Principals Update

Key Events - Term 3

Term 3, Week 3

• Friday 8th of August - Netball Championships (Selected Yr 5 & 6 students)

Term 3, Week 4

• Monday 11th of August - District Basketball Day - Year 5/6
• Tuesday 12th of August - Parent Seminar - Cyber Safety and Digital Wellbeing 7pm - 8.30pm in the MPR
• Thursday 14th of August - School Mass 9.15am Feast of the Assumption. Assembly at 3pm in the MPR. Bullying no way week - National Week of Action. Students are to wear a touch of Purple.
• Friday 15th of August - School Closure Day (Their Care available). All School Fee accounts due

Term 3, Week 5

• Monday 18th of August - School Closure Day (Their Care available)
• Friday 22nd of August -Year 5/6 Hoop time Basketball

Dear SJV Families,

Over the past two weeks we have had many whole school activities which the students have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of. Key events such as  Confirmation commitment Mass, Grandparents and special Friends morning, School Disco, PFA Music Trivia night, 100 days of Prep celebrations and St John Feast Day celebrations. These are all very exciting and wonderful opportunities for our students. 

Next week, is Bullying no way week - National Week of Action and here at SJV we will be having a major focus on this in the classrooms. This year the theme is "be bold, be kind, speak up" and it fits nicely with the SJV value of Kindness. As a part of the Bullying no way week, we are asking all students to wear a touch of purple on their school uniform next Thursday 14th August. Think socks, ribbon, badge, hat or headband. Bring a gold coin donation for Kids Helpline. Please make sure that you read the Be Bold, Be Kind and Speak up page of the newsletter to find out more details. 

Finally, please remember that by tomorrow/early next week, we are seeking donations of Wine and chocolate from ALL families for the Choc Toss stall and the Wine stall for the upcoming School Fete on Friday the 21st of November. Please note that all donations of wine are to be dropped off at the office by an adult and not sent with a child. More information will be shared tomorrow with all families in an email regarding sponsorship and ways in which ALL families can support the school Fete.

Raising Kids in a Digital World - We would like an adult representative from each family to attend

SJV is working in partnership with Inform & Empower to provide safer and more positive online experiences for every child. Our students participate in innovative, interactive and award-winning  incursions are live streamed into classrooms each and every term. 

On Tuesday August 12th we will be providing the Raising Kids in a Digital World seminar which is presented by Marty, an expert educator, and Carley, an experienced psychologist. They share evidence-based strategies as well as practical tips and up-to-date insights. This will ensure you - our parent community is equipped with the skillset, toolset and mindset needed to be able to support your children as they navigate the online world. 

Please the view the Raising kids in a digital world page for further information in the newsletter.

School Disco

Last Friday night many students from Prep to Year 6 had a wonderful night at the school disco. With the majority of students in attendance, many danced the night away and had a great evening. A special thanks to members of the PFA for organising and running this event.

St John Vianney Feast Day

On Monday the 4th of August, the students all gathered in the MPR to celebrate a liturgy for St John Vianney's Feast Day. It was a beautiful service that was wonderfully led by our Year 3 & 4 students. As a part of the celebrations of St John Vianney's Feast Day, the students participated in a tabloid sports event and finished off with a sausage sizzle. They all looked amazing and joined in all of the activities with such enthusiasm. Congratulations to all involved. A special thanks to the PFA for organising and cooking the sausage sizzle.

PFA Trivia Night 

Thank you to those who attended the Music Trivia/Bingo event that the PFA hosted the other week in the MPR. With great numbers in attendance and a great vibe in the room, all who attended had a wonderful night of fun and celebration. A special thanks to Matt Spencer, Matt Johnson and Jess Viviani for their wonderful organisation and coordination of this amazing event. We look forward to this event taking place again next year!!

SJV Fete

Please make sure that you check out the Fete page in the newsletter for further information on ways we require all parents to assist.

Please note the following dates for donations for the fete:

Term 3

• Wine & Chocolate drive - Friday the 8th of August 
• Lucky Jars - Friday the 29th of August
• Lolly Hunt - Friday 19th September

Term 4

• Wine & Chocolate drive - Friday the 17th of October 
• Lucky Jars & Lolly Hunt - Friday the 7th of November

School Closure Dates - Term 3

There will be two student free days this term:

• Friday 15th of August (Their care operating- please book through their online portal)
• Monday 18th of August (Their care operating- please book through their online portal)

Term 3 concludes on Friday 19th of September at 2pm (early time due to building works beginning)

School Fees

This is just a reminder that  all school fee accounts are due by the 15th of August. If you are experiencing any difficulties with making any of these payments, please make sure that you contact me on principal@sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au to organise a time to discuss. 

Updated Supervision and Access Procedures

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, we have reviewed and strengthened our supervision protocols, particularly during the busy before-school period.

Before-School Supervision

We have increased staff supervision in the mornings. One staff member will now be stationed at the main gate, while another will supervise students at the line-up area. This aligns with our existing after-school supervision arrangements.

Gate Access and Monitoring

As part of this update, the main school gate will now be locked at 8:55am (opened at 8.30am). A staff member will be present at the gate each morning to assist with arrivals and ensure student safety.

School Office Procedures

While an office staff member has always been available, there are occasions when they may be temporarily away from the desk (e.g. attending to first aid, phone calls, or other duties). Moving forward, we will ensure a staff member is always present in the office during school hours (8.30am - 4pm).

Please note as of Monday the 4th of August, the following important changes to office and school access:

• Parents will no longer be permitted to enter classrooms or school grounds to drop off items or collect their child.
• Instead, please go to the Office, and the child's teacher will be contacted to send them to meet you.
• Only parents who are classroom helpers or involved in PFA-related tasks will be permitted to enter, and must sign in at the Office upon arrival.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and secure environment for all students.

Instagram- We now have an SJV Instagram page on social media. So please make sure you follow and share: @sjv_parkdale

2026  Enrolments 

Our Requests for School Tours are continuing with many booking times to come and visit our wonderful school. Enrolments for Prep 2026 are now open and we encourage all families to submit their applications as soon as possible.  If you have a child or you know someone wanting to tour schools for their child, please encourage them to book a school tour by contacting Nicole in our front office (Limited places available).   

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 Meditation, 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.

• The next Newsletter will be shared on Thursday 21st of August.

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal