Principal's News
We acknowledge the Taungurung people, the traditional custodians of this land and we pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging.
Welcome to the new term.
Yesterday we celebrated ANZAC Day together with a ceremony presented by our Year 6 Leaders. ANZAC Day is always a very special time in our school as we learn about the sacrifices made by men and women during times of conflict. It is a shame that the lead up to the day was in the children's holidays. Thank you to Charlie Hamill, Zoe Pretlove and Lillian Halsall and Harper Timperley who represented our school at the Euroa ANZAC services on ANZAC Day. Thank you to you and your families.
As shared with the community last week both Libby Hamilton, our Deputy Principal and I will be finishing at St John’s. Libby's last day will be Friday, while I will finish in early September. While change can sometimes feel challenging, it also brings new opportunities for growth, fresh ideas, and continued strength for our school. I want to reassure you that I will keep you updated throughout the process of appointing a new Principal, and that Catholic Education, Sandhurst are committed to ensuring a smooth and positive transition for our students, staff, and families. Thank you for your ongoing trust in St John’s and for your lovely words. Louise Frewen will be our Acting Deputy until a new Deputy is appointed. In case you missed the announcements here they are.
Thank you for your support and understanding around the extra three days of holidays for the children. I know this can be difficult for families around organising additional care. The teachers returned to school last Tuesday and spent 3 days working with experts Jared Cooney Horvath and Ollie Lovell in the areas of the Science of Learning and Instructional Coaching. It was a full on three days of sitting, listening and learning. As teachers we are not used to sitting for long periods of time, but it was absolutely worthwhile. All primary and secondary schools across the Diocese had pupil free days with all teaches and leaders attending.
Last week we were saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis, a compassionate and courageous leader who inspired millions around the world. As the head of the Catholic Church, he was a voice for peace, mercy, and justice, always encouraging us to care for the poor, protect the environment, and live out our faith with humility and love.
His legacy will continue to guide and inspire our community here at St. John’s as we strive to follow his example of kindness, inclusiveness, and service to others.
After School Procedures
Yesterday was our first afternoon with children who usually leave through the front office going a different way through the teacher's carpark. On the whole it went extremely well and will get better each afternoon. The morning routine remains the same. I would encourage you to use the back gate when dropping off or picking up your child/children in the afternoon if you are able. You can always get a close park, it is quiet, and the children enjoy the change. It is open with a teacher on duty each morning and afternoon. An update for the proposed work schedule from John Holland is in the Community News section of the newsletter today. These works are impacting on the safety of the children at St John's, and we are doing everything we can to make sure children arrive and leave school safely. Thank you for your support with this.
Long Service Leave
Ayako Mizushima is on LSL for the next 2 weeks. Karissa Wilson, Sophie Allen and Louise Frewen will be taking her lessons, using Ayako's meticulously planned work, so the Japanese program will continue.
Term 2 Leave
Term 2 sees some changes in teachers across the school. Linc McKernan is taking long service leave from the start of week 4 till the end of the term. Melinda Watson will pick up some of Linc's days (4 days each week) with Nic Asquith taking the children on the Friday. Nic will be taking PE classes for this time.
We welcome Sophie Allen and Karissa Wilson who will be taking Art and Andrea Williams who will be taking STEM.
It has been a bit of a shuffle but will work very effectively with minimum disruption for the children's learning.
We will be replacing Libby in the Yr 6 classroom 1 day per week. As soon as this is finalised, I will let you know.
Assembly Friday
We will have a special Assembly this Friday to farewell Libby Hamilton after 17 years at St John's. It will be at the special time of 9am in the Mercy Centre. All families are very welcome to attend.
Cross Country
Is here again this year! The big day is on Friday with the children in Years 3-6 kicking off for their 2km and 3km run at Seven's Creek Park at 12pm. We will be walking down together and return to school before lunch. The younger students will complete their events after lunch 2:10pm. The Year 2's will run 5 laps, the Year 1's 4 laps and the Foundation students 3 laps. It is always lovely to see families present encouraging the children and you are welcome at both places (school and the park). If you are able to help please contact the office and leave a message for Linc.
Hats
Our school rule around hats has changed. Children are now required to wear their hats all year round. The changing UV Rays and our environment has informed this decision. If children do not have hats they will be required to sit in the shaded area on the deck.
Detention
While the term detention may sound a little old-fashioned, it is now part of our newly developed School Behaviour Plan. For students who do not respond to prompts or reminders and continue to disrupt learning—both for their peers and their teacher—there will now be a set time each day during which they will use to complete work during part of their break.
Previously, these students may have been required to walk with a teacher or sit in the office area, which was not always an effective or appropriate response.
If your child is given a detention, they will bring home a self-reflection sheet that will need to be signed by you and returned to school the next day. On the sheet you will find information as to why they missed their break time, who the issuing teacher was and how your child may have managed the situation better. We appreciate your support in having a follow-up conversation at home to reinforce the importance of positive behaviour and respectful learning environments for everyone.
Mother's Day
We hope to see all mum's, grandmothers and special friends on Friday 9th May. We will begin the celebrations with a Liturgy at 1:15. Visitors will then enjoy afternoon tea together and after lunch (2:10pm) will join the children for activities in their classrooms. More details to follow. The children will have the opportunity to purchase a Mother's Day gift on the morning of the 9th. Once again, we welcome students from Euroa Secondary College to help on the day and to bake the delicious afternoon tea for all to enjoy.
School Fees
Statements will be coming home to families this week. Thank you for your prompt attention to this. If you are having concerns in regard to payment of fees, please don't hesitate to contact me. If you have a health care card and you have not let us know, please do so as you are entitled to a reduction in your fees.
Prayers
Please remember the McMartin family in your prayers after the death of Evie and Eddie's grandfather in the holidays.
Also remember Imani Carson-Langlands whose grandfather who also died very suddenly over the holidays.
I will leave you with a prayer for Pope Francis.
Prayer in Memory of Pope Francis
Loving God, today we remember with sorrow and gratitude your servant Pope Francis, who returned to You after a life poured out in love and service.
Even in his final days, he brought hope to the world— blessing us on Easter Sunday, speaking words of peace, freedom, and compassion.
We thank You for his courage, humility, and tireless work for justice, unity, and care for the poor. May his example guide our hearts and may his spirit of mercy live on in our words and actions.
Welcome him into the light of Your presence and comfort Your Church as we journey forward in faith.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Until next fortnight
Therese