Principal's News

Dear Families,

Welcome to Week 6!

We continue to have sick children and teachers across the school especially in the upper levels.  I know it can be difficult at time with work commitments but to help stop the spread of germs we ask that you please keep children at home if they are unwell.  Children who have had gastro need to spend 24-48 hours at home after symptoms have passed.

Congratulations to Mr Linc McKernan, the children and teachers for a great athletics day last Wednesday.  It was well organised, the sun shone brightly and a great day was had by all.  Next Tuesday is District Athletics in Shepparton at the Athletics Centre.  We wish the children who have qualified all the very best as they represent our school.

Next Friday the 5th September is our Father's Day Breakfast.  This is always a lovely time for the dads, grandfathers and special friends of the St John's community.  Please click on the QR Code below to let us know if your family will be attending and how many, so we know we have enough bacon and egg rolls for everyone.  A big thank you to Dee for the organisation and staff for the early start to the day making sure breakfast is ready at 7am. 

There will be a Father's Day stall on Friday 5th September.  The children are able to buy a gift for their dads.  Gifts will be $10 each with children bringing money on the day.  Thank you to Hayley and her helpers for organising this for the children.

The ORIMA Parent Surveys went home to families via email last week.  We apologise as there were some initial technical difficulties.  If you did not receive one, please check your spam and if not there please let Bek know so we can send you the link again. We would be most appreciative if all families could take the time to complete the survey, as the data gathered is used to inform our School Improvement Plan and Annual Action Plan.

✨Family School Survey 2025 ✨

We’d love your feedback! The Family School Engagement Survey is now open and takes just 20 minutes to complete. Your responses help us make St John’s the best it can be.

📝 Complete the survey here: https://research.orima.com.au/cesschools/family🔑 You will need to have your PIN, which was in the email you received.

 Closes: Monday 15 September 2025

This is my last newsletter as Principal of St John's.  As I come to the end of my time, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support, trust, and partnership over the years. It has been both a privilege and a joy to be part of this wonderful school community. St John’s is a very special place, filled with dedicated staff, supportive families, and children who inspire us every day with their curiosity, kindness, and spirit of learning. I am proud of all that we have achieved together and the way our community continues to grow stronger through care, respect, and collaboration. I leave with deep gratitude and confidence that the school will continue to flourish in the years ahead. 

The children of St John’s are the heart of our school. They are kind and compassionate, always looking out for one another and showing care in both small and meaningful ways. With a strong sense of justice, they stand up for what is right and strive to create a community where everyone feels valued, included and respected. Above all, they approach learning with curiosity and enthusiasm, reminding us every day of the joy and possibility that education brings.

To the teachers who bring dedication, creativity, and a deep sense of care to their work each day, I am very grateful. More than just teachers, they are mentors and role models who nurture not only a love of learning but also the values of respect, kindness, and resilience in the children.  St John’s is a place where every child feels known, valued, and supported to reach their potential. Their hard work, professionalism, and generosity of spirit make our school the vibrant and caring community it is.   It has been my pleasure to work alongside them.

My hope for every child is the same today as it was the day I started teaching 40 years ago and that is: - that every child feels known, valued, safe and encouraged to reach their full potential in a happy and caring environment.Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and for allowing me to share in your children’s learning journeys. St John’s will always hold a very special place in my heart.

I know I leave the school in very good hands when Sam Kerlin begins his Principalship at the start of term 4.

From Monday 8th September Louise Frewen will be Acting Principal and for the remainder of the term.  Maree Arnold will replace Louise in the classroom with Linc continuing in his role each Thursday and Friday.  Maree has spent time in the Year 6 classroom and knows the children.

Friday 5th September is my last day at St John's.  On Tuesday 9th September I leave for seven weeks in Europe with my sisters.  On my return my husband and I will begin our next adventure as we head off in the caravan to places in Australia we have not seen before.  Our plan is to be back for Christmas!!  

I am very excited for the next phase of life after school.

Until next time.

Therese