Principal's Page
'A Welcoming Community Leading the Future of Learning with Faith and Love'
A Message from the Principal
Welcome back to Term 3. The staff and I have enjoyed a restful holiday and are looking forward to working with you and your family again this term. I enjoyed catching up on some reading and a short trip to the beach. The long walks and playing board games with the family were a great way to unwind and switch off.
There are some great things happening at St John's this term including the Trivia Night, Year 5 Camp to Sovereign Hill, Year 6 Confirmation and the Whole School Production. Be sure to book your seats for the Trivia Night so that you don't miss out on a fun and entertaining evening.
We will also be having our Parent/Teacher/Student led conferences and a whole school closure day. Please see these important dates below.
Today we had a very special celebration to start the new term and to commemorate Naidoc Week. Dion, from the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, performed a Smoking Ceremony to cleanse the area, renew and strengthen our students and to promote the protection and well-being of visitors. Dion used eucalyptus leaves from his home as well as the school for the ceremony. He also taught the students a game using actions from Bunjil the eagle, a kangaroo and emu. It was a beautiful way to be reunited and recommence for Term 3.
This term we welcome back Carmel Barro, who will be working with Anna Hendy in Year 5/6. We know they will be a great team and bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the staff. We also welcome Mr Luke Gibson, who will be supporting Year 1/2A this term, every Monday. Luke has been working with us a casual relief teacher so it is wonderful to make him an official staff member.
We extend a special welcome to Valeria and her family. Valerie has joined the 5/6A class as a year 5 student and we are delighted to have her at St John's.
A big THANK YOU to all of the families who looked after the chickens over the holidays. They were very well cared for and are laying eggs every day. They have certainly settled into their new home.
The Curriculum Term Overviews for Term 3 will be sent out this Friday. Please be sure to read it carefully so that you can support your child's learning at home.
Today our Future Leaders had their final meeting. It was great to acknowledge their ideas, student voice and actions, over the past semester. They were integral in naming our new chickens, coordinating the new behaviour videos for each class and being role models everyday at St John's. They will all be formerly acknowledged and congratulated at next Monday's assembly.
Important Dates for Term 3
- 8 August, Tuesday - Parent/Teacher/Student Led Conferences (bookings will open in coming weeks)
- 9 August, Wednesday - SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY - Maths professional development Day for all staff
- 6 September, Wednesday - Whole School Production - Karalyka Theatre
Colour Explosion
We need your help!
This year the Community Association would like to run a Colour Explosion Fun Run on Friday 10 November for our students and families. To make this fundraiser a reality we need a team of volunteers.
If you can volunteer your time for one of the roles below, please contact
Tanya Dennis on 0411 656 229 before 15 August:
Volunteer required before the event: Liaising with Australian Fundraising and communication to school community.
Volunteers required on the day: Setting up and supporting teachers on water stations and powder stations.
Post event volunteers required: Distribution of prizes.
All volunteers must have a current working with children check.
Trivia Night Major Fundraiser 2023
Join us for St John's Major Social Event of the Year - Our annual Trivia Night fundraiser is shaping up to be a fantastic night on Saturday 29 July. Remember to register to secure your table and we look forward to seeing you there.
To book your tickets or a table click here.
Please contact Emir if you are able to offer your assistance or for any donations. emirbajcic@gmail.com
Holiday Joke
While down at the beach I noticed that oceans are always so friendly, because they’re always waving at you.
Don't forget to follow us on all of our social media. Please re share our posts and let your family, neighbours and friends know about all of the great things happening at St John's.
May the term ahead be a happy and engaging one for you and your family. Please let me now if you need any additional support throughout the term.
Verona Gridley
Principal
vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au