Principal's Page

A Message from the Principal

What a fantastic year 2024 has been with our St John's school community, as we have celebrated, learnt, worked and played together. Throughout the year, we have been inspired by the growth and success of our students, grateful for the support of their families and blessed to be part of such a dynamic school community. I look forward to celebrating with you all tonight at the Whole School Thanksgiving Mass at 6pm.

To any families who are reading the school newsletter for the last time - Thank-you! I hope that you will hold many special memories of St John's in your hearts. To any of our new families who are reading the school newsletter for the first time - Welcome! May you and your child experience a very rewarding educational journey in the years ahead.

I am very grateful for the support of our parent community, the time you give to volunteering and helping in so many ways around the school and at home. I would especially like to thank everyone who was part of the School Advisory Council and Angela Maclean our Chairperson. I would also like to thank all members of the Parent's Association this year and especially to Jess Kruisheer in her role as secretary. We could not offer so many incredible programs and events without your help, and we are extremely thankful for your time and energy. Thank-you to all of the families who support our working bees, fundraising, information evenings and social events. It is always heart warming to see the great response and support that we have across the school.

There have been so many highlights this year and this is just a snapshot:

• Special celebration days - Mothers' day, Grandparents' day, Fathers' Day

• School Art Show

• Staff v students netball game 

• Camps, excursions and incursions across the school

• Tournament of the Mind presentation

• Extension Education Showcase and extension maths

• Mini Missions Market Day

• Future Leader Meetings & Class Meetings

• Parent Wellbeing and Anti Bullying evenings with Justin Coulson and Maria Roberto

• Sacramental Program

• The Long Walk Around Mitcham and promoting indigenous perspectives

• End of Year Sausage Sizzle and Colour Run

• Dolly's Disco Bingo

• Christmas Concert in the Hall

The list could go on, as every week is packed full of exciting and engaging activities and events. Thank-you again to all of our school families for all that you do to contribute to this extraordinary school community.

Our Two Final Celebrations for the Year will be -

1. Our Whole School Thanksgiving Mass this Monday evening, 12 December, which will be a very special event for our whole school community - 7pm

2. Our Final Assembly to celebrate a great year, farewell the students and announce our New 2025 School Leaders - 12.00pm, 13 December, in the Coghlan Centre

I would like to say thank-you to our Year 5/6 class teacher Mrs Joyce Qiu, who will be moving onto a new school next year. We wish you great success in your new role and thank-you for your contributions to our school community this year. 

I would also like to thank Mrs Beth Neason who took on the role of Art Teacher this term, due to Mrs Cosgrave's injury. Beth did an amazing job in getting to know all of the students and continuing a strong and and engaging art program. We look forward to welcoming back Mrs Cosgrave next year. 

Thank-you to Melissa Sedony who worked one day each week in Year 5/6 this year. Good luck in your fulltime role next year. 

May you all cherish the memories of your time at St John's and know that your support and many contributions are greatly appreciated.

All students met with their new teachers and classes today, during a special transition session. This was followed by our whole school sausage sizzle. Due to the heat we stayed at school and despite the hot weather it was a fun day for everyone. Thank-you to all of the parents who helped out on the day and especially to Rohan Sutton for coordinating the day.

We have been overwhelmed with donations for our Outreach program this year. Thank-you for your donations of meals, gift cards and food items for the Hampers. Your support for our families in need is greatly appreciated. Thank-you Emir for collecting all of the items and putting together our hampers.

Student Reports

Today you will receive an email link to your child's end of year report. Your child has made substantial growth throughout the semester, and they are to be congratulated for their efforts. St John’s Primary School formally reports student achievement, sharing information about all of the learning domains twice each year. This report includes an overview in relation to the curriculum standards expected of your child’s year level cohort. The report also includes individual comments in relation to student learning progress and information about student behaviour and effort in class. All student reports for this year and last year can be accessed on the PAM website.

Mini Missions Market 

Thank-you to all of the families and students who supported our Inquiry Learning and Social Justice Action to hold a sustainable market for charity. All classes created products based on their own designs and plans, with a sustainable focus. It was a great way to teach our students about economics, needs and wants, finance and charitable actions. We raised $1000 for Vinnies Christmas Appeal while also enjoying a great school community event.

St John's Second Hand Uniform Shop

Over the past few years our second hand uniform shop has been coordinated by Janine Coates. This is a big job and certainly supports all of our families across the school. She sorts and organises all of the uniforms and packages up the orders for school families. We are very grateful for the time and energy that you have put into this role Janine - Thank-you!

Next year we will be looking for a new coordinator to assist with this role.

Library Book Returns

Congratulations to Year 5/6C for being the first class to return all of their Library Books. We hope that you enjoyed your icy-pole. Thank-you for all of your support throughout the year and for sharing a love of reading with your children. Have a great Christmas and enjoy some holiday reading over the break.

Sue Walmsley and Maria Wallis

Christmas Joke 

Wishing you and your family a very peaceful and joyous Christmas. May it be a special time to celebrate with your family and friends. For our families who are moving on I wish you all the very best for the future and please know that you will always be a special part of our St John's School Community. To all of our families returning I look forward to seeing you in the New Year, to join us for another exciting and engaging year ahead. We are looking forward to seeing you all safely back for the new school year on Friday, 31 January.

Merry Christmas!

Verona Gridley

St John's Primary School Principal