A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

On Monday we had a wonderful afternoon hearing and learning from children in Years 3-6 as they launched their Discovery Projects. It has been a long but exciting term for learning and I thank our educators, co-educators and leaders for all the passion and love they bring to all they do at St John's. I would also like to thank the families of St John's and the support you have shown in attending and responding to different events this semester.

Luna was also a lucky school wellbeing dog who benefited from some of the children's Discovery projects. Olive and Frankie designed and created a rope toy for Luna to play with. They researched safe dog toys and watched videos to learn how to braid material off cuts to create a rope pattern. Isla and Tilly researched what makes a healthy dog treat and create their own recipes for two different types of treats. It's fair to say that Luna loved the launch of these projects. 

Last fortnight some of the children from Year 6 celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation along with children from Christ the King Primary School and candidates from the Holy Family Parish. It was a beautiful and reverent celebration led by Bishop Martin Ashe and Fr Gerald.

Congratulations Pearl

Pearl came 6th out of 80 runners in the U12 Girls and qualified for the State Cross Country Championships in July. She achieved both her goals; a top 12 finish to reach states for the first time, and a time under 13.06 mins. All her Monday night training running up and down hills paid off! Pearl, we are all so very proud of your efforts.   Congratulation and good luck at State!

Reminders:

• School Closure Day on Monday for Learning Conversations. Please book via Simon Everywhere/PAM
• School Reports were made available yesterday (Wednesday 19th June). You can access these via Simon Everywhere/PAM
• Prep 2025 enrolment interviews finished this week. Offers for next year will be emailed to families on Friday 21st June
• Last day of Term 2 -  Friday 28th June at 1pm
• First day of Term 3 - Tuesday 16th July

Smart Watches:

We have noticed several children wearing smart watches to school and they have been distracting children from focusing on their learning. We ask that if your child has a smart watch that is connected to the internet (and can play music, send messages, or use search engines), that it is either handed to an educator during school hours, parent-locked during school hours or simply left at home as per our mobile phone policy. Please see your child’s Hub educators if you need further clarification around this.

Professional Learning

Earlier this year MACS released their Vision for Instruction (attached below) inspired by MACS strategic plan, MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World (see image below). 

Leaders at St John's have attended professional learning days aligned to the MACS 2030 strategic plan and bringing this alive. As a staff we have started to look at how the Vision of Instruction is already being enacted at St John's and where we might need to focus in the future to continue to provide a vibrant learning community. Last week the Learning and Teaching Team (Lauren, Jenna and Amy) and myself attended a day led by Dr Lorraine Hammond on the Science of Reading. Dr Lorraine Hammond is an Associate Professor at Edith Cowan University. While there was new learning and understanding, it was also encouraging to know that we are already implementing strategies and approaches that align with the research behind the science of reading and some considerations for moving forward. Over the course of next semester the leadership team will continue to explore this more with a deeper focus on staff learning in 2025.

On Monday 15th July the staff will be engaging in professional learning about AI (artificial intelligence) and Education led by Bess Naughtin. We look forward to sharing some key learnings from this early next term.

Administering Medication Authority: Please remember the new procedures introduced last year requiring all MACS schools to follow specific guidelines for administering medication to children while at school. As we enter the cooler winter months, children may require medication prescribed by a doctor. To administer this medication at school, we need an authority form completed and signed by your GP or pharmacist. The medication must also be in its original packaging with the directions prescribed by the doctor. We cannot administer any medication unless it is in its original packaging, so please do not send single tablets to school. For further information about this please see the Health Updates page of this newsletter including a downloadable form for authority. 

Reportable Conduct Scheme update:

On 1st July 2024, important changes come into effect relating to categories of people to whom the Reportable Conduct Scheme applies. Currently, the Scheme applies to allegations made about the following people employed by and associated with MACS: 

• employees 
• contractors 
• volunteers 
• office holders

From 1st July 2024, allegations made about the following people will also be covered by the Scheme: 

• workers and volunteers supplied by labour hire agencies, companies and other providers (e.g. casual relief teachers, some student teachers – depending on the arrangements) 
• secondees − directors and office holders of companies performing services for MACS. These workers, volunteers and secondees will be covered by the Scheme if they meet all of the following criteria: 
• they are supplied to MACS by labour hire agencies, companies and other providers, or they are seconded to MACS 
• they perform work in and as part of MACS 
• they are under the direction, supervision or control of MACS

The Scheme applies to allegations of: 

• sexual offences against, with or in the presence of a child 
• sexual misconduct against, with or in the presence of a child 
• physical violence against, with or in the presence of a child 
• behaviour that causes significant emotional or psychological harm to a child 
• significant neglect of a child. 

For the most up to date St John's and MACS policies, including reporting complaints and concerns, please look on our school's website or click this link - Policies

Warm wishes

Emily