Dear Families,

Thank you so much to everyone who was able to come to the Christmas Advent Concert last Friday! What a joyful spirit filled evening. Fantastic also to see some of our new 2026 Foundation families coming

along to share in the night. My thanks to Jonathan Rooney and all staff who helped plan and organise the night. We were gifted with the Presence of our facilitator Drew Lane. A most engaging evening!

Let the Carols Continue...

The Parish is also holding their Carols on 14th December after the 10.00am mass in the church. All families are warmly invited by the Parish to join in this special event. We invite all students who would like to dress up in Christmas attire and sing as part of a student choir to come with their parents and meet Alice Peters in the church after the 10am Mass. Please let her know beforehand if you are attending 0413999898. A BBQ follows the event! Parents are in charge of their child if at the Carols. Please read the Parish News for the details.

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to all the students who celebrated their First Communion over the past two weekends. This has been an important milestone in their life-long faith journey, marking a moment of deep significance for them and their families. We thank everyone who supported them in their preparation and faith development.

Opening and Blessing of the Church Foyer...

Congratulations to the Parish upon the opening and blessing of the Church foyer by Bishop Tien and the Provincial of the Oblates, Fr Andrew Chen last Sunday. It was a momentous occasion!

Staffing 2026

Very few staff changes at SJV at the end of this year.

We congratulate Jason Kumar who has accepted a position as classroom teacher and REL at St Catherine's Berwick in 2026, closer to home! We thank Jason for all his contributions to our school, students and families across the past two years. We wish him every blessing as he moves into leadership and shares his skills and talents!

We are delighted to welcome Ben Griffin to our school next year as a classroom teacher. Ben is a graduate who comes with much enthusiasm and passion and skill. Ben has taught at our school as a CRT of recent times and has already begun to form great relationships. I know we will warmly welcome Ben to the community and offer our ongoing support!

The wonderful Marg Klupacs has decided to retire (again!!) having worked each Friday this year! - Marg loves SJV and given so much to our community for many years. We hope to see Marg as a CRT!

Andrew Dimasi and Christina Dromi will finish their time as LSO's at SJV at the end of the year. Andrew will take up an appointment as LSO at St James Gardenvale in 2026 and Christina will complete her kindergarten teaching course. Andrew has been with us for over 5 years, in fact he was originally a student at SJV. We thank him for all his care, generosity and efforts. Christina has only been with us for a short time but her flexibility and willingness to give her best is so evident. I will update you should there be any further staff changes.

GEM Awards

This week Elaria in grade 6 won an empathy award for helping to make others feel included and respected!

Chryssa from grade 4 also won a gratitude award for the way she welcomes people with a smile and warm hello each day.

Foundation Transition Continued

Yesterday we continued to welcome our 2026 Foundation students in Session 3.

I hope that they already feel part of the SJV family!

Lunch with the Principal

The Principal’s Lunch was held yesterday, with over 25 students choosing to participate and celebrate their positive attitude toward learning and school. We congratulate all the students who were recognised for consistently demonstrating our school values. Well done!

M City Christmas Tree Competition

SJV students created a beautiful Christmas Tree please vote so we have the opportunity to win $500

Voting: will go live on Monday after 12:00 PM. Please share the link below with your school community and encourage them to vote (after 12pm on Monday)

https://m-city.com.au/school-community-art-program

2026 School Advisory Council

Our last meeting for 2025 was Tuesday evening where we will talked about dates for 2026.

We still have a vacancy for parent representative to join the School Advisory Council (SAC) in 2026. There are 6 meetings to attend across the year, usually held on a Tuesday from 5.30pm - 7.00pm (approx) at the school.

The role is to essentially work together to support, discuss and advise the principal about school matters. Also to work together in unison with our parish. Should you wish to express your interest please email Andrew on amullaly@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au by Monday December 1st.

Social Media Ban..

From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping accounts. This is a good move. Please ensure you have discussions with your children. Year 5-6 students will also be undertaking a eSmart workshop about Social media restrictions, facilitated by Georgina Laming our ICT Leader. This will take place on December 10.

Pyjama Day - St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Yesterday, the students enjoyed our Pyjama Day! As part of the day, our Mini Vinnies team collected non-perishable food items to donate for St Vincent de Paul. The response was absolutely amazing. Thank you to all families that bought food and will make a difference to those in need at Christmas time.

Christmas Fundraiser – Tarts for a Great Cause!

Get into the festive spirit and support our school! We’re selling delicious Lemon Tarts and Mince Tarts – perfect for Christmas entertaining or gifting.

Lemon Tarts – $12 per pack

Mince Tarts – $12 per pack

A big thank you to Bakers Delight, a wonderful supporter of our school over the year. Orders open today on CDFpay and close 4th December. All tarts will be delivered to school ready to pick up from Tuesday 9th December.

All profits go directly back to our school programs – thank you for your support!

Final Pupil Free Day

Monday 8th December

(2026 Planning Day- teachers only)

End of Year 2025

Please note the last day for the School Year for students is - Tuesday 16th December -

Finish at 1.00pm

No Lunch is required on this day unless attending OSHC.

Camp Australia will operate from 1pm, but you must be booked in.

Foundation 2026