Term 3, Week 3

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 3 Dates
Week 3
Monday 4th August - Year 6 Excursion to Canberra
Tuesday 5th August - Year 6 Excursion to Canberra
Wednesday 6th August - Year 6 Excursion to Canberra
Wednesday 6th August - Masonic Village Visit for 4Gold
Week 4
Monday 11th August - Book Week 2025 competitions launch! 
Monday 11th August - Bulling No Way Week!
Friday 15th August - Feast of the Assumption Mass, 10am at St Brigid's
Week 5
Monday 18th August - Book Week, Book an Adventure
Thursday 21st August - Book Week Parade - time to be confirmed.
Friday 22nd August - Bathurst Primary Diocese Athletics Carnival

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.

NAPLAN Results
Years 3 and 5 NAPLAN results will be sent home on Thursday, 31st July 2025 with your child. 

PACER Rebate
Year 6 students from our school will soon be undertaking, an education tour of the national capital. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

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. 

• Friday, 8th August - St Laurence's Soccer Gala Day
  

Welcome to Week 3

🎭 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical
A celebration of talent, imagination and teamwork at St John's

Over two magical nights, our school came alive with colour, music, and imagination as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical took to the stage. Audiences were treated to a world of wonder and whimsy, thanks to the exceptional efforts of our students, staff, and families.

Our Monday GOLD cast and Tuesday BLUE cast both delivered outstanding performances that showcased not only their acting and musical talent but also their ability to work together, support one another, and light up the stage with joy.

🌟 A Round of Applause for Our Lead Casts
Charlie Bucket – Congratulations to Angus Chamberlin (Gold) and Henoch Chacko (Blue), whose sincerity and quiet courage as Charlie warmed the hearts of the entire audience.

Willy Wonka – A huge bravo to Jessica Ibe (Gold) and Angus Sutton (Blue) for their incredible portrayal of the eccentric and mysterious Wonka. Their stage presence, wit, and musical timing were remarkable.

Augustus Gloop – Maddie Bleechmore (Gold) and Charlie McPherson (Blue) delivered hilarious and lively performances as the chocolate-loving Augustus — chewing the scenery in all the best ways!

Violet Beauregarde – Zahlia Fisher (Gold) and Camille Pereira (Blue) gave confident, sassy portrayals of gum-chewing Violet, bringing flair and attitude to every scene.

Veruca Salt – Bella Beard (Gold) and Veera Khamar (Blue) fully embraced the demanding and dramatic Veruca, balancing comedy and choreography with ease.

Mike Teevee – Logan Nankivell (Blue) showed fantastic energy and comic timing in the role of tech-obsessed Mike, drawing plenty of laughs with his antics.

Mrs Bucket – Lilly Hanson (Gold) and Chelsea Zukauskas (Blue) brought warmth and care to the role of Charlie’s devoted mother.

Grandpa Joe – Rihaana Jose (Blue) offered a touching performance, capturing the wonder and wisdom of the beloved grandparent.

Mrs Gloop – Lilly McPherson (Blue) added humour and drama in her portrayal of Augustus’s doting and over-indulgent mother.

Mrs Beauregarde – Luxi Liu (Blue) was commanding and stylish in her role as Violet’s competitive mum.

Mr/Mrs Salt – Adelaide McPherson (Blue) balanced poise and precision in supporting Veruca’s on-stage demands.

Mrs Teevee – Holly O’Halloran (Gold) and Kiah Fogle (Blue) both captured the exasperation and eccentricity of Mike’s overwhelmed mum.

Jerry the Newsman & Cherry the News Lady – Jathun Seeralan and Sienna Grant were energetic and expressive, helping drive the story forward with professionalism.

🍫 Ensemble Excellence and Scene Stealers
A huge congratulations to our Lead Oompa Loompas – Lauren Wonderley, Lottie Heywood, Paige Taylor, Claire Warman, Lewi Amos, Scarlett Croft, Hunter Jenkins, Kate McKechnie, and Andi Large – whose dancing, timing, and ensemble presence brought humour, magic, and movement to every factory scene.

