Principals Update

Key Events

Term 2, Week 7

• Friday 31st of May - Interschool Sport (A) v St Brigid's. The first Communion candidates will be presented with medals at a special assembly in the MPR at 3.15pm. All parents are invited to attend.
• Sunday 2nd of June - Sacrament of First Eucharist Mass @ 9am

Term 2, Week 8

• Tuesday 4th of June - STOMP Program (students are to wear sports uniform). Assembly in the MPR - 3.10pm. STOMP Dance Concert @ 6pm
• Friday 7th of June - School Closure Day (Professional Learning Day - Staff)

Term 2, Week 9

• Monday 10th of June - King’s Birthday Public Holiday
• Tuesday 11th of June - SJV Pizza Day
• Friday 14th of June - SJV Whole School Athletics Day @ Mentone Athletic Track (Dolamore Athletics Track)

Dear SJV Families,

Can you believe, we are already over halfway through Term 2 with only four weeks left after this week? 

Over the past two weeks, much has taken place here at SJV. We have had First Communion reflection Day, First Communion commitment Mass, whole school Mass, Stomp Program, SJV School Musical Rehearsals, Working Bees, Interschool Sport, Prep 2025 interviews and the Junior Mayor Program. The students are very lucky to have a number of these opportunities presented to them.

Please keep our First Communion candidates in your thoughts and prayers as they receive this sacrament for the first time this coming Sunday in the Church at 9am. The candidates have been busily preparing themselves for this exciting occasion which will be celebrated by Fr Justin Ford. A special thanks to Luke Brownhill, Taigan Evans and Kerry Slater who have worked tirelessly in preparing the candidates so well, and to Nicole Davies and other members of staff who have worked behind the scenes in ensuring that the First Communion will be a great success.

Kingston Junior Mayor Competition - 2nd Place!

Well done and congratulations to our Year 6 dream team of Lucian, Freya, Milly & Gigi who competed in the Kingston Junior Mayor competition last week at the Kingston City Hall in Moorabbin. They finished second which is a wonderful achievement. Lucian was named Deputy Junior Mayor and he along with his team represented our school brilliantly in a very professional presentation.  A special thanks to Mrs Birrell for preparing the children for this education enhancement event and the Year 5/6 team of Kerry Slater, Laura Heiberg and Daniella Cortese.

St Vincent De Paul Winter appeal

Last Thursday, the whole school attended Mass in the Church. Our focus for this Mass was on kindness and giving to others. Our Year 6 social Justice Leaders came up with the initiative of showing kindness by donating blankets and Beanies to the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. This appeal was most successful with many blankets and Beanies being donated. A special thanks to all the wonderful families of SJV for displaying the Vianney's value of kindness and giving to others.

Also as a part of the focus on St Vincent De Paul, our Year 6 leaders were presented with Minnie Vinnies badges. A special thanks to Bernadette and Graeme from the St Vincent De Paul Society on attending the Mass and presenting the Year 6 Leaders with their badges.

Stomp Program

Our “Stomp”  program will continue to run for all classes from Prep-Year 6 every Tuesday. Please remember that students are to wear their sports uniform on this day. The STOMP Concert will take place this coming Tuesday the 4th of June at 6pm in the MPR. All parents are invited to attend.

Google Review

We hope your experience with St John Vianney's Primary School Parkdale has been positive and enriching. If you have a moment, we would greatly appreciate it if you could share your thoughts and experiences by leaving us a Google business review. Your feedback not only helps us continue to improve and grow but also assists other families in making informed decisions about their children's education. Thank you for taking the time to support our school community!

To leave a review, simply click here.

SJV Facebook Page

SJV Fete

 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15th @ 3:30pm.

Thank you to those who attended the first Fete meeting for 2024. We had a number of parents in attendance which was great with many ideas discussed. We will be seeking feedback from parents in the coming weeks with regards ideas with food and stalls that could be used for our Fete later on in the year. Thanks to Nate Viviani for again coordinating the school fete this year.

More parent volunteers are required as well so if you are interested, please contact Nate or the school office.

The next Fete meeting will take place next term. Date TBC.

Working Bee

Thank you to Steve Kelly and the many parents who attended our first working Bee for the school Year. Many jobs were completed such as topping up the sand pit and mulching the playground areas. 

