Principals Update

Key Events - Term 4

Term 4 - Week 3

• Thursday 24th October- Swimming Program- Prep -Yr 4 & Prep 2025 Information Evening @ 7pm in the MPR
• Friday 25th October- Swimming Program Concludes- Prep -Yr 4. World Teachers Day. Rugby Gala Day (Senior students only) 

Term 4 - Week 4

• Tuesday 29th October - Year 3/4 excursion (Honk exhibition)
• Thursday 31st October- Whole School Mass @ 12pm (time changed from 9.15am)
• Friday 1st November- DRI - Coastal Workshop at Ricketts Point 

Term 4 - Week 5

• Monday 4th November - School Closure Day
• Tuesday 5th November  - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday 
• Wednesday 6th November - Sacrament of Reconciliation @ 12pm (Year 2 students) & PSG meetings
• Thursday 7th November- Swim trials for 2025 Swim Team (Years 2 to 5 optional)
• Friday 8th November- Lacrosse Gala Day (Year 5/6 Students)

Dear SJV Families,

The students have settled into the term extremely well after the school holidays and have been busy focusing on their learning and assessments and various other activities. It’s an important term for all students as reporting will take place. For Year 6 students it is vitally important not only here at SJV but as a part of their transition program into their chosen Secondary colleges.

Tonight, I have the privilege of hosting Prep parents 2025 for an information evening. It will be a wonderful occasion to have parents old and new coming in and learning about what their child’s first year of school is all about here at SJV and the many wonderful learning opportunities that they will have. We look forward to having our Prep 2025 students visiting us for their first transition on Friday 29th of November. 

• The next newsletter will be shared with families on Thursday 7th of November

Year 3/ 4 Camp

Two weeks ago, students from Year 3/4 attended camp at Mill Valley Ranch. This camp was very successful with all of the students being very well behaved and encouraging towards others. I would like to thank Taigan Evans, Luke Brownhill, John James, Lina Greco and Phil Daidone for giving up their time and planning these wonderful opportunities for the students in Year 3/4. I would also like to thank staff not attending camp who are covering extra yard duties etc while staff are away. What an amazing team we have here at SJV.  Please make sure that you check out photos and recounts on the news around SJV page.

Staffing News

In 2025 we will warmly welcome Mr Gary Kruger (Classroom Teacher), Mrs Lauren Koziol (Japanese Teacher), Mrs Marnie Elliot (Learning Support Officer - 4 days a week), Miss Chloe Saultry (Learning Support Officer - 2 days a week) into the SJV community. 

Gary Kruger is currently a Learning Support Officer (Prep & Year 5/6) here at SJV, whilst he completes his teaching degree and will be a graduate teacher next year. With the number of classes increasing in 2025, we needed an extra classroom teacher. We therefore appointed Gary. 

Lauren Koziol is a very experienced and accomplished Japanese Teacher and currently teaches Japanese Part time at St Thomas More's in Mt Eliza. She will bring a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm to our Japanese program in 2025.

Marnie Elliot has just completed her study and practical experience in schools in the learning support area and comes highly recommended. Chloe Saultry, also highly recommended, is currently studying a teaching degree and will be involved in the Learning Support area. 

These welcomed new additions will bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the school. I know they will be made to feel very welcome.

At the end of the year, Beth Wallace (Learning Support Officer in Year 3/4) will be leaving us as she is moving to Brisbane. Beth has worked here tirelessly at SJV for a number of years supporting many students' learning needs. We will farewell her appropriately towards the end of the year.

Pip Cahill who is currently the Japanese teacher will also not be returning as her days have increased at her other school that she teaches at. We will also farewell her appropriately towards the end of the year.

First Reconciliation

On Wednesday the 6th of November at 12pm, some of our Year 2 students plus some other students from other grades will receive their First Reconciliation in the St. John Vianney’s Church. This will be the second sacrament for each of our students and it is the sacrament that we all live out on many occasions every day. This sacrament is where we are saying sorry for what we have done wrong in our daily lives. Parents of candidates are invited to attend on this day.

Pupil Free Day

There will be no school for students on Monday, 4th November, the day before the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday. 

