LENT – WHAT DOES IT MEAN? FASTING, PRAYER and ALMSGIVING

 I see so many diet options in today’s world all claiming to be the best option for a healthier life. Some of my friends have tried the 5:2 diet where you fast for 2 days and eat normally for 5. This is NOT new. In ancient Roman times the Lenten fast rules were to abstain from eating from Monday to Friday.

Throughout the centuries religions around the world have used fasting, not only for weight loss and health, but for other things. It helps us to break bad habits, it retunes our ability to listen to our body and it can be enormously powerful to train the mind.

As we enter this 2024 Lenten season of prayer, penance and good works we focus on the preparation for the celebration of Easter. Easter is the major celebration and peak time in our Church calendar and the preparation period of Easter is crucial to understanding and obtaining the full meaning.

After the ‘legalisation’ of Christianity in Rome, in A.D. 313 Lenten fasting and Easter preparations become more regularised. The 40-day Lenten period is likewise a special number. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai preparing to receive the 10 Commandments. Elijah spent 40 days walking to Mount Horeb and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert.

While fasting often dominates the discussion around Lent, equally important are prayer and almsgiving. Prayer is often what sustains us in times of turmoil in our lives. This comforting presence is one that we can rely on at all times. Almsgiving or supporting those less fortunate is also a significant part of Lent. I urge all families to embrace this season, support Project Compassion and look within, to your core values, and without, in service of others.

Please check with your local Parish for service times. (Link in this Newsletter)

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY – So Wonderful and so sad

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women's rights movement. IWD gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

 I grew up in Blacktown, Doonside actually. It was a tough but wonderful life full of sport, mates, family and life. We didn’t have a lot living in a war service home –similar to todays Housing Commission. You also got lots of bruises growing up there in Doonside, but you didn’t cry. That wasn’t accepted.

 In February 2020, I sat at home and cried, more seeping but still very emotional. I was watching the funeral of Hannah Clark and her three children, Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey, as a result of domestic violence (DV) by her estranged husband in a Brisbane suburb. I could not fathom how that could happen. What feelings and thoughts could lead to this sort of action.

IWD asks men and women to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements - not only for one day, but every day.

In a country like Australia how do these things happen? Why does God let them happen? I don’t think that God can stop them, but only make the aftermath more bearable. God is there to console us and comfort us.

Sadly at St John’s we have some students who have lived in homes or witnessed DV in their lives. Such unacceptable acts can damage young children and their understanding of what a family life should look like. We work closely with all of our students to provide an environment that sustains growth in learning and character.

One of the hardest aspects of DV is knowing someone who is going through it and having them ask us not to interfere. I don’t think it is an option, we need to save lives and act.

IWD looks at the rights of women across the world. In Australia we are more equitable than most countries, but more can still be done. As we celebrate IWD in 2024 on 8^th March, please make an effort to connect to your mothers, wives and grandmothers and other women in your lives. Make them feel. Appreciated and thank them for their role in our lives.

SOUTH COAST REGISTER ARTICLE - PLANS AND ASPIRATIONS FROM THE CAPTAINS AND VICE CAPTAINS

Below is the article that ran in the South Coast Register on Wednesday 28 February featuring St John's captains, vice captains and school leaders. 

Principal

NAPLAN

Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is undertaken by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
NAPLAN 2024 will take place from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March.
NAPLAN is just one part of our school learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school.

In preparation for NAPLAN, our school will undertake activities to help students become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.
The public demonstration site ( https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site) is available to see the types of questions, tools and functions used in the NAPLAN tests.
Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website
(https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/naplan/parent-information).

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact Mr Mark Malady (Learning Technologies Coordinator).

Mrs Lisa Murphy
Curriculum Coordinator

FR MICHAEL'S MUSINGS

PARISH VISITATION: Bishop Brian Mascord will be present for a Parish Visitation on 7/8 March & 16/17 March 2024. The bishop has sent a document outlining the various areas he would like to address with the Parish Priest, the Senior Parish Leadership Team (SLT) and their teams, parish employees,  other parish leaders and the Parish Mission Council.  I consider all the pre-listed as part of the governance structure of Milton Parish. Additionally, any parishioner or friend of the parish is welcome to participate actively in the Parish Visitation. A full copy of the Visitation Program is posted on parish notice boards and available in coming weeks through electronic mailout of the Parish Bulletin.

