Principal's Message
Jupiter up close
Dear St John’s Community,
Just a few final messages as we close out this term. This term, the staff have been working to implement the MACS Vision for Engagement for all Catholic Schools in the archdiocese. This has meant actively teaching students what good classroom behaviour looks like and feels like, holding students accountable for their behaviours and setting high expectations for everyone.
As educators and parents, we know that supporting children’s behaviour and wellbeing is rarely straightforward. What works beautifully one day may not work at all the next, and this is just as true at home as it is in the classroom. Believe me, I have four boys! Teachers manage these ups and downs daily with many students, always aiming to use positive and supportive strategies rather than punitive or negative ones.
One pattern we’ve noticed this term is that sometimes, when small incidents occur at school, parents have reached out to other parents after hours to check on what they’ve heard. While this is done with the best of intentions and genuine care, it can sometimes unintentionally make situations feel bigger or more difficult than they actually are.
With 265 children learning and playing together at school each day, it’s natural that minor disagreements or incidents will arise. In most cases, these are quickly resolved and become valuable learning moments for the students involved. If an issue ever requires parental involvement, you can be assured that the school will contact you directly.
We truly value the trust you place in us to support your children, and we thank you for working in partnership with us to help them learn, grow, and navigate the daily challenges of school life.
Child Safe Procedures
With the recent events we had a few parents asking about why they had to sign in at the school. This is all related to the Child Safe Standards that all schools must follow. When parents or carers, etc come into the school to work with the children there is are certain requirements that need to be met.
When it comes to events like Footy Day, we now have to have records of every visitor who was on the school site on those days. We do not need all the details required for when you are helping at the school but we still need to record anyone who was present on the day. Hopefully this helps to explain that for everyone. You will see we've tried to make it easy by placing QR code sign ins around the school that you can just scan and use to register your presence.
Sun Smart - Hats for Term 4
As a sun smart school, it is a requirement for all students to wear hats in Term 1 and Term 4. Children's skin is more sensitive to UV damage than adults and protecting students from harmful UV rays is a core part of keeping them safe at school.
The school has a No Hat, No Play policy during these terms. There will be a few days in the first week leeway, but after that time if students do not have a hat or lose their hat they will be required to remain in shaded areas.
Please remember that skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, yet it is also one of the most preventable. Teaching sun smart habits early helps establish lifelong protective behaviours.
Staff Changes
Mr Dean Lefebvre returns in Term 4 after a term away and a long holiday in Japan.
Mrs Amy McMahon will take over Grade 5/6FE as Mrs Suzie Funtusoff heads off to have her baby! We wish her all the best.
Ms Edwards will continue to support in 5/6.
Please say a prayer for Mrs Sarah O'Keefe who will have her baby any day now!
We have a replacement Music Teacher for Term 4 who will be here for the remainder of the year.
And...just to let you in on a little secret...Miss Salmon got engaged recently! A big congratulations to her and fiance'.
Kelly Sports
Please note that Kelly Sports returns next term. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in some fun filled outdoor activities for their children one night after school each week next term. This time around they are also offering a Friday lunchtime Dance Class in the hall.
Please see the flyer attached.
Pilates Term 4
Please note there will be no Parents Pilates in Term 4 but please stay tuned for future opportunities.
VPASS
We have a new sign in system at the office, so please take a moment to see how to use the system!
Have a safe and family filled two weeks!
Derek Bruitzman
Principal
School Uniform Reminder
Just to clarify for everyone, we no longer have a Summer and Winter uniform. There is only a School Uniform and a Sport Uniform.
Jokes of the week:
Q. Why don't people live on the moon?
A. The cost is astronomical!
Q. What type of money is used on the moon?
A. Star bucks
Q. What did the moon say when I asked why it seemed sad?
A. I'll get better, I'm just going through a phase
Fun facts of the week:
Our solar system has a wall in it...its called the helippause and divides the solar system from interstellar space
Octopuses done have tentacles, they have limbs
Ants dont have lungs, they breath through spiracles (holes in their body)