A Message from the Principal

Thank-you for your support through a very rich and engaing first term at St John's. We have achieved great things with our students and the wider community. Today was a lovely celebration of a great term of learning at St John's. Our very talented Year 5/6 students shared their Inquiry Learning on Indigenous cultures around the world as well as their Passon Projects, on an area of special interest, at their Learning Expo today.

At assembly we celebrated with all of the classes to hear about their Inquiry and Religious Education learning. Please see samples of their achievements on the Learning and Teaching page of this newsletter.

Throughout the term we are always touched by the small gestures of support and kindness from our families. A couple of weeks ago one of our parents, David, came up on the weekend to repair some of our playground chairs wth his soldering iron and additional screws. Our chairs are now looking fantastic and are much safer. Thank-you David for this very kind action of support.

Last week I attended the Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principals Conference which is held every second year. The theme of this year's conference was "Think, Engage and Lead with Strength." We listened to the stories of strength from a variety of presenters, about how they have overcome adversity to shine through with great confidence and strength. We heard from Craig Foster how following a successful career in soccer is now an advocate for refugees and human rights. We listened to Saroo Brierly share his story of being left on a train station in India, becoming lost and eventually was adopted by an Australian family. We heard from Jelena Djokic about the abuse from her father throughout her tennis career yet with forgiveness and fortitude she has found her self confidence to speak up against domestic violence and hold down a very successful media commentator role. My favourite speaker was Mitch Tambo, an Indigenous actor, singer and dancer. With encouragement from his school principal he stayed at school and followed his passion of dancing and music. It is a great reminder of how our words of encouragement can be just enough to fire the passion and drive in our students. We all have so much to offer and so much inner strength that we continue to draw upon.

Easter Raffle Winners

Thank-you to Jess and Zukeila, on behalf of he Parents Association for organising our Easter Raffle this year. Thank-you to all of the families who were able to donate Easter eggs or hampers and a huge thank-you to all of the families who sold all of their raffle tickets. The 21 Winners of the various hampers and eggs were vey excited.

Sushi Day

Thank-you to our Parents' Association for organising Sushi Day for our students today. Special thanks to Emily and Michelle for helping to coordinate and deliver the sushi orders today. It is always a very special treat for our students and we really appreciate your support with this.

Enroling Your Child in 2025

We are now taking enrolments for 2025. If you have a younger child or family friend who is eligible to start school next year then please send in your enrolment forms.

We are also hosting a Prep 2025 Parent Information evening on 7 May at 7.00pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend this Transition Evening to help your child as they prepare for school life. We will give you valuable support and knowledge to help your child successfully transition from Kindergarten in to School.

7 May, 7.00pm - Future Prep Parent Information Evening at St JOhn's Primary School Mitcham.

Our next OPEN DAY will be on 24 April.

Are You Eligible to Apply? - CSEF Payment

The Victorian State Government has a Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund for families that are eligible. Qualifying for this fund can lead to further relief for school fees through MACS. Please click on the link below which contains the criteria eligibility and CSEF application form. If you believe you are eligible to apply please leave your signed form at the office or email it to Jenny. jmacleod@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

St John's School Social Media

Great things are happening on our social media. Please follow us and leave a comment to show your support.

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Easter Joke of the Week

What does the Easter Bunny say before they eat?

"Lettuce Pray!"

May you and your family enjoy a very relaxed and special Easter celebration and may the joy of the resurrection fill your hearts with love and radiate to all those you meet. I look forwad to seeing you all back for Term 2 on Monday, 15 April.

Verona Gridley

Principal

vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au