A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers,

Tomorrow, we will be celebrating Grandparents Day! As a very warm afternoon is expected, we are making a few minor adjustments to plan for the heat and prioritise everyone's health and safety.

Most of the afternoon's activities will take place indoors, and we are pivoting our prayer gathering so that it can also be held inside the learning hubs. Children will spend the afternoon with their grandparents grouped by house colours, ensuring siblings remain together.

Today, families received an email containing a letter from me regarding our 2027 school fees and levies, as well as an attached message for all parents from MACS Executive Director, Dr Edward Simons. Please click on the link below to access this message and a copy of the letter.

Several changes are being introduced for the 2027 school year. As shared last year, we are transitioning to a tiered family tuition fee structure rather than a single standard family fee. With guidance from MACS, our MACS Finance Business Partner, and our School Advisory Council, I have put together information outlining these changes alongside payment options.

Due to structural changes and adjustments to the 2027 Swimming Levy, I have placed a freeze on raising our Building and Student Levies. In the financial breakdown, you will notice a "TBC" next to camp prices. While we have locked in the venue costs, external variables such as transportation and staffing may slightly alter the final total. I acknowledge that there is a significant increase in camp costs compared to previous years. Please note the camp levy is to cover running costs only; like many things in the current economic climate, operational expenses have risen. I am more than happy to meet with individual families or host discussions with specific year-level groups to address any questions or camp affordability concerns.

In our next fortnight’s newsletter, I will share further updates on our 2027 school priorities, structures, and staffing. We will also host a parent information workshop for families of children transitioning from Year 2 to Year 3 - SAVE THE DATE 25th November (more details to come).

We received the certificate below in appreciation of the funds raised during Book Week and donated to ROOP (Reading Out of Poverty).

This money will go towards purchasing books for children in East Arnhem Land communities—for many of whom this will be the first book they have ever owned. Thank you for helping us support such a worthy initiative!

Regional Athletics: Congratulations to our Year 6 superstar, Georgie! On Tuesday, she placed 2nd in the 12/13 Girls Shot Put (3kg) at the WMR Primary Track & Field Finals.

Georgie will now advance to compete in the School Sport Victoria State Track and Field Primary Championships next Thursday, 29 October at Lakeside Stadium. We wish her all the best for the state finals!

Last week, our Year 3/4 Hub went to camp! As part of the program, our Year 3 students enjoyed an extended day, returning to school around 8:30 pm. The children returned bursting with stories from their day and proud of the new challenges they tackled.

Our Year 4 students remained at camp for an overnight stay. It was wonderful seeing them interact with each other and embrace new experiences. This cohort was the first to attend for the day as Year 3s and then return as Year 4s for an overnight stay, and this structural change has been a real positive. The children were settled, calm, and confident, with none of the homesickness prevalent in previous years.

Building update:

Our architect has confirmed that our application for a planning permit has been submitted. I have also been in talks with Zinfra and am hopeful that part one of the electrical upgrade will take place during November. This involves upgrading the power poles in the streets surrounding St John's so we can subsequently relocate and upgrade our mains electricity.

I continue to work with the parent committee and meet fortnightly with the architect, and I look forward to sharing some design plans with you in the near future.

I would also like to remind everyone that we have an extra-long weekend coming up on 2 and 3 November for the Melbourne Cup Weekend.

If you are going away for the break, I wish you safe travels, and we hope everyone enjoys a restful mini-break before the Advent and Christmas season begins!

Coming Up

• Tuesday 27 October : Prep excursion to Melbourne Museum
• Wednesday 28th October : 3/4 Hub excirsion to 100 Story Building
• Friday 30th October : World Teachers' Day
• Monday 2nd November : School Closure Day
• Tuesday 3rd November : Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Save the date

• Tuesday 1st December : 1 and 2 Hub Afternoon Tea
• Friday 11th December : Year 6 Graduation
• Tuesday 15th December : Last day for children. 1pm finish
• Wednesday 16th December : Last day for staff

Warm wishes

Emily

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.