Term 3, Week 4 - 2025

Principal's Message

Hi everyone,

What a wonderful fortnight it has been at Mt St John’s! Our school has been buzzing with community spirit, and we are so grateful for the way everyone has pitched in. A huge highlight was our Stage 3 Cake Trolley Fundraiser, where we were overwhelmed with donations and helpers on the day. Thanks to your generosity, we raised almost $900 to support our school.

We also welcomed new families through our Kindy Information Sessions and our Mini Mounties morning on Wednesday, and gathered together for a beautiful liturgy with Fr Paul to celebrate the Feast of Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop). How blessed are we to be part of such a supportive and vibrant Dorrigo community!

Sunday’s Gospel – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

This Sunday’s Gospel tells us to “keep our lamps lit” and be ready, like the servants waiting for their master to return from a feast. We don’t know when Jesus will come—but when He does, He wants to find us awake, being kind, loving, and helpful to others. It's like having your heart open and ready to welcome Him anytime.

Dear God,
Thank You for always being with us.
Help us to stay awake and ready,
so that when Jesus comes, we are loving, kind, and welcoming—just like He taught us.
Let our hearts be shining lights for others.
Amen.

I will be away for all of Week 5 (next week), attending the Australian Catholic Principals Conference with other principals from our Diocese. I am looking forward to learning more about ways we can continue to strengthen teaching, learning, and our Catholic identity at Mt St John’s. I will be checking my emails, but for any urgent matters, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

Deb

School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP)

As part of our Annual School Improvement Plan (SAIP), we are collaboratively developing school values that include learning, faith, and wellbeing. After gathering input from parents, teachers, and students—and carefully aligning this feedback with the values of the Catholic Church and the charism of the Presentation Sisters—we have finalised our school values: Respect, Responsibility, Relationships, and Resilience. These values will guide our school culture and support the holistic development of our students. Over the next six months, we will continue working with all members of our community to unpack and embed these values into everyday school life.

Book Week & Book Fair Events

Our Book Week & Book Fair will be held next week from 18th to 22nd August. This year's theme is "Book an Adventure". 

A display of books will be available for purchase, set up in the Library during this week. Students will bring home their wish lists on Monday, and can purchase from the Book Fair at lunchtimes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.

Each Book Fair is designed to give kids access to more books they want to read, from relevant new releases to classic award-winners. Every purchase made will benefit our school, as we receive a percentage of all sales made as free books for our Library. A huge thank you to Amy Johnson and Sharnee Smith, who have volunteered to assist with setting up/ packing away our Book Fair in Week 5. 

On Thursday, students in all classes will walk down to the newly refurbished Dorrigo Library to participate in some Book Week activities with the library staff. Thank you to Tamar and the team at the Library for welcoming us again!

Next Friday, 22nd August, family and friends are warmly invited to our Book Character Dress-up Parade at 12:00 pm. This is great fun, with all students and staff dressing up as their favourite character from a book. We're looking forward to seeing some great costumes again this year!

Mini Mounties

We welcomed our Mini Mounties for the first time this week, and there was so much excitement as we greeted them at “big school.” They looked fabulous in their Mini Mounties uniforms and hats!

There are still places available, so if you know anyone with a school-aged child starting Kindergarten in 2026, encourage them to come along to Mini Mounties and see what Mt St John’s has to offer.

Student Awards

Congratulations to this fortnight's Award winners!

Our Shining Light Award

This year, we introduced a new award: the MSJ Shining Light Award. Nano Nagle, the Lady of the Lantern and 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 Ryan Beaumont. Ryan is a good friend to everyone, helping and encouraging others without being asked. He is focused and works hard. 

Young Mary Performance

Next Wednesday 20th August, we will welcome performers from Starrs Productions, who are presenting a production called "Young Mary".

St Mary MacKillop was determined, compassionate and steadfast even as a child. This play introduces us to Young Mary and we participate in her many fun-filled and spirited childhood adventures. We have lots of fun playing games with Mary, and hearing about her pet cow Blorac and her dad Alexander. Then, as she grows, we bear witness to the determination of a hard-working young woman who sets out to eliminate poverty and provide a fair education for all.