We also applaud Arlie Hanson and Abby Horsfall for their key supporting role as Mrs Green, guiding and anchoring key transitions in the production.

Special recognition goes to:

• Grandma Josephine – Manaia Pereira
• Grandma Georgina – Ruby Lindsay and Ruby Robinson
• Grandpa George – Jackoby Hanson and Kobie Schneider

The Gum Chompin’ Divas – Ellisyn Smith, Lucy Roberts, Ava Schneider, Molly Rohr, Georgia Beven, and Mia Ubergang – dazzled with their attitude and rhythm, leaving a memorable impression on audiences.

And finally, our fabulous Reporters – Dimity Kerr, Elouise Williams, Brooklyn Dowton, Cali Dowton, and Skyli Perera – brought excitement and flair to their scenes, making the golden ticket frenzy feel larger than life.

🎬 Behind the Scenes: The Charlie Team
No production of this scale succeeds without the tireless efforts of the staff and crew. We sincerely thank:

• Directors: Mrs Karyn King, Mrs Amber Lees, and Mrs Laura Emery
  
  
• Floor Manager: Mrs Christenson
  
  
• Set Manager: Mr Bradford
  
  
• Music & Light Control: Nikita and Gabby Jones
  
  
• Script & Acting Guide: Mrs T. Jones
  
  
• Spotlights: Mrs Campbell and Miss Rousell
  
  
• Backstage Managers: Mr Fernando, Mr Thomas, and Ben Armstrong

And of course, thank you to all our class teachers and support staff for their incredible assistance in costuming, rehearsals, supervision, and cheerleading.

👏 A Standing Ovation
To our entire community — students, staff, and families — thank you. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was more than a performance. It was a celebration of our school’s creativity, collaboration, and spirit.

Together, we created something unforgettable. Bravo!

Congratulations to Our Newly Confirmed Students
Last weekend, many of our students received the Sacrament of Confirmation — a sacred milestone in their faith journey. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of them and their families. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to guide and strengthen them in all they do.

🙏 A Prayer for Our Confirmed Students
Come, Holy Spirit,
Fill the hearts of your faithful,
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
And You shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,
Did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
Grant that by the same Holy Spirit,
We may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us continue to keep these young people in our prayers as they grow in faith and love.

🏉 AFL Girls Shine at State Finals
Well done to our Girls AFL Team who competed at the NSW State Finals in Sydney with strength and skill. With one win and one draw, they did us proud on and off the field — demonstrating teamwork, determination, and spirit.

🖤💛❤️ NAIDOC Week – Celebrating Culture
Thank you to all who contributed to our vibrant NAIDOC celebrations. Mr Fernando led a beautiful program, supported by thoughtful planning from Mrs Green, whom we missed on the day. A special thank you to our guests who shared stories, language, dance, and culture — helping us walk together in truth and respect.

🏃‍♀️ Northern Region Athletics
Congratulations to all St John’s athletes who represented the school at last Wednesday’s Northern Region Athletics Carnival. Your effort, sportsmanship, and school spirit were outstanding!

🏛️ ❄️ Year 6 Canberra Excursion
This week our Year 6 students are exploring our nation’s capital! Highlights include the War Memorial, Parliament House, Questacon, and a snow park adventure. It’s a powerful opportunity for our students to learn through experience and grow as leaders.

Gospel Reading
Luke 12:13-21
A person's life does not consist of possessions.

Family Connection
Family life helps us learn about the values of solidarity and the common good. As a family, we strive to respect the rights of each family member and make decisions that promote the common good of the family. Talk about what it would be like if the family ordered a pizza and then divided it unevenly, with some members getting as many pieces as they wanted while others got only a half slice. Talk about how you work to make sure that everyone in the family has his or her fair share.

