Week 5 Term 4

School Vision Statement: To change the world through our faith in Jesus who is our light.
Phone: 6882 2677 or 6882 2653
Email: stjohnsprimarydubbo@bth.catholic.edu.au                    
Principal: Mr. Anthony O’Leary
School Manager/Priest: Father Greg Kennedy           
P&F Meetings: 2nd & 7th Tuesday each term

Parents/guardians-Please note that photographs of students may be used in publication. Please advise the School Office if you do not approve of your child’s photo being used.

WEEK 5                                                                                                                            Monday 11th November - Remembrance Day Liturgy  10.30am
Monday 11th - Wednesday 13th November - Year 5 Sydney Excursion
Tuesday 12th November - Year 3 Excursion - Wellington Caves
Thursday 14th November - Kindy 2025 Parent Information Evening 6.00pm School Hall
Thursday 14th November - Icy Cup Day $1.00

WEEK 6                                                                                                                                    Tuesday 19th November - 2025 Captains Speeches 9.15am                                                                        Thursday 21st November -  Kindergarten Orientation Day 9.15am -10.45am                                                Friday 22nd November - Colour Explosion Run 1.15pm - 2.30pm

Welcome to  Week 5, I am delighted to share the exciting activities and important events happening at St. John's Primary School.

Remembrance Day — 11th November                                                                                  As we approach Remembrance Day, we pause to honour and remember those who served and sacrificed in times of war for the freedom and peace we cherish today. On November 11th, we reflect on the courage, dedication and selflessness of men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty. As a school community, let us understand the significance of this day and carry forward a message of peace in our own lives. We join in prayer, asking for strength and guidance to promote harmony in our world.

God of peace,
We thank You for the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served to protect us.
Help us to honour their legacy by living with compassion and respect for one another.
Guide us to be peacemakers in our community and the world.
May we never forget their sacrifice,
and may we work together for a future filled with hope and peace.
Amen.

Mr Foley will be taking our Year 6 leaders to the Dubbo Service on behalf of our school.

Year 5 Excursion to Sydney                                                                                                    Our Year 5 students will embark on an enriching excursion to Sydney from Monday to Wednesday. This trip offers them the opportunity to explore significant cultural and historical sites, enhancing their learning experiences beyond the classroom. We anticipate that this journey will broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of our nation's heritage. I am looking forward to the excursion and I will be back in the office on Thursday. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Lees and Miss McIntosh for their meticulous planning and dedication in organising this excursion. Their efforts ensure that our students will have a memorable and educational experience.

Year 3 Visit to Wellington Caves                                                                                          On Tuesday, Year 3 students will visit the Wellington Caves, delving into geological wonders and expanding their understanding of natural history. Such excursions are invaluable in bringing classroom lessons to life and fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration among our students.

Kindergarten 2025 Parent Information Night                            We are excited to welcome the parents of our 2025 Kindergarten cohort this Thursday for the Parent Information Night. This event is an excellent opportunity to introduce families to our school community and discuss the journey ahead. Building strong connections with our community is vital, as it fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive. Engaging with parents and carers allows us to work collaboratively to support each child's learning and development.

Icy Cup Fundraiser                                                                                                                  Also on Thursday, we will hold an Icy Cup Fundraiser. For just $1, students can enjoy a refreshing treat, with all proceeds supporting our sponsor child. This initiative provides our students with a tangible way to practice compassion and understand the importance of social justice, core values of our Catholic faith. By participating, students learn the significance of helping others and making a positive impact in the world.

Importance of Attendance During Assessment Period                                                      As we approach the end of the term, teachers are finalizing assessments and preparing reports. Regular attendance is crucial during this period to ensure students can fully engage in their learning and demonstrate their progress. Consistent attendance not only supports academic achievement but also fosters a sense of belonging and commitment to the school community. We appreciate your support in ensuring your child attends school every day, especially during this critical time.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school activities. Together, we create a vibrant and nurturing environment for our students to thrive.

Leaving Families                                                                                                                      If your family plans to leave St. John's at the end of the year (excluding Year 6 students), please notify the school as soon as possible. We have an exit form that needs to be completed to facilitate a smooth transition.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Gospel and Reflection: The Widow’s Offering - Mark 12:38-44

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Family Connection                                                                                                          Today’s Gospel leads us to think about our family’s financial contributions to our parish community, the diocese, other Church-sponsored organizations, and other charitable organizations. Good stewardship invites us to share our treasure as well as our time and talent. Sometimes, however, decisions about a family’s charitable giving are made without our children’s knowledge. Yet we teach more when we invite all family members to be aware of how we contribute to our Church and to other charitable organizations.

As you gather as a family, talk about your family’s financial contributions to your parish and to other Church activities. If your family supports other charitable organizations, you might talk about these as well. Talk together about why it is important for us to share our resources with these organizations. Read today’s Gospel, Mark 12:41-44. Talk about what Jesus observes about the generosity of the poor widow.

God Bless and have a wonderful week                                                                                                              Anthony O’Leary.

Remembrance Day
Today we marked this occasion by reflecting, paying respect and pausing to remember the service and sacrifice of all Australian veterans and personnel who continue to serve our country. Our school community learnt more deeply about the significance of the red poppy and all students contributed to our Prayer Focus by having a poppy they had coloured displayed. It was a very reflective and special service. Thankyou to Poppy, Max, Brooklyn and Chelsea who attended Victoria Park and represented our school so well at the Dubbo Commemorative Service earlier today.

Enrolment for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Today the celebration of this sacrament will begin at St. Brigid's Church at the following times:

Monday 11th November  4.45 and 5.30 pm

Wednesday 13th November @ 4.45 and 5.30pm

Saturday  16th November @ 10.30am and 11.15am

Attending reconciliation can be a very freeing experience where people can walk away feeling rather joyful and content as they are reconciled with God and forgiven for sins. At each of the celebrations, parents and family members will be offered the opportunity, and encouraged to attend Reconciliation as well.

A Prayer for our Year 2 receiving the Sacrament of reconciliation over the next week

Dear God, 

We pray for each student who has come closer to Your loving heart.
Thank You for the courage and honesty they showed
in asking for forgiveness and receiving Your mercy.

Bless them with peace and joy,
knowing that they are forgiven and deeply loved.
Help them to always feel Your gentle guidance,
to make good choices, and to keep their heart open to You.

Jesus, walk with them each day,
helping them to grow in kindness, love, and understanding.
May they always remember that no matter what,
You are there to welcome them with open arms.

Thank You for this special occasion,
and for the beautiful path of faith You have set before them.

Amen.

Mass at St. Brigid’s Church

Saturday - 6:00pm, Sunday - 9:00am and Sunday - 6:00pm

Enjoy your week!

Paula Clifford                                                                                                                                                  Religious Education Coordinator.

SPB4L                                                                                                                                    Our SPB4L focus is ‘listening carefully to the teacher using the microphone in Area 1’. We have been discussing ways that we can show we are listening and why it is important to listen to the teacher using the microphone in Area 1. 

We are also reviewing a previous SPB4L focus of ‘wearing our school uniform correctly’ with a particular focus on the correct school socks. Students have been reminded each day of the expectation of wearing the correct navy ankle socks. Over the coming weeks teachers will be checking students socks to make sure they are wearing the correct ones. 

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is now available at school between 8.20 - 8.40am Monday - Friday. Breakfast club will offer the following

• A slice of toast with either vegemite or jam and a hot milo for $1
• Extra slice of toast is 50c

As this is a wellbeing initiative there is no provision for the use of Flexischools to order. This is a cash only purchase.