Principal's Page

A Message from the Principal

Over the past two weeks I have been very fortunate to participate in a professional learning program with principals and educational leader from across Australia. The first week was at Glasgow University and the second week was at the Rome Campus of the Australian Catholic University. I am very grateful for the support of my Deputy, Melinda, who stepped up as Acting Principal in my absence, with great enthusiasm and integrity.

Glasgow

At Glasgow University we learnt about the history of Catholic Education in Scotland.  Their schools have a strong Catholic Identity, and the faith and spirituality of the staff and students was very evident. We met with the Archbishop of Edinburgh who shared the history of Catholicism in Scotland and also told us the story of the Venerable Margaret Sinclair. We toured Parliament House with a local politician and discovered the rich history of their government and the support that catholic schools receive. 

Rome

In Rome we studied at the ACU Campus and visited the four main Basilicas - St Peter's, St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul's. We learnt about the rich history and storytelling of the basilicas, unpacked the messages from Pope Francis' letters and encyclicals, and their impact on Catholic Education. He preaches messages of inclusion, sustainability and hope. Next year will be a Jubilee year for Rome which has always been an event of great spiritual and social significance in the life of the Church.

I have been greatly inspired by the many guest speakers and experiences of the past two weeks and look forward to enacting this new learning throughout our school.

Welcome to our Community

We are delighted to welcome three new students  and their families to our school commuity this term. Welcome to Aron and Kingston in Year 3 and to Polly in Year 5. We know that you will have a very positive and successful experience at St John's and we look forward to  supporting and nurturing your learning journey.

St John's Community Fete, 16 November

This year the St John's Staff will again be running the Lob-o-Choc Stall at the Fete. We are requesting that every family donates at least one block of chocolate for the stall. We also support the St James Staff who run the Lolly Stall so we would appreciate any bags of lollies also.

Donations can be brought to the main St John's office.

Please sign up to volunteer an hour or two of your time on the day. The live links are in the attachment below. 

Working Bee

The school grounds are looking magnificent, thanks to our huge community turn out for the Working Bee on Friday, 11 October.

The crew of 21 families were able to top up the sandpit with fresh sand, spread mulch on the garden beds, weed and generally clean-up. We are very grateful for your support.

A Few Reminders

- Kids disco Friday night - colouring competition closes Wednesday

- Mango fundraiser - Don't forget to place your order for a tray of mangos

- Book club - please place your orders online for the Scholastic Book Club. Issue 7 of the Scholastic Book Club catalogue was sent home with your child last week.

Please place your orders at https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx

by Monday, 28 October 2024 at the latest.

Term 4 School Closure Days

Please ensure that you have added these 2 school closure days to your calendar for this term.

Monday, November 4 (day before Cup Day) TIL day for staff

Friday, November 15 ( Fete set up day) Professional Learning Day for Staff at NGV

Joke of the Week

May you all enjoy this beautiful Spring weather this week and please let me know if I can assist you and your family in any way.

With Faith and Love,

Verona Gridley

St John's Primary School Principal