In particular, I invite all parishioners and friends to participate in an interactive workshop with Bishop Brian on Saturday 16 March from 9 am – 12.30 pm at St Mary’s School Hall, Corks Lane Milton. In a synodal way, we will explore the “life, health and direction” of our parish. During the morning, the bishop will unpack Come and See – Go and Make, three documents which articulate a vision for Diocese of Wollongong (DOW) parishes, Catholic schools, and social outreach programs. These Come and see – Go and Make documents will be distributed at the workshop. An offer was made last December to distribute the documents to anyone wanting them. Notwithstanding, our SLT chose to distribute the documents during a process designed to assist people appreciate their worth. The Parish Visitation provides this opportunity. In the meantime, the documents can be viewed at:

https://www.dow.org.au/wp-content/uploads/CSGM_Vision-for-Parishes_WEB.pdf. and the video to accompany them viewed at:

https://www.dow.org.au/

Bishop Brian has identified possible topics to be addressed during the Visitation process which can assist me as pastor, and the parish community to assess the Milton Parish: 1. Pastoral care & communication; 2. Liturgy; 3. Staffing of parish; 4. Parish site and facilities; 5. Ecumenism – interfaith; 6. Inter-parish activities; 7. Deanery; 8. Assistance from bishop; 9. Financial matters; 10. Records; 11. Other matters.

Under each of the above headings there is a list of criteria to consider. I will write a report using these criteria, to give an accounting of my/our stewardship of the parish. SLT members are also writing individual reports about their jurisdictions. If any parishioner/parish friend wishes to write to me or an SLT member about the above assessment categories, please do so. A copy of the criteria for each category will be sent electronically in the lead up to the Parish Visitation.

During the Parish Visitation I will revisit with the bishop and others my 2021 Leadership Growth Performance Appraisal Report, particularly the Report Recommendations. Let’s assess how I/we are progressing as the Pilgrim People of God, who desire to “put out into the deep” as missionary disciples, and as Bearers’ of Christ’s Love. There will be no shortage of grist for the Visitation mill.

My prayerful hope is that a process I requested  5 years ago, viz. a Parish Visitation, will be a formative experience for every parishioner and friend of Milton Parish. Many know of my passion for ensuring ongoing formation for all ages, humanly, spiritually, intellectually, and pastorally. In my view, these four areas, often listed as essential dimensions for seminary formation, apply to all the baptised faithful who all share in the priesthood of the faithful. I trust that each of the eleven visitation categories cited above will provide our parish with an opportunity to be affirmed, to reflect upon our growing edges, and to identify practical steps for going forward.

I am also hopeful that the vision Bishop Brian and Pope Francis have for our universal and diocesan church is aligned to the one I and others have for Milton parish. Personally, I remain guided by the following words of Pope Francis in the first document he ever published, Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel.  “The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility, it can assume quite different contours depending on the openness and missionary creativity of the pastor and the community. While certainly not the only institution which evangelises, if the parish proves capable of self-renewal and constant adaptivity, it continues to be "the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters" (#28). Furthermore I too think “that we should put a sign on the door of parishes that says, 'Free admission' Parishes should be close-knit communities, without bureaucracy, people-centred - a place where the gift of the sacraments can be found. They must become once again schools of service and generosity, with their doors always open to those who are excluded. "Please, let us be daring. Let us all rethink the style of our parochial communities (and) may increasingly become communities of faith, of fraternity and of welcoming the most in need." Pope Francis video message February 2023. May the forthcoming Visitation enable Milton Parish to incarnate further its emblem: “To Put Out Into the Deep as Bearers’ of Christ’s Love.

.

HOLY WEEK & EASTER - MASS TIMES

Use the following link to find Mass times for your local church:

HOLY WEEK MASS TIMES

A brief note to inform parents/guardians and students about the Sacramental Program
running this year at St John’s.
Any students that would like to be baptised into the Catholic faith or receive the Sacraments
of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion or Confirmation, are invited to participate in the
Sacramental program that will be running during the year and in school time.
Please see the attached letter that accompanies this newsletter for further information.
Mark Fuller
Sacramental Program Facilitator

NOWRA PARISH 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS NOWRA PARISH FACEBOOK PAGE

MILTON PARISH 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MILTON PARISH FACEBOOK PAGE

St John’s has a strong sporting culture and provides many representative sporting opportunities for students.

The Representative Sport Google Classroom is a platform where students can access information on Representative Sport. This digital notice board provides important information such as the registration to trial, trial dates, important dates and expectations.

Students must be a member of the Representative Sport Google Classroom to access the google forms.

