Principal's News

Dear Parents,

Welcome Back!

We are so excited to welcome our students and families back for another wonderful school year at St. John’s! A new year brings fresh opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, and we look forward to all that is in store. Our teachers and staff are ready to support, inspire, and guide each child on their journey. Thank you for being part of our school community—we look forward to a fantastic year ahead, filled with learning, laughter, and success!  A big welcome to our Foundation students and our new families!

Foundation 2025.

Our Foundation students had a brilliant start to their school life on their first day last Thursday.  They came in excited, very happy and eager to start school, all with big smiles on their faces.  The children have Wednesday's off for the next 3 weeks and begin full time in Week 5.  For our Foundation families don't forget to make a time with their teacher for a session on one of the Wednesdays where the children do not come to school.

We welcome the following families:-

Ahir Family - Kanika (yr 5) and Kavya (yr 3)  (Mitul and Harshaben)

French Family - Leighton (yr 1) and Marley (yr 4) (Biance and Leigh)

Goodall Family - Leah (yr 1) (Clair)

Riley Family - Isaac (yr 1), Lewis (yr 3), Jocelyn (yr 5) (Rachel and Liam)

We also welcome Mr Jake Tunks - Yr 4 and Mrs Paula Swan - Yr 3.  We are thrilled to have them all join our community at St John's.

Year 6 Leaders

Our Year 6 Leader were presented with their Leadership shirts at the beginning of the school year Mass last Thursday.  They have designed their shirts themselves, and I must say they look very, very smart.  Parents should be proud of their children as they showed true leadership last week in the way they carried themselves during Mass and for the start of the year.  We look forward to all they will achieve in their final year at St John's as our school leaders.  

PAM Notifications.

Please remember to check your PAM notifications and emails as we send reminders and information through this format.

Curriculum Night

We have postponed our Curriculum Night until Week 7.  We are sending a survey to all families in regard to best time and best day for you.  As this is a very new and exciting time in education in Catholic Schools in Sandhurst, we would like the opportunity to share this with as many families as possible.  Thank you for your understanding.

Health Care Card Reduction in School Fees

Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL) is pleased to inform Primary School families holding a valid Health Care Card (HCC) that you are eligible for a significant reduction in School fees for the upcoming year. This discount will be automatically applied to your direct debit school fees if you provide a copy of your HCC to Bek in the school office. For those who have already provided a copy of your current HCC to the school, you do not need to do anything further – the discount will be automatically applied. 

We understand that many families have varying circumstances and in response to the rising cost of living expenses, we are committed to supporting those who need additional assistance.  

Please be assured that this support is provided to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive in our school community. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact the school office.

The Importance of SLEEP!

I know it can be tricky to get back into school routines but please don't underestimate how important sleep is to your children in managing themselves, their learning and their interactions with others. 

Hot weather ahead. 

With the long-term forecast telling us that we are in for some very hot weather, please make sure children have drink bottles with them each day.  We are very fortunate that the school is air-conditioned, if the temperature is above 34C the children stay indoors during break times and PE times.  We are now into the time where all children must be wearing a hat while they are outside.  If they don't have one, they will sit in the shade on the deck.

Year 6 Camp.

The Year 6 camp to Canberra is very quickly approaching.  The children depart by bus on Monday 17th February at 8:30 and return on Thursday by 5:30pm.  Staff attending camp are Louise Frewen, Linc McKernan, Grace Ivill, Nic Asquith, Fiona Robinson, Keira Bodycoat and myself.  This is a fabulous opportunity for the children to visit our nation's capital and all that that encompasses.

Assembly

Assembly this term is on in Odd Weeks, so our first Assembly led by our Year 6's will be in Week 3,

Newsletters

Newsletters will be in even weeks.

Michael Carr-Gregg Presentation (free)

Michael Carr-Gregg a very well-known and respected psychologist will be visiting Euroa on the 20th February at the Euroa Cinema, speaking about Resilience and empowering parents. Even though the headline is Raising Resilient Teens, it will be relevant for everyone.  I would encourage all parents, if you are able to come and hear Michael speak.  You will need to RSVP as places are limited.  The flyer is attached below and in the Community News section of this newsletter.  The community is very fortunate to have this opportunity particularly at no cost to families.

Don't forget to pop in your diaries our annual Family Night on the 6th March.  The evening starts at 5:30 and we look forward to seeing you for fun and games together.  See flyer on the Community News page of the newsletter.

As we embark on this new school year, may we work together to create a supportive and inspiring environment for our students. With curiosity, hard work, and some fun along the way, we know this year will be one to remember. Thank you for your partnership and trust—we look forward to a fantastic year ahead, filled with learning, growth, and joyful moments for all.

Therese