PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
LENT– WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
As we move through this 2023 Lenten season of prayer, penance, sacrifice 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 A.D. 313, Lenten fasting and Easter
preparations become more normalised. The 40 day 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.
Ash Wednesday is a day where, as Catholics, we proudly mark ourselves with an
ashen cross on the forehead and declare that we are ‘Faithful to the Gospel”.
Although drawn from a Jewish tradition this was formalized as a Christian tradition in
the early 11th century.
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 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.
OPEN NIGHT
What a wonderful event that showcased our school so well and allowed our student
volunteers to shine. I thank the Staff for their time away from their families and the
enthusiasm and passion they have for their teaching and the school.
A particular highlight was the students who led tour groups or volunteered to assist in the displays. Many parents gave feedback as they left about how polite and helpful these student volunteers were on the night. A sincere thank you.
We all know that St John’s is a very good school, but the aim is to make it a great
one. With commitment like that shown last night we are on the right path.
YEAR 7 2024 ENROLMENTS OPEN
Enrolments for Year 7 2024 are now being taken. The enrolment pack is available from the school office. Enrolments close 3 April 2023 so get your application's in now!
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
This event is celebrated annually and works towards creating a work of gender
equity, free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Wouldn’t that be a great world
to thrive in?
Working in education and particularly in the Catholic Education Diocese of
Wollongong where almost 80% of employees are female, I feel proud that my
working world also works toward this aim.
On this day we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of
women from all around the world. The day also focuses on a call to action for
accelerating gender parity and setting agendas and goals in achieving these targets.