A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

Lots of exciting things have been happening over the last fortnight at St John's. From excursions to visitors and the start of our school swimming program for 2025.

What a wonderful sunny day we had for the recent Footscray District Athletics Carnival. It was great to see our 45 students representing St Johns and trying their best in each event and working well together as a team in the  4 x 100m relays. There were many students who received ribbons and achieved personal best performances.

Congratulations to the following children who finished either 1st or 2nd. They will now represent St Johns’ at the Maribyrnong Division Athletics Carnival on Wednesday the 10th September, competing against children from over 30 different schools. A great achievement.

Yr 6: Isla F (Shot Put) , Eva D (800m)

Yr 5: Maweien D (Triple jump), Fionn N (200m), Millie H (200m), 

         Georgie V (Shot Put) , Regan M (Long jump)

Yr 4: Tex P (Shot Put), Evelyn Z (200m), Evelyn T (Triple jump), 

         Angus D (Long Jump), Alya G (Discus), Maddie A (Shot Put), Evie R (800m)

A big congratulations must go to Rosa D (Yr 4) when she was awarded a 1st ribbon for showing compassion for others when she stopped in her 800m race to help another girl who had fallen over.

Masterplan:

There is a display of our masterplan set up in the passage way between the 5/6 Hub and The Arts space that you are welcome to come and check out.  Please see the image below as well as concept images of the new COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) due to begin early 2026.

Eucharist:

We congratulate the children from St John's who celebrated the First Communion on Saturday 23rd August. It was a beautiful parish celebration. Thank you to the parents and educators who supported these children in their preparation for this second step of the Catholic Sacraments of Initiation.

Children who are interested in becoming altar servers are invited to let Karen or myself know and we can organise this with the parish.

Father's Day Celebrations TOMORROW:

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers and father figures in our school community!

Tomorrow, we celebrate the incredible dads, grandpas, uncles, and mentors who play such a vital role in the lives of our children. Your guidance, support and encouragement help shape the young people in our classrooms every single day. Thank you for everything you do, from cheering on the sidelines to helping with learning new things and being a constant source of support. We are so grateful for your partnership and dedication. 

We wish you all a wonderful day filled with joy and appreciation.

I would also like to acknowledge JC, father to Atlas in 2 Hub, and Daniel's Donuts for the generous donation towards our Father's Day Celebrations tomorrow.

Heavenly Father,

On this Father's Day, we lift up all fathers and father figures to you. Thank you for the gift of their lives and for the love, guidance, and support they provide.

Bless all fathers with strength, wisdom, and patience as they strive to be a reflection of your divine love. May they be a source of encouragement and a pillar of faith for their families.

We especially pray for those who have lost their fathers, for those who long to be fathers, and for those who are struggling. Comfort them with your loving presence.

We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to call you Father.

Amen.

School Closure Day Monday - Learning Conversations:

Learning conversations between educators and parents are crucial for a child's success. These meetings go beyond student reports, offering a chance for a true partnership. By sharing insights from home and school, both sides gain a fuller picture of the child's strengths, challenges and individual needs. This collaboration ensures that we're all on the same page, creating a consistent and supportive environment that empowers the child to thrive not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. We look forward to welcoming parents on Monday whether it is face to face, online or over the phone. Please contact the school office or your child's educator if you haven't made a booking as our booking system for parents has closed.

Swimming program:

Our swimming program is off to an incredible start! The engagement from the children has been fantastic, and it's wonderful to see them developing greater independence and confidence in the water with each lesson. They are having so much fun and are genuinely enjoying their time interacting with our dedicated swim teachers. We also want to give a big thank you to the parents who have been able to join us to support and encourage their child. It's a true team effort!

REANZ school visit:

Today we welcomed 32 Preschool and Primary School educators from New Zealand as part of their Study Tour to Melbourne with the purpose to visit schools and preschools to understand more about an inquiry learning approach (for us this looks like Discovery and Community Projects). It was great to share the amazing things that are happening at St John's with other educators and receive their feedback. Thank you to Lauren, Jenna and Amy who prepared and led this amazing experience for the visiting educators.

Parents and Friends Group:

Expressions of interests are due by tomorrow. Click here to complete survey. Thank you to the parents who have already submitted their interest. I will communicate a time to have an initial meeting next week.

Don't forget the MACSSIS Survey is now open until Friday 19th September. If you experience any issues please contact the office for support with your family's login details. 

Warm regards

Emily

What's coming up:

• MACSSIS Survey Opens 1st September
• School Closure for Learning Conversations : 8th September
• End of Term 3 - Friday 19th September, 1pm finish

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.