Principal's Report
A Message from the Principal
We are now halfway through the term and it is great to see the students growth in their learning as we undertake a range of assessments to inform the end of semester reports. The students are managing well with the changed playground conditions and our extra curricular lunchtime clubs have certainly added to their choices during break times. I am grateful for the dedication of our staff for running these extra clubs.
The students are also very busy in their History Inquiry Learning, with some great class projects underway. Our Year Prep - 2 students enjoyed their excursion to Schwerkolt cottage last week, learning about life in the past and how it has changed.
Year 5/6 students at the Chinese Museum
Year 5/6 students at the Chinese Museum
The Year 5/6 students also ventured offsite and into the city to visit the Immigration and Chinese Museums. They discovered how migrants have impacted the multicultural society that we all enjoy today.
Our Year 3/4 students were visited last week by our local councilor, Ben Stennett to share their ideas about improving the City of Whitehorse. He was so impressed with their ideas that he even returned a few days later to give them all replies to their persuasive letters.
Year 3/4 students with Councilor Ben Stennett
Year 3/4 students with Councilor Ben Stennett
Our School Advisory Board met last week under the guidance of the new Terms of Reference provided by MACS.
This week our Community Association will meet for the first time with our new President, Amy Prenc. We are very grateful that Amy has taken on the role and we have some great events planned for the rest of the year.
School Fees
All school fee statements were sent out last week. If you are paying by three installments please note that the second installment is due at the end of this term, Friday 25 June. The timely payment of fees enables us to plan for all excursions and purchase new resources to support your children's learning.
ECSI Surveys
As a part of our four year review cycle all parents are asked to complete the Enhancing Catholic Schools Identity survey. It needs to be completed by Friday 28 May. Could you please follow the instructions on the attachment to complete the survey.
Our school survey access code is yh5r5q
Playing at Walker Park
For the rest of this term we will be taking all students to Walker Park each Friday during the second recess break. The students have coped extremely well with the limited play space so this will give them an opportunity to play in a larger area. All class teachers will be walking the students to the Park and staying for an hour.
This play arrangement will not impact class time as we will reduce the time of the first break.
School Parking
For the safety of all students and parents please do not park on the opposite side of the service lane at the front of the school. It is very dangerous for the students to walking across the road.
Latest News
Be sure to visit our School Website to find out about the latest news at St John's, Mitcham https://www.sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au/
NCCD
-Nationally Consistent Collection of Data
Schools must now complete the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) every year. It counts the number of students who receive additional adjustments or “help” at school because of a disability. There are four types of disability that the school can choose from: sensory, cognitive, social-emotional and physical. To find out more please read the attached information sheet.
Winter Thought for the Week
Winter forms our character and brings out our best. Winter is a season of recovery and preparation. Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.
Verona Gridley
Principal