Term 2, Week 10 - 2025

Principal's Message

Hi everyone,

As Term 2 comes to a close, we celebrate the wonderful learning and growth that has taken place across the school. Our Spelling Bee was a fantastic showcase of student confidence and progress, and it was great to see so many children giving it a go. We've also seen strong growth in writing across all stages, with students developing their ideas, vocabulary, and stamina.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Athletics Carnival and Stage 3 camp fundraising efforts – both were a great success and a lot of fun! We wish all our families a safe and happy holiday break. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, 22 July, for the start of Term 3.

Gospel Reflection – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of the Good Samaritan—a powerful story about kindness, compassion, and loving our neighbour. Jesus teaches us that everyone we meet is our neighbour, and that love is shown through our actions, especially when we care for others in need.

Let us pray:

Loving God,
Help us to see others through Your eyes.
Teach us to be kind, to show compassion, and to lend a helping hand when someone is hurting.
May we follow the example of the Good Samaritan and share Your love in all that we do.
Amen.

Kindy 2026 Information Sessions

We are excited to announce two Parent Information Sessions for families interested in Kindergarten 2026. These sessions will be held on Monday, 4th August from 9:30–10:30 am and 5:30–6:30 pm with babysitting provided at the evening session (please note that we are making two times available, but the content of both sessions will be the same). Come along to learn more about what makes Mt St John’s the place to be—a welcoming community, dedicated staff, and a strong focus on faith and learning. We look forward to meeting you! 

Mini Mounties

We are excited to announce that we are now advertising and accepting enrolments for our Mini Mounties Transition Program, which begins on Wednesday, 13th August.

This program is designed to support children as they prepare for Kindergarten, offering a gentle and engaging introduction to school life. If you or someone you know has a child starting school in 2026, we encourage you to get in touch with the office for more information or to secure a place. Everyone is welcome - come and see what Mt St John's has to offer!

Parent Community Group Meeting

We warmly invite all parents to join us for our Parent Community Group Meeting at 5:30 pm on Monday 28th July. This will be a great opportunity to hear about some exciting new initiatives aimed at promoting student engagement, as well as to provide feedback on our draft Behaviour Management Plan. Your input is highly valued, and we’d love to see you there!

Stage 3 Fundraising

Following the Parent Community Group Meeting, we will be holding a short meeting for all Stage 3 parents to discuss fundraising plans for the Stage 3 camp, which is coming up in Week 9 of Term 3. We’d love your support and ideas to help make this a memorable experience for our students.

Have a happy and safe holiday,

Deb

School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP)

As part of our ongoing School Improvement journey and our focus on Enlivened Catholic Identity, the staff have been working together to realign and refine our whole-school approach to pastoral care and behaviour management. This work is grounded in our core school values of Respect, Kindness, and Learning, ensuring that every aspect of student wellbeing and behaviour support reflects the kind of community we strive to be.

We are currently refining our framework to support positive behaviour and nurture each child’s sense of belonging and responsibility. Early next term, we will share a draft version of this new approach with families and invite your feedback. Your voice is important in shaping a shared vision for how we support all students to flourish, both personally and as learners.

MSJ Spelling Bee

Congratulations to our Super Spellers, who were the winners of last week's Spelling Bee:

Kindergarten - Levi Frazer

Year 1 - Phoebe Sheridan

Year 2 - Charlotte Wickham

Year 3 - Evie Jackson

Year 4 - Aurora Williams

Year 5 - Ollie H

Year 6 - Jinky Ware

Zone Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to our team of athletes who represented our school at the Zone Athletics Carnival in Coffs on Wednesday; Rokko, Tom, Piper, Reuben, Valentino, Ember, Aria, Samo, Jules, Hunter, Eden, Ahlia, Seth, Natalie, Matilda, Abby M, Ruby, Ethan, Darcy, Lucie and Aurora.

A huge WELL DONE to Ruby and Hunter, who have both progressed to the Diocesan Athletics Carnival next term for Shot Put. 

Student Awards

Congratulations to this fortnight's Award winners!

Stage 3 Excursion Fundraisers

Thank you for supporting us in our Term 2 fundraisers! We have made over $7000 so far, which is a really fantastic effort.

Winners of the Mega Lamb Raffle, which was drawn today, are:

1st prize - 1 whole cut up lamb - Clayton McKinnon

2nd prize - 1 whole cut up lamb - Drew Martin

3rd prize - 1/2 cut up lamb - Mitchell Beaumont

4th prize - 1/2 cut up lamb - Michelle Newton

5th prize - 1/2 cut up lamb - Larney Francis

6th prize - 1/2 cut up lamb - Cody Beaumont

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

Cake Trolley Fundraiser

As another fundraiser for the Stage 3 Excursion to Canberra, we will be holding a Cake Trolley fundraiser in Week 3 of next term on Friday 8th August.

