Principal's Page
'A Welcoming Community Leading the Future of Learning with Faith and Love'
Principal's Updates
As we come to the close of Term 1, it’s wonderful to pause and reflect on the many moments that have brought our school community together. It has been a vibrant and rewarding start to the year, filled with learning, connection and celebration. From beginning-of-year assessments and Parent Teacher Meetings, to Curriculum Night, our Prep Welcome Dinner, the Twilight Working Bee, Harmony Day, Twilight Sports and so much more — each event has played an important role in building a strong and supportive community.
None of this would be possible without the generosity, enthusiasm and commitment of our families. Your involvement makes a genuine difference, and we are incredibly grateful to partner with such a kind and engaged community. Thank you for all that you do.
A special thank you goes to Michael van Rooy for his outstanding organisation of the Twilight Sports Carnival last week. This much-loved event continues to be a highlight of the term, bringing together students, staff and families to celebrate teamwork, participation and school spirit in such a fun and energetic way. Congratulations to Blue Team for an excellent performance on the night!
Last week also marked a significant and meaningful time for many of our students as they prepare for their First Eucharist. Beginning with their Commitment Masses and culminating in the Family Eucharist evening, these moments were filled with reverence and joy. We extend our sincere thanks to their teachers and Mrs Buscema for their care and dedication in coordinating these important events.
As we head into the break, I wish all our families a safe, restful, and happy holiday. Thank you again for being such an important part of our school.
Victorian Principal's Conference
Last week I had the privilege of joining hundreds of principals from across Victoria at a biannual conference, centred on the theme “Nourish Your Purpose.” The experience was both inspiring and thought-provoking, focusing on how we nurture ourselves, our students and our teams. Hearing from a range of outstanding speakers, I returned with fresh ideas and renewed energy, and I look forward to sharing these insights with our community as we continue to grow and work together.
Art Show Entrants
We were delighted to have three of our student's artworks featured at the recent Catholic Education Week Art Show. They created a silhouette of the Nativity Scene, a bright and colourful pastel artwork of Mary and baby Jesus, and a vibrant perspective artwork of the city. We are very proud of their amazing art skills and to have them recognised by MACS.
2027 Enrolment Forms
We are now taking enrolments for Prep 2027. If you have another child ready to start school next year please complete an enrolment form and send it into the office by the end of this Term. Be sure to let your neighbours and friends know that they need to get their enrolment forms in early.
St John's Primary School Mitcham - Enrolment Form
School Fees Reminder
The end of Term 1 is fast approaching, so this is just a quick reminder to please ensure your school fee payments are up-to-date. If you are yet to setup a direct debit, or make your Term 1 fee payment, please endeavour to do this by Thursday 2 April. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please make an appointment with Verona Gridley to discuss via principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
Families who have applied for a concession will receive a confirmation letter this week outlining your payment options for 2026.
Harmony Day
The celebration of Harmony Day is always a significant event at St John's. It is a time to celebrate the Cultural Diversity of our school community, to learn and understand each others backgrounds and family traditions.
Activities on the day included A Big Water Walk, Traditional Filipino and Italian cooking and concluded with a Tarantella workshop and Dancing in the Coghlan Centre.
Special thanks to Anna Carnovale, Gloria and Steven Milicevich for cooking with the classes and sharing their delicious family recipes.
St John's Easter Egg Raffle - Last Call!
If you are able to make any donations of Easter goodies please drop them into the office this Tuesday! Last year we had an abundance of eggs and there were lots of happy winning faces, so hopefully we can do the same this year. The raffle will be drawn at the final assembly for Term 1 on Thursday, 2 April. Assembly starts at 12:15, raffle prizes drawn from 12:45pm, don't miss out!
Student Challenge
Congratulations to the Chan family, Lucas and Quintin, for finding the large shamrock hidden in the previous newsletter on a different page.
This weeks challenge is to find the Palm Leaf on a different page. Can you find it? When you do, let me know where you spotted it and collect your reward.
Good luck and happy searching!
Joke of the Week
What do you call a line of rabbits jumping backwards? A receding hare-line
Wishing you all a very Happy Easter and a restful holiday break. May you be filled with the joy of this Easter Season and with renewed hope in light of Jesus' life giving action.
Verona Gridley
St John's Primary School Principal