On Tuesday, 21st of November, 4 former students from St John’s Dapto Primary School, accompanied by our dedicated teachers, Mrs. Wilson and Miss Janson, had the distinct pleasure of participating in the grand opening ceremony of St John’s Dapto Primary School’s newly built buildings. While these facilities weren’t exactly newly built, the challenges posed by COVID had delayed the official opening. Nevertheless, it was still a significant day for us all.

The day commenced with the attendance of a heartwarming liturgy, joined in the presence of Bishop Brian and Father Francis (Parish Priest of St John’s Dapto), where we joined the St John’s community in celebrating this significant milestone. The liturgy provided a heartening reflection of how far St John’s history and community has come.

Following the liturgy, we all had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations over a delicious morning tea. This particular occasion allowed the four of us to catch up with some of our beloved teachers. A special shout-out to our cherished teacher, Mrs. Steep, an influential and longtime figure at St. John’s. As she embarks on her well-deserved retirement, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for her commitment to our education, Thank you!

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the guided tour the four of us with Ms Wilson and Miss Janson took. Led by Mr. De Battista and Mr. Downes, we strolled through the buildings where we remembered our good-old memories in the classrooms,  exploring the facility and innovative learning spaces. The tour not only showcased the dedication of the St John’s community to providing an exceptional education environment but also served as an inspiration to our own.

We extend our gratitude to St John’s Dapto Primary School for their welcoming hospitality and for sharing this exciting chapter in their school’s history with us. It was a very memorable experience fostering a sense of pride in our wider Wollongong Diocese Community. We would also like to thank Ms. Wilson and Miss Janson for the wonderful opportunity to revisit this lovely primary school once again.