Principal's Page

Principal Updates

We love that our students are able to create and collaborate together, not only in their learning but during play times also. Our giant blocks in the Passive Play area are a great way for students to explore and express their creativity with their friends. This giant castle was created by an enthusiastic group of Year 1 and 2 students who worked together beautifully to make a castle they could all enjoy. 

It was a great opportunity for Parents and Carers to visit the school or meet online with the teachers, for our Curriculum Information Sessions. We hope that you enjoyed the sessions and have had an opportunity to reflect on the information in the slides. I am seeking your feedback on these via the survey emailed to you, as we want to continue to respond to the needs and expectations of the school community. 

Prep and New Families Welcome Dinner

The Passive Play area was filled with over 100 guests at the Annual Prep and New Families Welcome Dinner last week. The weather was kind and we were able to enjoy the outdoor areas. We are grateful to the Year 1 families who were able to come along and host, providing desserts, setting up, serving and packing up afterwards. The students energy and enthusiasm was overflowing but it was great to see them playing with their new friends as the parents mingled and socialised also. Special THANKYOU to Jess Kruisheer for coordinating this event for us.

School Closure Day - Tuesday 10 March

This is just a reminder that the School will be closed on Tuesday 10 March as all of the staff will be taking part in First Aid Training.

You are able to register your child with a Full Day Program of activities, meals and care, with Camp Australia.

Register your child - https://pp.campaustralia.com.au/

Working Bee - Friday 13 March 4pm

Our first Working Bee for the Year will be on Friday, 13 March at 4pm.

We will be:

• Topping up the mulch under the Adventure playground

• Weeding Garden Beds

• Trimming Hedges

• Sweeping Paths 

• General Tidying up

Please mark this in your calendars and come along with your shovels, wheelbarrows, secateurs, rakes and brooms.

All families who participate will get a $50 school fee discount!

Future Leaders

Last Monday, at our Assembly, our new Future Leaders for Semester 1, were announced and presented with their badges. Future Leaders are just one way that we promote student voice at St John's. Every fortnight they will meet with members of the leadership team to share their ideas, feedback, information from their peers, and help us make decisions on improvements at the school. This is an important leadership experience for these students and we hope that over the seven years of primary school every student will have the opportunity to be a student representative as a Future Leader.

At their first meeting this week they were joined by Kate Beveridge from the Whitehorse Council to discuss and share their ideas around the development of Walker Park in Mitcham. They certainly shared some creative and unique ideas.

School Advisory Council Invitation

You are all invited to put in an expression of interest to join our School Advisory Council. School Advisory Councils are an essential part of governing and operating of St John's school. It provides a forum for consultation and participation for our school community, ensuring accountability for the decisions they make. St John's School Advisory Council is committed to ensuring that responsibility and local agency is preserved for our school community. Please email me if you are interested in finding out more or putting in an expression of interest to join.

Parent Volunteers

It was lovely to have a new group of parents join us for the Parent Volunteer sessions at school. If you are interested in volunteering to help out in the classrooms then please let us know. Thankyou to our Literacy Leader, Nicole Webb and Melinda Buscema, for running this for our community.

School Photo Day - Thursday 19 March

On Thursday, 19 March, will be our School Professional Photo Day. All students need to wear their full Summer uniform, including black shoes. If this is on their usual PE day, they may bring their runners in their school bag. Please don't be late to school that day so that your child doesn't miss out. All parents need to order online prior to the day. 

See details on the flyer below for orders. Orders can only be made via www.leadingimage.com.au using the access code: SDNJP6FQ

Car Park Safety

Thankyou to all of the parents and carers who are parking safely and observing the road signs around the school. This a reminder that if you are collecting your child from the Elizabeth St entrance to please walk behind the cones and not across the car park. We have set up the cones to keep all of our families and students safe.

MACS Family Survey – Have Your Say

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) invites current families to take part in a short online survey about school choice and their experience as a MACS family. The survey explores what influences families’ choice of Catholic education, what supports satisfaction and belonging, and what matters most at different stages of schooling. The findings will help inform future planning across the MACS system.

• Takes 10–15 minutes
• Responses are confidential
• A chance to win one of five $100 eGift Cards https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MACSFAMILY

Your voice matters. By sharing your experience, you are helping shape the future of Catholic education for current and future families.

Prize draw terms and conditions:

https://www.edified.com.au/post/macs-parent-survey-prize-draw

Joke of the Week 

I hope that you all have a great week ahead and please don't hesitate to reach out if I can support you or your family in any way.

Verona Gridley

St John's Primary School Principal

principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au