Term 1 Events
Ash Wednesday Mass
Our school community gathered at St John's Parish to observe Ash Wednesday, a significant day in the Church calendar, that marks the beginning of Lent.
Lent is the 40-day season of preparation and reflection leading up to the joy of Easter. It is a time for us to grow closer to God through prayer, kindness, and thinking about how we can be our best selves.
During our Mass, we were blessed by our parish priest, who placed a cross of ash on each of our foreheads. This ancient tradition carries deep meaning for us. It was wonderful to see our students participate with such reverence and heart. We always invite all our families to join us in this season of reflection as we look forward to the celebration of Easter.
Chinese New Year - Year of the Horse
On February 20, the St John's community came together for a vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year. To honour the Year of the Horse, our school was a sea of colour as students and staff dressed in bright red and beautiful traditional Chinese costumes.
Under the wonderful guidance of Mrs Jin, who organised a fantastic program of events, the day was filled with energy and cultural discovery. Students engaged in traditional Chinese games, thematic art and craft activities, and learned about the rich history and customs of Lunar New Year. It was very special to celebrate alongside our Chinese families and friends, embracing our diverse and culture rich school community.
Harmony Day
On March 17, St John's came alive with a vibrant sea of orange, green, and traditional cultural dress as we celebrated Harmony Day. This annual event is a vital part of our school calendar, reinforcing our core value that "Everyone Belongs". Mrs Farrar and her Wellbeing Team put together a fabulous day of events, from authentic Italian cooking, learning to skillfully roll spring rolls, and engaging in classroom and outdoor activites. The day was a fantastic hands-on exploration of global traditions.
Our students participated in the 'long water walk' to learn more about the struggle many children face with collecting water every day for their families, walking long distances in hot conditions without spilling the precious liquid. It was a great way to understand and appreciate the things we have here in Australia. We also conducted our annual coin trail, raising money for the charity, Caritas.
Finally, the day was rounded off by learning the high-energy, traditional Italian folk dance, La Tarantella. The whole school moved in sync, showing lots of joy and enthusiasm. It was a great experience for everyone.