The School Advisory Committee (SAC) continues to meet regularly with the most recent meeting held on 30 July. The forum provides essential connection, commitment and consensus to support St John’s Primary School and all of its students.

Key messages and opportunities from our fourth meeting in 2024 included the new masterplan draft.

The School Advisory Committee (SAC) received an excellent presentation on the school campus masterplan from Audrey Whisker. The masterplan focuses on maintenance, inclusion, and modernisation with an emphasis on sustainable design principles and enhancing shared spaces for the community. We are excited to share the latest developments regarding the Masterplan for St John’s School, as discussed in our recent stakeholder engagement sessions. Audrey delivered a detailed review of the proposed updates and changes based on your valuable feedback. Here’s a summary of what was discussed.

School Requests:

Additional Parking and Play Areas: The Masterplan addresses several requests, including a staff carpark, enhanced playground facilities (such as monkey bars and sandpits), more grassed areas and improved separation for ball sports and passive play spaces. Additional storage space, sensory play areas, breakout spaces, covered outdoor play, spiritual and wellbeing spaces and varied food options are also included. Increased access to toilets and more meeting rooms (for 6-12 people) have been included into the plan. Incorporating St John’s Catholic Identity and Charism will also be included. However, pools did not make the list of proposed changes.

Design Features:

The design will celebrate St John’s identity, reflecting our founder’s legacy. Ideas include a fishing net trellis to create a green wall, incorporating sustainability and reimagining prayer/garden/reflection spaces. The school Emblem, the Eagle and our colors (light blue, gold, white, and navy) will be integrated into the design.

Current Conditions and Proposals:

Possible Tree Removal: The SAC reviewed the potential removal of the front tree at the school office entrance. The general consensus was indifference towards this change as will raise street presence and visibility.

Lift Installation: A new 14-person lift, capable of accommodating a stretcher for emergencies, is proposed, to enhance accessibility across multiple campus levels.

Level One Proposals: This level will feature spaces for collaboration and messy activities, a small group work area with integrated storage and improved supervision options. Additional proposals include: A new toilet and cleaner’s cupboard for easier access. Staff feedback suggested that student bags be stored inside classrooms for younger students.

Ground Floor Enhancements: First Aid Space and Reading Nook: A new first aid space will be situated next to the general office, with an external entrance and with a reading nook nearby to provide a quiet area for student-teacher discussions. The performing arts space will be upgraded to include a green room and recording studio based on student feedback.

Office and Multi-purpose Spaces: Front Offices: There is a proposal to convert the front offices into multi-purpose areas, including meeting rooms and open-plan office space with a convertible divider. The practicality of seating all staff in one area was discussed, acknowledging that staff offices need to be dispersed for various functions.

Playground and Other Proposals:

Playground Design: Options include a covered outdoor play area, transforming the playground into an explorer ship and amphitheater seating. While a junior/senior playground split wasn’t feasible, ball play areas for different year levels will be maintained.

Movie Club: A proposal for a movie club behind the Mary MacKillop STEM area was put forth in response to student requests.

Lyons Room and Other Changes: Considerations include extending the Lyons room and double doors to create a storeroom, and the possibility of a leadership room close to classrooms. The accessible toilet will have an exterior door to comply with regulations. Other Considerations:

Grass Area: The grass area will be revamped with additional topsoil.

Economic Impact: The potential impact on enrolments and the school’s economics is being considered, particularly with changes such as the lift, Lyons room extension, movie theatre and media green screen.

We appreciate the ongoing support and feedback from all members of the St John’s community. These updates aim to enhance our school environment and address the needs of our students, staff and families. We will continue to keep you informed as the Masterplan progresses.

NAPLAN Results Overview

Outstanding Performance:

We are pleased to report that our students have achieved strong to exceeding results in NAPLAN. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be more proud of their performance.

Comparative Data:

At this time, we have only received and reviewed our own school’s data. We are still awaiting comparative data from other schools and the states. Once we have this information, we will share a more comprehensive analysis with you.

Feedback from School Tours:

Visitors on our school tours have consistently remarked on the high quality of our results. This positive feedback reflects the hard work of our students and the dedication of our teaching staff.

Melbourne Schools Group:

For those interested in comparing our results with other schools, we recommend visiting the MySchool website. Comparative graphs will be available later this year, providing a broader context for our performance within the Melbourne schools group.

Courage Corner

Aligned with our school theme of “Courage” for the year, the SAC explored the idea of introducing a Parent page in the newsletter called “Courage Corner” to express or show courage for things felt or observed in our community and invite your submissions to principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

We are excited to kick off this edition of "Courage Corner" with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to one of our dedicated community member, Jules Purcell.

Last Friday night, Jules orchestrated our major fundraiser of the year, Dolly's Disco Bingo. The event was a tremendous success, filled with joy, laughter and great company. We are immensely grateful for the effort and enthusiasm Jules put into arranging such a memorable evening for us all. To everyone who attended, we hope you had a fantastic time and enjoyed the unique blend of disco, bingo and community spirit. Your participation and support are what make events like these so special. Thank you, Jules, for your hard work and dedication. Your commitment to our school community is truly appreciated!

As I conclude this edition of the SAC Report, I would like to remind you of our dedicated 2024 School Advisory Committee (SAC) members. We are here to listen, support, and address any concerns you may have.

Meet the SAC Members:

Verona Gridley - School Principal

Father Dispin John - Parish Priest (Custodian of Mission)

Melinda Buscema - Deputy School Principal/RE Leader (Custodian of Mission)

Angela Maclean - Chairperson and Parent Representative

Samantha Solomons - Secretary and Parent Representative (Parishioner)

Nicole Whelan - Parent Representative

Deb Bowers - Parent Representative

Anne Tyedin - Parent Representative.

If you see any of us around the school, please don’t hesitate to come over and say hello. We genuinely value your thoughts, input and questions. Whether you have feedback to share or simply want to engage in conversation, we are here to listen and connect with you. Your involvement enriches our school community, and we look forward to engaging with you.

Angela Maclean

Chairperson and Parent Representative

St John's Community Fete