A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

The creativity of the St John’s families was on full display today! Seeing the children parade their handmade bonnets is hopefully a day they remember fondly when they look back on their primary school years at St John’s. A huge thank you to the families whose donations allowed the PFA to put together an impressive 30 raffle prizes. Congratulations to everyone who took home a prize—a sweet way to head into the school holidays!

I also want to say thank you for supporting this event and making it such a joyful day for the children.

It is always great to see young leaders truly "own" their roles. The 2026 Sports Captains, Hugo, Isaiah, Micah and Breanna, led with energy and did a great job for their first big event. The team also organised a Kahoot! game for the children to enjoy. Today shows that leadership is just as much about service and fun as it is about responsibility. These captains are clearly living up to the qualities the other children saw in them during the voting process last year.

We would like to thank the PFA team for all their planning, support, and organisation throughout this term. These special opportunities for our children are only possible because of the dedication of our community.

A special thank you to the following parents who took the lead in introducing new offerings:

• Viv: For her creativity in designing our flyers and the Term 1 and 2 calendars. Printed copies of the Term 2 calendar will be handed out when the child returns but you can also get a copy linked below!
• Amy: For acting as our liaison for the Baker’s Delight fundraiser.

• Lisa: For her consistent support of the Thursday Treat sales this term.

   

We also thank the many other parents who volunteered their time throughout the term to ensure these opportunities were possible for the children. Our wonderful PFA team are  Amy Martin, Vicky Gazzola, Caroline Nguyen, Deanna Lushey, Hazel Doruk, Jonathan Lushey, Kylie Paine, Mercia Rumbold, Laura Ward-Jenkins, Lisa Tamburrelli and Viv Trang. If you would like to be a part of the PFA team please let me know.

This term has seen lots of fundraising opportunities for the school and Caritas. We raised the following funds for the school:

• Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser raised $300  
• Thursday Treats (Zooper Doopers) $1,033.90
• Easter Raffle enteries raised $1000

Next term the Thursday Treats will continue to be Zooper Doopers as we sell what we have left in stock before we introduce something new. We are also looking to host a Cookie Dough Fundraiser during Term 2. 

Caritas : Project Compassion

Through our passionate and determined Social Justice Leaders, Marcus, Ava and Frankie, the St John’s Community managed to raise a whooping $5,608.85 for Caritas as part of their Project Compassion appeal. This money will go towards things like a piped water supply system in Tanzania. This is by far the most we have ever raised. Thank you to the families who took advantage of the days where any donation we made was matched which contributed to this incredible total. I would also like to acknowledge Eleanor from the 2 Hub who made craft items to sell on her street and donated all the money she raised to Project Compassion. Eleanor has demonstrated the true meaning of the Lenten message through her giving to this important appeal.

This week we have had the Prep Hub, Year 4s and Year 6s lead our prayer gatherings. These have been beautiful celebrations of our significant Holy Week days. Thank you to the families who joined these prayer gatherings and contributed by being present to the message of our Easter Holy Days. Our final Easter prayer gathering will be on Tuesday 21st April at 2:45pm.

Today we farewell Jayde who is leaving the St John’s community today after being here this term. We wish Jayde all the best for the future. The children from the 3/4 Hub will miss you. We will welcome Dearbhla (pronounced Dervla) Murphy to the 3/4 team next term. Dearbhla has worked as a CRT at St John’s many times over the last three years. We are very happy to welcome her and she is really looking forward to be a part of the team in Term 2.

Second Break Trial

Throughout this term, we have been monitoring the split break during the second break time. This was originally introduced when we had a larger number of children accessing the backyard at once. We have noticed that crowding is no longer an issue, so we will be trialling the removal of the split break in Term 2.

• What’s new: Along with the merged break, we will be adding additional indoor game options. This will mean the children will have 40 minute first break and 30 minute second break together everyday.

• The Plan: If this is a positive shift for the children, we will continue for the rest of the year. If we feel the split break needs to return, we will communicate this and reinstate it in Term 3.

   

Physicality Procedures

Earlier this term, I shared our approach to responding to physicality following a spike in incidents. I am pleased to report that things have settled significantly, with minimal incidents as the term progressed.

I have since reviewed our procedures with the Leadership Team, School Advisory Council, and the Consultative Committee. We have made some minor changes to our response and expectations, specifically regarding how we support the wellbeing of affected children and our meetings with parents. Please see the reviewed document linked below.

MACS has recently updated our system approach for Suspension, Negotiated transfer and expulsion of Students procedures and Student Behaviour Support Procedures for Schools. We are currently working through these and are required to implement them during Term 3. Once these have been contextualised and approved by the School Advisory Council and Consultative Committee I will share these with the wider community via the newsletter and our school website. As part of this process we may need to update our current procedures to meet changes. I would also like to draw your attention again to the Child Safety Standard page of this newsletter where you will find information on Standard 3 - Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously. 

Zing Activ

Yesterday, I was fortunate to be invited to an inspiring event in Sydney organised by Zing Activ. Currently operating across numerous schools in Queensland and New South Wales. The team is now exploring opportunities to bring their unique programs to Victoria.

Zing Activ is a family-run business—recently featured on A Current Affair—that specialises in school workshops focusing on wellbeing through movement, dance, and sport.

