Principal's News

Dear Parents,

It is hard to believe it is Week 6 of an 10 and a half week term!  

This Saturday evening at the 6pm Mass the following children will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and Communion.  Bishop Shane Mackinlay and Fr Tony will be celebrating the Mass.  Everyone is very welcome to attend to support the children in their Sacramental journey.  This is a special day for the children and they are very excited.  We ask that you please keep them in your prayers.

Cyra Minter, William Halsall, Bailey Nunn, Issy Limbrick, James Jackson, Eddie McMartin, Scarlett Hamill, Nic Hamill, Ella Talipan, Eden Timperley.

Some important information for families who hold a Health Care Card in relation to school fees from Catholic Education Sandhurst.  If you hold a Card and we are not aware of this please let us know.  This is for the 2025 school year and of great benefit to Card holders.

Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL) is pleased to inform Primary School families holding a valid Health Care Card (HCC) that you are eligible for a significant reduction in school fees for the upcoming year including all fees and levies. The discount will be automatically applied to your school fee account once you provide a copy of your HCC to the school office, complete a CSEF form, and set up a direct debit arrangement. If you've already submitted your HCC, completed the CSEF form, and have a direct debit in place, no further action is needed — the discount will be applied automatically.

We understand that many families have varying circumstances and in response to the rising cost of living expenses, we are committed to supporting those who need additional assistance.

Please be assured that this support is provided to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive in our school community. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact the school office.

You are eligible for a Health Care card if you receive any of the following payments:

• ABSTUDY Living Allowance
• Austudy
• JobSeeker Payment
• Parenting Payment partnered
• Special Benefit
• Youth Allowance.

You can also receive a card if you get any of the following payments:

• Carer Allowance for a child younger than 16 - the card is for the child in your care only
• Carer Payment for short term or irregular care less than 6 months
• the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A
• Mobility Allowance if you’re not getting Disability Support Pension.

St John's Carols Evening

Once again we will celebrate together with our Carol's Night on Monday 16th December at 6pm.  We look forward to seeing all children on the night, you are very welcome to bring extended family to enjoy the festivities.

Christmas Eve Mass.

Open Air Mass - Christmas Eve at 6pm in the school grounds.  If the weather is not kind then Mass will take place in the Mercy Centre.  Fr Tony and the Parishoners of the Parish look forward to seeing everyone there.

Congratulations Logan!

Year 5 student, Logan Schwartzkopff competed at State level in the Hume Region Athletics in the 100m, 200, and 800m run.  He achieved the outstanding result of coming second in the 800m run.  We are very proud of you Logan, you represented St John's with great enthusiasm and sportsmanship.  When asked about the day Logan said "I enjoyed running so fast, it was fun and we ate Hungry Jacks to celebrate"

St John's School Improvement Plan

After our School Improvement Review last term, we have taken the  recommendations and have created our School Improvement Plan for the next four years.  I would like families to have a look at our plan and share any feedback you may have before we present it to the School Advisory Council next week.  You can click on the green link below to see our School's Plan.

There are 3 priorities in our Improvement Plan which are linked to the Sandhurst Strategic Plan.  These priorities for St John's are:-

• Integrate the values and principles of the Catholic Faith through a culture of continuous learning. 
• Achieve outstanding learner growth for every student and every teacher every day.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement between staff students and families.

We have school  improvement goals in each area that are linked to each priority.  Please let me know if you would like any further clarification around our School Improvement Plan and if there is anything you believe we have missed.

Remembrance Day.

Yesterday was Remembrance Day across the country and we celebrated at St John's.  It was wonderful to see the children's reverence and understanding of what the day commemorates.

TheirCare Holiday Program.

I know it seems like a long time away but in the Community News section of the newsletter we have TheirCare's holiday program plan for you to look at.  

Kaboom Sports

We all had a fabulous afternoon last Thursday with Kaboom Sports.  We shared our session with St Joseph's, Nagambie whose teachers all commented on how welcoming and inclusive our children were.

Grandparents Day

A snapshot of our fabulous Grandparent's Day.  Please pass on our thanks to all who attended especially those who travelled distances to be with us.  We are very thankful!

There are a number of children suffering the effects of hayfever at the moment.  We are happy to administer an antihistamine but parents will need to come into the office and fill out a Medicine form when dropping off the medication first.   Also there seems to be a rash going around the school especially in the middle area.  It has been identified as a virus, is a little itchy and fades with time.   If children are unwell or uncomfortable please keep them at home.  Many thanks.

Until next fortnight,

Therese