A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

Last week we welcomed the new Preps for 2024 to St John's for their first orientation session. It was great to welcome new and current families and learn more about them and their children. We heard so many great stories about the reasons families picked the names they chose for their children. We look forward to strengthening new connections over the coming weeks. 

As mentioned in our previous newsletter, it is that time of the year where we make announcements about changes to staffing for 2024. I would like to begin by announcing staff who are not returning for 2024.

Helen Gofron joined us last year and has been working with children in the area of Performing Arts and Music as well as leading the Choir. We thank Helen for bringing her passion for singing and music as well as supporting children when celebrating their sacraments. We wish Helen all the best as she joins the St George Preca Primary School Community.

Shania Anderson only joined us this year in the 5/6 Hub, and we are sad but also excited for her to take on a new adventure next year in her home town of Nagambie. Shania has shown patience and resilience as a new staff member this year as she has been the constant for the children in 5/6 with different staffing changes that occurred throughout the year. We thank Shania for always thinking of the children and building strong connections with each of them.

Over the last two years Erynn Stuhldreier has been an almost full time staff member. She joined the community last year as she completed her last placement for her teaching degree with Amanda and Jenna. Since then she has replaced educators for a variety of reasons and this year taking on the role of 5/6 Hub educator when Amanda announced that she needed to take leave for personal reasons. Erynn is always happy to do what is needed and has worked as a great team with Shania and Amy to ensure the children in 5/6 Hub are well supported and flourishing. We wish Erynn all the best as she flies off to live overseas sometime during 2024.

Fiona Hill joined us mid-year when Jayka moved to Canada, and we re-introduced Visual Arts to our specialist program. Since joining us Fiona has worked hard to build and foster relationships with all the children across the school. I know many children will be sad to hear that Fiona is not returning as a specialist teacher in 2024 but you just never know, you still might see her at our school in the future.

It can be difficult dealing with change but also exciting when meeting new people and seeing the passions and talents they bring to our school community.  We are very excited to announce new staff members who will be joining us for 2024. 

• Kate Thompson is joining us from Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School and has accepted the Learning Diversity role for 2024. Kate has a wealth of experience across different education systems and supporting children and their families with diverse needs. 
• Taryn Darlow is joining us from St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Tarneit as an educator next year. Taryn has a breadth of experience in education including various leadership roles. We look forward to Taryn sharing her passion for social justice and family engagement with all of us.
• Greg Lane is joining us from St Anne's Primary School, Sunbury, as an educator next year. Greg has had experience in both primary and secondary schools in Queensland and Victoria. Greg is passionate about children's wellbeing and learning and we have heard from many who know him about how much he will be missed at his current school.
• Michelle Daly is joining us from Tarneit P-9 College as an educator next year. Michelle has had experience in various schools in ACT and Victoria across early childhood, primary and secondary school settings. Michelle is passionate about bringing the children's passions to life through learning, as well as uncovering new passions through rich experiences.
• Alicia Hambleton is joining us from St Catherine of Siena Primary School, Melton West, as an educator next year. Alicia has worked across all levels of the primary school during her teaching career and is also a very talented musician. We look forward to welcoming Alicia next year.
• Imogen Hobbs may be a familiar name and face to some within our community. Imogen supported children and the school completing CRT work during 2021. Imogen loved her experience of working at St John's during this time and is excited to be joining us an educator next year.

Children will get an opportunity to meet these new staff members on our 'Step Up Day' on Wednesday 6th December.

Educators & Leaders for 2024

Hub Educators:

Prep Hub: Maddy Flynn, Trish Wheeler (Tuesday - Friday) and Erin Schembri (Mondays)

1 Hub: Patrick O'Loughlin and Lien Barnabas

2 Hub: Imogen Hobbs and Mairead Doherty/Jenna Gladman

3/4 Hub: Alicia Hambleton, Michele Hayes (Monday - Thursday) and Melissa Caruana (Fridays)

3/4 Hub: Kelly Edgar, Jordan Fry and Erin Schembri (Fridays)

5/6 Hub: Greg Lane, Taryn Darlow and Michelle Daly

Specialist Educators: 

Innovation: Bess Naughtin (Tuesdays & Thursdays) and Jessie Knott (Wednesdays)

Engaging with Place (Farm) : Erin Schembri

Physical Education: Abbey Madden

The Arts: Molly Argus

LOTE - Auslan: Eva Bertram

Leadership Team:

Deputy Principal/Learning & Teaching Prep: Lauren Davis

Learning & Teaching 1/2: Jenna Gladman

Learning & Teaching 3-6: Amy Littley

Maths P-6: Mairead Doherty

Faith: Jordan Fry

Learning Diversity: Kate Thompson

Deputy Principal/ Wellbeing: Karen Dodemaide

Principal: Emily Conroy

In our next newsletter I will share who our Hub Co-educators are for 2024. On Wednesday 6th December the children will meet their hub educators for 2024.

Warm wishes

Emily