Classroom Communication

Principal News

Dear Families,

 

A quick Principal's News today to go with Classroom Communication.

 

Staffing Announcements 

Kerry Mason is retiring at the end of the school year.  After many years of caring for children and staff at St John's,  Kerry has made the decision to stop and enjoy time with her husband John and all that retirement may bring.  We thank you Kerry for all she has done for the students and community of St John's.

 

CSEF (Camps, Sports, Excursions Funding) 

Government funding of $250.00 is available to all Parents who hold a Health Care / Pension Card. CSEF application forms for 2024 can be collected from Bek in the office. CSEF must be applied for annually.   Parents who hold a Health Care Card are also eligible for a school fee discount.  Please see Bek in the office for details.

 

As included in last week's newsletter if you hold a current Health Care Card you are eligible for a discount on your school fees.  If you hold a Card and we are not aware of this please let us know.  This is for the 2025 school year and is of great benefit for Card holders.

Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL) is pleased to inform Primary School families holding a valid Health Care Card (HCC) that you are eligible for a significant reduction in school fees for the upcoming year including all fees and levies. The discount will be automatically applied to your school fee account once you provide a copy of your HCC to the school office, complete a CSEF form, and set up a direct debit arrangement. If you've already submitted your HCC, completed the CSEF form, and have a direct debit in place, no further action is needed — the discount will be applied automatically.

We understand that many families have varying circumstances and in response to the rising cost of living expenses, we are committed to supporting those who need additional assistance.

Please be assured that this support is provided to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive in our school community. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact the school office.

Upcoming Dates

  • Carol Night - 16th December. (We would love to see all students and families present to share the joy)
  • Year 6 Graduation Dinner - 17th December
  • Final Day for students - 18th December at 3:15pm.

School Uniform

Wearing a school uniform  fosters a sense of belonging and unity and pride among students while helping them feel part of a community with shared values. Uniforms can reduce distractions, allowing students to focus more on learning rather than on what they or others are wearing.  As we come to the end of the year we have noticed children are pushing boundaries with what they are wearing.  Please help your children with this and ensure they are wearing the correct uniform on the correct days.  Children should not be wearing makeup, and for their safety only plain studs or sleeper earrings.  Nail polish is also not for school days.   When purchasing new school shoes for 2025 parents are asked to purchase all black runners which can then be worn each day rather than school shoes and separate runners.  This is entirely your decision but we felt it may make it easier for families.

 

Pupil Free Days in 2025 (to date)

28th January - School staff return

29th January

30th January - Students return to school

22nd April

23rd April

24th April

13th August

31st October

3rd November

16th December - End of school year for students.

The dates in bold have  been set for all Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese as we work as a system to implement the new Magnify platform.  We will let you know if there are any changes as we become aware of them.  This may make it a little easier for families planning for 2025.

 

A brief outline of our School Fee Structure for 2025 is below.  The process of setting fees is in line with our School Fee Policy. The Fees and Levies have been determined by the school and in consultation with Catholic Education Sandhurst and presented to our School Advisory Council.  We ask that families finalise their 2024 school fees by the end of next week.  If you are having difficulty paying your fees please ring Bek in the office to make an appointment to come and meet with me.

Melbourne Football Club Players visit.

Yesterday players from the Melbourne Football Club visited St John's and had a Kick to Kick with the Year 5-6 students and a chat to the whole school about what it is like to play for the Demons, who they barracked for when they went to school, who they like playing against the most, when they are going to retire  and many other thoughtful questions.  Well done to all children, the players were very complimentary about you all as they were leaving.  Go Dees!!!

 

School Advisory Council

I would like to thank our School Advisory Council Members:- Jane Murphy, Claire Taylor, Jaime Hamill, Jason Limbrick and Anna Eddy and school representatives Linc McKernan and Libby Hamilton.  We are very appreciative of your support of the school and the time taken to attend after hours meetings each term.

 

Thank you especially to Anna Eddy, who is stepping down from the Council.  We are very grateful for all you have done for the community of St John's as a School Advisory Council member. 

 

Please continue reading each page and see a snapshot of what has been happening at St John's over the last 4 weeks. 

 

Exciting times ahead until the end of the year.

 

Until next newsletter..

 

Therese