A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

Great News! January Holiday Program is ON!

We're thrilled to confirm that MACSeye will now be offering a holiday program throughout January! They have reversed their earlier decision, and we are so grateful.

If you already use MACSeye, you should have received an update yesterday. We will share the official booking link and instructions for the January program soon, so keep an eye out!

Remember: It is vital to book your child in before the deadline once the link is live.

Thank you to the MACSeye team for listening, and a huge shout-out to the parents who provided feedback!   

Exciting things that have happened at St John's

ABC Music Concert

On Monday afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending the ABC Music Group's 2025 Concert! It was fantastic to see so many families present to support the children as they played a variety of instruments.

The students demonstrated incredible bravery and musical talent and truly entertained the audience. A huge thank you to Thom for his dedication in supporting these children and preparing them so beautifully to showcase their learning.

Congratulations to all the children who performed—you should be immensely proud of yourselves!

Interschool Sports

As the end of the year approaches, we mark the completion of our final major events for 2025. This term, the Year 5/6 Hub participated in Summer Inter-school Sports, and it has been wonderful to receive such positive feedback from their educators.

Their participation, respectful attitude towards one another, and sportsmanship toward their opponents was outstanding.

Congratulations to all the children for making this such an enjoyable and fun experience for everyone involved!

Discovery Project Launches

Last week at assembly we had two children from the 3/4 Hub, Milo and Arthur, launch their Discovery Project to the school community. 

Our flag is light blue on the top, dark blue on the bottom. Our ways of working on the dark blue, the school name on the light blue and the school logo in the middle.

We will probably put the flag up on the staff room window so we can all see it.  We believe the flag is a representation of everyone at St John’s and our relationship with each other.

A huge congratulations to Breanna (5/6 Hub) on the publication of her picture story book, "Get Ready for School with Lily."

Breanna wrote and illustrated the book to help our new Prep students, with text written in English and Vietnamese to explain the steps for getting ready for school. This inclusive project is a brilliant achievement! We have a copy in our Library for children to borrow.

Moving from Year 2 to Year 3: Parent Session:

Last night we hosted a parent session to support Year 2 children moving to Year 3 in 2026. This is an important transition for children just like kinder to Prep and Year 6 to Year 7. Expectations and approaches to learning shift during these times. A new level of independence is experienced by each student. 

Change can sometime bring feelings of excitement but also anxiousness. Both are normal and expected, however, we are here to support you and your child every year as they move through their primary school years. 

Our parent session was to share what some of these changes will be for children moving to Year 3 next year so that you can support your child from home. We had a great number of Year 2 parents attend and we have shared the slides used with all our current Year 2 families via an email this morning. Thank you for attending and it was great to hear your questions.

Victorian Schools Garden Program Award WINNERS!

Today, our 2025 and 2026 Sustainability Leaders proudly attended the Victorian Schools Garden Program Award Presentation Ceremony at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

We are thrilled to announce that we came 2nd in the award for 'Most Engaging Garden for Learning'! This recognition is a testament to the hard work of Mish, who compiled our entry showcasing the rich learning that occurs through our school farm and the 'Engaging with Place' specialist program.

A Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers!

The school farm is currently looking fabulous, thanks to the immense effort put in last week following our mulch delivery. We extend a huge thank you to Mish for leading the charge, and to the following volunteers and staff members who generously gave their time and effort to help move the mulch:

• Naomi Richardson and Choi Kwan
• Khac Phu
• Preston Faleni-Quedley
• Amy Hii, along with her children Darius D'Onofrio and Magnus D'Onofrio
• Staff members: Mish, Jenna, Leonie, Eileen and her daughter Emma.

Your commitment makes our beautiful learning spaces possible!

2026 Student Leaders

It is with great excitement that I announce the successful candidates who will form our Student Leadership Teams for 2026.

We will present these deserving children to the whole school at assembly next Friday. They will formally receive their badges at an special assembly early next year, to which their families will be invited.

We had a large number of children nominate themselves for each of these key roles. They presented compelling and thoughtful speeches that made the decision for voting a challenge for both their Year 4 and 5 peers and the St John's staff. We commend all candidates for their bravery and leadership demonstrated throughout the process.

