Dear Families,

Welcome back to the new school year at St John’s in 2026. We return to school very mindful that this summer has been a challenging time for many families across our community. The recent fires have brought disruption and uncertainty for many and we recognise that each family will return carrying different experiences. As a school, our focus is on care, compassion and connection as we support one another and gently re-establish school routines together. We also want families to know that our care and support will continue well beyond the beginning of the year. We understand how important it is to listen and to respond thoughtfully to the needs of our families as they arise. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to further support your family during this important transition and return to school.

School Drop-Off, Parking and Entry Reminder

We ask families to please be mindful of drop-off and parking arrangements around the school and to follow the posted signage, particularly near the pedestrian crossing on Anderson St. Our crossing supervisor, Mark, has noticed that some students have been exiting cars on the road side of Anderson Street. For safety reasons, students must only exit vehicles on the footpath side of the car, especially at present with the increased traffic and trucks using Anderson Street. There has also been a change to the entry gate where the small silver side gate near the skip bin in the car park will no longer be used. Instead, families and students are asked to use the double timber gates between the staff room building and the Art/STEM room when entering and exiting the school. Thank you for your support in helping keep our students safe at the beginning and end of each day.

Improvements Around the School

We are delighted to share some exciting improvements around the school over the holiday break:

Our NEW Foundation classroom is complete and ready for learning (located in the old Library space)
Several areas have been freshly painted
New blinds have been installed at the front of the school building
Trees around the playground have been trimmed and there has been general garden maintenance around the school
Work has commenced on our Indigenous Garden on the oval, which will become a meaningful space for learning, reflection and connection to Country

Parent–Teacher Meetings in Week 3

Our Parent–Teacher Meetings will be held next Monday 9th February and Tuesday 10th February from 2pm-5:30pm. This will be a chance for a friendly “meet and greet” with your child’s teacher. Families can book to meet with their child’s teacher through the SIMON – PAM app. Please contact Bek in the Office if you have any trouble booking an appointment time.

NAPLAN 2026 Information - Years 3 and 5

Information for families regarding NAPLAN for students in Years 3 and 5 is included in this newsletter. We encourage families to take the time to read through this information and contact the school if you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s participation.

NAPLAN in 2026 will take place for our students on the following dates:

Wednesday 11th March – Writing
Thursday 12th March – Reading
Monday 16th March – Conventions of Language
Tuesday 17th March – Numeracy

NAPLAN is just one snapshot of learning and we would like to reassure families that students are not expected to study or prepare. Teachers will support students in class and ensure they are familiar with the format of the assessments. If your child is unwell or absent on a test day, we will work within the testing window to support them to complete any missed assessments.

2026 School Photo Day – Next Thursday 12th February

Our School Photo Day is coming up next Thursday 12th February. All students are asked to be dressed in full school uniform, neat and appropriate for photographs. If your family would like to arrange family portraits, please come in and see Bek in the front office for a Family Photo Form.

Updating Family Information at the Office

If your family has moved house in the past 12–18 months, or if there have been any changes to medical, emergency contact information or a contact email, we kindly ask that you visit Bek in the office to update your details so that we have the most up to date and accurate information. Thank you for your support with this.

Opening School Year Mass & Mercy Day Celebration this Friday

We warmly invite all parents and families to join us for our Opening School Year Mass at 12.30pm at St John’s Church this Friday 6th February. Throughout the day, students will take part in Mercy Day activities, focusing on the rich Mercy charism that guides our school. The day will focus on compassion, service and connection, values at the heart of who we are as a Mercy community. It’s a wonderful way for students to reconnect, reflect, and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

We extend a particularly warm welcome to our Foundation students and their families. Beginning school is a significant milestone and we are so pleased to be sharing this journey with you. This is also a special year for our Year 6 students as they step into the final year of primary school, and we wish them all the best for the year ahead. To all students and families, welcome back and we look forward to a great year ahead in 2026.

Take care,

Sam Kerlin

Principal – St John’s School, Euroa

Foundation 2026