A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

Next week we welcome Kylie Graham to our school community for our School Review. I wish to thank the parents who have accepted the invitation to form a parent group to meet with Kylie and talk about St John's on behalf of the families perspective. Families will also receive information about the MACSSIS survey via email next week. The MACSSIS survey is open from 2 - 20 September and is an opportunity for every family to provide our school feedback that informs future directions for the school.

What an exciting fortnight we have had as a community. Last week we had a very first Athletics Day as a community and we were blessed with beautiful weather that added to the fantastic experience of being together at Aberfeldie Park. It was terrific to see so many parents and grandparents drop in throughout the day to see all the children having a go at the events that had been organised. This could not have been possible without the vision, planning and organisation of Michelle Graham and the support of the St John's staff and the many parent volunteers. Thank you to each and everyone who contributed, however big or small, to make this such a successful day. Today we had 48 children represent St John's at our District Athletics Day. Who knows, there maybe a future Olympian amongst them!

On Saturday night, children from St John's celebrated their First Eucharist at Our Lady's Church. It was a large gathering to support these children with a very full church. Thank you to the educators and families for your support as these children continue of their journey of faith.

This week we have celebrated Book Week - 'Reading is Magic'. We have had author visits from Alison Lester to the 2 Hub, Anna Zobel to the 3-6 Hubs and Valanga Khoza to Prep-2 Hubs. Our fabulous week will be finished off with our Book Week parade and family writing activity tomorrow from 9am. We are looking forward to seeing how creative our community is during these events. To finish off our book week celebrations tomorrow, all children have been invited to bring a book (or books) as part of a 'Book Swap'. Children will be able to select a book in place of their donation and any left over books will be donated to an organisation that will pass these onto indigenous communities. 

St John's Trivia Night for parents in our community will be held on 8th November. 

Save the date and we will share more details about this in the coming weeks. 

If you are interested in supporting this event please email me and I can pass your details onto Vicky and Jacqueline.

Community Conversation - Reporting: Please see below an invitation to parents and carers to join me in discussing how we report student learning at St John's and what could be possible ways to improve our approach for 2025 and beyond. As with other community conversations, a survey will be shared afterwards so parents unable to attend can also contribute their feedback and input around this conversation. In order for us to prepare a space for this to take place at St John's, please use the link or QR code to register your attendance.  

School Advisory Council: As mentioned in the last newsletter the SAC is calling for expressions of interest in joining the team in 2025. Please see below documents if you are interested in being a part of the St John's SAC. 

Please email me  econroy@sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au your expression of interest before Friday 6th September.

Allergies and Medication: With spring almost here it also means we need to ensure children who suffer from hay fever have an up to date action plan and medication available at school to help us manage their symptoms. Please remember we are unable to administer any medication without the required documentation and medication provided in its original packaging. 

More information can be found on our Health Update page.

Reminder: If you are accessing the farm outside school hours, parents need to be supervising children, especially toddlers, while in this space. The farm is first and foremost a learning space for the children of St John's. All materials in this space have a purpose and are used as part of planned learning experiences. Please ensure children are not climbing or moving items from these areas so that no unnecessary injuries or damage takes place.

Next Friday we look forward to celebrating all the special dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers or significant people in the lives of our children at St John's for a Father's Day Breakfast and celebrations. Please see the Family Engagement Page for more information about this event and all upcoming events.

I would like to take the opportunity to wish all the fathers and special men in the lives of the people in our St John's community a very Happy Father's Day on 1st September. I also want to acknowledge those who have lost their fathers and that this day can often raise lots of emotions. Go gently and be kind.

Warm wishes

Em