Advent 2024

Dear Families

As we approach the Season of Advent, we prepare ourselves for the start of a new liturgical year. The Church’s “new year” begins on the First Sunday of Advent, which this year falls on 1 December. Before turning the page, we conclude the current liturgical year with the Feast - Christ the King on Sunday, 24 November. This feast celebrates Jesus and reminds us of His boundless love. It is also a time for us to reflect on how we can follow His teachings by being good friends and helpers to one another. At St John’s, students will begin marking the Season of Advent next week, ensuring we can fully engage with the meaning of this season as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.

The new liturgical year holds special significance as it coincides with the Jubilee Year 2025, a rare and sacred celebration in the Church. A Jubilee Year invites everyone to reflect on God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, offering a fresh start and renewed focus on faith. Typically observed every 25 or 50 years, the Jubilee is an opportunity for spiritual growth and unity. The theme for the Jubilee Year is “Pilgrims of Hope,” calling on the global community to embrace renewal, joy, and optimism. At St John’s, our students will explore the meaning of the Jubilee through learning opportunities and celebrations throughout 2025.

Confirmation 2025

As part of this significant year, our school will continue its proud tradition of celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Patrick's Cathedral. In alignment with a new directive from the Archbishop, all Catholic schools are being encouraged to celebrate Confirmation at the Cathedral. To accommodate this, the Archdiocese has allocated specific dates and times for each school. Our Confirmation in 2025 will take place on Friday, 13 June at 6:00 pm. This occasion offers a profound and spiritual experience for our Year 6 students and their families, marking a pivotal moment in their faith journey.

School Leadership Speeches – A Showcase of Courage and Talent

This week, I had the privilege of listening to 51 students deliver their leadership speeches. Each student demonstrated a remarkable level of confidence, articulation, and self-awareness as they recognised the unique gifts they could bring to the role of a St John’s leader. I was particularly inspired by those students who openly acknowledged feeling nervous yet embraced the challenge with courage, embodying our learning dispositions by “giving it a go.” Their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and face their fears is a testament to their growth mindset and resilience - qualities we deeply value and nurture at St John’s.

The speeches reflected the strong values and sense of community that define our school. Students spoke with passion about their desire to contribute positively to St John’s and to be role models for their peers. They shared creative ideas, thoughtful reflections, and a genuine enthusiasm for making a difference. Selecting leaders from such a talented group of students will undoubtedly be a challenge, but it also highlights the strength of character within our community.

Regardless of the outcome, every student who participated should feel proud of their efforts and accomplishments. Thank you to all our Year 5 students for their preparation and dedication, and to their families and teachers for supporting them throughout this process. Congratulations to all who took this brave step—you are already leaders in your own right.

Prep Enrolments for 2025

It is not too late to enrol in Prep for next year! We have a handful of places left at every year level for 2025. If you know of families still looking for a school for their child, don’t forget to refer them to our vibrant learning community. For any enrolment enquiries, please email

principal@sjheidelberg.catholic.edu.au or call the office to book a personalised tour.

Child Safety and Wellbeing - Child Safe Standards

Safety Reminders:The leaders at St John’s are continuously discussing the safety and wellbeing of the students. These discussions impact everything from how families use the Kiss and Drop Off in the mornings, to classroom learning, to students safety on excursions. One of the topics of conversations lately has been on the safety of our students out in the school car park. We have noticed several families driving into the teacher car park and dropping off their children. This is dangerous and could lead to a child being hit. Please park elsewhere and walk your children in via the pathway near the hall. This is crucial to ensuring the safety of all students. We also ask that parents and carers adhere to the road rules when travelling and parking in both Cape Street and Yarra Street. The council are actively monitoring these areas and will fine those not following road and parking rules.

Working with Children Checks (WWCC)

As you know, it is a legal requirement for all parents, carers, and volunteers assisting with school activities, and events to have a valid WWCC. Please check the expiry date of your WWCC to ensure it is up to date to avoid interruptions to your ability to participate in upcoming school activities. Once renewed, please provide an updated copy to the school office for our records.

We greatly appreciate the ongoing support and involvement of our parent community in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students at St John’s. If you need assistance with the renewal process or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the office.

School Fees 2025

St John's aims to keep a Catholic Education affordable and achievable for all families who seek it for their children. At the same time, meeting the requirements and increasing costs, across multiple areas, in running a school. Our School Fees are also influenced by the Commonwealth Department of Education’s calculation of our community’s ability to financially contribute to the operating costs of our school, known as the Capacity to Contribute, or CTC, which is reviewed annually. In consultation with the School Advisory Board and Business Manager, the 2025, Family Fees have increased and you will be pleased to know that the Levies will remain the same as 2024. Please see details in the School Information section.

A reminder to families who are eligible for the Concessional Fee consideration: you must have a valid 2025 Health Care Card and must reapply for this concession each year. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the office.

Upcoming Important Dates

Wednesday 27 November -PIC AGM- all welcome

Thursday 28 November- Steps 2 Prep - Session 5 9:00am to 11:00 am

(Meet Year 6 Buddy)

Friday 29th November -Subway lunch- please book them now.

Tuesday 3 December - Student Led Conferences 3:45pm to 5:30pm

Wednesday 4 December - School Closure Day

Thursday 5 December - Christmas Carols 6:00pm Gates will open at 5:00pm. Sausage sizzle fundraiser will be available for dinner.

I hope you all get to enjoy the sunshine and have a lovely weekend with your family.

Warm regards

Alison Dean

Principal

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to the following students