Term 3, Week 6 - 2025

Principal's Message

Hi everyone,

What another great fortnight it has been at Mt St John’s! Our school continues to shine with a strong sense of community spirit, and I am grateful for the way families, staff, and students support one another. 

Sunday’s Gospel – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that following Him isn’t always easy—it takes courage and conviction. Sometimes making the right choices, showing kindness, and standing up for what is good can feel challenging, but Jesus promises to be with us, helping us to stay strong in our faith.

Prayer
Loving God,
Thank You for always walking with us.
Give us the courage to make good choices,
to be kind even when it is difficult,
and to shine with the light of Your love.
Amen.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the ACEC Conference in Cairns with other Catholic principals. A strong theme was the importance of parent and student engagement in building thriving schools. The research shared confirmed what we already know here at Mt St John’s—that when families and students are actively involved, learning is deeper, relationships are stronger, and our Catholic identity is lived out in meaningful ways. I look forward to working with you all to further strengthen these partnerships within our school community.

Kind regards,
Deb

School Annual Improvement Plan (SAIP)

As part of our Annual School Improvement Plan (SAIP), we are collaboratively developing school values that include learning, faith, and wellbeing. After gathering input from parents, teachers, and students—and carefully aligning this feedback with the values of the Catholic Church and the charism of the Presentation Sisters—we have finalised our school values: Respect, Responsibility, Relationships, and Resilience. 

This fortnight at Mt St John’s, we are focusing on Respect.

Respect is one of our core values, and it helps our school be a safe, happy, and welcoming place for everyone. At Mt St John’s, showing respect means doing what you are asked straight away and without complaint. This shows that we trust our teachers, value our classmates, and are willing to contribute to a positive learning environment.

When we follow instructions quickly and cheerfully, we:

• Keep ourselves and others safe

• Make learning time smooth and productive

• Show kindness and consideration to those around us

We encourage families to talk about Respect at home and share examples of how we can practise it in daily life – whether that’s helping out without being asked, listening carefully to others, or saying “yes” with a smile when given a task.

Together, we can build a culture where Respect is not just a word but something we live every day.

Canteen News - Thanks & Farewell Kerry!

We say a very fond farewell and thank you to Kerry Miller, our wonderful Canteen Supervisor. Kerry’s home baking – especially her famous brownies – will be greatly missed by students and staff alike! We are so grateful for the time, care and love she has poured into our school community.

In the interim, Emma Francis will be managing the canteen until the position can be advertised and filled. We will keep you posted on updates.

Fathers' Day Breakfast

We are hosting a Fathers' Day breakfast next Friday 5th September here at school, starting at 7:30am. All students and their fathers, grandfathers and father figures are welcome! 

On the menu for our dads will be bacon and egg rolls, tea and coffee; and for students there will be our usual Friday breakfast of toast, fruit and milo.

Please send in a photo of you with your dad/ grandfather/father figure for our special photo display, and don't forget to enter the selfie competition!

Book Week & Book Fair

Our Book Week & Book Fair last week was a great success, as always! Our goal for the Book Fair was to raise $1,200 - and we exceeded this amount, raising $1,300!! This means we can take 30% of this amount in books for the school library. Thank you to all those who supported this year's Fair by purchasing products, and special thanks to those people who volunteered to help with the set-up - Amy Johnson, Ashlee Follett, Angela Jackson & Sharnee Smith.

Friday's Book Character Parade was once again a highlight, with students and staff dressing as their favourite book characters. We loved welcoming a big crowd of familes and friends who came to watch the parade.

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Mini Mounties

We have welcomed our Mini Mounties students for the past couple of weeks, and there is so much excitement every Wednesday at “big school"!

There are still places available, so if you know anyone with a school-aged child starting Kindergarten in 2026, encourage them to come along to Mini Mounties and see what Mt St John’s has to offer.

Student Awards

Congratulations to this fortnight's Award winners!

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 Natalie Macey. Natalie is kind, takes on feedback, and is a great role model who lives out our values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Relationships. 

Stage 3 Fundraiser - Fathers' Day Raffle & Wood Raffle

Our last fundraisers for the Stage 3 excursion to Canberra are underway. We have a Fathers' Day raffle with some great prizes displayed in the front office, and a final wood raffle.

Both raffles will be drawn on Saturday 6th September after the Dorrigo Markets, as we will have a stall at the markets. Please support these efforts if you are able to!

Tickets for both raffles are $5 each or 3 for $10 and are also available at the school office.

What's On in Term 3

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 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

2026 School Fees

We have been informed by the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited that there will be a slight increase in school fees in 2026 - see letter below.

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. 

RUOK Day Walk

RUOK Day is the second Thursday in September each year. A walk on RUOK day was started two years ago with a walk from Coronation Park (the log park) to Dangar Falls and return.

The walk starts from 4 pm through 6.00 pm and return transport from Dangar will be available for those only wanting to walk one way. The Lions Club will be selling sausage and steak sandwiches at Coronation Park on return.

This is a great opportunity to come and participate on your own and walk with whoever you meet or bring a friend, a group, or your dog. This is a free event; however the Lions Club will be charging for their food. It all starts with a conversation and you never know just who you may help and start a great friendship.

Free EmergencyRedi Workshop in Urunga

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 

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.

Messy Church is on this Sunday 31st August from 4-6pm - see flyer below.