Dear St John's Community,

Well, this week we saw a 20-minute storm knock Victoria onto its proverbial bottom. I don't know how everyone else is faring but I still have no internet, electricity, hot water or mobile coverage in my area and probably won't for a few more days. It's amazing how we come to rely on these things being there when we need them and when they are not it takes a bit to readjust. Thankfully, I've got all the camping gear out so it's BBQs and gas bottles all weekend I suspect! And a few games of cards to boot!

I think the most exciting thing I have to talk about this week is the Family Movie Night. Details went out today and I am now including them here for everyone as well. It is a fun evening and I thank those parents responsible for organising it.

Trybooking Link

A Prayer to start the year

As a number of our students begin preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion we remember them with this prayer.

Merciful God, as our candidates prepare for their first reconciliation, help them to ask for forgiveness when they need to. Help them to forgive others who have wronged them. And let them be peacemakers in our school and in their own families. We thank you for the gift of your forgiveness and love.

Amem.

Medication & Medical Plans

A lot has changed in recent months with how schools can administer medication. Some of the key things parents need to be aware of are:

We can no longer have on hand over-the-counter medication such as panadol, telfast, etc for students. To provide this for your child, parents/guardians now need to complete a Medical Authority Form which is signed by a doctor or pharmacist (unless in exceptional circumstances).

A medical Authority Form from a parent/guardian signed by a treating doctor or pharmacist is now required for any and all medication to be dispensed at school.

Updated Medical Authority Forms are available from the office.

Parent Teacher Meetings

It was great to see so many parents able to get in for the meetings. We know some couldn't make it on the second evening due to the storms so if you missed out please get in contact with your child's teacher and see if you can arrange another time.

Canteen

The canteen is up and running again for this year. (Wednesday/Thursday/Friday) We have done the best we can to ensure prices remain as low as possible but even so, you will notice a few items have had to be increased in price since last year.

Kids can also purchase Icy Poles from the canteen at lunchtime on Friday's for $1

Pilates!

Pilates for parents is back this year. Monday's at 9.15am in the school hall. Everyone is welcome, toddlers too! Come in for some social exercise with our qualified instructor and parent, Francesca.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kind regards,

Derek Bruitzman

Principal

Something funny!

By popular request, my funnies are back...though I have been asked to update some of my material! Let me know how I go!

Q: Where do surfers go to school?

A: Boarding school

Q: Why shouldn't you teach children in an orange factory?

A: They just can't concentrate.

Q: Why did the child study in the airplane?

A: They wanted a higher education!

Mr B's Fun Facts & Trivia

The little black box in every airplane in the world today was invented by Australian David Warren in 1953
Tim Tams were named by Ross Arnott (Arnott's Biscuits) after a horse named Tim Tam won the Kentucky Derby in 1958.
Australia's indigenous name was Sahul
Caritas, through Project Compassion, provides 1 million dollars a week from Catholics in Australia to people in the developing world

Local Community