Dear St John’s Community,

I've spoken a few times this year about the changing approaches to behaviour management initiated by MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). This is now having a flow-on effect right throughout schools in this sector, including us.

Recently, several of our staff were involved in an inquiry process to review and refine our Whole School Behaviour Framework to reflect what we have learnt in recent years and what is now changing in behaviour management across the sector. A great deal has changed in terms of knowledge in recent years about how children learn, grow, and respond to challenges.

The new approaches recognise that all behaviour is a form of communication; they are messages about what a child needs or is trying to manage. Rather than seeing behaviour as something to control, we aim to understand, teach, and guide. Staff are committed to responding with calm, consistent, and compassionate strategies that help students learn to regulate, relate, and re-engage in their learning.

The MACS Vision for Engagement which deals directly with behaviour is grounded in research and trauma-informed practices. St John's has drawn on frameworks from the Berry Street Education Model, Team Teach and research from AERO (Australian Education Research Organisation). Our future approaches will focus on:

Building strong, trusting relationships with students and families.
Teaching and reinforcing positive behaviour expectations proactively.
Responding to behaviour challenges with empathy, fairness, and respect.
Supporting repair and restoration when things go wrong.

While we always hold high expectations for safety and respect, we recognise that it is very important to recognise that every child’s journey is different, and responses to behaviour may vary depending on each student’s needs and circumstances. Our goal is not punishment, but growth, helping children learn the skills they need to make positive choices and take responsibility for their actions.

Together, as staff and families, we must share the role of modelling and supporting the behaviours that will help all our children flourish in a faith-filled and caring community.

Have a safe and family filled two weeks!

Derek Bruitzman

Principal

The Colour Run & House Challenge - Nov 27th

Donate through Trybooking

School Uniform Reminder

Just to clarify for everyone, we no longer have a Summer and Winter uniform. There is only a School Uniform and a Sport Uniform.

VPASS

We have a new sign in system at the office, so please take a moment to see how to use the system!

Android phone process

Iphone process

Sun Smart - Hats for Term 4

It is a requirement for all students to wear hats in Term 1 and Term 4. Children's skin is more sensitive to UV damage than adults and protecting students from harmful UV rays is a core part of keeping them safe at school.

The school has a No Hat, No Play policy during these terms. If students do not have a hat or lose their hat, they are required to remain in shaded areas.

Kelly Sports

Please note that Kelly Sports returns next term. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in some fun filled outdoor activities for their children one night after school each week next term. This time around they are also offering a Friday lunchtime Dance Class in the hall.

Please see the flyer attached.

Jokes of the week:

Q. Why can't you hear a Pterodactyl going to the bathroom?

A. Because the P is silent

Q. Why did the ram run over the edge of the cliff?

A. He didn't see the ewe turn

Q. What did the platypus say when he bought some lipstick?

A. Can you put that on my bill

Fun facts of the week:

Its illegal to own only one guinea pig in Switzerland. You have to have at least two for it to be legal.

Ever 'raised a toast' to someone? Its an ancient Roman tradition to drop a piece of toast into your wine for good health.

A shrimps heart is in its head with its brain! Weird!