Newsletter

A message from Emily

Principal – St John's Footscray

Dear Parents and Carers, 

As we reach the end of what has been a big term, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of our school. This term has brought some significant changes – and understandably, some challenges – particularly with the temporary relocation of our older children. 

Despite this, it has been heartening to see our school community come together and work through this with care, compassion and a shared focus on the wellbeing and connection of our children. 

With this strong foundation of community support, I would like to provide one last update this term on the progress of important building works happening on site.  

 

School Hall removal works update 

As part of our long-term school master plan, planning for the partial removal of the existing school hall is well progressed. We expect local Council to shortly approve a building permit that will allow for the removal works to commence shortly thereafter. We are taking special care to retain the beautiful façade of this significant building that means so much to so many in our community. 

There are several moving parts in a project like this, especially when it comes to removing older buildings and preparing the site for future re-development. 

While the demolition works can proceed, the next phase of re-development is dependent on the safe relocation of the school’s main power supply, which is currently located within the hall. As I know you can appreciate, this requires ongoing discussion with our power supplier and may take some time. Once this power infrastructure is moved, we will be able to progress with the re-development of the site under the master plan. 

These steps need to be carefully sequenced, but they are happening in parallel so we can maintain momentum and ensure we are ready to move forward as soon as each stage is complete. 

 

In summary:

  1. Demolition permit has been submitted and is expected imminently.

  2. Once demolition permit is granted, our preferred builder will commence as soon as possible on electrical and safety works.

  3. Partial demolition of the hall will commence along with external façade works.

  4. Once completed we anticipate to have access to the vacated buildings for the return of the 5/6 Hub ready for Term 4.

Concurrently, ROAM architects, the MACS Infrastructure and Planning team have worked with the school  to develop a master plan. This plan is intended to realise not only the school's current needs but see St John's viability into the future. 

 

School master plan update

Our master planning journey continues to take shape. This includes a visual look of planned upgrades to our school’s building and facilities. 

This plan is more than just new buildings – it’s about creating inspiring, flexible spaces that reflect our school community’s vision and values. It does involve careful planning and navigating some complexities, as outlined above, we are making steady progress. We are committed to doing this thoroughly and thoughtfully and keeping you involved as the plan progresses. I look forward to sharing more opportunities for input and updates soon. 

 

Sports Update from Michelle - Division Netball and Soccer Competition:

Yesterday, Wednesday 2nd July, we had 2 teams represent the Footscray District at the Maribyrnong Division Competition for Mixed Netball and Girls Soccer.

The mixed netball team played 3 games during the day and won the first 2 games comfortably, winning against Ardeer South PS and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Sunshine. However, they came up against a strong Yarraville West PS for their final game.  St John’s took the lead in the first half 4 - 1, but Yarraville West PS came back strongly in the second half to win 10 - 6. Congratulations to our team on their great team play and sportsmanship through all three games. Team members:  Jed, Hugo, Finn, Fionn, Maweien, Eloise, Gigi, Malika, Georgie, Caitlin, and Alana.

 

In the Soccer competition the girls team played in cold and drizzling rain through their 2 games. In both games the girls came away with wins.  The first game against Footscray City College was an evenly contested game finishing 0 - 0, then we had to go on penalties to win. Thanks to our 2 goal scorers, Nina and Isla and our wonderful goalkeeping by Freya M, we won the game 2 - 0.  In our second game the girls won 2 - 0 against Sunshine Harvester  PS. The girls are to be congratulated for their determination to compete, tackle and defend hard throughout both games and now progress to the Regional Competition on Thursday 7th August. Well done to our team:  Isla, Freya M, Ivy, Hailey, Leila, Tilly, Nina, Violet, Sunni,  Eva, Willow, Freya T and Brenna.

 

A big thank you to our parents who braved the wet weather to support our teams on the day and to Lachlan Walker for helping coach our soccer team to victory. In the meantime, I wish all our children, families and staff a restful and refreshing mid-year break and look forward to seeing you all for Term 3.  

 

Warm wishes

Emily

 

REMINDERS:

  • Term 2 ends tomorrow at 1pm. All 5/6 children will be onsite at St John's for our end of term sports day.
  • Term 3 begins Monday 21st July
  • Spartan School World Niddrie Uniform shop closed - NEW Braybrook Store opening from Monday 4th August (not 25th June as expected) See Contact Us page for more details.

  • Lost Property in the office.  Lots of items without names that cannot be returned to their owners.  Come and have a look if you are missing any items of clothing.

     

 

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.