Principal's Page

A Message from the Acting Principal

Welcome back to what is now Term 4! We are three quarters of the way through 2024! Unbelievable! The final term of the year can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. Our focus will be not only to finalise, reflect and marvel at how far our students have progressed, but will also involve thinking forward and setting up processes, foundations and transitions for the new year, 2025. 

We have so much to look forward to as we get closer to Christmas and warmer weather. A reminder that our students must begin to wear their summer uniform including their hats as we embark into our seasons of spring and summer. Early this term, our Year 3s will have their Reconciliation which is the last of our sacramental program for the year. Our swimming program will commence shortly for our Year P-4 students alongside many other Gala days for our upper levels. 

This term, we will welcome our new families and transition our new Prep 2025 students across 3 mornings, whilst our Year 5/6 teachers will be preparing for graduation so that we can farewell a wonderful cohort of Year 6 students. They will be missed.

This term,  we will be welcoming Beth Neason to our school as she will be taking Art classes for a short time whilst we await Deirdre's return later in the term. Beth has taught art for several years in her previous setting and has already commenced communicating with Deirdre so that our art program can continue. In Week 2, we will welcome Chris Lloyd into 5/6Tracey so that she can continue on with the work that Kristin has been doing to support our students. The students already know Chris from the work she did with us last term.

May we have Verona in our prayers over the coming weeks as she studies in Europe and may she find some time to rest between all the learning. This week we have Sheree working with Maria and I in the office so please don't hesitate contacting us for anything at all. 

Term 4 School Closure Days

This term we have two dates that you will need to be aware of.

Monday, November 4 (day before Cup Day) and

Friday, November 15 ( Fete set up day - all off site).

Working Bee

On Friday, 11 October, we will be having a Twilight Working Bee, from 4pm-6pm.

It would be great if you could help for one hour, as we have many jobs to complete.

We will be:

- topping up the sandpit with fresh sand

- spreading mulch on garden beds

- stabilising the Aboriginal bollards

- weeding gardens

- sweeping and more

- raking soft-fall mulch under the playground

If you come along please bring a wheelbarrow, spade, rake and broom if you have one.

It is expected that all families attend at least one working bee per year. You will be reimbursed your maintenance levy if you are able to attend. 

I would love your assistance as this will be the first working bee for me at St. John's.

 Hope to see you there.  

May we ask parents to please submit all student absences, including early finishes, via the PAM app. If you need any assistance with this, feel free to call the office or email office@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au for help.

A reminder that there is no marathon club this week to begin with. 

Have a fabulous first week and welcome to Daylight savings. We look forward to hearing about all of our students' adventures over the school break.

Summer Uniform

In Term 4 the students will transition into their summer uniform. This will be phased back in over 2 weeks to allow for cooler weather. Please note the uniform requirements below.

SUMMER UNIFORM

• Polo shirt with logo, short sleeved
• Navy school shorts 
• Summer Dress or new logo skort
• School windcheater
• Navy socks
• Black school shoes
• School hat      

SPORT UNIFORM  

• St John's sports top 
• Navy sport shorts/logo skort
• School windcheater
• White socks
• Runners

Children should only wear sport uniforms for Physical Education lessons and on nominated sport days only. These days vary between classes and will be advised by the classroom teacher.

If you need anything at all I can be contacted on mbuscema@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

Yours sincerely

Melinda Buscema