Principal's News 

Dear Families,

As we move into the second half of Term 4 our focus remains on making every day of learning count. Thank you for supporting your children to arrive on time, attend regularly and come ready to learn during this busy part of the year.

Last week, I joined fellow CESL Principals in Bendigo for our Principal Conference. Taking time to reflect on our work reinforced the incredible hard work of our staff and students. I am proud of the progress we are making and grateful for the commitment of our staff and the support of our families.

Remembrance Day

Tomorrow we pause for Remembrance Day. We remember those who served our country, those who lost their lives in war and the families whose lives have been changed by conflict. For our children, this is also an opportunity to reflect on what peace looks like in everyday life. Our theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It,” calls us to listen, show respect and work through disagreements with care. We will gather as a whole school in the Mercy Centre just before 11am tomorrow.

Faith into Action

Our new Catholic Social Teaching focus is Preferential Option for the Poor, which reminds us that we must put the needs of poor and vulnerable people first. We will be helping students understand this through practical examples of noticing, sharing and caring for others. Our St John’s Giving Tree, a partnership between our parish and school communities, is one way we can put this teaching into action together. From 9th November to 13th December, we are collecting food and gifts for local families who could use a little extra support this Christmas.

Families who are able to contribute are welcome to leave unopened, in-date non-perishable food or NEW, unwrapped toys and gifts for children aged 0–17 beneath the Giving Tree in our school foyer. Donations can also be left at our parish churches in Euroa, Longwood and Violet Town. Thank you for whatever you are able to give. It is a meaningful way for our children to experience the generosity and care at the heart of Christmas.

PSG Meetings in Week 8

Our Parent Support Group meetings in Week 8 will provide time for families and staff to review progress and plan the next steps for students receiving additional support. Further details will be shared with the families involved. Thank you for the insights you bring to these conversations, knowing our students well helps us support them as well.

Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist

We are very much looking forward to celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist on Saturday 28th November at 6pm. We will welcome Bishop Rene to our parish for this significant occasion. We ask our school community to keep Noah, Charlotte, Emma and Ollie in their prayers as they continue preparing for this important occasion.

With several events approaching, please keep an eye on school communications and note the following dates:

• Wednesday 11th November: Remembrance Day
• Monday 16th November: Red Cross Pillowcase sessions for Years 2, 3 and 4
• Thursday 19th November, 2:15pm: Euroa Secondary College Concert Band Visit
• Friday 27th November, 9–11am: Foundation Transition 
• Saturday 28th November, 6pm: Confirmation and First Eucharist (also our November Family Mass)
• Tuesday 1st December: Swimming Program begins
• Friday 4th December, 9–11:40am: 2027 Foundation Transition
• Tuesday 8th December, 9am–12pm: Whole School Transition Day
• Thursday 10th December at 6pm: St John’s School Christmas Carols Concert on the School Oval (bring a chair and a picnic dinner)
• Friday 11th December at 2:30pm: St John's SchoColour Run
• Sunday 13th December at 6pm: Parish Advent Lessons and Carols at St John’s Church (followed by a community picnic)
• Monday 14th December at 6pm: Year 6 Graduation Dinner in the Mercy Centre
• Tuesday 15th December at 9:30am: End of Year Mass
• Tuesday 15th December at 1:40pm: End of Year Assembly, Yr 6 Graduation Video and Guard of Honour
• Tuesday 15th December: Last day of Term 4 for students

Thank you to the families and staff who supported St John’s at Euroa’s Relay for Life over the weekend. If you would still like to contribute you can donate through our team page here.

Take care,

Sam