Term 2, Week 2 - 2025

Principal's Message

Hi everyone,

What a fabulous start to Term 2 we have had. There is something quite special about the first day of each term. I get lots of hugs (which I love!), the kids are so excited to see each other, and the playground is filled with the sounds of laughter and joy. Thank you to all the mums, grandmas, nanas, aunties, and neighbours who attended our Mother's Day morning tea and liturgy on Wednesday. It is one of my favourite school events! 

Parent Community Group Meeting

Thank you to the parents who attended our Parent Community Group meeting on Monday. It was a great night, and it was incredibly important to let parents know what we are working on this year and also get feedback and ideas about how we can continue to improve. 

Tell Them From Me Survey 

As part of our focus on school effectiveness, Mt St John's will participate in an online survey for students and parents—Tell Them From Me ® (TTFM®). Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing.

The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can access the parent survey until FRIDAY 22nd MAY on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:

http://tellthemfromme.com/x5p46

Please email me directly if you do not wish your child to participate.

Thank you for your support with this - your feedback is incredibly valuable!

Happy Mother's Day for Sunday. I hope you all get spoilt!

Kind regards,

Deb

School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP)

As part of our School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP) under the Thriving Learners domain, one of our key goals is to renew recreation and outdoor learning spaces. This initiative aims to engage students in learning beyond the traditional classroom environment in ways that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Our students have a strong interest in hands-on, practical activities—especially farming, growing, and making—and we want to harness that passion through meaningful outdoor learning experiences.

At our recent parent meeting, there was enthusiastic support for developing more viable sustainability and gardening projects, with suggestions such as constructing a greenhouse or exploring aquaponics systems. These ideas not only integrate STEM learning but also align closely with our Catholic ethos, particularly in promoting environmental stewardship and care for creation. We would love to hear from anyone in our community who has expertise or a passion for sustainability, design, construction, or environmental education and who may be willing to support students and staff in the planning and implementation of these exciting initiatives. Your input and involvement would be invaluable as we bring this vision to life.

Student Awards

Congratulations to this fortnight's Award Winners.

Stage 3 Excursion Fundraisers

To raise money for the upcoming Stage 3 excursion to Sydney and Canberra, the school is holding a few different fundraisers. Thank you for supporting us in these efforts!

Mega Lamb Raffle, which will be drawn on Wednesday 3rd July. Tickets are on sale at school for $5 each or 5 for $20.

1st prize - 1 whole cut up lamb

2nd prize - 1 whole cut up lamb

3rd-6th prize - 1/2 cut up lamb

Our huge thanks go to the local businesses who have made this raffle possible:

Lamb donated by Maxwellton Angus (Bill & Jenny Maxwell) and Angus & Jess Watters

Slaughtering & Processing generously covered by Harley & Jade Gibson

Chilled transport to Dorrigo Butchery donated by VBS Mechanical

Expert butchering services donated by Ben & the team at Dorrigo Butchery

Wood Raffle Fundraiser, which will be drawn on 1st June. Tickets are on sale at school for $5 each or 5 for $20.

There are 8 loads of wood to be won, all donated very generously by parents & friends of the Stage 3 students.

Silly Socks Fundraiser - We have assorted fun socks to buy at school. Sizes XS & S are $8 per pair, sizes M, L & XL are $12 per pair. These have been selling really well; they are beautiful quality and in fun prints.

Thank you to Lisa Lowe for organising this fundraiser.

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 Brianna Bosshard-Guest. Brianna is a shining light at Mt St John's. She works hard, tries new things, listens to feedback, and always aims to improve.

Reading Workshop - May 19th

We warmly invite all parents and carers to our upcoming Reading Workshop on Monday 19th May. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about how you can support your child’s reading at home. Each session will begin with a general overview before we break into Primary and Junior School groups with class teachers for more targeted guidance. The workshop will run twice—first from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and again from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm—to offer flexibility for families. We encourage you to bring your children along, as the session will be hands-on and practical, designed to give you tools and strategies to make home reading a positive and effective experience.

