St John's
School Advisory Council
St John's School Advisory Council - Meeting Report
The first School Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting for 2025 was held on the evening of Tuesday, 11 March, onsite in the staffroom. It was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with current members and warmly welcome our new committee members. The meeting was a great way to renew our sense of commitment and focus as we look ahead to the year.
We are excited about the work we will do together this year, continuing to support our school community and fostering a positive environment for growth and success. With the addition of our new members, we are confident that this will be a year of meaningful contributions and strong collaboration. Looking forward to the many initiatives and projects we will work on together, and we appreciate the ongoing dedication of all SAC members in making this year a success.
Meet the team
We extend a warm welcome to our newest committee members, Rob Kruisheer, May DeAlmeida and Kate Roberts, who have joined our dedicated team. We are excited to have them on board and look forward to the fresh perspectives and energy they will bring to our School Advisory Council. Together with our current members, we are proud to introduce your SAC for 2025.
Verona Gridley - School Principal
Father Dispin John - Parish Priest (Custodian of Mission)
Melinda Buscema - Deputy School Principal/RE Leader (Custodian of Mission)
Angela Maclean - Chairperson, Parent Representative
Samantha Solomons - Secretary, Parent Representative (Parishioner)
Anne Tyedin - Parent Representative
Kate Roberts - Parent Representative
May De Almeida - Parent Representative
Rob Kruisheer - Parent Representative
This group of passionate individuals is committed to working collaboratively to support the growth and development of our school community. We are confident that with this talented team, we will continue to make meaningful strides and provide the best possible experience for our students, staff and families. We look forward to another year of teamwork, innovation and success as we all work together for the benefit of our school.
This year, we say goodbye to a valued member of our School Advisory Council, Nicole Whelan. Nicole has stepped down due to work commitments and we want to take this opportunity to thank her for all of her hard work and dedication over the years. Personally, Nicole was one of the main reasons I joined the SAC a couple of years ago. Her contributions, insights and passion for our school have made a lasting impact. We will certainly miss her voice at our meetings and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
With Hope and Gratitude Column
Aligned with our school theme of “HOPE” for the year, the SAC explored the idea of introducing a Parent page in the newsletter called “With Hope and Gratitude Column” to express or show courage for things felt or observed in our community and we invite your submissions to principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
We begin this 'With Hope and Gratitude Column' by acknowledging the incredible dedication and hard work of our teachers who have helped us start the year off on such a positive note. From the first day of school, their passion for educating and supporting our children has been evident in every lesson, activity and interaction.
At the start of this year, many of our teachers have gone above and beyond, dedicating countless extra hours, often without compensation, to ensure that our students have
enriching experiences. A shining example of this is the Twilight Sports Carnival, a truly memorable event made possible by the hours of planning and preparation put in by our teachers. Their commitment to the school community does not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for everything they do to make our school such a special place for our children.
Looking ahead, we are filled with excitement for next term as many of our students will be receiving their First Eucharist. This is a milestone in their faith journey, and we are honored to walk alongside them as they prepare for this significant moment. We look forward to supporting the children and their families as they celebrate this important sacrament, and we know it will be a beautiful and meaningful occasion for all involved.
As we move further into 2025, we continue to be inspired by the hard work, kindness, and dedication of our teachers and the hope that this year will be filled with growth, joy and memorable moments for our students and families alike.
Please say ‘hello’ if you see us around school. We’d love to hear your thoughts and input and we are always happy to answer any questions.
Angela Maclean
Chairperson