Principal's News 

Dear Families, 

It has been another busy and rewarding fortnight at St John's and I would like to begin by sincerely thanking all of our families for the wonderful support shown during our Parent Teacher Interviews. These conversations are such an important part of the partnership between home and school, it was great hearing the positive feedback from both parents and staff afterwards. Thank you for taking the time to meet with your child's teacher and for the shared commitment we all have to helping every child continue to grow and flourish. 

One thing I continue to notice around the school is the calm and settled atmosphere in our classrooms, with students engaged in their learning and staff working incredibly hard to provide high-quality instruction every day. It is something we are very proud of and a credit to both our staff and students. 

Pupil Free Day Tomorrow – Wednesday 5th August 

A reminder to all families that tomorrow is a Pupil Free Day. Our staff will gather with colleagues from St Joseph’s Benalla and FCJ for the CESL Staff Spirituality Day. This annual day provides an opportunity to reflect on our shared mission as Catholic educators and spend time together in prayer, learning and formation. We look forward to bringing this renewed sense of purpose back into our classrooms. 

Families requiring care on the day are reminded that Uniting will be providing a program for St John's students here in the Mercy Centre for tomorrow. 

Pride in being a St John's Student!

It has been wonderful to see so many students taking pride in wearing their uniform correctly each day and I particularly want to thank our families for your support in ensuring students are wearing their green school socks EVERY DAY! The improvement across the school has been remarkable and certainly hasn't gone unnoticed. We have even had a number of classes achieve 100% correct school uniform, which is a fantastic achievement and something worth celebrating. Wearing the correct uniform might seem like a small thing, but it helps build a sense of pride and high expectations across our school. Thank you for the important role you play each morning in helping your children arrive at school looking their best and ready to learn. 

Welcoming Bishop René to Sandhurst

Last Thursday, Lou and I had the privilege of representing St John's at the Installation Mass of Bishop René Ramirez RCJ as the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst. It was a truly special occasion at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo, with more than 25 bishops, 60 priests and around 1,300 people gathering to celebrate this significant moment in the life of our Diocese. There was a real sense of joy and hope throughout the Cathedral as Bishop René began his ministry among us. We ask our St John's community to keep Bishop René in your prayers as he leads our Diocese into this exciting new chapter. This week, Bishop René also released his first Pastoral Letter for National Vocations Awareness Week, encouraging us all to pray for vocations and reminding us that each of us is called by God to use our gifts in service of others.

100 Days of Foundation! 

Congratulations to our wonderful Foundation students on celebrating 100 Days of School last Friday! It was fantastic to see so many creative costumes, smiling faces and excited students celebrating this special milestone together. It is hard to believe how much our Foundation students have grown in confidence and independence since beginning their school journey earlier this year. A huge thank you to Mrs Redfern and Lisa Lister for all of the planning and preparation that went into making the day so memorable. 

Again, thank you to all families for your ongoing support of our wonderful school. Enrolments are still open for 2027, so if you know or hear of someone yet to enrol at St John's for next year, please encourage them to visit: 

 The partnership we share with our families is one of St John's greatest strengths and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a caring and supportive community. 

Have a wonderful fortnight ahead. 

Take care, 

Sam