• School Captains: Regan Morris, Benjamin Bui, Fionn Neenan, Xavier Jandayan
• Sports Captains: Hugo Puopolo-Moss, Breanna Truong, Isaiah Nunes, Micah Zanjani
• Sustainability Leaders: Gigi Masci, Billie Ferns, Rhoda Kwan
• Social Justice Leaders: Frankie Wheeler, Marcus Gazzola, Ava Maran

Photos of the 2026 School Captains as they call home to tell them the news

New Social Media Restrictions

As of the 10th December the new age restrictions for social media come into effect. To support families with what this means, Marty and Carley from Inform and Empower have prepare an information sheet to support parents. Please see link below. 

Christmas Family Night

Mark your calendars! Our much-anticipated Christmas Family Night will be held on Thursday 11th December.

Parent Dance Group: Call for Participants!

We are excited to announce the return of the popular parent dance performance! If you are interested in joining this year’s routine, please connect with Melissa, who is organising the group.

Practice sessions are held every Tuesday, immediately after school.  This year children and parents are welcome to perform together on stage!

We have a small, dedicated group organising the sausage sizzle before our Christmas performances begin, but we urgently need extra volunteers to help out on the night!

Our goal is to complete all the cooking before the first act starts. If you can lend a hand and join the team, please let me know by emailing - econroy@sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au

Building Update

At this stage there are no further updates. We are still awaiting approval for the relocation of our mains power switchboard which isn't due until early in the new year.

SJ Parent Group for Fundraising

We are inviting all motivated parents to join a dedicated group focused on planning and organising fun and creative fundraising events for 2026!

We already have some initial ideas in the works, but we need a strong team to support this vital initiative.

There is a role for everyone! Whether your skills lie in the background—like emailing and making phone calls—or if you are a creative genius in marketing and communication, or perhaps you love being hands-on volunteering on event days, we want to hear from you!

Whatever skill set or time you can generously give, your involvement will make a difference.

Planning Meeting Details:

• When: Wednesday 10th December
• Time: 9:30 am

Join us to help sketch out our plan for 2026. We hope to see you there!

Staffing Updates for 2026

With the end of the year approaching, it is time to announce some changes in staffing for next year. We have a few valued staff members transitioning to leave and some we are saying a fond goodbye to.

Taking Leave 

• As shared last term, Maddy Flynn will begin her maternity leave at the end of the year as she prepares to welcome her first child in early February. We wish Maddy and Dev all the very best during this exciting time.
• Erin Schembri has decided to extend her leave for a further 12 months to continue living in Vietnam and travelling with her family. It has been wonderful to see Erin around St John's recently while she is back in Australia for Christmas.
• Molly Argus and Jordan Fry have also decided to take 12 months leave to enjoy time travelling throughout 2026. However, both will still be familiar faces at St John's as they do CRT (Casual Relief Teaching) work in between their travel plans.

Saying Farewell 

• Charlotte Turner joined us this year as a graduate teacher and has been a valued addition to our school community. However, the call to move back closer to family means she has decided to leave us at the end of this year. We have loved welcoming Charlotte to our community and wish her all the best as she takes on a Prep-2 position in Castlemaine.
• Vita Mullane has been a 2 Hub co-educator with us for the last two years, supporting children with their learning and brain breaks. Next year, Vita has decided to enrol in University to complete her degree in teaching. We wish Vita all the best as she follows her passion to become an educator.

Welcoming New and Returning Staff 

With these changes, we are very excited to welcome new people to our school community. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and expertise they will bring and can't wait to get to know them more.

Next year we warmly welcome:

• Nikea Grinter, who is moving from St Anne’s College, Kialla (near Shepparton) to live in Footscray.
• Natalie Bierman, who has been doing CRT work at St John's in recent years and as well as working part-time at St Peter's in Sunshine West.
• Lorena Ferrada, who is currently at St Francis of Assisi, Tarneit.
• Jayde Shield, who is currently at St Peter’s Primary School, East Keilor.

We also welcome back Mel Caruana, who is returning after maternity leave one day a week.

2026 Hub Educators

• Prep Hub - Nikea Grinter, Trish Wheeler and Mel Caruana 
• 1 Hub - Lien Barnabas, Natalie Bierman and Eva Bertam
• 2 Hub - Patrick O'Loughlin, Lorena Ferrada and Jessie Knott 
• 3/4 Hub - Alicia Hambleton, Kelly Edgar and Jayde Shield

• 5/6 Hub - Mairead Doherty, Greg Lane, Rosie Williams and Taryn Darlow

   

Specialist Team

• The Arts - Melissa Murphy
• Auslan - Eva Bertram
• Engaging with Place - Mish Daly
• Physical Education - Michelle Graham
• Innovation - Bess Naughtin and Jessie Knott
• Maths Intervention - Michele Hayes

'Step Up' Day, where the children meet their 2026 Educators is on

 Tuesday 9th December!

