Principal's News

Dear Parents,

Our last newsletter for the 2024 school year and only one more day of school left.  The children finish school tomorrow at 3:15 after our final Assembly, where we will farewell our graduates and Mrs Mason.

Farewell Kerry

After many years of dedicated service as an LSO, Kerry is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of care, compassion, and support for the students and teachers of St John's. Always firm but fair, her patience and commitment to helping every child succeed have made an incredible difference in countless young lives. She has been a valued member of our school community and we thank Kerry wholeheartedly for her contributions and wish her all the very best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of her life.  Enjoy every moment Kerry and all that the time ahead may bring. 

Carol's Evening

Disappointingly the weather was not kind to us for our Carol's Evening that was scheduled for last night.  The children will  perform on Wednesday morning at 9am for families, extended families and friends.  All are very welcome!  The performance will go for approximately 45 minutes.  It is not as we had hoped but we cannot control the weather!

St John's Year 6 Graduates - 2024.

Congratulations to the class of 2024.  It has been a pleasure to have you as our school leaders this year.  Your care and concern for each other and for your buddies has been a credit to each of you.  We will miss you, but wish you all the very best for your futures!

Back row - Will Roob, Lylah Hamill, Isla Moore, Remy Simmons, Piper Clarke. Chloe Squires, Ruby Preston, Poppy Horsburgh, Grace Brown-Sarre, 

Middle row - Jock Macdermid, Levi Berry, Jase Hokianga, Harry Cannata, Leila Thompson, Tully Watson, Mia Rieusset, Lucy Bickerton, Evie Buchanan, Sophie Lamont, Tyson Blades

Front Row - Elizabeth McCullagh, Charlotte Divers, Ayla Hannam, Aya Ferguson, Amelia Gillespie.

Tonight the staff and the children's families gather together to celebrate dinner with the Year 6 graduates to congratulate them on their seven year journey at St John's.  From that day in 2018 when they walked through the front door feeling excited but a little anxious to now. Where have the years gone??

The Year 6 students received the following awards at our final Mass of the year today.  We congratulate the following students:-

St Vincent De Paul Award  - acknowledges students who have shown a genuine compassion toward others and display a consistent attitude at school.

Tyson Blades, Ruby Preston and Remy Simmons

Lions Club Award - recognises the importance of always striving for continuous improvement and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Jase Hokianga, Evie Buchanan, Lylah Hamill and Jock Macdermid

Patrick Ryan Memorial Award - this award is presented by the Ryan family in memory of their son Patrick who was a past student of St John's and recognises the values of Respect, Friendship, Honesty and Determination.  This years award goes to Leila Thompson.

St John's Mercy Award - the Mercy charisma finds it strength in its values.  It rejoices in compassion, justice, dignity, hospitality, excellence and steartship.  This award goes to two students who live out our motto of Truth, Love and Service and the Mercy values mentioned about -  Sophie Lamont and Isla Moore.

Award Winners.

Congratulations to Jase Hokianga, who placed 2nd overall in the Ian Clinch District Sports Award for boys. The award was created by the District Sports Coordinators as an acknowledgement of the years of service by Ian Clinch, a grandparent in our school. The award is a tally of points for each child who participates in district, division, region and state swimming, cross country and athletics. Congratulations Jase!

Staff Structure 2025

As mentioned in the email that went home to parents last Tuesday.  This is our staff structure for 2025.  A few changes but our staffing remains fairly consistent with an excellent retention rate.

Classrooms teachers and LOS’s. 

Foundation – Sally Redfern. (Damien Saxon) Foundation – Thomasina Ramsden. (Damien Saxon) 

Year 1 – Katherine King. (Karen Goss) 

Year 2 – Rachel Timperley / Fiona Robinson (1 day). (Lisa Lister) 

Year 3 – Ally Johnston (3 days), Paula Swan (2 days). (Dee Hinss) 

Year 4 – Jake Tunks. (Lisa Crowe) 

Year 5 – Linc McKernan / Melinda Watson (2 days). (Grace Ivill) 

Year 6 – Louise Frewen / Libby Hamilton (1 day). (Nic Asquith, Keira Bodycoat ) 

Specialists 

Art – Melinda Watson 

PE – Linc McKernan 

STEM – Nic Asquith 

Japanese – Ayako Mizushima 

Math's Intervention – Christine Buhler 

Literacy Intervention Term 1 – Denise Hall 

MHiPS Leader – Ally Johnston (2 days) 

Admin Bek Lines / Ange Eddy (1 day) 

Leadership 

Catholic Identity Leader – Louise Frewen 

Learning & Teaching Leader – Fiona Robertson 

Learning Diversity Leader – Melinda Watson 

Deputy Principal – Libby Hamilton.

Colour Run

A brilliant time was had by all!  The highest praise was 'Can we do it again next year!'  A very big thank you to Hayley Raglus and Hannah Capstick for your organisation and co-ordination and to Damon Rieusset for bringing the Fire truck to spray the children and staff for maximum effect.

We farewell the following families this year.

The Hannam (Ayla), McCullagh (Elizabeth), Williamson (Henry), Watson (Tully), Preston (Ruby), Roob (Will), Blades (Tyson), Cannata (Harry),  Divers (Charlotte), Gillespie (Amelia) and Ranathunga (Ruby) Families.  

Thank you!

We wish the Capstick and Wright Families a safe trip as they travel around Australia for 12 months and we looking forward to welcoming them back in 2026.

We farewell Cooper Barton and wish him all the very best at St Mary's in Mooroopna and Ruby Ranathunga who is moving to Avenel and going to Avenel Primary School.

You have all made a difference to our community!

Thank you 

As we come to the end of another fantastic year at St. John’s, I want to take this opportunity to thank our students, families, and staff for their incredible contributions to our school community. This year has been filled with learning, growth, and countless memorable moments, friendship, some challenges, some tears and lots of laughter.  This all reflects the strength and spirit of our school. To our Year 6 graduates, we send our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as you embark on the next stage of your journey. To our returning families and staff, we look forward to all the opportunities 2025 will bring. To the families who have come to the end of their children's primary school journey, thank you for your support over the past years.  

Our motto of TRUTH, LOVE and SERVICE is evident every day at St John's!

A reminder about the Family Mass in the Church on Christmas Eve at 6pm. May we remember the very special time of Jesus' birth on Christmas Day.  We go to Mass on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus , the Son of God, who came into the world as a sign of God’s love. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and reflection.  By going to Mass we join in community with others to worship, give thanks, and receive the Eucharist and to celebrate Jesus' birthday.

Have a very happy Christmas and a safe and relaxing holiday break and we look forward to seeing the children return to school on Thursday 30th of January.

Until next year

Therese