Term 1, Week 6 - 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Families,

I want to begin this fortnight's newsletter with a sincere thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding regarding the school closure over the last week. As noted in the (numerous!) emails I sent, the decision to close the school was based on advice from Catholic Schools NSW, Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools and SES. I understand the strain these things place on families and am excited we are now back together again.

Principal's Appraisal

Thank you to everyone who has already completed the Principal's survey you have received via email. I understand that surveys can be annoying, but I really appreciate you taking the time to do this particular one! It's a great opportunity for me to receive feedback and help me grow in my leadership.  

School Annual Improvement Plan 

One of our key pieces of work for 2025 is to clarify and redefine our school values. We really want this work to be collaborative, and as such, we need to know what values YOU think are most important - ask yourself the question, "What are the top 4 values you want your child to learn at Mt St John's?" and then add them to this GOOGLE FORM. Staff and students are all answering this question so we have a thorough understanding of what is important to all members of our school community.

Kind regards,

Deb

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences

This term, we are trialing Parent-Teacher-Student conferences in place of the traditional Parent-Teacher interview. Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are a great way to support student learning by involving them in the conversation. Unlike traditional parent-teacher interviews, these meetings allow students to share their progress, set goals, and take responsibility for their learning. This open discussion helps parents and teachers understand the student's needs better and work together to support their success. It also builds confidence and encourages students to be active in their education, creating a stronger partnership between home and school.

These meetings were meant to take place in Week 7; however, given the recent weather events, these have been moved to Week 9. Times can be booked through Compass starting next Tuesday.

Our Shining Light Award

This year, we have implemented a new award, our MSJ Shining Light Award. Nano Nagle, the Lady of the Lantern and the founder of the Presentation Sisters, inspires this award. We recognise students who actively live out the values we promote at Mount St John's: kindness, respect, courage, empathy and excellence.

Congratulations to Isaiah Dodds, the recipient of this fortnight's award. Isaiah is a Shining Light in our community. He treats everyone equally, with kindness, compassion and respect.

St Patrick's Day

As this Monday 17th March is St Patrick's Day, students and staff may wear green or Irish-themed mufti (non-uniform) to school for a gold coin donation.

Students will also be able to buy a green jelly cup at recess for 50c. All money raised will go to Caritas mission.

Upcoming Events

Soccer Gala Day - Stages 2 & 3

Our Stage 2 & 3 students have been invited to participate in the North Coast Soccer Gala Day on Thursday 27th March in Coffs Harbour. It will be in a round robin format with modified pitch sizes, managed by NNSWF experts.

The bus will depart school at 9 am and return by 3 pm.

Students must bring recess, lunch, plenty of water and shinpads. Shinpads are compulsory - however, if you don't have any, please let us know and we will endeavour to provide spares. 

Attendance at this event is a privilege, and as such, attendance is dependent on appropriate behaviour at school between now and the event.

Please navigate to the Compass parent portal to give permission for your child/ren to attend this event.

School Cross Country

Dust off your running shoes, as our Cross Country carnival is coming up! It will be held on Friday 4th April, 12pm - 3pm at Dorrigo Golf Course.

To help students train for this event, Run Club will be starting up again.

Whole School Focus

At Mt. St John's, we have four core values that guide our behaviour: Respect, (Self) Responsibility, Safety, and Effort. These four expectations are our behaviour norms.

Our whole school focus this fortnight is on RESPECT. We are reminding each other to use kind words that lift each other up, not put others down and follow our teacher's instructions. Our teachers and student leaders look for students demonstrating these skills and give out GEM Awards to celebrate.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing has been delayed due to TC Alfred - it will now begin on Monday, 17th March, for students in Years 3 and 5. All families involved will receive a copy of the flyer attached below.

NAPLAN is an Australia-wide assessment for all students in Years 3, 5 and 9. NAPLAN shows how students are going all over Australia. People who work in the Australian Government, state and territory education authorities and schools use NAPLAN results. The results let them see which schools are doing well and which schools might need help. If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please see your child's teacher.

ANZAC Day 2025

ANZAC Day is on Friday, 25th April, the Friday before Term 2 commences. The Dawn Service will commence at 5.30 am at the Dorrigo Monument.

The Dorrigo RSL Sub Branch has invited staff and students from our school to march as a School Group in the Dorrigo ANZAC Day March and Wreath Laying Service on Friday, 25th April 2025. The March & Wreath Laying Service will commence at 11.00 am, and march will start at the Dorrigo Memorial RSL Club. Assembly is at 10.40 am. Students participating must be in full school uniform, including school hat.

