A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

It is hard to believe how quickly the term is passing, and we have so much to look forward to in the coming weeks. Our Wednesday Zooper Doopers continue to be a huge hit with the children, even on the cooler days like yesterday!

🧑‍🎓 Student Leadership Applications

Amy and I have now met with all the Year 5 children interested in applying for 2026 Student Leadership roles. It has been an absolute pleasure talking with each and every one of them about their motivations for applying and the people who inspire them.

In the coming weeks, these children will prepare a speech to present to their Year 4 and 5 peers. This will allow us to announce the successful candidates before the end of the year.

🌟 UPP Leadership Program

Next week, all children in Year 4 and 5 will participate in the UPP Leadership Program. This fantastic program includes sessions focusing on:

• Leading with or without a badge: Understanding that leadership is not limited to formal roles.
• Interactive leadership tasks.
• Developing self-awareness by identifying their own strengths and the strengths of others.

The goal is to enhance empathy, collaboration, and confidence among our students.

👋 2026 Prep Transition

This week, we were delighted to welcome our 2026 Prep children and their families. It was a pleasure to meet them and observe their engagement with each other and the environment in the Prep Hub. We look forward to continuing to build positive connections over the next couple of weeks as these sessions continue.

🎄 Christmas Family Night: Save the Date!

Our Christmas Family Night is always a favourite community event, and this year promises to be a great one! Please save the date: Thursday, December 11th.

Parent Volunteers Needed for Sausage Sizzle!

We would like to offer a sausage sizzle again this year. If any parents would like to take the lead in organising and running this for the evening, please email me at: econroy@sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au

💖 Social Justice Initiative: Food Drive for ASRC

Our dedicated Social Justice Leaders have organised a food drive to collect essential items for the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre (ASRC).

We encourage all families to participate. Please find the details below outlining how you can donate.

👕 Uniform Donations

As the year draws to a close, we welcome uniform donations for our second-hand uniform shop. Please feel free to hand any items in at the School Office. All donations are greatly appreciated.

🏫 2026 School Fees and Levies

Last week, you should have received a letter via email detailing the 2026 School Fees and Levies. If you did not receive this communication, please contact the office immediately.

Melinda has also prepared customised fee breakdowns (e.g., matching the number of children, camp inclusions, etc.) to help families review their payment options. To receive a personalised breakdown, please email Melinda directly at accounts@sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au. Otherwise, a general breakdown will be sent to all families early next year with your fees statement.

We understand that the fee increase for 2026 will have an impact on families. We invite you to reach out and have a confidential conversation with either myself or Melinda to discuss ways we can support you.

📚 Literacy Network Update

Last week, Lauren, Amy, Jenna, and I attended a MACS Literacy Network day at ACU. We heard from amazing researchers about the directions for the new Vision for Reading and Vision for Writing, which will begin for all MACS schools in 2026.

Our speakers included:

• Professor Rauno Parrila and Professor Saskia Kohnen (Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy - ACAL at ACU): They introduced their collaborative work with MACS and unveiled new learning modules to support foundational literacy knowledge for all educators.
• Emina McLean (nationally recognised education consultant): Emina presented on the effective teaching of writing and outlined pathways for engagement in upcoming professional learning opportunities.

We are excited to learn more about these opportunities and the positive impact they will have on our knowledge and practice regarding how children learn.

💻 PAM and SimonEverywhere Update

Following their initial investigation, Simon has found no evidence to suggest that any user information held on their platform was affected or that any other systems were compromised. The MACS cybersafety team is now conducting its own checks before we can regain platform access.

I am due to receive an update from MACS at 5:00 PM this Friday. We will notify you immediately as soon as the platform is open for parents again.

Action Required for PSG Meetings:

While we appreciate that no stone is being left unturned, the access disruption has impacted families, especially with Parent Support Group (PSG) meetings fast approaching. In the event that you do not have access to PAM by Monday, we will send all families a Google Form link so you can nominate your preferred times and dates for these meetings.

📸 Website Photography Day

On Tuesday next week, a photographer will be visiting St John's to capture images of our hubs and children for our website revamp. I ask that all children are wearing the correct school uniform so we are looking awesome in our photos.

Please note: Any family who has not consented to their child's image being used in this way will not be photographed. We look forward to what is captured!

🧢 Hat Reminder

We have a small supply of spare hats for children who forget theirs. However, we are finding that more children are missing their hats than we have spares available to loan. Please check with your child to ensure they have their hat so their play isn't limited to shaded areas.

Warm regards

Emily

What's coming up:

• Wednesdays - $1 Zooper Doopers 
• Wednesday 19 November : Session 2 for Prep 2026 Orientation
• Friday 21 November : 2:45pm Assembly
• Monday 24 November : ABC Annual Music Concert for families of participating children 215pm
• Wednesday 26 November : 5/6 Excursion to Melbourne Museum

OUR IMAGE OF THE CHILD

‘At St. John’s, we strongly believe that children are at the centre when given authentic and meaningful experiences. They flourish when their passions and interests are acknowledged and valued. Children are empowered when they take ownership for their learning. They have a right to develop autonomy through discovery.’

(St. John’s Staff, 2018)

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the owners of the land on which we live, play and learn at St John's Primary School, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

All students attending St. John's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.