A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers,

Yesterday we had our afternoon celebration for Holi. It was great to see family members join us for the afternoon of fun, learning more about this cultural celebration. 

A little about Holi from Saanvi...

Holi is played with colours, water and water guns and flowers. Its roots come from a story about good triumphing over evil and the idea of spreading colours means we all look the same under the rainbow of colours on our skin. It symbolises that it is the start of Spring (renewal), as well as togetherness and love.

We have celebrated with family and it would go for the whole day playing together with colours. We also have special sweets that we cook and share together.

Village Leaders and New Yard Games: 

Last week we presented this semester's Village Leaders with their badges. These children have already been busy with Taryn organising the new yard games that have been purchased with money raised through our fundraising efforts last year and this year. The children were involved in making videos that are being used during our 'Ready to Learning' morning routine so that we know what's new, how to use and care for these materials. Over the next couple of weeks we will introduce these new purchases. This week the children have enjoyed the polyhedron pieces and the twin blocks.

Semester One Village Leaders are:

Prep Hub: Jasmin and Alex

One Hub: Benjamin and Matilda

Two Hub: Daisy and Elliott

Three/Four Hub: Lucas, Henry, Ella

Five Six Hub: Toby, Eloise and Milo

Sacrament of First Reconciliation 

Last Wednesday, the children making their First Reconciliation later this month, attended a family workshop evening where they understood that God teaches us ways to love him and others. At times, because we are human and have been given free choice, we "miss the mark," this is what the church calls 'sin.' Yet because God loves us so much, he gave us this gift in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to ask for forgiveness, for the times we miss the mark in life. Please keep our Year 3 children making their First Reconciliation in your prayers. 

A note for the families of Reconciliation Candidates: 

• Presentation Masses: 
  • Sunday 8th March, 10am Mass at Our Lady's Church 
  • OR Sunday March 15th, 9:30am Mass at Christ the King Church, Braybrook
  • OR Sunday March 15th, 10am Mass at  Our Lady's Church
• Sacrament of First Reconciliation: 18th March, 6pm at Our Lady's Church

Project Compassion

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of this community with our Project Compassion Fundraising Appeal this Lenten Season. During Lent, Catholics are called to give alms to those in need. On Wednesday, Project Compassion had a generous donor who was matching dollar for dollar up to $50,000. Within a few hours, people across Australia raised $50,000, meaning $100,000 was raised. Our school raised over $1400 yesterday with the double donations. We still have until the end of the term to keep donating. You can continue to send in your coins to school or donate online:  https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraiser/StJohnsPrimarySchoolFootscray

We thank you for your support in creating change around the world for some of the most vulnerable communities. 

Cyber Safety & Digital Wellbeing at St John's

Over the last 3 weeks, each hub has tuned into their first termly incursion with Inform & Empower. They joined children from across the country to grow their skills in the digital world. To learn more about each incursion and explore ideas for continuing the conversations at home: parents.informandempower.com.au

Prep 2027

It was wonderful meeting so many new and familiar faces during our Prep 2027 tours last Friday and Monday. If you have a child due to start school next year, we encourage you to submit their enrolment form as soon as possible. Doing so ensures we have a place secured for your child and helps us understand how many positions we can offer to new families joining our community. Online Enrolment forms can be found on our school website - https://www.sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au/enrolments. These need to be submitted by the end of term so we can lock in your Enrolment Interview early next term.

Vision for Leadership Launch

I was pleased to represent our school at the State Library this week for the launch of the new Vision for Leadership framework. This initiative, alongside the Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement, defines the 'bold intent' MACS has for our schools—ensuring that the way we lead and teach allows our children to truly flourish.

It was a significant event, featuring guests such as Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and Shadow Minister Brad Rowswell MP. The keynote speakers, including Fr Friedrich Bechina FSO, spoke powerfully about how Catholic leadership provides a steady compass in an uncertain world.

MACS Executive Director Dr Edward Simons reminded us all that true leadership is something we do together through trust and strong relationships. We look forward to using this new framework to further strengthen our school community and provide the best possible environment for our children.

Cross Country

It has been a fantastic week of community spirit with our Cross Country Trials taking place for the 3/4 Hub on Tuesday and the 5/6 Hub today. I was lucky enough to head down to Johnson Reserve this morning to see the 5/6 children in action.

It was a beautiful morning, and every child gave it their absolute best. What stood out most was the way they supported one another—cheering from the sidelines or running alongside friends to help them reach the finish line. It truly highlighted the kind and inclusive nature of our children.