Any questions please email Sports Coordinator

Mrs E Gray

graye01@dow.catholic.edu.au

NSW ALL SCHOOL'S TRIATHLON

On Thursday 22 February, the super talented St John's Triathlon Team headed to the NSW All Schools Triathlon Competition at Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith. St John’s was represented by 11 teams and a total of 32 students.

It was an early start, with students meeting at the school at 4am. The bus trip was decidedly quiet, with students sleeping, ensuring their bodies were suitably rested for the gruelling competition that awaited. 

After a ‘short’ almost 3 hour bus trip we arrived and students arose from their slumber with a buzz of excitement and anticipation for the day's events. Whilst removing bikes from the bus, laughter erupted as a wayward single tyre curiously rolled down a slope into a pool of water. This was definitely a sign that it was going to be a great day.

Conditions were extremely hot and humid, and due to poor water quality, the swim leg was replaced with a 750 metre run. The St John's team remained focused and unfazed by this change.

All teams competed with energy, determination and commitment in the trying conditions. There was a wonderful sense of camaraderie and spirit within the group, with staff, parents and students animatedly proving support and encouragement. Students represented St John’s with passion and pride and were wonderful ambassadors for the school and community.

In excess of 100 schools competed on the day with all of St John’s teams finishing in the top half of their respective races.  Special mention goes to the Girl’s Intermediate team, consisting of Matilda Dicker, Tia Kingma and Juliet Sternats. These girls finished 3rd in the Combined Catholic Schools section, effectively placing 3rd in the state among Catholic Schools. A truly wonderful result.

An incredible result from one of the teams who competed in the  Senior Boy’s race - this team consisted of Cameron Harrison, Talika Irvine and Bridget Fairs. Yes, that’s right! Two girls showing that they are every bit as determined and talented as the boys. This team finished with a bronze medal in the Combined Catholic Schools section, effectively placing 3rd in the state. A truly wonderful result. Even more impressive is that this result ranked 5th against All Schools - Independent, State and Catholic. A special shout-out to Cameron Harrison, who had the fastest cycle split among all competitors. Congratulations Cameron!

Special mention goes out to the parents who made the trip and cheered on our students at the event. Thank you for your wonderful support of our students and school. To the staff that attended, Mr Lopez, Mr Wilson and Mr Fisher - thanks so much for the early start and late finish and all you did in between. Finally, to Mrs Gray, the Schools Representative Sport Organiser. None of this would have been possible without your efforts to organise and coordinate the school's team.

Such was the day that all students intend to return next year! We encourage all students who either love to swim, ride a bike or run, to step up and be part of next year's team.

RUGBY LEAGUE

On Tuesday, the lads from St John's U15's and Senior Rugby League teams had a great day out at Albion Park. The junior team kicked off against Warilla High School with heavy odds against them. Unfortunately while they were in a winning position, the young gun, Jakey Swan, suffered an immense blow to his shoulder. 

However, this tough and rugged team carried on, led by Chase Wyber and Riley Gough up the middle. Although the boys put in their best effort, they fell short of victory. This didn't discourage them from firing up for the next clash against the mighty Edmund Rice College, falling short again in a tough game. Positively, the boys then turned to supporting the Opens with some inspiring tunes and vocal cheers from the sideline.

The Open Boys rugby league lads arrived with both nerves and excitement for the upcoming battles and were keen for the first game against Warrawong High School. The boys fired up after a classic Sebastian Ball speech. What unveiled was a hard hitting game of rugby league in which a mild disagreement ended the game early with a 20-nil win. 

This enticed the boys to look forward to their next battle against Keira High School. After a lengthy recovery session, where the lads took the opportunity to refuel and re-energise, Captain Sebby Ball rounded us back up ready to charge into battle. It was a well earned victory as both our structure and intelligence proved too much for the Mt Keira boys to handle. 2 tries from Ty Schott and another from his centre partner Sonny Jamieson were backed up by the run of the day from captain Seb Ball. He out-sprinted the opposition for 60m to touch down. Johns dominating 22-0.

We then progressed through to the semi-final against the big, strong Albion park. With only a short turnaround it was a much tougher opposition. Ty Schott couldn’t be stopped and again crossed the line to score the first try of the match. Scores finished 4 all and thanks to Ty we progressed to the final against Edmund Rice.

Another 10 minute turnaround between games proved a bit much for Johnnies and Edmund Rice managed a try in each half to win 10 nil. It was a brave showing where our forwards stood up led by our all AFL front row of Oscar Tunney and Oli Driscoll. Edmund Rice defended their lead well and unfortunately, slippery conditions didn’t see much ball to our dangerous backs.

