best in their new venture. Also, Mrs Amy Runko will be working for 2021 at St Columbkille's, Corrimal and we look forward to her return in 2022.

Parent Survey

Each year our school collects responses from parents and carers regarding areas affecting the education of their children and the general functioning of the school. Results from this anonymous survey will assist the school in the preparation of the Annual School Report. Access to the survey is via this link here. Thank you.

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 28th - December 4th

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

KR - Rydah B

1R - Eva B

2R - Mahika D

3R - Joshua L

4R - Annalisa M

5R - Ella D

6R - Cristian D

Week 7 - Awards: INFANTS

Any families who are not returning to St John's in 2021, we please ask that you contact the office if you haven't already done so

thank you

To help celebrate the Festive Season, children will be allowed to hand out Christmas cards

and/or Candy Canes or other Christmas confectionery as long as they are individually wrapped.

We also encourage children to take these gifts home to consume them.

Clothing Pool will be open this Friday 4th December from 8.30am in the school Hall, this will be the last one of the year.

Please remember to adhere to good Hygiene practises and don't attend if you are feeling unwell

thank you

The P & F committee would like to thank all families for their participation in this Fundraising event. The school raised a total of $1472.80.

A huge congratulations to the winning pizza party classes 4Red and 3Red, enjoy your pizza!!

 

 

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

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.

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 until the end of the 2020 school year.

There is the option of purchasing Zooper Doopers from the canteen for Lunch 2, 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