A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers,

Firstly, I would like to congratulate all the children in Years 3 and 5 who have completed their NAPLAN assessments over the last fortnight. The children have approached these assessments with openness and respect towards each other. The leaders and educators who have overseen the administration of NAPLAN have spoken highly about how serious the children have taken the testing conditions whilst remaining calm. I would also like to thank Amy and Karen for all their planning and organisation in ensuring this has been a seamless process for children and educators. 

Last week, the School Advisory Council met for the first time. A large amount of the time was spent discussing what has been happening in the background in relation to the school hall. I was hoping to provide additional information about the hall in this newsletter but at this stage there have been no new developments to share.

Congratulations to our successful swim team who competed last week at the Divisional Level. All children gave it their best and some even managed to bring home a ribbon. Congratulations to the following children who competed in this event:

• Year 4 Girls Relay team:  Evelyn T, Sienna M, Evelyn Z & Evie R
• Year 5 Girls Relay team:  Regan M, Rhoda K, Gigi M & Ava M
• Individual event swimmers:
  • Regan M: Freestyle & Backstroke
  • Evelyn T: Freestyle
  • Lucas R: Freestyle
  • Toby P: Backstroke
  • Sienna M: Backstroke  
  • Rhoda K: Breaststroke
  • Jayden K: Butterfly

If you have been following our school social media or the Western Bulldogs, you would have seen the post with children from our 3/4 Hub starring with Rodney Eade as part of their 100 Year Celebrations. It was a great experience for both children and educators to be a part of this skit. The children did an amazing job and we thank Karen Dodemaide for working with the club to make this happen at very short notice. Link to video : Footscray 101 with Mr Eade

On Tuesday I met with the team from MACSEYE (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Early Years Education) who are overseeing the transition of our OSHC service. Please find attached information that has been emailed to all families previously. We have had a report of one family experiencing difficulty with enrolling their children that we have forwarded on but please let us know asap if you also experience any issues.

Tonight we keep the children from St John's who will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation at Our Lady's Church in our prayers. Thank you to Taryn, Lucy (Christ the King DP/Leader) and 3/4 Hub Educators for your leadership and support of the children and educators in preparing for this special occasion.

We have a number of children from St John's who have or are going to sign up for the Run for the Kids event raising funds to support The Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. I have added a link to the Kids of St John's page if you would like to support these children for this very worthy cause or possibly join the team as a family in running. Parents and children can participate in the run. 

Link - Kids of St John's Fundraising Page

Sunni, a child in the 5/6 Hub has been busy making her own range of scrunchies. I have added a link for anyone who would like to place an order for one of these creations. Sunni will then set herself up in the Bali Hut from 3pm every Friday until the end of term for parents to pay (cash only) and collect their scrunchies.

Orders - https://forms.gle/P4tAjh4epB8UcbSv6

The Western Zone Catholic Primary Principals' Network Pilgrimage : Following the Footsteps of St Paul.

Saint Paul is considered the greatest influencer after Jesus in the history of Christianity and remains one of the more controversial figures celebrated for his work in spreading the early Christian message. I am lucky to be a part of 16 day pilgrimage that begins on the 26th March to Greece and Turkey. This pilgrimage aims to provide a profound and enriching experience for participants, by tracing the numerous journeys of St. Paul during his missionary journeys. I believe this pilgrimage will contribute to my ability to lead a community that nurtures discipleship and enrich the life and Catholic Identity of our school. I hope the experience will help to bringing to life the scriptures stories and how we are called to be as Catholic in our world with the mission for the common good. I look forward to sharing more about this experience throughout Term 2 newsletters. Karen Dodemaide will be in the Acting Principal role from 26 March - 26 April 2025. 

Next week, Jordan will be taking leave from the 26th March until the end of term to celebrate her wedding. We wish the happy couple, their family and friends all the best for this special day followed by a lifetime of happiness together. I would also like to wish everyone a safe and happy school holidays and Easter.

Warm wishes

Emily

Reminders:

• Sacrament of Reconciliation TONIGHT at Our Lady's at 6pm
• Harmony Day TOMORROW - Children to wear a touch of orange
• PSG Meeting start next week
• Monday 31st March - School Closure Day : Learning Conversations 11am - 7pm
• Friday 4th April - Last Day of Term 1 : 1pm Finish
• Monday 21st April - Easter Monday : Public Holiday
• Tuesday 22nd April - Term 2 Begins
• Friday 25th April - ANZAC Day : Public Holiday