The play is funny and entertaining and involves the audience in lots of acting and moral decision-making. Young Mary’s humour and compassion helps the audience enjoy and understand St Mary MacKillop, whilst appreciating her famous quote; “Never see a need without doing something about it”.

Stage 3 Fundraiser - Campdraft Canteen

As one of our last fundraisers to help raise money for the Stage 3 trip to Canberra & Sydney, we will be running the canteen for the upcoming Silver Spurs Campdraft at the Dorrigo Showgrounds on Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August.

There are several time slots to be filled on the Campdraft canteen roster over the three days; please get in touch with the school to indicate a time that you can assist. We are hoping to have 4 people rostered on for every time slot, so we will need plenty of helpers!

Times are:

Friday 22 August, 10:0 am - 1:30 pm

Friday 22 August, 1:30 pm - 5:0pm

Saturday 23 August, 5:30 am - 8:30 am

Saturday 23 August, 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Saturday 23 August, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm

Saturday 23 August, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Sunday 24 August, 5:30 am - 9:00 am

Sunday 24 August, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday 24 August, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

More information will follow about what is needed for catering; however, we need to ensure we can fill all the time slots first. 

What's On in Term 3

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

2025 School Fees

Please be advised that the amount owing for the whole of 2025 will be showing in your Compass account. Statements are issued at the end of each month which will include your BPAY details, and these 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.

Financial Assistance
We recognise the financial pressures that families may face and strive to offer flexible payment options to accommodate different circumstances. For enquiries about fee assistance, please contact the Diocesan Fee Support Team at feeassist@lism.catholic.edu.au

2026 School Fees

We have been informed by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited that there will be a slight increase in school fees in 2026 - see letter below.

Webinar - Parenting in the Age of Distraction

In our fast-paced world filled with screens and endless distractions, parenting has become a delicate balancing act. Parenting in the Age of Distraction is a practical and engaging workshop designed specifically for parents of school-aged children. Although the digital space has impacted on our children’s ability to focus and connect there are many other distractions vying for our children’s attention.
Parenting in the Age Of Distraction provides a supportive space for parents to gain insights, share experiences, and develop a personalised toolkit for raising resilient, focused, and emotionally connected children in today's digital and distracting age.
Themes covered include:

• Technology and its impact on childhood development
• Cultivating focus in kids
• Nurturing healthy habits
• Parental distraction and behaviour modelling
• Practical parenting strategies to raise resilient, confident and connected kids

2025 Premier's Reading Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 9, in government, independent, Catholic and home schools. You must read a certain number of books to complete the Challenge. The Challenge closes for students on Friday August 22, 2025.

Congratulations to Brianna, Tyler, Levi and Abby M, who have completed this year's Premier's Reading Challenge!

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. 

RUOK Day Walk

RUOK Day is the second Thursday in September each year. A walk on RUOK day was started two years ago with a walk from Coronation Park (the log park) to Dangar Falls and return.

The walk starts from 4 pm through 6.00 pm and return transport from Dangar will be available for those only wanting to walk one way. The Lions Club will be selling sausage and steak sandwiches at Coronation Park on return.

This is a great opportunity to come and participate on your own and walk with whoever you meet or bring a friend, a group, or your dog. This is a free event; however the Lions Club will be charging for their food. It all starts with a conversation and you never know just who you may help and start a great friendship.

Dorrigo Dramatic Club - Young Drama

The Dorrigo Dramatic Club is excited to be running a Young Drama program from Term 3, 2025. The weekly program will be offered to primary school aged children and will focus on developing skills for the stage through a variety of activities and games. Lodge your interest for the program using the link below, and we will be in touch in the coming weeks with further information and so you can confirm your child's involvement.

Young Drama will run on Monday afternoons after school. Families will need to be members of the Dorrigo Dramatic Club in order for their child to participate. To become a member, or renew membership, please email membershipddc@gmail.com 

DHS presentation - "How to help our children stay safe online"

Below is a flyer for a parent and community session, 'How to help our children stay safe online' presented by CTRL SHFT. This presentation will be held in the Dorrigo High School Library on Monday 18 August 2025 at 4:45pm. Feedback from parents and community who attended this session last year was very positive.

Please note, the session is not suitable for primary school age students.

FREE Bellinger Valley Flood Relief AFL Program

GLUE & Messy Church

GLUE God Loves Us Eternally KidsClub 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.