Despite finishing runners up, the NRL were impressed by John’s performances and wish to offer the Opens a wildcard progression through to the Southern NSW finals in June.

Thanks to all the boys for their efforts on the day.

Macklin Berry and Darcy Davis

We are delighted to present a summary of the 2024 St John’s Swimming Carnival, held on Friday, February 23. The day proved to be both enjoyable and successful, thanks to the fantastic support and active participation of our students, staff, student helpers, and parent spectators.

It was a warm day, perfect for our students to showcase their swimming prowess. Despite the warmth, our students, staff, and parents exhibited incredible enthusiasm. A special shout-out to everyone who made it back to school safely before the afternoon storm

RECORDS

A standout mention goes to Year 12 student Talika Irvine. She not only demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship but also broke three school records that she set in 2023 in the 100m Freestyle (1:00:84), 50m Freestyle (28:09), and 50m Backstroke (32:85). 

2024 SWIMMING AGE CHAMPIONS

Our 2024 Swimming Age Champions have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and determination in their respective age categories. It was a closely contested competition in several of our age's, with the 16 Year boy's tying for age champion between Oscar Spence and Mitchell Kelly.

Congratulations to all of the following students:

We are extremely proud of all our Swimming Age Champions for 2024! Your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship have truly made a splash in this year's swimming carnival. 

HOUSE POINTS

After celebrating individual achievements, it's time to reveal the House Points earned by each house. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by each house were truly commendable.

6th Place - Chisholm

5th Place - Mackillop

4th Place - Polding

3rd Place - Purcell

2nd Place - McCabe

1st Place - Benedict 

Congratulations to all houses for their spirited participation and sportsmanship! 

Congratulations to Benedict House for taking out the top spot for the 2024 Swimming Carnival! 

THANK YOU

A heartfelt thank you to all students, staff, and parents who made the 2024 Swimming Carnival a success. Special thanks to our student helpers and parents for their incredible support.

WAMINDA

YOUTH ADVISORY MEETING - SHOALHAVEN CITY COUNCIL

On Wednesday the 28th of March, We (Tyne Weller, Georgia Szymoniczek and Lachlyn Bisat) attended the Youth Advisory Committee Meeting held at the Shoalhaven City Council. This forum provides a voice for local youth for council. In our first meeting we discussed an overview of the committee and its terms of reference. We compiled a chart of youth concerns in our area including environmental and mental health. I found it to be informative and I am looking forward to our next meeting. 

Tyne Weller

MUSIC TUITION

Mrs Abbey Simis/Mr Michael Christie

CANTEEN MENU 

BELOW IS THE CANTEEN ROSTER FOR TERM 1

SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM 

Year 10 Immunisation Clinic next Tuesday 5 March

Please complete Consent NOW if you have not already done so!

On the day of the clinic:

•  Year 10 Students to wear their sports uniform.
•  Ensure students eat breakfast to reduce the likelihood of feeling unwell.

Students in Year 7 & Year 10 will be having their vaccines on the following dates:

YEAR 10 - TUESDAY 5 MARCH 2024

YEAR 7 - THURSDAY 13 JUNE 2024

PLEASE COMPLETE CONSENT FOR YOUR CHILD ONLINE ASAP USING THE LINK BELOW:

If you do not wish for your child to have their vaccination please email the school: info@sjedow.catholic.edu.au or call the school office: 4423 1666. 

ONLINE VACCINATION CONSENT LINK

2024 SCHOOL FEES

Dear Parents and Carers,

Attached is information regarding 2024 School Fee's.

For information regarding school fees, please access the Diocesan School Fee Management
Policy and Frequently Asked Questions which is available on our school’s website under School Fees in the Parent Info section.

If you need any further information contact the school on 44 231 666.

Regards 

St John's

CULBURRA DOLPHINS - REGISTER NOW!

SHOALHAVEN UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB - REGISTRATION DAY

SOCCER REGISTRATIONS - FIND YOUR LOCAL CLUB

ST GEORGES BASIN FOOTBALL CLUB - SOCCER REGO 2024 OPEN

UNDER 16'S NEEDED

SHOALHAVEN HOCKEY CLUB 

‘Come Try Hockey’ sessions being run for Under 6’s to Under 18’s on Tuesday afternoons in February 2024.

SHOALHAVEN GIANTS - 2024 REGISTRATIONS OPEN

The Shoalhaven Giants Junior AFL Club is seeking U9 to U15 players for the upcoming season. They are offering free registration this year to encourage kids into the sport.