Principal's News

Dear Families,

As I write this newsletter from the Phillip Island Adventure Camp, approximately 110 students are having an incredible time participating in a variety of outdoor activities. From thrilling adventures to team-building challenges, the students are making the most of every moment, developing new skills, and creating lasting memories. It is truly a privilege to witness our students stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm. It’s always such a highlight of the year, and I can’t wait for them to share their experiences when we return!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers — Connie, Shane, Hollie, Sue, Penny, Alexia, Krissy, Charlie, and Alessia — for taking such good care of our students during this camp. They are doing an amazing job, and I’m sure they’re looking forward to a well-deserved sleep-in on Saturday!

I am always proud to tell people how wonderful St John’s is, and I’m pleased to share

some new research that affirms your choice of a Catholic education for your child.

A recent study, using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, shows that attending a Catholic school offers lasting benefits. The research found that Catholic school graduates are more likely to have stable employment and earn between 4% and 11% more than government school graduates.

In addition, they are more likely to work in roles that serve the community, donate to charity, and report better overall health and life satisfaction.

This research reinforces what we witness every day: a Catholic education, grounded in Gospel values, not only supports academic success but also shapes compassionate, community-minded individuals—something we can all feel proud of.

Term Learning Overviews 

Term Learning overviews have now been shared with families via Seesaw. These overviews are a fantastic way to keep you informed about what your child is learning and can help spark meaningful conversations at home about learning at school. We encourage you to take the time to explore them with your child—they offer a great starting point for discussing current topics, upcoming projects, and areas of focus in the classroom.

Year 4 - Eucharist

I ask our school community to please keep our Year 4 students in your prayers as they complete their final preparations to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist on Saturday, 17 May, 4P 1pm and 4MT 3pm. All are warmly welcome to attend this special celebration .

Our Year 4 students will also participate in a Reflection Day on Friday, 9 May, to help deepen their understanding and readiness. A big thank you to  Connie Bandiera, Simone Porthouse, Paul Tarabay, and Elise  Mears for their wonderful support of the students in their faith formation.

Year 4 - Eucharist Faith Day Friday 9 May

As part of the Year 4 students’ preparation to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist, they will be participating in a Eucharist Faith Day on Friday, 9 May, at school, facilitated by the classroom teachers. This special day will provide them with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Sacrament of First Eucharist and reflect on the significance of this important step in their faith journey.

We ask that all members of our school community keep them in your prayers as they continue to grow in faith and prepare to receive this sacred sacrament.

Parent Classroom Volunteers

A big thank you to all the parents who have starting helping out in our classrooms—we truly appreciate your time and support. If you are available and interested in volunteering, please email your child’s teacher directly to arrange a time. A reminder that all volunteers must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) and have completed the St John's Parent / Carers Child Safe Practices & Volunteer Induction 2025. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning Relaunch 

This week at our Whole School Assembly, we relaunched our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) practices at St John’s. We revisited our school-wide expectations and discussed what positive behaviour looks like in the classroom, in the playground, and around the school. Our PBL framework helps ensure that all students understand and follow our shared values, creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm from students and staff as we renewed our commitment to these important practices.

Our first positive behaviour we will be looking at is to keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself. Please have a read of our Behaviour Mattrix .

Election Day Cake Stall

On Saturday, our wonderful community truly shone at the Election Day Cake Stall. It was fantastic to see so many families donating delicious baked goods, lending a hand, and stopping by to say hello. Events like this really highlight the strong community spirit we are so lucky to have at St John’s. A heartfelt thank you to Megan, all the volunteers, bakers, and helpers—you made the day a great success!

Staff / Tennis / Church Car Park Safety

For the safety of all students and staff, we kindly remind parents and carers that the Staff / Tennis / Church Carparks are strictly reserved for staff use only.

Please use the public parking areas when dropping off or collecting your children.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and helps ensure a safe environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Staffing News

We are delighted to share the wonderful news that Penny Baynes and her husband, Lachlan are expecting a beautiful baby! Penny will begin her maternity leave at the end of Term 3. We know you will join us in congratulating them and wishing them all the best during this special time. I will let you know who will be taking her position closer to the time.

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Melanie Sharples will be leaving St John’s at the end of Term 2. Melanie and her husband Rob, will be relocating to Perth due to Rob’s work commitments.

Melanie is a valued and much-loved member of our school community, contributing greatly to both staff and student life. Her dedication, warmth, and professionalism will be deeply missed by us all. We are grateful for the positive impact she has had during her time here and wish Melanie and Rob every happiness and success as they embark on this new chapter.

We will have an opportunity to farewell Melanie properly later in the term.

Mother’s Day/Special Person Day

With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, 11 May, we are excited to once again celebrate with our Mother’s Day/Special Women's Day Lunch on Thursday, 16th May. Be sure to book your tickets https://st-johns-pic.square.site — we look forward to seeing many of you there!

Mother’s Day/Special Person Coffee Van

Also, a reminder that there will be a coffee van at school tomorrow from 8:30am. Please stay after drop-off to enjoy a free cup of coffee and a chat with other parents.

Wishing all the mothers and mother figures in our community a very special Mother’s Day next weekend. We hope you feel truly appreciated for all that you do. No doubt you’ll be celebrated—with plenty of handmade cards and lovingly prepared breakfasts making the day extra special!

Kind regards

Alison Dean