Term 2, Week 7

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
Parish 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.

Term 2 Dates
Week 7
Monday 9th June - King's Birthday Long Weekend 
Wednesday 11th June - Polding Cross Country
Week 8
Monday 16th June - Eisteddfod (Speech and Drama)
Tuesday 17th June - Eisteddfod (Speech and Drama)
Wednesday 18th June - Eisteddfod (Verse Speaking)
Thursday 19th June - Eisteddfod (Speech and Drama)
Friday 20th June - Eisteddfod (String Ensemble)
Friday 20th June - Kindy 2026 Interviews
Week 9
Wednesday 25th June - Mass at St Brigid's Church with Father Greg, (12:30pm for Grades 3/4)
Week 10
Tuesday 1st July - SJP Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 2nd July - Semester 1 Student Reports - Live on Compass
Friday 4th July - Final Day of Term 2

Change of Details, have any of your details changed??
Please inform the school office if you have changed address, have a new email or phone contact number, changed jobs, or have different emergency contacts for your child/children.

Compass Announcements - Upcoming Events
Permission notes for the events below have been sent out via Compass. Please ensure you confirm your child's attendance to avoid missing out. 

• Wednesday, 18th June - Year 2-5, 2025 Dubbo Eisteddfod Verse Speaking
• Tuesday, 1st July - K-6, Athletics Carnival

In Loving Memory: Ty Hawkins
This week, our hearts are heavy as we remember Ty Hawkins, a beloved member of both the Dubbo and St John’s communities. Ty passed away suddenly last week, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, community spirit, and unwavering support for others.

Ty was the devoted husband of our dear colleague, Lauren, and the proud father of Max, Lily, and Andy—all past students of St John’s Primary. His joyful presence, big heart, and ever-ready smile were well known to many of us.

Beyond his family ties to our school, Ty served as a dedicated Vice President and Coach with the SASS Football Club, and gave generously of his time to the Dubbo Rugby Cricket Club. Ty was also a strong supporter of St John’s. Whether it was through Lauren’s long service as our P&F President or by simply turning up with a grin to each meeting, his gentle leadership and loyal support touched many lives.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Lauren and her family, and we hold them in our thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.

Prayer for Ty and Lauren
Loving God,
We give thanks for the life of Ty Hawkins, for his generosity, his warmth, and his love for his family and community. May he now rest in your eternal peace. Surround Lauren, Max, Lily, and Andy with your comfort and strength. May they feel the embrace of our school community and know they are not alone. 

Amen.

Polding Cross Country – Good Luck!
We send our best wishes to all of our talented athletes representing our school at the Polding Cross Country Carnival tomorrow. We are proud of your dedication and spirit—run well and enjoy the experience!

P&F Meeting – Tonight at 6:30pm
Our next Parents & Friends meeting will be held tonight at 6:30pm in the staffroom. Whether you’re a regular attendee or coming for the first time, please know that you will be warmly welcomed. Your involvement helps strengthen our school and support our children.

Lockdown Drill Practice
Today, we completed a successful lockdown drill as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe, calm, and secure environment for all students and staff. These drills are a routine part of our emergency preparedness. Well done to all students for responding so responsibly.

The Feast of Pentecost – The Birth of the Church
This past weekend, we celebrated Pentecost, one of the most important feasts in the Christian calendar. Pentecost marks the moment the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, empowering them to go forth and preach the message of Jesus to all nations.

At the time, the Apostles were scared, uncertain, and in hiding. But the Spirit gave them courage, clarity, and a shared language that transcended words. It turned a frightened group into a unified Church.

Let us reflect this week on how we, too, are called to receive the Spirit—with openness, courage, and commitment—and to spread love, truth, and peace in our own ways.

Attendance Update – Week 6
We are pleased to report a slight improvement in attendance from Week 5—thank you to all students and families for your efforts! As the seasons shift and illnesses arise, your commitment to being here is noticed and appreciated.

