Principals Update

Key Events - Term 2

Term 2, Week 3

• Friday 9th of May - Mother’s Day Breakfast 7.30am - 8.30am. Interschool Sport (H) v's Mentone Park 9am-11am

Term 2, Week 4

• Tuesday 13th May - District Cross Country (Selected students). STOMP Program continues (students are to wear sports uniform)
• Friday 16th of May - Assembly at 3.00pm in the MPR. Interschool Sport (H) v's Mentone 9am-11am

Term 2, Week 5

• Tuesday 20th of May - Stomp Program continues (students are to wear sports uniform).  
• Thursday 22nd of May - First Eucharist Family Evening @ 7pm
• Friday 23rd of May - Interschool Sport (H) v's St Pat's 9am-11am
• Sunday 25th of May - First Eucharist Commitment Mass @ 9am

Dear SJV Families,

What a Wonderful Day! Celebrating 65 Years of SJV

This year marks a special milestone in the life of our school—St John Vianney’s 65th Anniversary! To celebrate 65 years of learning, community, and faith, we came together for a memorable whole-school excursion last Thursday.

The day began with excitement as students and staff boarded buses bound for Village Cinemas Southland, where we enjoyed the uplifting and family-friendly film King of Kings. The story of young Walter discovering hope through the life of Jesus was both moving and inspiring—leaving a lasting impression on all who watched.

Each student received a small popcorn to enjoy during the movie, adding a little extra fun to the cinematic experience. After the film, we travelled to Braeside Park, where the school community gathered for a relaxed, joyful shared picnic lunch under sunny skies. It was a beautiful opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate all that makes SJV so special.

We returned to school by 1:30pm with full hearts and smiling faces, grateful for such a meaningful way to mark this important anniversary in our school’s history.

Mother's Day

Wishing all the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our St John Vianney’s community a joyful and love-filled Mother’s Day.

Thank you for the care, strength, and endless support you give every day. May your day be filled with special moments, smiles, and the love you so richly deserve.

From all of us at SJV — Happy Mother’s Day!

Congratulations to Our 2025 SRC Representatives!

We are proud to announce and congratulate our Student Representative Council (SRC) members for 2025! These students have been chosen to represent their peers, share ideas, and help shape the future of our school community with their leadership, compassion, and enthusiasm.

We look forward to the positive impact they will make throughout the year as they work together to support student voice and build an even stronger SJV community.

Well done to all our new SRC reps—what a fantastic achievement

Staffing News

We are pleased to share some exciting news from our staffing team. Congratulations to Miss Chloe Lawlor, who has accepted a wonderful new role at St Michael’s in Ashburton starting in Term 3. Chloe will be leading Learning Diversity and Wellbeing, as well as providing teacher release, four days a week.

While we are certainly sad to see her leave St John Vianney’s, we are incredibly proud of her achievements and thankful for the dedication, warmth, and passion she has brought to our school community. Chloe has made a lasting impact at SJV, and we will farewell her appropriately towards the end of this term.

In her place, we are pleased to announce that:

• Mrs Taigan Evans will be teaching Monday to Thursday
• Mrs Rebecca Middleton will teach 4/5EL on Fridays

Many of you will already know Mrs Middleton as our current Librarian and Literacy Learning Enhancement teacher on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are confident both teachers will provide a smooth and supportive transition for the students of 4/5EL.

We thank Chloe for everything she has contributed to SJV and wish her all the very best in this exciting new chapter.

School Winter Uniforms

 From next Monday the 5th May, ALL student must be in FULL WINTER UNIFORM.  

Anzac Service

The SJV community remember the fallen and the sacrifices made by those who served our country. Thank you to all of our students who represented SJV the other week at the Mentone RSL ANZAC Commemorative March and Service.

Anzac Day Service at SJV

Last Wednesday we came together to remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve our nation. Thank you to our Year 6 Social Justice Leaders for leading this beautiful Service. Lest we forget.

Sacramental Program

Family Workshop - First Eucharist

Thursday 22nd May at St John Vianney’s School - MPR @ 7.00pm - 8.00pm

As a part of the process for the First Eucharist program, there will be a family workshop presented by Fr. Elio Capra on Thursday, 22nd May from 7pm-8pm. 

We are inviting Parents along with the First Eucharist candidates to attend this workshop which will be held in the MPR and the Year 3/4 classrooms. Parents will remain in the MPR where they will have a presentation by Fr Elio Capra. The candidates will be taken to the Year 3/4  classrooms by members of staff and will participate in activities based on the Sacrament of First Eucharist. The candidates will then be brought back to the hall at the conclusion of the evening (7.50pm).

This is an important step in the First Eucharist program so I encourage you to attend. Further details will be sent to you closer to the time.

SJV Fete

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21st @ 3:30pm.

If you are new to the school and haven’t been a part of the SJV Fete - now is the time to get involved.  The SJV fete is famous in this area, has been running for over 50 years annually (excluding two crazy Covid years) and is the most wonderful community event.

As a parent, you will get the chance to learn new skills, hone skills you have, make new friends and enhance the enjoyment of your own child’s school experience. There are many jobs in the lead up, on the day and the day after.  All families need to be involved to make this a successful event.

There are, however, a couple of larger roles that we need filled ASAP.  They come with a handover, so you won’t be left wondering what to do.

General Committee members

Assisting with marketing

Sourcing silent auction items

Supporting stall holders

Attending meetings

None of these tasks are onerous when we work as a team.  Thanks to those parents that have already stepped up to fill some roles.  It will be a wonderful experience.

Please contact Nate Viviani with any questions Nathan.Viviani@inchcape.com, the office or send an email to me, principal@sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au to put your name down to be a part of this great event. 

Remember, it is our big fundraising event for the year and we encourage every family to be involved in some way. 

Mother's Day Stall / Breakfast

Just a reminder that the Mother’s Day Breakfast will take place tomorrow, 7.30am -8.45am. We will also have a Mother’s Day assembly which will begin at 3.15pm in the MPR. We would love to see as many mums there. 

If any dads are able to assist on the day, please let the office know or contact Matt Spencer from the PFA

Parents & Friends Association - SJV Dads Group

2026  Enrolments 

Our Requests for School Tours are continuing with many booking times to come and visit our wonderful school. Enrolments for Prep 2026 are now open and we encourage all families to submit their applications as soon as possible.  If you have a child or you know someone wanting to tour schools for their child, please encourage them to book a school tour by contacting Nicole in our front office (Limited places available).   

School Closure Dates Term 2 

• The school will be closed on Friday the 6th of June as there will be a professional development day for all staff. This is the Friday of the King's Birthday long weekend. 
• The King's Birthday Holiday is Monday 9th of June. This is a public holiday and children are not required to attend school.

Reminders

• Dogs - Please note that for the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community, no dogs are permitted inside the school grounds and they must not be left unattended tied up at the gates. Adult supervision and holding of the leash is so important around vulnerable places such as schools.  We love dogs but we do have to take care of all members of our community.

• Bikes and Scooters - Please walk bikes and scooters when moving through the school grounds.

• Punctuality - It is expected that all students are to be at school by no later than 8.45am and not any time up to 9am. From 8.45am to 9am is crucial for students to get themselves organised, start the day with Meditation, prayer, take the roll and ready to commence their day promptly. Formal lessons begin at 9am. Any child who arrives at or after 9am is to be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. I ask all parents to make sure that you adhere to these times.

• The next Newsletter will be shared on Thursday 22nd of May.

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal