Dear St John's Community,

Your children may or may not have come home this week talking about 'expectations'. At St John's, we are having a big focus on setting expectations for a wide variety of aspects of school life, from learning, to transitioning between classes, to how we interact with each other at different times of the day and how we treat each other.

We have spoken regularly about 'Kind words, Kind actions' and being responsible for yourself and what you do and considering your impact on others around you. This has had some positive impact across the school, but not enough. We recognise that when students engage in negative behaviours, they are doing it for a reason. If we can determine the reason, we can support them in reducing those behaviours and also pre-empt and help them deal with the situation before it becomes a problem. This takes time and effort; it doesn't just change overnight, especially if a child is used to getting attention easily by engaging in negative or challenging behaviours. There is an old adage in marketing that says, 'any attention is good attention', i.e. if people are talking about you in the news or media, it doesn't matter whether it's good or bad, the fact that you are getting recognition is the big win! But, in reality, this is not acceptable, especially when it impinges on the learning and safety of others. I am highlighting these things this week because this is what we are focusing on at school as well. Setting expectations and holding students to account for them, while supporting them to engage in more positive ways. One person's liberty should not come at the expense of someone else's. School isn't just about what you can do; it’s about making sure your fun doesn't ruin someone else's day, or their learning.

To explain this a bit better, imagine the following: Imagine everyone is walking around inside invisible bubbles. You can dance, jump, and wave your arms around as much as you want inside your own bubble. That is your liberty. But, the moment you swing your arms so wide that you pop someone else’s bubble or knock them over, you’ve gone too far. Your freedom to move shouldn't "cost" the other person their safety or their own space.

We do want our students to be themselves, but when they start interfering with someone else's right to be themselves and to learn, we have to draw the line. At the end of the day, it's about equality and respect.

Prayer for First Communion Candidates

Please keep these children and their families in your prayers in the coming weeks.

Dear Lord,

We thank You and praise You for the most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist. We ask You to bless all those who are preparing to receive Your Body and Blood for the first time.

You have provided for us through these gifts. Receiving the Holy Eucharist is a tremendous blessing, and we ask You to help all who are preparing to make their First Holy Communion. Help them to grow in love for You each day of our lives.

Help them to always appreciate the great gifts You have given us.

Amen

What a wet and cold, but wonderfully heartwarming morning we had! I am so grateful to all the brave women who stepped out to join us for brekky! I hope you were all treated well over the last weekend! (and ongoing!)

I'd like to thank the dedicated staff and parents who helped make the morning a success.

Enrolments for 2027

We have been taking a number of tours this year for enrolments for 2027, however, we really want to make sure we have our two classes for 2027. We have an open day coming up later this term so if you know anything looking for a school, please let them know and direct them our way! Link to Group Tour

Staffing News

We say Congratulations and best wishes to Katie and her partner with the birth of a bouncing baby boy Brooks.

We say goodbye next week to Miss Tia Saddington, one of our Support staff. Tia is making a career change, and we wish her all the best with that.

We welcome Mrs Sara Wright who is filling in while we find a replacement for Mrs Amy McMahon.

There's been some ripper performances this year in Jogging Club! Sadly, next week is the last week for Jogging Club for now (before its too cold for Mr O!)

Head Lice

I just want to inform parents that we have had a few cases of Head Lice in recent days. I have noticed a number of students of late having their hair loose, any hair over shoulder length should be neatly bound. While it won't prevent head lice it does help prevent them from transferring. Health regulations state that if your child has head lice they cannot return to school until after they have been treated.

The Jaguars are looking for new members, especially in the junior levels (Prep & Grade 1) and under 12s. If you're interested, contact them through this email: admin@stjohnsbasketball.com

Round 9 Results, Top 10!

Ezndaz

HenryDR

ToonAussie

Nanette-C

Dlefebvre

Dezzabr

Caleb5

AshFoudy

Jessa1923

MasterONG2016

Enjoy the last of the sunshine this weekend!

Kind regards,

Derek Bruitzman

Principal

Jokes of the week:

Q. What do clouds do when they become rich?

A. They make it rain!

Q: Why are atoms Catholic?

A: Because they have mass

Q: Why do centipedes have 100 legs?

A: So they can walk!

Fun facts of the week:

Sharks are older than trees! They appeared 400 million years ago while trees only appeared 350 million years ago.

In Ancient Rome, wealthy Romans used powdered mouse brains as toothpaste! (Yuk)

The official name of this symbol # is 'octothorpe'

Parents - St John's Facebook page

Search: Parents @ St. Johns

Note: You will be required to answer several questions to be allowed access to the page.

St John's Playground Fundraising

Latest total : $8896

Goal: $25000

Link to donate

Well Being and Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHIPS)