Principal's News

Dear Families, 

It has been another wonderful few weeks here at St John’s and our students have been involved in so many exciting opportunities recently, it’s such a joy to see their enthusiasm and pride in all that they do. Our Japanese Day was a huge success! A very big thank you to Ayako Mizushima for her planning and creativity, and to our staff for their support throughout the day. Students loved immersing themselves in Japanese culture through cooking, calligraphy, origami and games. The joy and colour across the day was a true highlight of the term. Last week's Kaboom Sports was another incredible day of teamwork and fun. It was wonderful to see students from St Joseph’s Nagambie joining us as everyone enjoyed a full afternoon of active games, challenges, and laughter. Thank you to Mr McKernan for coordinating such a vibrant event that truly captured our St John’s spirit! Yesterday we gathered as a school community for Remembrance Day. Our students were extremely reverent and respectful and we were so proud of the way they honoured the memory of all those who laid down their lives for Australia. 

 2026 Staffing Announcement 

I am thrilled to announce that the successful applicant for our Full-Time Year 2 Teaching position, commencing in 2026, is Kristy Anderson. Mrs Anderson brings a wealth of experience teaching across all year levels and has previously held the role of Digital Technologies Leader. She has extensive expertise in data analysis and classroom organisation, and her greatest strength lies in the wonderful rapport she builds with her students and their families. Mrs Anderson will be a fantastic addition to our St John’s community and joins us from St Joseph’s Benalla. While she is sad to be leaving a school she loves, she is ready for a new challenge and excited to meet you all. 

As we look ahead to 2026, I am delighted to share the staffing structure for the year ahead. 

2026 Staffing 

• Foundation: Mrs Sally Redfern 

Year 1 (2 Classes) 

• Year 1: Mrs Paula Swan 
• Year 1: Mrs Rachel Timperley (M/T/W/F) and Ms Christine Buhler (Th) 

Year 2 (2 Classes) 

• Year 2: Mrs Kristy Anderson (New Classroom Teacher)  
• Year 2: Mrs Thomasina Ramsden 
• Year 3: Mr Linc McKernan (W/Th/F) and Ms Christine Buhler (M/Tues) 
• Year 4: Ms Katherine King 
• Year 5: Mrs Melinda Watson and Mrs Lou Frewen 
• Year 6: Mr Jake Tunks and Mr Sam Kerlin 

Learning Support Roles in 2026 

• Foundation: Mrs Lisa Lister 
• Mrs Angela Eddy (Tue) 
• Year 1: Mrs Karen Goss 
• Year 2: Mrs Dee Hinss 
• Year 3: Mr Nic Asquith 
• Year 4: Mrs Lisa Crowe 
• Year 5: Ms Grace Ivill 
• Year 6: Mr Damien Saxon 
• F–6 Intervention(MiniLit Sage & MacqLit): Mrs Keira Bodycoat 

Leadership and Specialist Roles 

• Principal – Mr Sam Kerlin 
• Deputy Principal/Catholic Identity Leader – Mrs Louise Frewen 
• Learning & Teaching Leader – Mrs Fiona Robinson 
• Learning Diversity Leader – Mrs Melinda Watson 
• MHiPS Leader – Mrs Fiona Robinson 
• StepLab & Classroom Mastery Coach – Mr Jake Tunks 
• Indigenous Leader – Mrs Rachel Timperley 

Specialist Areas 

• PE – Mr Linc McKernan (Mon/Tues) 
• ART – New Teacher (Mon/Tues) 
• JAPANESE – Mrs Ayako Mizushima (Wed, Thurs) 
• STEM – Mrs Briony Clarke (Wed/Thurs) 

Have Your Say – Parent Feedback Survey 

Your feedback will help shape our next steps, from classroom learning spaces to the everyday experiences that make school life meaningful for our students. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by scanning the QR code below. We still do not have many parents voices so please follow the QR code below...

As we move into the final part of Term 4, there are some important dates for families to mark in their calendars. 

📅 Year 6 Graduation Dinner – Monday 15th December, 6pm in the Mercy Centre 

📅 Graduation Mass – Tuesday 16th December at 12:30pm 

📅 Final Day for Students – Tuesday 16th December 

We will also begin our Swimming Program in Weeks 9 and 10. Further information, including exact dates, times, and group details, will be shared in the coming weeks by Mr Linc McKernan. 

Take care, 

Sam