Talk about how your family is also a member of the human family, called to share the goods of creation fairly and justly. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to remember that the goods of the world are intended to be shared by all. Read aloud Luke 12:13-21. Talk about the parable of the rich fool and ask family members to describe what they think he did wrong. Emphasize that although the man in the story doesn't seem bad, Jesus points out that this man's flaw was that he was thinking only about himself and his own comfort and security.

God bless and have a great week
Anthony

Mary MacKillop Liturgy
Next Monday 11th August, SJP will celebrate the life of Saint Mary MacKillop with a Liturgy at 10:30am in the school hall. As Mary MacKillop is Australia's first saint, celebrating her Feast Day is of great importance to Catholics. The Liturgy will be hosted by Year 5 and all school community members are invited to attend this Liturgy.

Feast of the Assumption of Mary
Next Friday 15th August, we will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary at St. Brigid’s Church at 10am. SJP will combine with St. Pius X to celebrate this special Mass which is a significant day in the Catholic Church calendar - a holy day of obligation, meaning Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass. The Mass will honour our belief that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. All community members are invited to attend the Mass.

Sacrament of First Holy Communion/Eucharist
This week, preparation sessions will continue for students receiving the sacrament of First Holy Communion/Eucharist. A reminder that there is an expectation that you and your child attend all 3 sessions.

Session 2: Tuesday 5th August, Wednesday 6th August, Sunday 10th August
Session 3: Tuesday 12th August, Wednesday 13th August, Sunday 17th August

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

Parents, if you are yet to receive an email from Sacramental Coordinator Rosalie Hosking, please contact her asap on sacraments.dubbo@cdob.org.au

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 

State Final Success at the Paul Kelly Cup
Another rainy AFL day didn’t stop our girls from giving it their absolute best at the Paul Kelly Cup State Final in Sydney! They battled hard through the wet weather and came 3rd in their pool, finishing an impressive 5th in the state overall! An incredible achievement and a testament to their grit, talent and teamwork.

Mr T and I couldn’t be prouder. The girls showed outstanding sportsmanship, character and determination throughout the day, and each one should be incredibly proud of their efforts. 

A massive thank you to all the parents and family members who travelled to support us. Your encouragement means so much!

 And a special shout-out to the Dubbo Demons for your help with training. Your support played a big part in our success!

Northern Region Athletics Carnival
Last week, our talented athletes  participated in the Northern Region Athletics Carnival. Despite the cold and rainy conditions, our students shined on the track and in the field, giving their very best in every event. 

Well done to the following students who placed in their events and will now be part of the Northern Region team to compete at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Dubbo on the 22nd of August. We wish them the best of luck as they prepare for the next level of competition.

Scarlett , Harvey, Malaki, Oliver, Joe, Charlie, Nate, Ryder, Amarli, Iylah, Ava, Abby, Isabelle, Bella, Sam, Savi, Zac, Alexander and Georgia.

Our Junior Girls and Junior Boys relay teams have both qualified for the Diocesan Athletics Carnival by coming 2nd in their relay races. 

A special congratulations goes to Abby and Oliver, who both took out the 11 Years Age Championship - what  an incredible achievement!

Well done to all our athletes – you represented our school with pride!

Jump Rope for Heart 
It’s been fantastic to see so many students picking up a rope and skipping during their break times! Not only are they having fun, but they’re also giving their hearts a healthy workout. Every jump helps to build fitness, coordination, and strong hearts.

Want to keep the skipping going at home? Try out this new skill challenge with your child this week – it's a great way to stay active

Younger students might want to try this by doing the cross over without using a rope.

St Laurence’s Soccer Gala Day
Excitement is building as our students from years 2 -6 are getting ready to participate in the Soccer Gala Day this Friday! It will be a great day of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun on the field.

Information has been sent out, on compass,  to the families of students who nominated within their classes.

A reminder that no soccer boots are to be worn.

Any parents or caregivers who are willing to assist on the day please contact  Mrs Mills e.mills1@bth.catholic.edu.au