A big thank you to Michelle Graham and the Specialist Team for coordinating these trials as we prepare for the District Cross Country at Hansen Reserve on Friday, 20th March.

NAPLAN: 11th - 23rd March

As our Year 3 and Year 5 children prepare for NAPLAN, we want to share a gentle reminder with our families: this assessment is a single moment in time. While it’s a helpful tool to see how they are progressing in specific areas of literacy and numeracy, it only captures one small part of who they are as a learner.

NAPLAN cannot measure:

• Creativity and artistic flair.
• Kindness, empathy, and how they treat their friends.
• Resilience and the way they bounce back from challenges.
• Curiosity and their unique way of looking at the world.

We are so proud of the diverse talents and hard work our children show every day. So, take a deep breath, do your best, and remember—you are much more than a test score!

Keep routines normal, ensure everyone gets plenty of sleep, and remind your child that they are already a "success" just by being exactly who they are.

ST JOHN'S NAPLAN TIMETABLE 2026

🐣 Hop Into Easter: End of Term Celebrations!

Get ready to showcase your creativity and spread some holiday cheer! As we wrap up a fantastic term, we have a day full of tradition and community spirit planned for 

Thursday, 2nd April. See below for what's happening on the day.

1. 👒 The Inaugural Easter Bonnet Parade

We are thrilled to announce our first-ever Easter Bonnet Parade! We invite all children to get creative at home with their families to design and build a festive masterpiece. Whether it’s covered in fluffy chicks, sparkling eggs, or spring flowers, we can’t wait to see your handiwork. We are also happy to support any children at school to get creative if needed.

• When: 9:00am
• Where: Joan's Yard

• Who: All families are warmly invited to come and watch the parade!

   

2. 🎟️ Easter Raffle & Donations

We are also holding our first ever Easter Raffle that will be drawn after our Easter Bonnet Parade. To make our first Easter Raffle a success, we are seeking donations of Easter eggs or Easter-themed items. If you are in a position to contribute, please drop off your donations to the front office or your child's hub. Every chocolate bunny or craft kit helps create more exciting prize hampers!

Note: Information on how to purchase your raffle tickets will be sent home with students shortly.

3. ⛪ Holy Week Liturgy & Early Dismissal

Following our morning of fun, we will gather as a school community for our Holy Week Liturgy at 11:45am. Families are more than welcome to join us for this reflective service as we prepare for the Easter season.

Please note the early finish time: School will conclude for the term at 1:00pm.

We look forward to celebrating with all of you.

PFA Hot Cross Bun Fundraising Drive

Our wonderful PFA is also organising a Hot Cross Bun Fundraising Drive through Baker's Delight Highpoint to help you stock up on holiday treats. All orders will be made through the 'Spriggy Schools' app, that we use for lunch orders, under 'Events'. You can download this app from Google Play or the App Store. Keep an eye on your email early next week for more information. 

International Women's Day

This Sunday, 8th March , we join the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day. It is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the incredible women who shape our lives—from our mothers and grandmothers to our dedicated staff and the inspiring girls in our classrooms.

At our school, we are committed to ensuring all our children grow up in a world where their potential is limitless. This weekend, we encourage you to take a moment with your children to talk about the women who inspire them and how we can all work together to create a more inclusive and supportive world.

Wishing everyone a lovely long weekend. 

God Bless,

Emily

What's coming up:

• Labour Day Public Holiday this MONDAY 9th March - No School
• NAPLAN 11th - 23rd March 
• Catholic Education Week 16th - 20th March
• Harmony Day Celebration19th March (Wear a "splash" of orange)
• Sacrament of Reconciliation 18th March at Our Lady's Church
• Learning Conversations 30th March - School Closure Day

Reminders:

• Log into PAM an review and update all areas including Connect Fields and Connect Surveys

• Complete the form to let us know if you would like to support the PFA via donations, time or skills : https://forms.gle/nP8qUdxtAUyVuSfq8 

   

🧢 Hats

We have a small supply of spare hats for children who forget theirs. However, we are finding that more children are missing their hats than we have spares available to loan. Please check with your child to ensure they have their hat so their play isn't limited to shaded areas.

OUR IMAGE OF THE CHILD

‘At St. John’s, we strongly believe that children are at the centre when given authentic and meaningful experiences. They flourish when their passions and interests are acknowledged and valued. Children are empowered when they take ownership for their learning. They have a right to develop autonomy through discovery.’

(St. John’s Staff, 2018)

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the owners of the land on which we live, play and learn at St John's Primary School, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

All students attending St. John's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.