Dear Families,

Welcome back to all our St John’s families for what promises to be a wonderful and busy final term of the year!

I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and relaxing holiday break and had the opportunity to spend some special time with family and friends. It has been lovely to welcome our students and staff back to school, ready for another term of learning, connection and celebration.

Term 4 is always a special time at St John’s as we reflect on the year we have shared and look ahead to the many exciting events and milestones still to come. There will be plenty happening across the school, including our Grandparents & Multicultural Day, Sacramental celebrations, learning expos, excursions and incursions, end-of-year activities, our Year 6 Graduation and many opportunities for our students to celebrate their learning and achievements.

As we begin our final term, let us continue to live out our school values of faith, learning, service and community, supporting one another and making the most of every opportunity.

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Thursday 15 October at 7pm.

We keep our Year 3 students in our thoughts and prayers this week as they enter their final week of preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday 15 October.

It is a special time for our students as they reflect on God’s love, forgiveness and the importance of making good choices. We wish our Year 3 students and their families a beautiful and meaningful celebration as they take this important step in their faith journey.

Fresh New Look for Our Classrooms

Over the school holidays, all of our classrooms received a fresh coat of paint! Our learning spaces are looking brighter, fresher and ready for an exciting Term 4.

We hope our students and staff enjoy their refreshed classrooms and the wonderful learning that will take place in them throughout the term.

Welcome Baby Samuel

Congratulations to the Buttifant family on the safe arrival of beautiful Samuel during the school holidays.

Samuel is a much-loved little brother to Nicholas and Gabriella and we are sure he will be very well looked after by his big brother and sister!

We wish the whole family much joy and happiness as they enjoy this very special time together. We look forward to welcoming Samuel into the St John’s community

We are delighted to welcome the Dewhurst family – Tannaz, Kane and their children Lola, Harley and Elka – to the St John’s community this term.

Lola has joined Year 5L, Harley Year 3C and Elka Year 1W. We hope their first few weeks at St John’s are filled with new friendships, happy moments and wonderful learning experiences. We look forward to getting to know the family and making them feel very much at home in our community.

We also warmly welcome back the Craven family. It is wonderful to have Charlie returning to St John’s for Term 4 and joining 6M.

Changes to MACS Schools in 2027- Important Information

As I have mentioned in previous recent newsletters, all Catholic schools are working through planning and budgeting activities for 2027 to ensure we are well placed to support our staff, students and school communities in the coming year. You may have read in the media that these budget changes may affect class sizes, programs available, such as camps and increased school fees in Catholic schools.

At St John's we are fortunate to be able to keep our structure of straight year levels and we will have two classes for each year level, a total of 14 classrooms in 2027. The class sizes guidelines will remain no more than 28 in each class, as outlined in our Award.

As part of the changes to school fees across MACS, our school like all MACS sschools will unfortunately be moving to a tiered fee structure in 2027, where fees will be calculated on a per-child basis rather than through the current family fee model.

We understand that any increase in school fees can be a concern for families. We are working carefully to ensure that the overall increase is no more than 9%, while continuing to provide a high-quality Catholic education for every child.

We will share further information with families as soon as the 2027 fee structure is finalised. My goal and priority will continue to be our students and providing them with the best education and experiences we can, while at the same time making it affordable for families.

Class Placement 2027

We will begin preparing the 2027 class lists in Term 4. This is a thorough and collaborative process, with staff carefully considering the best balance of students in each class to support their academic, social, and wellbeing needs.

As part of this process, students are invited to nominate peers with whom they feel they work positively. While we make every effort to include at least one of their choices, we also recognise the importance of building resilience. Primary school is a time for students to grow through a variety of experiences, including working with different teachers and classmates.

Class lists are finalised using the professional judgement and deep knowledge staff have of each student, ensuring a thoughtful and rigorous outcome.

Parents are welcome to share any critical information they feel should be considered when class lists are prepared via the form available from the office.

Please note that this does not include friendship or teacher requests.

It is imperative that this form is returned by Monday, 19 October, either in an envelope addressed to Principal Confidential Class Placement 2027 or via email principal@sjheidelberg.catholic.edu.au We will not accept requests after this date.

At St John's, our staff bring a wealth of experience in supporting students with diverse academic, social, and wellbeing needs. This expertise guides us in creating balanced classes where all children can thrive. Here is the St John's Class Placement Policy

Grandparent's/ Multicultural Day celebrations 19 October

Summer Uniform

Families are reminded that students are expected to wear the correct school uniform each day, including appropriate socks and approved footwear. Wearing our school uniform correctly demonstrates pride in St John’s and contributes to a strong sense of belonging and school identity. It also reinforces the importance of shared expectations across our school community.

From the beginning of Term Four until Friday 16 October, students may choose to wear either their Summer or Winter uniform, depending on the weather. From Monday 19 October, all students are expected to wear the full Summer uniform.

Year 5 Leadership Program Dates

This term, our Year 5 students will be learning about what makes a great leader as part of our Leadership Program.

At St John’s, we are very proud of our leadership opportunities and the way our students are encouraged to develop their confidence, responsibility, service and leadership skills.

Please take note of the following important dates:

Monday 26 October – Year 5 Leadership Day

Wednesday 4 November – Leadership 2027 Nomination due

Thursday 12 November – Leadership Speeches

These are important components of the Leadership Program, so we ask families to make every effort to ensure students are present on these days. Unfortunately, if a student is absent, we are unable to reschedule these events.

We look forward to seeing our Year 5 students embrace this exciting opportunity and discover what it means to be a great leader at St John’s.

Year 6 Transition Program Dates

There are lots of exciting celebrations and special moments ahead as our Year 6 students prepare to finish their primary school journey at St John’s.

Please save these important dates!

Friday 16 October - Year 6 Photo: Our Year 6 cohort photo will be taken for the school yearbook. Sports uniform to be worn.Please note: Photos cannot be rescheduled if your child is absent.

Monday 30 November - Lip Dub Filming: Students will film their Year 6 Lip Dub, which will be presented at Graduation. This is the only filming day, so students need to be at school to be included.

Tuesday 8 December - Some Secondary Schools Transition Day: For students transitioning to Loyola, OLMC, Parade or Marcellin.

Thursday 10 December - Year 6 Graduation

Friday 11 December - Big Day Out

Monday 14 December - Year 6 & Prep Buddy Activity

Tuesday 15 December, 10:15am - End-of-Year Mass - St John’s Church.

Tuesday 15 December - Final Day of Term - Guard of honour will occur at 12:45pm

If Year 6 families would like the Year 6 students to run through a banner this is traditionally organsied by the Year 6 parents. Please contact Alison if a parent is organising this.

2027 planning

To assist us with our 2027 planning, if you know that your circumstances are changing and your child will be leaving the school at the end of this year, could you please inform us as soon as possible by emailing office@sjheidelberg.catholic.edu.au

We currently have waiting lists for several year levels across the school, and providing us with early notice means that your child’s place can be offered to another family.

Thank you for your assistance and consideration.

Year 6 2027 School Polo Tops

Year 5 Families please pop into the office to order the 2027 Year 6 polo top if you haven't already. Sizes are due by tomorrow.

PIC meeting

Next Tuesday evening 13 October is the next PIC meeting. 6.30pm in the staff room.

Touch of Pink Day – Friday 23 October

On Friday 23 October, our students are invited to wear a touch of pink to help raise awareness and funds for the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

Students can add a splash of pink to their school uniform – this could be a pink shirt, socks, hair accessory, ribbon or something else fun and appropriate.

We ask families to please bring a gold coin donation, with all donations supporting BCNA and the important work they do to support people affected by breast cancer.

This is a cause that is particularly meaningful to our St John’s community, with several members of our school community, past and present, having been supported by this wonderful organisation. By coming together, we can show our care and support for those in our community who have been affected by cancer.

Silent Auction

We are officially halfway through our Silent Auction! Have you been on the site?

PIC have gathered an incredible selection of items, vouchers, experiences and packages up for grabs, with something for everyone. And with Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to tick a few gifts off your Christmas list while supporting a great cause.

The auction is open to our wider school community, including families, friends and supporters. Please share the auction link with your family and friends and encourage them to get involved. Every bid makes a difference.

Closes: 10:00pm, Tuesday 13 October 2026

Silent Auction

https://www.32auctions.com/stjohnsandbcna

It has been great to see everyone back this week.

Alison Dean

School Calendar