We will be calling for donations of home-made (no shop-bought items please) fancy cakes, slices or biscuits to be sent in to school on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning, and a team of workers will slice them up and arrange them on trays. The cake trays will be sold at local businesses for $15 (or $20 for a large tray) each. Gluten free trays will be available. We have some talented bakers in our school community, so please give this very popular fundraiser your support!

If your business would like to order a tray, please contact the school. 

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 Vale Dimarco. Vale is a shining light at Mount St John's. He demonstrates an excellent work ethic and works diligently to find creative solutions to problems.

NAIDOC on the Plateau Celebrations

All school students on the Plateau have been invited to participate in the 2025 NAIDOC celebrations at Dorrigo High School (DHS) on Wednesday 30th July. The 2025 NAIDOC theme is Strength, Vision & Legacy.

This day sees all school students from within the area come together to celebrate Indigenous Australian culture, both past and present. Students will engage in a variety of activities including language awareness, canvas painting and craft.  

Students will need to bring recess, lunch and a bottle of water. 

Students are to be dropped off and picked up from DHS on the day. Those students who catch buses must get off their bus at the High School in the morning. Normal teacher supervision will be provided by Mt St John’s school staff. Students can be dropped off at DHS after 8:30 am & collected at 3:05 pm at the conclusion of the day. 

A reminder that permission for this event must be given in Compass.

What's On in Term 3

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

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 now 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

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. 

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 

School Holiday Activities at Dorrigo Library

Please see below information on the July school holiday activities at Bellingen, Dorrigo & Urunga libraries. For students aged 10+ there is also a black out art activity running.

Sydney Swans AFLW team in Coffs Harbour THIS WEEKEND

As part of the upcoming Sydney Swans AFLW Community Camp in Coffs Harbour, we’re hosting two exciting AFL programs as part of the day for children aged 12 and under.

These programs are a great way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and have fun with friends during the holidays.

 All Girls Holiday Camp
For girls aged 12 and under
 9:30am–3:30pm
Just $20 using code: B34C9E16
 Register: All Girls Camp Link

 Junior Superclinic (Boys & Girls)
 2:30pm–3:30pm
Free to attend!
 Register: Superclinic Link

Both sessions will take place at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium as part of a broader community celebration with the Sydney Swans AFLW team. These programs are inclusive, beginner-friendly, and a great way for kids to try AFL in a welcoming environment. They’ll also get to meet the Sydney Swans AFLW squad.

In addition to the above, the are some opportunities available to adults on the day which are free to participate in and will assist participants better understand the game. Please feel free to register  below or share around your networks. 

Coach Your Way (Girls Only) – Rookie Coaching Program – 11:30am to 1:00pm
Register (Free): https://afl.androgogic.com.au/blocks/androgogic_catalogue/view.php?id=784
 
Girls in Green (Girls Only) – Intro to Umpiring – 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Register (Free): https://www.cognitoforms.com/aflnswactumpiringdepartment/girlsingreenexpressionofinterestcoffsharbour
 
Coaching Q&A with Scott Gowans (Open to all) – 2.30pm to 3:30pm
Head coach of Sydney Swans AFLW team.
(Free) Finger food provided + drink on entry. RSVP by sending me an email. 

Coffs Harbour NAIDOC Basketball Event

Celebrating NAIDOC these school holidays in Coffs Harbour, with a fun inclusive FREE school holiday basketball 3x3 event for everyone!

Coffs Harbour’s NAIDOC DEADLY MOB 3x3 Basketball Gala is back this July! 
"3X3 Duumbay Guja Girrwaawa" – Let’s Play Ball Together!

Join us for a fun-filled, inclusive day celebrating the spirit of NAIDOC through basketball!  Whether you’re a baller or just starting out, this event is for everyone — all ages, skill levels and cultures welcome.  

 What’s On:
 Skills sessions for kids aged 5–10
 3x3 basketball tournaments in these divisions:
- Under 12s (Born 2014–2016)
- Under 14s (Born 2012–2013)
- Under 16s (Born 2010–2011)
- Opens (Born 2009 & earlier)
 Shooting comps & mini-games
 Live music, entertainment, food, and deadly prizes!

 Event Details:
 Saturday, 12 July 2025
 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
 Sportz Central, 74a Bray Street, Coffs Harbour

 Registrations close 4pm on 11 July 2025
 Register your team now: https://bnsw.info/BNSWNAIDOCGala

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.