Zone Cross Country

Congratulations to our team of runners who are representing our school at next Tuesday's Zone Cross Country Carnival in Grafton. They are Rokko, Tom, Reuben, Ember, Valentino, Aria, Vasja, Samo, Jules, Eden, Natalie, Ethan, Tate, Lakota, Chloe, Elle and Aurora. We wish you all the best of luck on the day!

Peter & The Wolf Concert

We have been invited to attend a concert by Bellingen Youth Orchestra on Friday 16th May. This year, the Bellingen Youth Orchestra is excited to present Peter and the Wolf—a magical, interactive experience narrated by BYOSS Director Elizabeth Scott. As the story unfolds, students will hear how different instruments bring Peter, the animals, and the wolf to life, creating a rich and immersive musical journey.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to discover the instruments of the orchestra, experience how music tells a story, and even ask questions along the way.

When - Friday 16th May
Where - Bellingen High School

Students should pack their recess, lunch and a water bottle.

The bus will leave MSJ at around 10:30am and return by 2:00pm.

Please navigate to the Compass app to give your child permission to attend this event.

Rugby League Gala Day

Our school has been invited to participate in the Catholic & Independent Primary School Challenge - Mid North Coast Area Gala Day Rugby League event. This event is for a 7-a-side round robin for both mixed league tag and tackle.

Our school has nominated for a Stage 2 Mixed League tag team, and 3 Stage 3 mixed tag teams.

When: Friday 23rd May
Venue: Geoff King Motors Oval, Coffs Harbour
Time: arrive 9:30am, kick-off 10am. 2pm finish (approx)

The bus will need to leave MSJ School by 8:45am to arrive in time for kick-off, so please arrive at school no later than 8:45am on this day.

Students must bring recess, lunch and plenty of water.

Please navigate to the Compass app to give your child permission to attend this event.

Prohibited Weapons

Our school is committed to maintaining a safe, happy and supportive environment for every child. Every now and then, it’s helpful to revisit what can and can’t be brought to school. While some items may seem like harmless toys or everyday tools, they may actually be considered dangerous or prohibited. We want to help families avoid any unintentional mistakes or avoidable situations.

A prohibited weapon includes, but is not limited to, knives or blades, toy guns, gel blasters, slingshots, darts or anything else that can be used as a weapon to intimidate or cause serious injury or harm. We encourage all parents and carers to have open and ongoing conversations with your child about safety, respect, and care for others. As members of our Catholic school community, we are called to protect and nurture one another, both spiritually and physically.

Your support in reinforcing these values at home helps us maintain a secure and faith-filled environment for all members of our school community. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the safety and wellbeing of all children.

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 EFFORT. We are reminding each other that we come to school to learn and work hard. Our teachers and student leaders look for students demonstrating these skills and give out GEM Awards to celebrate.

Goori Group News

Yesterday our little jarjums (children) learned about kinship and spoke about family member connections and had a little chat on totems. We also read a Gumbaynggirr book called My Little Barlaagani (Sunshine) and did some dot painting.

In the afternoon, the big jarjums continued their work on indigenous symbols, focusing on campsites. They have some amazing pieces they are working on and I'm very proud of them!

Aunty Shanara

My New Gallery

ANZAC Day 2025

Thank you to the many students who joined us for Anzac Day during the school holidays. Mt St John's has a proud tradition of participating in our Anzac Day March. We came together as a community, paid our respects, and remembered the sacrifice of many Australians. I was incredibly proud of the way all our students conducted themselves and the respect and reverence they displayed. Lest we forget.

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 Aurora Williams, Lakota Miller-Thomson, Hunter Gibson and Piper Boutell, who have already completed this year's Premier's Reading Challenge!

NCCD Fact Sheet for Parents

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!

Issue 3 Book Club

Issue 3 Book Club catalogues were sent home last week. Orders and payment are due by Tuesday 13th May. Please click on the link below to view the catalogue.

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. 

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. 

Publicity for Schools Program Authors signing sessions

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.

eBike Safety