I attended their interschool dance competition, where 14 Catholic schools within the Sydney Archdiocese gathered to celebrate and compete. The evening was a showcase of ten weeks of dedicated learning in dance and wellbeing. A particular highlight was a performance involving all the children that incorporated Auslan; it was truly moving to witness such inclusivity.

It was a privilege to experience the palpable joy of the students and the pride of their families cheering from the stands. The owners, Maria and Chris, have built a business that radiates fun and encourages full participation. They were incredibly generous in sharing their story and listening to the perspectives of myself and a fellow Principals regarding the specific needs of Catholic schools in Victoria.

I am very excited about the potential for St John’s should Zing Activ decide to expand their workshops to Melbourne.

Farm Update from Mish

Thanks to our incredible parent volunteers that joined us last Friday for our working bee at the Farm. We really appreciate your assistance with caring for our special patch and hope that these experiences will continue to build connections between members of our school community.

Sustainability and Social Justice Leaders Excursion

On Friday in Week 9 (27 March), our Sustainability Leaders and Social Justice Leaders attended an excursion to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and the Melbourne Museum. During our visit, we deepened our understanding of the First Nations people of our region, the Wurundjeri people in Naarm (Melbourne).

At the museum, we explored the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where we examined artefacts from First Nations communities across Victoria and engaged with interactive exhibits. These experiences encouraged students to touch, listen, observe, and learn about Aboriginal languages and culture in meaningful ways. We also visited the “Our Wondrous Planet” gallery, which provided valuable insights into diverse ecosystems and the living organisms that inhabit them.

At the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, we located our scarecrow entry, “Barrawarn Bob,” which we submitted to the Sustainable Scarecrow Competition. We explored a wide range of inspiring displays, including floral installations, woodwork, sustainable garden designs, and landscaping exhibitions. We also had the opportunity to listen to Wurundjeri people share stories about the Iuk season (the eel season) within the Kulin seasonal calendar. As we transition into a new season in the Kulin calendar, Waring season (the wombat season), the nights will grow longer, morning mists will become more frequent, and wombats will begin to leave their burrows.

Our Sustainability and Social Justice Leaders spent some time on our excursion discussing ideas for future collaboration that supports our school Earthcare inquiry project. 

Have a great holiday break and thanks to all our Farm volunteers that are caring for our Farm in the holidays.

Go well

Mish

Physicl Eduation Update from Michelle

District Cross Country

Our St John’s Cross Country team showed good determination to run their best during the District event at Hansen Reserve last week against 7 other schools in the area.

The day started with the excited Year 4 children pushing themselves around the 2km course along with 40 other children.  A big race by all, some finding it very challenging and others pacing themselves well throughout the course to cross the finish line with a sense of relief.

Our Year 5 students experienced the 3km run for the 1st time and some found the extra km a hard task but pushed themselves right to the end.  

The Year 6’s in their final year ran hard to complete the 3km race in their best possible time, pacing themselves well and finishing strong. 

Congratulations to Eloise W (Yr 6), Fionn N (Yr 6)  and  Evie R (Yr 5) who have qualified to compete at the Cross Country Division event in Term 2. 

A big thank you to the parents and families who were able to come and support our children.

The St John’s community wish them well in their events.

Regional Swimming

Congratulations to Evelyn T (Yr 5) who swam at the Regional Swimming Competition in Geelong on Tuesday.  She swam two great races in fast times and finished 13th in Freestyle and 10th in Butterfly in a very strong group of swimmers. 

It is a wonderful achievement to reach the Regional level with schools from all of Western Melbourne and the Geelong Area.   Well done Evelyn.

MACSEYE Holiday program is running these school holidays and bookings for Monday 20th April School Closure day will open this coming Monday. I reached out to MACSEYE as some families were unable to book for our schhol closure day at the beginning of term and we have been advised that bookings for during the school term open two weeks in advance. 

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to every family for your ongoing support of your children and the staff at St John’s throughout this term.

While there are many exciting things on the horizon for next term, I wish you all a safe, restful, and enjoyable Easter break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday, 21st April.

God Bless,

Emily

What's coming up:

• School Closure Day - Monday 20th April
• First Day of Term 2 - Tuesday 21st April
• Easter Sunday Prayer Gathering - 2:45pm Tuesday 21st April
• ANZAC Day Assembly - 2:45pm Friday 24th April
• 5/6 Project Open Afternoon - Tuesday 28th April

Reminders:

• Log into PAM an review and update all areas including Connect Fields and Connect Surveys

• Complete the form to let us know if you would like to support the PFA via donations, time or skills : https://forms.gle/nP8qUdxtAUyVuSfq8 

   

🧢 Hats

We have a small supply of spare hats for children who forget theirs. However, we are finding that more children are missing their hats than we have spares available to loan. Please check with your child to ensure they have their hat so their play isn't limited to shaded areas.

OUR IMAGE OF THE CHILD

‘At St. John’s, we strongly believe that children are at the centre when given authentic and meaningful experiences. They flourish when their passions and interests are acknowledged and valued. Children are empowered when they take ownership for their learning. They have a right to develop autonomy through discovery.’

(St. John’s Staff, 2018)

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the owners of the land on which we live, play and learn at St John's Primary School, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

All students attending St. John's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.