We understand that mornings can be hectic, but being on time is more than a habit—it’s a life skill. Here’s why arriving at school between 8:20am–8:45am matters:

• ✅ Ensures students don’t miss key learning opportunities
  
• ✅ Builds a strong sense of punctuality and routine
  
• ✅ Gives children time to connect with peers before class
  
• ✅ Minimises classroom disruption
  

Please note: Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by a parent or carer.
(Ref: Compulsory School Attendance – NSW Dept of Education, Oct 2023)

We are always here to support families. If you need help in managing punctuality, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

God Bless and have a great week

Anthony O’Leary

Vinnies Winter Appeal
It is that time again - winter has set in, and we should be very aware of those within our community who persevere through cold winter days and nights without the comforts that most of us enjoy. SJP therefore, will begin our annual Vinnies Winter Appeal. This is a great time to donate much needed warm clothing, slippers, blankets etc. If you have a few things (or would like to take the opportunity to donate numerous bagfuls of outgrown clothes), we will collect them here at school and donate to Vinnies on the last day of term. Children can start bringing in donations to the 6 Blue classroom from now, until Wednesday 2nd July (Week 10).

Please see the next page for more details on our Vinnies Winter Appeal and our Vinnies Appeal Day, called Snug as a Bug in a Rug Day!

The Dubbo Saint Vincent De Paul store is especially in need of good blankets/doonas and are also looking for good furniture. If you are able to assist with the furniture, please take a photo of saleable items and forward to Lisa on mobile 0474 382 430.  

Confirmation Preparations Sessions
Parents of Year 6 students who are Catholic and have enrolled in this sacrament, please be aware that preparation sessions begin today. Students must attend all 3 sessions with a parent/guardian, which will be held at St. Brigid’s Hall. The sessions will be held over 3 upcoming weeks. Please save the date and time for the following:

Session 1: Tuesday 10th June, Wednesday 11th June, Sunday 15th June
Session 2: Tuesday 17th June, Wednesday 18th June, Sunday 22nd June
Session 3: Tuesday 24th June, Wednesday 25th June, Sunday 29th June

Tuesday sessions are held at 6:15pm, Wednesday 4:30 pm and Sunday 10am 

If you were not aware that sessions were beginning, as you have not yet received correspondence from Sacramental Coordinator Rosie Hosking, please contact her immediately on: sacraments.dubbo@cdob.org.au

Just a reminder about upcoming Grade Masses
Beginning this week, each grade will attend a Mass focussing on the late Pope Francis’ Jubilee theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’  at St. Brigid’s Church. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students and teachers to come together  to reflect, pray, and embrace hope in our shared pilgrimage of faith.

All families are invited to attend a Mass with their child’s class on the following dates:
Wednesday 11th June at 10am: Grades 5/6
Thursday 19th June at 10am: Grade 2
Wednesday 25th June at 10am: Grades 3/4
Wednesday 2nd July at 10:30 Kindergarten/Grade 1 Liturgy at SJP Hall 

MASS TIMES
St. Brigid’s Church: Saturday - 5:00pm, Sunday - 9:00am and Sunday- 5:00pm.
St. Laurence’s Church: Sunday -7:30am and Wednesday 9.30am

Enjoy your week.

Paula Clifford
Religious Education Coordinator 

Congratulations 3-6 Primary Choir
We are incredibly proud of our 3-6 Primary Choir for achieving 2nd place in this year’s eisteddfod. They represented St John’s Primary beautifully and respectfully as nearly 70  students took to the stage to perform. The adjudicator praised our song choices and the students' unison and harmony work. She commented on their clarity and that you could hear every word they were singing. Well done on a fabulous achievement! For students in Year 6, this is their last eisteddfod with us. Thank you for your leadership, enthusiasm and helping us achieve great results over the years.

As we approach Week 8 and the beginning of Eisteddfod events at St John’s Primary, I want to take a moment to celebrate the wonderful work our students have been doing in Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) preparation.

Our Kindergarten students have been busily learning and rehearsing nursery rhymes. This is an engaging and developmentally rich way to build early oral language skills. These performances are more than just sweet moments on stage; they help develop rhythm, memory, vocabulary and confidence. 

Our verse speaking choirs in Years 2, 3 and 5 have also been working with energy and creativity. It has been a true team effort as students analyse their poems together, discussing tone, pacing and meaning. They’ve come up with clever and expressive ways to deliver lines, demonstrating not just performance skills but critical thinking, collaboration and empathy, key competencies in any learning area. 