As with last year, the Order of March will have the Dorrigo School contingents near the head of the march, and the Schools will end on the corner of Hickory St and Waterfall Way.

2025 School Fees

Please be advised that the 2025 school fee billing has been completed and the amount owing for the whole of 2025 will be now showing in your Compass account. A statement has been issued which will include your BPAY details and this will also provide you with your nominated payment plan. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

In 2025, annual school fees are as follows:
 
1 student - $1396 (includes $60 resource fee per student)

2 students - $2458 (includes $60 resource fee per student)

3 students - $3186 (includes $60 resource fee per student)

 Payment options are:  

1. BPay—Instructions on how to make a payment using BPay are on your most recent school fee statement. This is our preferred payment method.
2. using the Compass app - You can check your school fee balance and pay fees through the Compass app. Select more - school fees - next - and enter your credit card details. You have the option to pay in full or pay a portion of your fees. 
3. cash at school 
4. EFTPOS at school

Remember, if you feel you will be unable to finalise your school fees by the due date, some financial assistance may be available from St Vincent de Paul - to make an appointment with them, call 0472 718862. You will need to take your school fee statement with you to your appointment. Alternatively, you can call the Office to discuss your individual circumstances with the Principal.

Thank you!

Cool Kids Anxiety Program

Please use THIS LINK to register your Expression of Interest for the Cool Kids Program.

Canteen Orders

Canteen orders can now be made up to 8:30 am each Wednesday. We hope that this later cut-off is helpful to families.

To be more sustainable and reduce rubbish, we are now serving drinks in cups. To ensure the consistency of the product, we will purchase large bottles of flavoured milk and juice and dispense them into individual cups.

We will also be serving frozen yoghurt ministicks. These will be available for 50c. 

How to cancel an order

If you need to, you can cancel canteen orders before 8:30 am on canteen day. If you know your child will be away you can go into Compass Canteen and select "cancel order".

The refunded money goes back into your Compass "wallet" so you can use it next time you order - when you get to the Confirm & pay screen, click on the down arrow and select Compass Credit. 

Primary Boys 12 Years and Under Netball Trials 2025

School Facebook Page

Check out our school Facebook page! It is wonderful to be able to share the good news of our school with our families and community. 

School Bus Travel

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel. 

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.

If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

School Drive Subsidy

The School Drive Subsidy is available for eligible school students where there is no public transport available for all or part of the journey. If you have to drive your child more than 1.6km to a school bus stop, you may be eligible for this subsidy – click on the link below to apply. 

NSWCPS Golf 2025

NSWCPS Rugby 7s 2025

GLUE & Messy Church

GLUE God Loves Us Eternally KidsClub has resumed for Term 1. It is held each Wednesday during school term time from 3-5pm at the Anglican Church Hall. Afternoon tea, games, fun worship and craft. All primary kids in Years 1-6 are welcome, as are newcomers. For more info, ring Gwenneth on 6657 2135.

Bellingen Shire Youth Art Exhibitions & Prizes

“We are the future and the future is now”

Celebrating the artistic expression and talent of youth in Bellingen shire. Three exhibitions will occur across the shire during Youth Week 2025 April 9th-April 17th.

Entry is open now for 12 years to 25 year olds living in Bellingen Shire and closes April 1st. Entrants can enter up to 3 pieces.

Free art materials for entrants available at each of our Neighbourhood Centres; Bellingen, Dorrigo and Urunga. Materials include canvas’ paint sets and brushes until they run out. If entrants are wishing to exhibit Photographs, we have some funds for printing we can assist entrants with.
All mediums are welcome in the exhibits; sculpture, wearable art, sketches, photography, paintings etc.

Entries will be exhibited in three locations and sorted into three regions; The Plateau (Dorrigo and surrounds), Bellingen and The Valleys ( Thora, Kalang, Glennifer, Fernmount), The Seaboard ( Urunga, Raleigh, Repton, Mylestom).

Three Galleries will be hosting the exhibitions, The Art Space Urunga will host The Seaboard Show from 9th-16th April, Bellingen Gallery & Framing will host the Bellingen and The Valleys Show from 11-17th April and The Never Never Mind will host The Plateau Show for one night only on the 10th April allowing entrants to enter the popular Dorrigo Easter Show the following day. Opening nights will include prizes, and presentations with catering and mocktails. More details will follow soon.

Entries are due on the 1st April. Please drop your completed entry off to one of Neighbourhood Centres along with a completed entry form. Entrants are welcome to sell their work at the shows, with all details on the entry form.

If you need further information or access to materials, or help getting your artwork to one of our Neighbourhood Centres please call one of our Centres or email Lauren on community@ncobs.org.au