Dear St John's Community,

The run-down to the end of the year has been joyous but also filled with sadness. The recent terrible events in Bondi have changed our world once again. I pray that these events remind us how important it is to foster and encourage the skills needed to break these cycles of hate, to be able to connect different people, different ideas, and different ways of life without conflict. I pray that we all find ways not to let walls grow between ourselves and those who are different. Instead, be the conduits that connect everyone.

This was a small part of the message I gave to the outgoing Graduates at last night's ceremony, celebrating the time they have shared with us in their primary years. It is a poignant message as we move through this Advent season, the season we pray for peace and await the day of Jesus's birth.

When you gather together for Christmas, take a moment to remember those who may be less fortunate, and the reasons why we are together and why we give gifts to each other. Enjoy these sacred and sometimes fleeting moments of time we get to share with each other in such a busy world.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and we'll see you for the start of 2026.

Kind regards,

Derek Bruitzman

Principal

The St Vincent de Paul Society of Frankston send their thanks to the St John's Community for their donations over the year, which have helped to support many families in need in the Parish and the greater Frankston area.

Staff Changes

I am pleased to announce we have employed a teacher for Grade 3/4 next year. Mr David Peters will be joining the 3/4 team with Mrs Grace Atkins and Mr Brodie Pope.

A tough fought, very serious basketball game was had last week with teachers taking out the victory...again. Team Captain, Mrs Mel Cotta was heard to comment " We kept the winning streak alive, but the fact no one got injured is the real win of the day! A great game by all!"

My Christmas Prayer of thanks

Dear God,

Thank You for the gifts of joy, patience, and laughter that have filled our school community this year. We are truly blessed by each and every person who calls St John’s their community.

Thank you for all of our wonderful teachers. Whether it's guiding students through maths problems, teaching them the true meaning of Christmas, or simply trying to keep up with the never-ending classroom chatter, you have blessed us with a team of passionate teachers who bring out the best in our kids. Please continue to fill their hearts with inspiration and their coffee cups with just the right amount of caffeine.

Thank you for our super support staff, who are the glue that holds us all together, whether it’s with a smile, a kind word, or simply a well-timed one-liner. We thank You for their quiet strength, their constant support, and their ability to handle everything from art supplies to the messy clean ups. May You bless them with rest, laughter, and the joy of knowing how much they are appreciated.

Thank you for our wonderful parents and carers, who are the backbone of our community. Thank You for their support, for helping with all the bits and pieces, and the countless school drop-offs and pick-ups. Bless them with peace and patience as they juggle the many responsibilities of family life. I ask that You grant them time to rest and reconnect with each other this Christmas, surrounded by love, joy, and the laughter of their children. Help them feel appreciated, as their dedication helps make St John’s the vibrant place it is.

Help everyone in our community to carry the spirit of Christmas in their hearts as we move into the new year—bringing love, patience, and a little bit of humour to every corner of our school.

May we never forget to share a smile (and maybe a slice of Christmas cake) with each other this Advent season.

Amen.

Q. Why did Santa ask Mr Caine for help in music?

A. Because he was so good at w-rapping

Q. I asked Mr Aron how he can guess what's inside a present so well and he said...

A. Its a gift

Q. What do you call Santa when he's in the South Pole?

A. A lost Claus

Q. What do you call a snowman with a six-pack?

A. An abdominal snowman...

Christmas Facts:

Jingle bells is not really a Christmas song. It was written for Thanksgiving.

Since the 1970's, the traditional Christmas meal in Japan is KFC.

Iceland has 13 Santas!

Rudolf the red nosed reindeer was invented in 1939 for a Chicago Department Store. He became a smash hit!

Holiday ideas

Dates for the Diary