For students completing Reading Solos, the focus has been on vocal expression, clarity and confident projection, skills that support reading fluency and oral communication. 

It’s important to know that no student is ever forced to perform. We work hard to create a safe and supportive environment, where students feel encouraged to have a go, even if they’re nervous. In fact, if a child is feeling unsure, I’d always prefer they come along on the day and simply be part of the experience rather than miss out entirely—we’re here to help them feel proud, not pressured.

There’s something truly special about watching a child shine in their own way on stage, whether it’s through a whispered rhyme or a confident solo. We are proud of every student who is giving it their best and we can’t wait to see them shine in the weeks ahead.

Please take note of the following venue details:
🎭 Events at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre do require tickets to be purchased. (Years 2,3 and 5 Verse Speaking, String Ensemble)
🏫 Events held at the St John’s Primary School Hall are free and do not require a ticket. (Kindergarten Nursery Rhymes, Year 1, 4 and 6 Reading Solos, Musical Scenes)

The Programs for the Eisteddfod can be accessed here. You can see the session in which your child will be performing. (Our School information begins on page 10 and ends on page 16): https://www.dubboeisteddfod.org.au/2025-programs

Please note:
The Verse Speaking section runs as a single, continuous session, beginning at 10 am. Performances proceed in order of age group: Kindergarten–Year 2, followed by Years 3–4, and then Years 5–6.

For Reading Solos and Nursery Rhymes (held at St John’s Primary), each session has a start time (information found on the St John’s Primary School 2025 Eisteddfod Schedule table or in the program), but we cannot provide exact times for each group or individual performance. This is because the pace of the session can vary depending on how long each item takes.

If you’d like to ensure you see your child perform, please arrive by the session’s advertised start time. Thank you for your understanding and support. This format has been shared in our newsletter since the beginning of term.

Tickets can be purchased from DRTCC Box Office or ordered online – please see details below

Admission: $6 (adults, seniors, pensioners and children 6 years and over) Order your tickets online at:

1. https://drtcc.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales
2. Type in Search - Eisteddfod
3. Select which session you wish to attend 
4. Payment of your tickets. (Please note: you will have 20 minutes to complete your transaction)

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Mrs King
k.king1@bth.catholic.edu.au

Wellbeing News
SPB4L Focus: Appropriate Use of School Toilets

As part of this fortnight’s Wellbeing News, our SPB4L (School-wide Positive Behaviour for Learning) focus is on the appropriate and respectful use of school toilets. Maintaining clean, safe, and private toilet spaces is everyone’s responsibility, and we’re encouraging students to make thoughtful choices in these shared areas.

Students have been reminded of the following key expectations:

• Toilets are not play areas—games belong in the playground.
• Use the toilet when needed, then leave promptly.
• Wait for friends outside the toilet area.
• No food or drinks in the toilets.
• One person per cubicle—always.
• Flush after use.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, and turn taps off
• Keep the floor dry and use toilet paper appropriately.
• Return to class quickly and quietly.
• Always respect others’ privacy.

By following these simple yet important behaviours, we create a more positive and respectful environment for everyone at school.

Thank you for reinforcing these expectations at home and supporting our wellbeing goals.

Dear Parents,
Your child is invited to take part in the 2025 International Competitions & Assessments for Schools (ICAS), which will be held during August 2025. Competitions are offered in English, Maths, Spelling, Science, Digital Technologies and Writing.  
Please be aware that entry for these competitions is not compulsory and entry is left to the parents’/caregivers discretion.  Students may enter one, some or all of the assessment examinations.

Please be aware - St Johns Primary cannot make entries into ICAS competitions on behalf of parents or students. All entries into ICAS need to be made by parents or caregivers before the listed closing date which is set by ICAS. Please note - St John’s Primary does not have any jurisdiction on dates and timeframes that are set by the ICAS organisers. 
Please note - not all ICAS assessments are available for Year 2 to participate in.   
All participating students receive a Certificate and an individual Results Letter indicating which questions they answered correctly, as well as the average mark for their state. 
The competition is an initiative of the Educational Testing Centre of the University of New South Wales and is a not for profit organisation.

