Principal's Page
'A Welcoming Community Leading the Future of Learning with Faith and Love'
A Message from the Principal
Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week which culminated with ten of our student leaders accompanying Mrs Buscema and I to St Patrick's Cathedral. We celebrated Mass with over one thousand students and staff from across the Archdiocese of Melbourne. We then made our way to the gardens to share lunch, dance to the tunes of the Secondary School's bands and play games in the sunshine. Evie has shared her reflection of the day on the following page, which was a very special experience for the students involved.
Today we inducted our new FIRE Carrier leaders. Congratulations to Allegra, Alona and Lilah for taking this brave step to be our St John's FIRE Carriers for 2024. St John’s Primary School is committed to developing an awareness of our Aboriginal culture and seeks to journey towards reconciliation through the development of core knowledge, skills and understanding.
At St John's we value and promote regular attendance at school to ensure the development of key academic, social, emotional and spiritual skills. Punctuality is also something that we encourage our students to adhere to and we ask for all parents and guardians support in ensuring that their child is at school on time every day. On our Wellbeing page I have shared a poster which explains the implications for late arrivals over a long period of time. Every minute counts!
Sushi Day
The Parent Association have organised a Sushi Day for students next week, on Thursday 28 March. Please see the information on the Parent Association page and make sure that you get your orders in on time.
School Fees
For families that have elected to make three payments for their fees, the first instalment is due by Thursday, 28 March. This applies also to families that prefer to make one single payment for the year. Anyone paying by regular direct debit is exempt.
If you have any questions or difficulty making a payment by Thursday, 28 March, you are welcome to call the office for assistance or speak with the principal, Verona Gridley prior to this date.
VACPSP Conference
I will be heading to Lorne on Tuesday afternoon to attend the Victorian Association of Catholic Primary School Principals Conference which is held every second year. The theme of this year's conference is "Think, Engage, Lead: with Strength." I look forward to being back at school next week. Melinda Buscema will be in charge for the rest of the week. There are some very exciting guest speakers and I look forward to sharing my new learning with you soon.
Emmaus Hub P-12 Campus Update
Last week MACS officially announced that Emmaus College will launch a primary Prep - Year Six Campus on the current Holy Saviour school site in Vermont South commencing in 2025. Students from Holy Saviour and St Timothy's Forest Hill will be the first students enrolled. St Timothy's is set to become the Emmaus College Year Nine Campus in 2026.
This will not affect our St John's community or students in any way. St John's will remain a feeder school to Emmaus and St John's students will remain on the priority entry to Year Seven list. Here is a copy of the letter sent to parents of the three schools.
Delivering School Pamphlets
If you have some spare time and would like to deliver some pamphets for school in your local area then please drop into the office and let Jenny or Maria know.
National Ride or Walk to School day
This Friday is National Ride or Walk to school Day. Please put on your runners and encourage your child to walk or ride to school. There will be stickers and fresh fruit for all students as they arrive at school.
School Closure Days
Please note our school closure days for 2024, as approved by the School Advisory Council. Some of these days will be for Professional Learning (PL) and other days are taken as Time in Lieu (TIL) days, for the many afterhours of work that the staff participate in.
- 25 April Anzac Day
- 26 April TIL Day
- 29 April PL Day
- 11 June PL Day
- 12 August PL Day
- 4 November TIL Day
- 15 November PL Day
Baby News
I am delighted to announce Mrs Naomi Ryan's baby arrived safely last week. Her little boy is named Ezra Michael and weighed in at 3.8kg. He will be a special little brother for Oscar and a wonderful addition to their family.
Are You Eligible to Apply? - CSEF Payment
The Victorian State Government has a Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund for families that are eligible. Qualifying for this fund can lead to further relief for school fees through MACS. Please click on the link below which contains the criteria eligibility and CSEF application form. If you believe you are eligible to apply please leave your signed form at the office or email it to Jenny. jmacleod@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
St John's School Social Media
Great things are happening on our social media. Please follow us and leave a comment to show your support.
Joke of the Week
What do you call a baby potato?
A small fry.
Have a fabulous week. Be kind, have courage and don't hesitate to contact me, if I can support you or your child in any way.
Verona Gridley
Principal