Just a reminder that the Working Bees will take place on the following dates for the remainder of the school year:

• Saturday 17th of August  - 8.30am - 11.30am
• Saturday 9th of November (Fete set up etc)  - 8.30am - 11.30am
• Saturday 16th November (pack up of fete and tidying up of the school grounds)  - 9.00am - 11.30am

PFA

Thank you to Jess Viviani and her PFA team for the great work that they are doing for our community. We had many parents attend the meeting last Monday evening with many wonderful events planned. Please note the following save the dates:

Just a reminder that we have the SJV Pizza day coming up on Tuesday the 11th of June.

2025 Prep Enrolments 

Our Requests for School Tours are continuing with many booking times to come and visit our wonderful school! 

We are continuing the process of enrolling 2025 Prep students. If you know of anyone who is considering enrolling at the Foundation (Prep) level or any other year level, please encourage them to come and take a look and get in quick as places are filling fast. Families can book a school tour by contacting Nicole in our front office or scanning the QR code or book online on the SJV Website. Our enrolments are open to Catholic and non-Catholic students. Enrolment forms can also be downloaded from the school website or collected from the office.  We have been delighted with the highly encouraging response to the 2025 enrolment application process.

INCREASE IN COVID-19 ACTIVITY - HEALTH WARNING 

Issued by: Dr Clare Looker, Chief Health Officer Issued to: Health services, health professionals and the Victorian community Key messages 

• Victoria is currently experiencing increased COVID-19 activity in the community, resulting in an increase in people being hospitalised with COVID-19. 
• At the same time, we are seeing increasing cases of influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as we head into winter. 
• During this time, it is especially important those at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are protected – this includes people aged 65 and above, people with a disability or chronic medical condition and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
• Younger children aged 6 months to 5 years and pregnant women are also at greater risk of influenza and RSV.

These six steps can help you stay ahead of COVID-19: 

• Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus. 
• Get vaccinated: stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. There are new monovalent vaccines available that are highly effective at preventing severe disease. You should get a booster if you are over 75 and haven't had one for 6 months. Other groups are also recommended to get a booster. Vaccines are available at your GP or local pharmacy. 
• Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus. Meet outside when possible. 
• Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test. If you test positive and are eligible for antivirals, take them as soon as possible. 
• Stay at home if you are unwell: if you have COVID-19, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms. Speak to your GP if symptoms worsen. 
• Take antivirals if eligible: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID-19 antiviral medicines. You must take these within 5 days of developing symptoms - the sooner the better. See your GP for more information. 
• If your child is experiencing any COVID like symptoms you are asked to give them a COVID test and if positive to stay home for five consecutive days

School Closure Dates Term 2 

• The school will be closed on Friday the 7th of June as there will be a professional development day for all staff. This is the Friday of the King's Birthday long weekend. 
• The King's Birthday Holiday is Monday 10th of June. This is a public holiday and children are not required to attend school.

NCCD

Please make sure that you take the time to read the following information regarding the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) On School Students with Disability.

Reminders

• Dogs - Please note that for the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community, no dogs are permitted inside the school grounds and they must not be left unattended tied up at the gates. Adult supervision and holding of the leash is so important around vulnerable places such as schools.  We love dogs but we do have to take care of all members of our community.
• Bikes and Scooters - Please walk bikes and scooters when moving through the school grounds.
• Punctuality - It is expected that all students are to be at school by no later than 8.45am and not any time up to 9am. From 8.45am to 9am is crucial for students to get themselves organised, start the day with prayer, take the roll and ready to commence their day promptly. Formal lessons begin at 9am. Any child who arrives at or after 9am is to be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. I ask all parents to make sure that you adhere to these times.
• The next Newsletter will be shared on Thursday 13th of June.

SJV Car Park Etiquette 

I am asking for everyone's assistance please. I continue to received a number of complaints at regarding some drivers not complying with parking restrictions and perhaps more concerning the “no entry” signs on Brisbane Terrace.

This is a massive safety issue and we need to ensure that ALL parents/grandparents are following these rules especially during drop off and pick up times. 

While it is frustrating at the moment due to the lack of car parking spaces due to the works taking place at the community center, I would appreciate it that parents are patient and respectful with one another when parking during drop off and pick up times. Please ensure that if there are any issues or concerns that parents deal with it in an appropriate manner.

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal