A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers,

As many of you know, our hall (former church) has stood alongside our school for more than a century and is a much-loved part of our school community. 

In recent days, the building has deteriorated significantly, and our structural engineers have advised that we must now take action to demolish the building as its structure continues to deteriorate. 

Unfortunately, this will affect access to nearby school spaces, particularly for our Year 5/6 children and OSHC room. 

While urgent works take place on the school hall building, we have put in place temporary arrangements.  

From Tuesday 27 May, our Year 5/6 children will temporarily re-locate to Caroline Chisholm Catholic College – Christ the King campus, at 65 Churchill Road, Braybrook, until the end of Term 2. This is the Year 7-9 girls’ campus. We are grateful for the College offering access to classroom space in the short term. 

Our Outside School Hours Care services will also be impacted over the next few weeks, with alternative provision being organised. As our local provider of OSHC services, MACSEYE will be sending out information directly to families around the impact to their services. 

Our priority is to ensure this process is as smooth as possible for both children and families. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and ongoing support. I would also like to acknowledge the enormous generosity of Napoleon, Kat and the Caroline Chisholm Catholic College Team. Their support and openness has been overwhelming. Our Western Region General Manager, Juliette Cox, has also been amazing in her efforts and support to provide an alternative location for our children as well as the logistics of transport options and the movement of bag boxes, tubs, and chrome book trolleys to CCCC ready for the children next week.

Next week is Reconciliation Week. Children will be learning more about this in their hubs during their 'Ready To Learn' sessions. Below is some of the important information that we will share with the children over the course of the week.

• NATIONAL SORRY DAY: National Sorry Day, held on May 26th each year, is a day of remembrance and commemoration for the Stolen Generations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families, communities, and culture by government policies and practices.These actions had a devastating impact on individuals, families, and the ongoing strength of Indigenous cultures. On this day, we reflect on this history, acknowledge the pain and suffering caused, and commit to a future of understanding and reconciliation.
• What is Reconciliation: Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians. It's about understanding the history of what happened when people from other parts of the world came to Australia and how that affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's about acknowledging past wrongs and working together to create a fairer and more respectful future.

Last night the children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation had a special evening with their families in preparation for this celebration. The children reflected with their families on the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We keep these children in our prayers as they continue their preparation for this sacrament.

Warm wishes

Emily

OUR IMAGE OF THE CHILD

‘At St. John’s, we strongly believe that children are at the centre when given authentic and meaningful experiences. They flourish when their passions and interests are acknowledged and valued. Children are empowered when they take ownership for their learning. They have a right to develop autonomy through discovery.’

(St. John’s Staff, 2018)

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the owners of the land on which we live, play and learn at St John's Primary School, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

All students attending St. John's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.