Principal's Report
Dear Students and Families,
Book Week
Last week, we celebrated Book Week and as always, our students and their families supported this annual event with enthusiasm. It was so wonderful to see students, staff and families embracing this event with fantastic costumes! The variety and creativity of costumes was brilliant. These occasions are so memorable for students and families, and importantly support learning through literature and stories.
Our teacher librarians, supported by student librarians, did a fantastic job of organising and hosting the parade. Thank you to Miss Le and Mr Luxa. Thank you to the many families and friends for their attendance at the parades.
This week (Week 6) is the Annual Scholastic Book Fair. This is a library fundraising event. Sales of books and stationery items will be on sale all week and a portion of the sales will come back to our school. These funds will enable the librarians to purchase additional resources for the library to support student learning. Please support this event and visit the library this week.
Student Talent On Display
We are so proud of the many and varied opportunities our students have to display their talents. In the past week and upcoming events, we had and have students:
performing as part of the school choir at the Cowpasture Performing Arts evening held at Cecils Hills High School last Thursday.
representing our school and competing at the Zone Athletics Carnival at Rossford St Reserve last Friday.
representing our school in the regional finals, debating against Strathfield North Public School in the Premier's Debating Challenge today.
competing in the semi-final of the Interschool Chess Challenge on Wednesday.
SAS Recognition Week
SAS Recognition Week is in Week 7. This is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our School Administrative and Support Staff (SAS). Their dedication and hard work are the backbone of our school community, ensuring smooth daily operations and supporting the learning environment for our students and staff alike.
SAS staff play a vital role behind the scenes - from administration to maintenance, student support, and more. Their commitment helps create a welcoming, safe, and efficient school environment where everyone can thrive.
The week is an opportunity for all of us to express our gratitude and recognition for their ongoing efforts. I encourage students, staff, and families to join me in thanking our SAS team for their professionalism, enthusiasm, and unwavering support.
Thank you to our SAS staff for your exceptional contribution to our school community - we truly couldn’t do it without you!
Retirement News
I would like to announce that Mrs McCammond has officially retired after 38 years working for the NSW Department of Education, specifically as a teacher and leader at St Johns Park Public School.
Mrs McCammond was appointed to our school in January 1988, teaching numerous classes as a teacher, Executive Teacher, Assistant Principal and Deputy Principal. Mrs McCammond relieved as Principal from mid 2013-October 2015. The positive impact she has had on the lives of the thousands of students and their families is deep, as evidenced by the previous students who come back to visit and those who return as parents enrolling their children at our school.
Mrs McCammond was instrumental in leading and establishing our PB4L expectations, introducing the Birthday Bucket, raising the profile and importance of the EALD team and establishing positive attendance initiatives. She was a highly valued member of the Executive Team and built strong, trusting relationships with students, staff and families.
It was my privilege to work alongside Mrs McCammond over the last 10 years and I would like to acknowledge her commitment, hard work and dedication to St Johns Park Public School and wish her well in retirement on behalf of our entire school community.
Kind Regards
Dianne Donatiello
Principal, St Johns Park Public School