On Friday 3 June the community of St John's celebrated Foundation Day. The opportunity to share a school Mass is very limited and our young people honored this occasion in the most prayerful and respectful manner. Fr Joseph provided thoughtful insight in his homily. The Mass was also enriched with music from our choir and musicians. 

The fair was such fun with all the students and staff engaged in stalls and activities that they themselves had developed. The showcase was outstanding; there were so many talented young people and even a staff band that performed.

The day was also a great success in raising funds for educational opportunities for people of Timor Leste and providing support for the Shoalhaven branch of St Vincent de Paul. Over $8000 dollars were raised.

As discussed in the last newsletter we hold our Foundation day to align with the feast of Pentecost, a time when the Holy Spirit came to support the disciples to go out and spread the news of Jesus Christ. Our calling is to live our faith, as St Francis said:

“teach the Gospel, and sometimes use words”.

This is what I witness in our community at all times. Over the last few weeks not only have we sent $4000 dollars to Timor and $4000 to St Vincent de Paul but they raised $1000 for SAHSSI to help women in need in the Shoalhaven, visited nursing homes to spend time with the elderly and also sold chocolate milk to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul. Students and staff are also bringing in food donations for the winter appeal. 

It is encouraging to see how much these young people are empowered to show faith-in-action and truly live the values that they renewed in their houses on Foundation day.

PASSING OF ADORED STUDENT

It is with great sadness to have this week farewelled a wonderful young person, Alex Musitano of Year 8 after his battle with T-cell ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia).

Alex connected with his peers on many special occasions when his health was failing and they had a wonderful time. He also supported social events such as the volleyball competition. His positive attitude was contagious.

Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who were blessed to have known Alex, and to Joanne his mother, and brother Tai, also a student of our St John's Community.

Alex was farewelled in a service on Wednesday, with his close friend Will Page preparing the following eulogy;

We understand this is a difficult time for many, and remind you of the Pastoral support services available at our school.