End of School Year 

School will finish for students at 12:00pm on Tuesday, 17th December.

Summer Uniform 

From this week onwards all students should be wearing their School Summer Uniform. 

Hats are to be worn during any outside activities such as a playtime. 

Prep 2025 Parent Information Evening

We are excitedly preparing to welcome our 2025 Prep families and students for their Orientation program. This program continues to be a highlight of the year, as these children take their first big steps into school life. While some students already have a sibling at SJV, we cannot underestimate how this can still be quite an overwhelming experience as the children transition away from a very small Kinder/Early Learning Centre setting into a significantly larger one. For our new (and not so new) Prep parents, we look forward to welcoming you tomorrow night at 7.00pm in the MPR. This information evening is a wonderful opportunity to meet new families and teachers who will work with your children.  

Our Prep 2025 Orientation Sessions are as follows:

• Friday 22nd November 9:15am-10:45am
• Wednesday 4th December 9.15-10.45am

School Fees

This is just a reminder that we still have some outstanding school fees that need to be paid to the office asap. If you are experiencing any difficulties with making any of these payments, please make sure that you contact me on  principal@sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au to organise a time to discuss.

Classes for 2025

As we begin the process of planning ahead for 2025 classes, I ask any families who know that they will not be returning to St. John Vianney's in 2025 please inform me as soon as possible. principal@sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au

World Teachers Day

World Teachers' Day 2024 will be celebrated across Australia on Friday 27 October 2024. This day is a chance to recognise and celebrate the teachers who are making, or have made, an impact on the lives of our students. World Teachers’ Day is a chance to say, ‘thank you’. 

We are very lucky here at SJV to have such amazing, dedicated and hard working teachers. On behalf the community, I would like to thank the teachers for the wonderful work that they do in educating our students academically, socially and emotionally.  

SJV Fete 

Please make sure that you check out the information on the Fete page.

Key Dates

• Wine and Chocolate Drive -  25th of October
• Lucky Jars - 1st November
• Lolly Hunt Donations - 8th November
• Cakes - Fete Day 15th November

Chocolate & Wine Donation - Second Drive

The Choc Toss Stall is very popular at the fete, donating chocolate for the Stall is a great way to contribute to the fete and help generate profits. We kindly request your support in donating 2 blocks of chocolate per child on Friday the 25th of October.

The Wine Stall which is also popular requires donations. Please note that students CANNOT bring the wine donation in to the office. This needs to be done by adults/parents and can be brought in to the office on this day.

Remembrance Day - 11th November

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a moment not only to pause and remember all those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts across the world, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to this day of significance. Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I, Remembrance Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. From Monday the 28th of October, Year 6 Social Justice Leaders will be selling merchandise for our local RSL. Poppies and other items will be available for $2, $4, $5 & $10. Please support this worthy cause.

SJV Facebook Page

2025 Enrolments 

Our Requests for School Tours are continuing with many booking times to come and visit our wonderful school! 

If you know of anyone who is considering enrolling at the Foundation (Prep) level or any other year level, please encourage them to come and take a look and get in quick as places are filling fast. Families can book a school tour by contacting Nicole in our front office or scanning the QR code or book online on the SJV Website. Our enrolments are open to Catholic and non-Catholic students. Enrolment forms can also be downloaded from the school website or collected from the office.  We have been delighted with the highly encouraging response to the 2025 enrolment application process.

Reminders

• Dogs - Please note that for the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community, no dogs are permitted inside the school grounds and they must not be left unattended tied up at the gates. Adult supervision and holding of the leash is so important around vulnerable places such as schools.  We love dogs but we do have to take care of all members of our community.
• Bikes and Scooters - Please walk bikes and scooters when moving through the school grounds.
• Punctuality - It is expected that all students are to be at school by no later than 8.45am and not any time up to 9am. From 8.45am to 9am is crucial for students to get themselves organised, start the day with prayer, take the roll and ready to commence their day promptly. Formal lessons begin at 9am. Any child who arrives at or after 9am is to be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. I ask all parents to make sure that you adhere to these times.

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal