Principals Update

Key Events - Term 4

Term 4 - Week 5

• Friday 8th November- Lacrosse Gala Day (Year 5/6 Students)

Term 4 - Week 6

• Monday 11th November - Remembrance Day Service
• Tuesday 12th November - PSG Meetings

Term 4 - Week 7

• Monday 18th November - Year 5/6 Portsea Camp
• Tuesday 19th November - Year 5/6 Portsea Camp
• Wednesday 20th November - Year 5/6 Portsea Camp
• Thursday 21st November - Year 5/6 Open Water / Surf Lifesaving Program
• Friday 22nd November - Prep 2025 Transition session, 9.15am - 10.45am

Dear SJV Families,

With just one week remaining before the school Fete, the excitement is building. With much still to do, the Fete committee have been busy behind the scenes planning and preparing for this wonderful event.  

Now is the time that we, the custodians of the 2024 Fete all come together to work and support this great community we call SJV. We want to continue the growth of our Fete as a significant fundraising and social event for our school, our community and the broader community who support our efforts. This year the funds that we raise will go a long way to the development of our school resources and infrastructure. Let’s make this year’s Fete an effort to remember  and a time that the children will never forget. So jump on board and support this wonderful event! It would be great if  every family actively contributes to the success of this year’s event. 

We need people to volunteer to set up the stalls this Saturday between 10.30am - 1pm, and setting up for more stalls next Thursday 14th of November between 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

Please make sure that you read the Fete News such as there is information regarding classroom hampers, food donations and the cake stall etc.

Key Dates

• Lolly Hunt Donations - 8th November
• Cakes - Fete Day 15th November

The next newsletter will be shared with families on Thursday 21st of November

First Reconciliation

Congratulations to our Year 2 students, teachers and families on the very successful Sacrament of First Reconciliation held on Wednesday this week.  My sincere thanks to Fr. Justin, Fr. Ramsay, Mrs Kerry Slater, Mrs Kylie Kostense & Ms Fleur Peppard  for supporting the children and preparing them for this important sacrament.

My thanks also to the parent community for your support of our sacramental program not only for Reconciliation but for First Eucharist and Confirmation as well.  Without community support we would not be able share our faith in such a meaningful and spiritual way.

School Closure / End of School Year 

Please note that the next School Closure Day for Term 4 is:

• Friday 29th of  November (Planning and Preparation for 2025). 
• The end of the School year will finish for students at 12:00pm on Tuesday, 17th December. 

Prep 2025 Parent Information Evening

We are excitedly preparing to welcome our 2025 Prep families and students for their Orientation program. This program continues to be a highlight of the year, as these children take their first big steps into school life. While some students already have a sibling at SJV, we cannot underestimate how this can still be quite an overwhelming experience as the children transition away from a very small Kinder/Early Learning Centre setting into a significantly larger one. Our Prep 2025 Orientation Sessions are as follows:

• Friday 22nd November 9:15am-10:45am
• Wednesday 4th December 9.15-10.45am

Classes for 2025

As we begin the process of planning ahead for 2025 classes, I ask any families who know that they will not be returning to St. John Vianney's in 2025 please inform me as soon as possible. principal@sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au

Remembrance Day - 11th November

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a moment not only to pause and remember all those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts across the world, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to this day of significance. Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I, Remembrance Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Year 6 Social Justice Leaders will be selling merchandise for our local RSL. Poppies and other items will be available for $2, $4, $5 & $10. Please support this worthy cause.

We will be having a Remembrance Day service at 3pm next to the flagpole on Monday the 11th of November. All parents are invited to attend

Christmas Carols

We look forward to hosting our SJV Christmas Carols on Thursday 12th December 6.00pm. Please come wearing a touch of Christmas and be ready to singalong with some traditional carols as well as some fun new ones too!

SJV Facebook Page

2025 Enrolments 

Our Requests for School Tours are continuing with many booking times to come and visit our wonderful school! 

If you know of anyone who is considering enrolling at the Foundation (Prep) level or any other year level, please encourage them to come and take a look and get in quick as places are filling fast. Families can book a school tour by contacting Nicole in our front office or scanning the QR code or book online on the SJV Website. Our enrolments are open to Catholic and non-Catholic students. Enrolment forms can also be downloaded from the school website or collected from the office.  We have been delighted with the highly encouraging response to the 2025 enrolment application process.

Reminders

• Dogs - Please note that for the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community, no dogs are permitted inside the school grounds and they must not be left unattended tied up at the gates. Adult supervision and holding of the leash is so important around vulnerable places such as schools.  We love dogs but we do have to take care of all members of our community.
• Bikes and Scooters - Please walk bikes and scooters when moving through the school grounds.
• Punctuality - It is expected that all students are to be at school by no later than 8.45am and not any time up to 9am. From 8.45am to 9am is crucial for students to get themselves organised, start the day with prayer, take the roll and ready to commence their day promptly. Formal lessons begin at 9am. Any child who arrives at or after 9am is to be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. I ask all parents to make sure that you adhere to these times.

See you all at the Fete next week!!

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal