Principals Update

Key Events

Term 2, Week 5

• Friday 17th of May - Interschool Sport (H) v's Mentone 9am-11am

Term 2, Week 6

• Tuesday 21st of May - Stomp Program continues (students are to wear sports uniform).  Assembly in the MPR - 3.10pm. PSG Meetings
• Thursday 23rd of May - Whole School Mass @ 9.15am. PSG Meetings
• Friday 24th of May - No Interschool Sport. SJV School Musical Rehearsal
• Sunday 26th of May - First Eucharist Commitment Mass @ 9am

Term 2, Week 7

• Tuesday 28th of May - First Eucharist Reflection Day (Year 3 students). Stomp Program continues (students are to wear sports uniform). PSG Meetings
• Thursday 30th of May - PSG Meetings
• Friday 31st of May - Interschool Sport (A) v St Brigid's 
• Sunday 2nd of June - Sacrament of First Eucharist Mass @ 9am

Dear SJV Families,

I hope all our mums had a wonderful day last Sunday and were spoilt by their children! Whether you're a biological mum, a step-mum, an adoptive mum, a foster mum, or a maternal figure in any capacity, your love, care, and guidance are deeply cherished. 

Much has taken place over the past few weeks here at SJV with many events and programs taking place such First Eucharist Family workshops, STOMP and the Mother’s day assembly. It was highlighted by the Mother’s Day Breakfast last Friday morning. We had over 200 people (mums and children combined) attending the breakfast. The MPR was set up magnificently by members (Dads) of the PFA. Overall, the breakfast was a great success. A special thank you to Chris Beck, Jess Viviani and members of the PFA who organised and set up and packed up the MPR.  Thank you also to the many dads who came to assist and serve on Friday morning. It was a great team effort. Make sure you check out the Mother's Day page to look at the photos.

Mother's Day Stall

Thank you to all the wonderful helpers that assisted last Thursday with the Mother’s Day stall. Without this support, days like that would not be possible. I hope all the mothers enjoyed their gifts.

Staff Update

Chloe Lawlor will be taking a significant leave of absence from SJV due to health reasons. Chloe has been unwell recently and her Specialist has advised her to take a lengthy period of time to rest and recover and adjust to new medications.  

During her absence Mrs Dominique Monotti will be teaching the students in Year 3/4EL. Dominique is an experienced teacher and has worked at St John Vianney's recently replacing teachers on leave. She also knows the Year 3/4 teaching team well and will work with them to ensure continuity of learning for the children. 

We will also be in contact with ways in which we as a community can support Chloe and her family in the coming weeks.

Please keep Chloe in your thoughts and prayers whilst she rests and recovers and look forward to her returning to SJV later on in the year.

If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Working Bee

Our first Working Bee will take place this Saturday the 18th of May and we are asking for parental assistance. If you could please click on the following form link below and enter your details if you are attending, that would be greatly appreciated. 

Form link: https://forms.gle/io7BECfYbfq9L8yJ6 

Children are more than welcome to come and assist but please note, there will be no access to the school buildings other than the PFA and maintenance sheds. A sausage sizzle will also be provided at the end of the Working Bee. If any parent would like to coordinate the sausage sizzle please contact Steve Kelly or the school office.

Can we also please ask that if you are able to attend that you could bring either pruning tools, shovel, rakes and a wheelbarrow or two that could be used.

I would like to thank Steve Kelly for taking on the responsibility of coordinating our Working Bees throughout the year.

St Vincent De Paul Winer appeal

Please support our Minnie Vinnies leaders by donating Beanies and Blankets to the Winter appeal. Please see below for further details

Google Review

We hope your experience with St John Vianney's Primary School Parkdale has been positive and enriching. If you have a moment, we would greatly appreciate it if you could share your thoughts and experiences by leaving us a Google business review. Your feedback not only helps us continue to improve and grow but also assists other families in making informed decisions about their children's education. Thank you for taking the time to support our school community!

To leave a review, simply click here.

SJV Facebook Page

SJV Fete

 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15th @ 3:30pm.

If you are new to the school and haven’t been a part of the SJV Fete - now is the time to get involved.  The SJV fete is famous in this area, has been running for over 50 years annually (excluding two crazy Covid years) and is the most wonderful community event.

As a parent, you will get the chance to learn new skills, hone skills you have, make new friends and enhance the enjoyment of your own child’s school experience. There are many jobs in the lead up, on the day and the day after.  All families need to be involved to make this a successful event. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer for the fete, please contact either Nathan Viviani (Fete Coordinator) or the school office. 

Remember, it is our big fundraising event for the year and we encourage every family to be involved in some way. 

2025 Prep Enrolments 

Our Requests for School Tours are continuing with many booking times to come and visit our wonderful school! Enrolments for Prep 2025 are now open and we encourage all families to submit their applications as soon as possible.  If you have a child or you know someone wanting to tour schools for their child, please encourage them to book a school tour by contacting Nicole in our front office or scanning the QR code and booking online.  If you are not able to make these tours please note that you are also welcome to call to make a time that does work for you.  A reminder that the due date for Enrolment Applications is Monday the 6th of May. We have been delighted with the highly encouraging response to the 2025 enrolment application process.

INCREASE IN COVID-19 ACTIVITY - HEALTH WARNING 

Issued by: Dr Clare Looker, Chief Health Officer Issued to: Health services, health professionals and the Victorian community Key messages 

• Victoria is currently experiencing increased COVID-19 activity in the community, resulting in an increase in people being hospitalised with COVID-19. 
• At the same time, we are seeing increasing cases of influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as we head into winter. 
• During this time, it is especially important those at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are protected – this includes people aged 65 and above, people with a disability or chronic medical condition and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
• Younger children aged 6 months to 5 years and pregnant women are also at greater risk of influenza and RSV.

These six steps can help you stay ahead of COVID-19: 

• Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus. 
• Get vaccinated: stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. There are new monovalent vaccines available that are highly effective at preventing severe disease. You should get a booster if you are over 75 and haven't had one for 6 months. Other groups arelso recommended to get a booster. Vaccines are available at your GP or local pharmacy. 
• Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus. Meet outside when possible. 
• Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test. If you test positive and are eligible for antivirals, take them as soon as possible. 
• Stay at home if you are unwell: if you have COVID-19, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms. Speak to your GP if symptoms worsen. 
• Take antivirals if eligible: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID-19 antiviral medicines. You must take these within 5 days of developing symptoms - the sooner the better. See your GP for more information. 
• If your child is experiencing any COVID like symptoms you are asked to give them a COVID test and if positive to stay home for five consecutive days

Sacramental Program

The First Eucharist candidates are in the process of preparing to receive their first Holy Communion. This began last week with a fantastic family workshop which was conducted by Fr Elio Capra.  On Sunday 26th of May  the candidates will attend the First Eucharist Commitment Mass at 9am while the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will take place on Sunday the 2nd of June at 9am. Please keep these students in your prayers during this special time in their lives.

School Closure Dates Term 2 

• The school will be closed on Friday the 7th of June as there will be a professional development day for all staff. This is the Friday of the King's Birthday long weekend. 
• The King's Birthday Holiday is Monday 10th of June. This is a public holiday and children are not required to attend school.

CSEF - (Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund) 

STOMP Program

The Stomp program continues next Tuesday. All students are to wear their sports uniform on this day.

NCCD

Please make sure that you take the time to read the following information regarding the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) On School Students with Disability.

Reminders

• Dogs - Please note that for the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community, no dogs are permitted inside the school grounds and they must not be left unattended tied up at the gates. Adult supervision and holding of the leash is so important around vulnerable places such as schools.  We love dogs but we do have to take care of all members of our community.
• Bikes and Scooters - Please walk bikes and scooters when moving through the school grounds.
• Punctuality - It is expected that all students are to be at school by no later than 8.45am and not any time up to 9am. From 8.45am to 9am is crucial for students to get themselves organised, start the day with prayer, take the roll and ready to commence their day promptly. Formal lessons begin at 9am. Any child who arrives at or after 9am is to be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. I ask all parents to make sure that you adhere to these times.
• The next Newsletter will be shared on Thursday 30th of May.

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal