Goodbye St Johns and 

Thank you!!!

Dear St Johns School Community,

After 41 years in education, many of you know that I will be retiring at the end of this year. As I prepare to turn 60 in January, I feel it is the right time to begin a new chapter—one that brings me closer to family and allows me the joy of travelling from state to state to spend precious time with my children and grandchildren.

Reflecting on my journey, I feel immensely grateful. My four decades in education have taken me on countless adventures and offered opportunities I never imagined when I first began teaching. I have taught overseas, in remote communities, and on the Lands in Coober Pedy. My career has stretched from Mount Gambier to Swan Reach, to Kent in England for a memorable 12-month teaching experience, then on to Port Augusta, behaviour support schools in Victoria, and finally the past eight years in Catholic education.

Along the way, I even stepped beyond education, spending time working with Centrelink and in the funeral industry—roles that deepened my understanding of people and strengthened my compassion. I raised my children in Coober Pedy and eventually settled in Adelaide before returning to Victoria, not far from where I was born.

Every place, every school, every community has shaped me. I feel blessed to have lived such a rich and varied life, and honoured to have made lifelong friends along the way. One of my greatest joys has been staying connected to many of my former students and watching them grow into incredible adults—and, for some, wonderful parents themselves.

I am especially grateful to have finished my permanent teaching career at St Johns. My Year 3 class this year has been an absolute delight, and they have brought me so much joy. Stepping into the role of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader has reignited my passion for holistic education and strengthened my belief that healthy minds create strong learners.

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank Paula Swan, my wonderful teaching partner. It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside her this year. It’s incredible to think that not so long ago Paula underwent open heart surgery, and yet her strength, dedication and positivity have continued to shine through every single day. Our students—and I—have been very lucky to have her.

As I step into retirement, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire St Johns community—students, families, and staff. Thank you for welcoming me, supporting me, and allowing me to play a small part in the life of this beautiful school.

I wish you all a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season, and once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Warmest regards,

Ally Johnston

P.S Thanks for the memories!

Swimming

Our students showed incredible bravery and resilience during swimming lessons this week! With the water being very chilly, the children approached each session with enthusiasm and a wonderful “give it a go” attitude. Some managed a strong five minutes before deciding they had turned into icicles, while others impressively lasted the entiresession.

I must say, I was extremely proud of their efforts—because personally, I think I’d need to be paid danger money to get into that freezing water! The children even asked if I would be hopping in this week, but I very politely declined and cheered them on from the safety (and warmth!) of the sidelines.

It’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come. Years ago, when I first began teaching, the teachers ran the swimming lessons ourselves. Watching our students now benefit from specialist instructors, structured programs and improved facilities reminds us just how much progress has been made.

Well done to all our brave swimmers—you did a fantastic job!

Fun Games and Learning Activities for Students Moving into Year 4

1. Times Tables Treasure Hunt

Hide multiplication facts around the classroom or yard. Students work in teams to find the cards and solve them. Great for fact fluency and teamwork.

2. Vocabulary Charades

Students act out new or challenging words from their reading. Encourages vocabulary growth and creative thinking.

3. Fraction Builders

Using paper circles, LEGO blocks, or playdough, students create models of fractions (½, ⅓, ¼). This hands-on activity builds strong visual understanding.

4. Story Starters Spin Wheel

Create a wheel with characters, settings, and problems. Students spin and write a short story based on the three elements they land on—great for narrative writing.

5. Place Value Relay

Teams race to build the biggest or smallest number using digit cards. Encourages quick mental maths and understanding of place value.

6. STEM Mini-Challenge: Tower Time

Give students marshmallows and spaghetti. Their goal: build the tallest tower! This encourages problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.

7. Friendship Bingo

A great transition activity. Students move around the room to find classmates who match statements (e.g., “Has a pet,” “Loves reading,” “Can whistle”). Builds confidence and connection.

Parent Strategies to Prepare Children for Year 4

1. Reset Routines Early

Re-establish regular bedtime, wake-up times, and morning routines 1–2 weeks before school starts. A predictable rhythm reduces anxiety and supports learning readiness.

2. Encourage Reading Every Day

A simple 10–15 minutes of reading daily boosts vocabulary, confidence, and comprehension. Encourage your child to talk about what they’ve read.

3. Practice Real-Life Maths

Include maths in everyday activities:

• Measuring ingredients while cooking
• Estimating travel time
• Counting money during shopping
• This helps build number sense in meaningful ways.

4. Build Independence Skills

Encourage:

• Packing their own bag
• Choosing snacks
• Organising their uniform

• Helping with small chore   

                                     

  These small tasks empower children and build confidence for the classroom.

5. Talk About Year 4 in a Positive Way

Discuss:

• What they are excited about
• What might feel challenging
• Who they can go to if they need helpOpen conversations ease worry and build emotional readiness.

6. Create a Calm Homework Space

A quiet spot with basic supplies helps children feel organised and ready for learning at home.

7. Rehearse the Morning Drop-Off

For anxious children:

• Visit the school grounds
• Walk through morning routines
• Practise saying goodbye with a predictable, short routine

This supports a confident and calm start to the school year.

8. Celebrate Milestones

A new year is a big step! Celebrate:

• Their strengths
• Their growth

• Their bravery 

  This reinforces resilience and a healthy attitude toward learning.

St Vinnies Appeal 

Please keep your donations coming

KEY DATES:

Thursday 11th December

Christmas Concert 6pm in the Mercy Centre

Friday 12th December  

WHOLE SCHOOL MASS  12:30pm

Monday 15th December

Year 6 Graduation

Tuesday 16th December

LAST ASSEMBLY 2:30pm

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for students

DON'T FORGET