Principals Update

 Key Events - Term 4

Week 5

• Friday 7th November - Lucky Jar Donations & Sweet Treats (School Fete). Lacrosse Gala Day (Year 5/6)

Week 6

• Monday 10th November - Swimming Program - Prep - Year 4. Fete Meeting @ 7pm in the new admin area
• Tuesday 11th November - Swimming Program - Prep - Year 4. Remembrance Day Service @ 10.45am in the MPR. Year 6 leaders attending Remembrance Day Service @ Mentone RSL, 10.30-11.30am
• Wednesday 12th November - Swimming Program - Prep - Year 4
• Friday 14th November - Prep 2026 Transition session, 9.15am - 10.45am & SJV's Got Talent, 2.30-3.30pm

Week 7

• Monday 17th November - Swimming Program - Prep - Year 4
• Tuesday 18th November - Swimming Program - Prep - Year 4. PSG Meetings
• Wednesday 19th November - Swimming Program - Prep - Year 4. PSG Meetings
• Thursday 20th November - PSG Meetings & Open Water program for Year 5/6 students

Dear SJV Families,

Only Two Weeks to Go Until the SJV 2025 Fete!

With just two weeks left before our much-anticipated SJV Fete, excitement is definitely in the air! The Fete Committee has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to plan and prepare for what promises to be a fantastic community event.

Now is the time for all of us — the proud custodians of the 2025 Fete — to come together and lend our support. The Fete is not only a wonderful day of fun and connection, but also one of our school’s most important fundraising events. This year, the funds raised will directly contribute to enhancing our school’s resources and infrastructure, benefiting every student at SJV.

Let’s make this year’s Fete a day to remember — one filled with laughter, community spirit, and memories our children will cherish for years to come. We encourage every family to get involved and play a part in making the 2025 SJV Fete a huge success!

We need people to volunteer to set up the stalls on Saturday the 15th November between 10.30am - 1pm, and setting up for more stalls next Thursday 20th of November between 4.30pm - 7.30pm.

Please make sure that you read the Fete News such as there is information regarding classroom hampers, food donations and the cake stall etc.

• The next newsletter will be shared with families on Thursday 20th of November

Please make sure that you take the time to read the newsletter as there is much happening here at SJV.

Swimming Program

The Swimming programs begins next Monday at Aquastar Moorabbin.

The dates for the swimming program are as follows:

• Monday 10th
• Tuesday 11th
• Wednesday 12th
•  Monday 17h
• Tuesday 18th
• Wednesday 19th

The lesson times are as follows:

• 9:30-10:15 - PREP OH, PREP CO, 1GK
• 10:15-11:00 - 1/2 FJ, 1 /2 KK, YEAR 4's from 4 /5  EL

• 11:00-11:45 - 3 /4 LB and 3/4 HS

   

It is vitally important that all students wear swimming caps for lessons. These are to be purchased before the swimming program begins.

First Reconciliation

Congratulations to our Year 2 students, teachers and families on the very successful Sacrament of First Reconciliation held today.  My sincere thanks to Fr. Justin, Mrs Kerry Slater, Mrs Kylie Kostense & Ms Fleur Peppard  for supporting the children and preparing them for this important sacrament.

My thanks also to the parent community for your support of our sacramental program not only for Reconciliation but for First Eucharist and Confirmation as well.  Without community support we would not be able share our faith in such a meaningful and spiritual way. Please read the Religious Education page to view the photos of this special occasion.

Building Update

We’re excited to share that Amity Building Company has officially taken possession of the site and temporary fencing has been installed. Most of the work at the moment is to do with electrical, gas and water works etc. Demolition won't take place until after the school fete

Just a reminder that students and parents can access the school via a new temporary gate located next to the current Administration Building. A larger gate has also now been installed  to improve access.

For parents needing to enter the school during the day (for early pick-ups or drop-offs), please use the keypad lock code that was shared via text the other week. If you’ve forgotten the code, please contact the school office for assistance.

We’ll continue to keep families informed with regular updates as the project progresses.

Thank you for your ongoing support, patience, and flexibility during this exciting time of change. We look forward to watching the transformation of our school unfold in the months ahead.

SJV Fete

We are only 2 weeks out from the fete. Below is a summary of the volunteer slots we are still looking to fill.

Everyone needs to be involved! Please call or message Sascha on 0450 205 885 or let the office know which slots you would like.

Dad’s and/or Mum’s are encouraged to volunteer.

Please make sure that you check out the Fete page in the newsletter for further information on ways we require all parents to assist.

Please note the following dates for donations for the fete:

Term 4

• Lucky Jars & Lolly Hunt - Friday the 7th of November

School Closure /End of School Year 

Please note that the next School Closure Day for Term 4 is:

• Friday 28th November - (Planning and Preparation for 2026). 
• School will finish for students at 12:00pm on Tuesday, 16th December.

Classes for 2026

As we begin the process of planning ahead for 2026 classes, I ask any families who know that they will not be returning to St. John Vianney's in 2025 please inform me as soon as possible. principal@sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au

Remembrance Day - 11th November

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a moment not only to pause and remember all those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts across the world, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to this day of significance. Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I, Remembrance Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Year 6 Social Justice Leaders will be selling merchandise for our local RSL. Poppies and other items will be available for $2, $3, $5, $10 & $20. Please support this worthy cause.

We will be having a Remembrance Day service at 10.40am next in the MPR on Tuesday the 11th of November. All parents are invited to attend.

Christmas Carols

We look forward to hosting our SJV Christmas Carols on Monday 8th of December 6.00pm. Please come wearing a touch of Christmas and be ready to singalong with some traditional carols as well as some fun new ones too!

Instagram- We now have an SJV Instagram page on social media. So please make sure you follow and share: @sjv_parkdale

Prep 2026 

We are excitedly preparing to welcome our 2026 Prep families and students for their Orientation program. This program continues to be a highlight of the year, as these children take their first big steps into school life. While some students already have a sibling at SJV, we cannot underestimate how this can still be quite an overwhelming experience as the children transition away from a very small Kinder/Early Learning Centre setting into a significantly larger one. 

Our Prep 2026 Orientation Sessions are as follows:

• Friday 14th November 9:15am-10:45am

• Wednesday 3rd December 9.15-10.45am

2026  Enrolments 

Our requests for School Tours are continuing with many booking times to come and visit our wonderful school. Enrolments for Prep 2026 are now open and we encourage all families to submit their applications as soon as possible.  If you have a child or you know someone wanting to tour schools for their child, please encourage them to book a school tour by contacting Nicole in our front office (Limited places available).   

Reminders

• Dogs - Please note that for the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community, no dogs are permitted inside the school grounds and they must not be left unattended tied up at the gates. Adult supervision and holding of the leash is so important around vulnerable places such as schools.  We love dogs but we do have to take care of all members of our community.

• Bikes and Scooters - Please walk bikes and scooters when moving through the school grounds.

• Punctuality - It is expected that all students are to be at school by no later than 8.45am and not any time up to 9am. From 8.45am to 9am is crucial for students to get themselves organised, start the day with Meditation, prayer, take the roll and ready to commence their day promptly. Formal lessons begin at 9am. Any child who arrives at or after 9am is to be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. I ask all parents to make sure that you adhere to these times.

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal