Principal's Page

A Message from the Principal

Our St John’s School community, fosters a strong sense of identity and shared responsibility, while providing valuable social, emotional and practical support. Our community is built on shared values and interests and we take pride in celebrating and embracing the diversity of cultures and identities that make us unique.

Everyone is welcome at St John’s, and it’s inspiring to see how warmly our students and families welcome newcomers. A key strength of our community is the deep connection and shared purpose among our staff, students and families, where collaboration and mutual support are at the heart of everything we do. This sense of community was evident at the recent working bee where families from across the school came together to help each other and support the school. 

I would like to give a huge thank-you to the all of the parents and families who were able to come along to the Twilight Working Bee on Friday, 14 March, and to the other parents who came after school to finish spreading all of our new mulch. The gardens are looking fantastic and the Adventure Playground has a new layer of soft-fall mulch to keep all of the students safe. I am grateful for the support and skills of our wonderful families.

Thanks for returning your Easter Raffle Books and for the Donations for the Raffle. We are putting together lots of delicious Easter hampers for you to win!

St John's Learning Dispositions

At St John's we have recently revised our learning dispositions in consultation with students, parents and staff. Learning dispositions are essentially the "how" of learning, rather than the "what", the knowledge and skills. They are the characteristics that encourage students to respond in particular ways to learning opportunities.

The 6 Learning Dispositions that are the most important to our school community are:

• Growth Mindset 
• Courage 
• Curiosity 
• Creativity
• Resilience
• Perseverance

1. Growth Mindset – We believe that learning is a journey and every challenge is an opportunity to improve. At St John’s, we encourage students to embrace mistakes, persist in their efforts, and believe in their ability to grow.
2. Courage – At St John’s, courage means stepping outside our comfort zones, speaking up for what is right and embracing new experiences. We foster a safe and supportive environment where students are encouraged to take bold steps in their learning and personal growth.
3. Curiosity – We believe that curiosity is the spark of all great learning. Our students are encouraged to explore, wonder and ask questions, developing a love for lifelong learning in and beyond the classroom.
4. Creativity – Innovation and imagination are at the heart of learning at St John’s. Whether through art, problem-solving, or thinking in new ways, we encourage students to be creative, take risks and bring fresh ideas to life.
5. Resilience – At St John’s, we embrace challenges with a positive mindset, knowing that setbacks are stepping stones to success. Our students learn to adapt, grow and keep striving, even when things get tough.
6. Perseverance – Success doesn’t come overnight and at St John’s we teach our students to keep going, even when faced with obstacles. Through determination and persistence, they develop the skills to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Our teachers will be instilling each of these dispositions in all of our students to ensure that they will be armed with the skills and capabilities that are essential to be a life long learner.

AusKick at St John's

AFL Victoria are bringing Auskick to St John's Primary School in Term 2 2025!

Starting on Thursday, 22 May, join us for 5 weeks of after school football fun. 

The sessions will run from 3:45pm - 4:45pm and registration includes your very own Auskick Pack, that will be delivered to your home, with a football and pump!

Register via the following link or QR Code on the flier below!

Register | PlayHQ

Please contact alice.hansen@afl.com.au if you have any questions. 

*Please note this program is only open to students of St John's PS.

OPEN DAY and Enrolments

On Wednesday, 26 March we will be having our next Open Day. All families are welcome to come along and take a look inside all of the classrooms. You might like to arrange a Private or Group Tour and bring your friends and neighbours.

If you have a child who is ready to start school next year then please complete your enrolment form and send it to the office. I will start arranging interviews for all of our new Prep 2026 students in May and June. Please let your neighbours, family and friends know.

Joke of the Week

Have a fabulous week and please reach out if I can support you and your family in any way.

Verona Gridley

St John's Primary School Principal

principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au