Regards
Adam Foley
Assistant Principal

2025 ICAS Dates
Year level /Subject /Sitting Date/ Cost (AU$)

• Yr 3-6 Digital Technologies on 4-8 Aug cost $20.95

• Yr 3-6 Writing on 4-8 Aug cost $24.95

• Yr 2-6 English on 11-15 Aug cost  $20.95

• Yr 2-6 Science on 18-22 Aug cost $20.95

• Yr 2-6 Spelling Bee on 18-22 Aug cost $20.95

• Yr 2-6 Mathematics 25-29 Aug cost $20.95

Please note - Writing and Digital Technologies ICAS Assessments are available for students in Yr 3 - 6 only.
Mathematics, English, Science and Spelling Bee ICAS assessments are available for students in Yr 2 - 6. 
ICAS Prices per assessment, payable at time of entry on the PPS
Please note, St John’s Primary cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments.
Read the terms and conditions here.

Primary Athletics Carnival 2025 – Important Information
Our annual Primary Athletics Carnival is fast approaching, and we are looking forward to an exciting day of sportsmanship, competition, and fun for all students in Years 3–6.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 1st July 2025 (Week 10)
• Venue: Barden Park on Fitzroy Street

As the carnival is part of the PDHPE program, attendance is compulsory for all students in Years 3–6.
Please note that buses will not be running for this event.

• Drop-off: Students are to arrive at Barden Park between 8:20 am and 8:45 am
• Pick-up: Students can be collected from the venue at 2:30pm

Events & Participation
All students will participate in their age group’s 100m race. 
The other running events that students can enter include the 200m, 800m, and 1500m races. These will be grouped as follows:

• Juniors: 8, 9 & 10 years

• 11 Years

• Seniors: 12 & 13 years

Field event eliminations for Shot Put, Discus, Long Jump, and High Jump will be held at school prior to the carnival. The top 7 competitors in each event will go on to compete in the finals on carnival day.

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in both track and field events will qualify to represent St John’s Primary at the Northern Region Athletics Carnival, also at Barden Park, on Wednesday, 30th July.

Parent Helpers Needed
To ensure the day runs smoothly, we are seeking parent helpers to assist with timekeeping and field events. Lunch and refreshments will be provided for all volunteers.Please email Mrs Emma Mills if you can assist throughout the day e.mills1@bth.catholic.edu.au

K-2 Athletics Carnival
We are excited to announce that the K–2 Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday, 1st July 2025 at Barden Park. This fun-filled day will give our youngest students the chance to enjoy a variety of physical activities and showcase their energy and enthusiasm!

Students will travel to Barden Park by bus, departing school at 11:00 am and returning by 2:00pm. 

A special note for Year 2 students turning 8 this year: These students will be participating in their age races and are eligible to try out for field events at school. A Compass post with more information was sent out last Friday. 

 Any year 2’s who have qualified for the field events from the school trials  will need to make their own way to Barden Park and be there after 8:30am. 

We are seeking parent helpers to assist on the day. If you're available and willing to lend a hand, please contact the school office or email Mrs Mills e.mills1@bth.catholic.edu.au.

Beanie for Brain and NRL Jersey Cancer Day
Our school is proud to be hosting Mark Hughes Beanie for Brain Cancer Day on Friday 27th of June. 

Our school’s goal is to raise $1000 for the Mark Hughes Foundation. This foundation raises money to support critical research through the Mark Hughes Foundation, which is working tirelessly to improve treatment options, fund research, and ultimately, find a cure for brain cancer.

We have set up a ‘SJP Dubbo’  fundraising page where donations can be made. 

https://mark-hughes-foundation.grassrootz.com/beanieforbraincancer2025/sjp-dubbo

The 2025 Mark Hughes Foundation beanies are here! Check them out at the retailers below if you would like to support the cause or simply grab a cozy new beanie!

• IGA South Dubbo has them available to purchase for $29
• Mark Hughes Foundation site to purchase beanies and other items (caps, scarves, socks, hoodies etc) 

https://shop.markhughesfoundation.com.au/collections/all-products

*note - you do not need to purchase a specific Mark Hughes Foundation beanie to participate in the fundraising day.