In our next newsletter, I will be sharing more details about our 2026 school priorities and reflecting on the achievements we are most proud of this year.

In line with celebrating our student successes, we recently heard from a current parent whose child started Year 7 this year. She was delighted to share how exceptionally well he is doing and directly attributed his success to his time here at St John's.

I asked her to provide a written reflection so we could share this positive feedback with our whole community. 

Please see her reflection below:

As a parent, I am impressed by the learning structure St John's embodies. It is clear that everything the children do is intentionally designed to build confidence, capability, and real-world readiness. I truly believe the approach they take is setting our children up not only for high school, but for long-term success, evident with my son moving into college.

One of the things I appreciate is the way the school learning structure intentionally removes the fear around public speaking. With the children regularly encouraged to present their ideas, share their projects, and speak in front of their entire class; it assists in making this type of task a normal part of the day rather than an anxiety inducing event. Because this becomes such a normal part of their learning routine, standing up to speak in front of 70 students or the entire school (or college) becomes something they can do with ease rather than panic and fear. It is a powerful life skill, and I am so grateful they are building it early.

The same thoughtful structure is evident in the way they teach mathematics. The children learn multiple strategies for solving problems, which helps them think flexibly and creatively. When they’re faced with unfamiliar questions, they don’t freeze—they draw on the systemised strategies they’ve practised and are able to tackle the problem with confidence. It’s incredible to see how naturally this thinking develops.

In English, I’ve been amazed to watch my children write beautifully descriptive stories as if it’s second nature. Because they’re consistently encouraged to expand ideas, add detail, and use rich language, they approach writing with creativity and enthusiasm. Their ability to express themselves so clearly is something I know will benefit them for years to come.

I am genuinely grateful for the commitment, structure, intentional direction and passion the school brings to its teaching. It is evident in the growth, confidence, and joy I see in my children's learning.

Call for Testimonials!

To enhance our new website, we would love to add some fresh testimonials from our parents and children. If you would like to write something about your positive experience or what you love about our school community, please send your contribution through to:

econroy@sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au

Website Photography Day

As mentioned in our last newsletter, the company 'School Presence' recently visited us to capture photos of daily life here at St John's. Tserlin and Mark were wonderfully engaging and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the day!

Tserlin has shared a preview link to some of the photos taken. You can view them here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SywPkydgeKZZr1NCA

We expect to receive the final copies early in the new year, and we are excited to use them to revamp our school website!

NEW Policies and Procedures

I have added a new page to this newsletter dedicated to 'Policies and Procedures'.

The Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) office has recently released a number of updated and new documents that all schools are required to enact and make available to our community. These documents can also be accessed via our school website.

Please find out more by turning to the next page and clicking on the links provided. We will share additional documents, which I am currently working on, in our next newsletter edition.

Well there is lots to be excited about and more to come in the final weeks of term. We look forward to celebrating with you.

Warm regards

Emily

What's coming up:

• Wednesdays - $1 Zooper Doopers 
• Fridays at 9am Advent Prayer Gatherings start this week
• Monday 1st December - Yr 6 Parish Schools Day : supporting transition to Y7
• Tuesday 2nd December - CCCC Y7 Orientation Day
• Wednesday 3rd December - Final Orientation for Prep 2026
• Thursday 4th December - 1 and 2 Hubs Day Camp : Pipemarkers excursion and afternoon tea
• Tuesday 9th December - "Step Up" : 2026 Orientation Session
• Wednesday 10th December - Year 6 Big Day out and Student Reports available to families
• Thursday 11th December - Christmas Family Night

Reminders:

🧢 Hats

We have a small supply of spare hats for children who forget theirs. However, we are finding that more children are missing their hats than we have spares available to loan. Please check with your child to ensure they have their hat so their play isn't limited to shaded areas.

👕 Uniform Donations

As the year draws to a close, we welcome uniform donations for our second-hand uniform shop. Please feel free to hand any items in at the School Office. All donations are greatly appreciated.

OUR IMAGE OF THE CHILD

‘At St. John’s, we strongly believe that children are at the centre when given authentic and meaningful experiences. They flourish when their passions and interests are acknowledged and valued. Children are empowered when they take ownership for their learning. They have a right to develop autonomy through discovery.’

(St. John’s Staff, 2018)

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the owners of the land on which we live, play and learn at St John's Primary School, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

All students attending St. John's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.