Dear St John’s Community,

An important note about Fundraising.

As most of you are no doubt aware, in the past few years we have only done a few things in the way of any significant fundraising. My preference since COVID has been to focus on simply meeting the costs of events so that we can foster community spirit and be as supportive as we can of our community.

I’m writing to you today because I want to share with you an important initiative. It is not something we are wanting...it is something we need. Something to support the future wellbeing and enjoyment of our students, something worthy of our time and effort — the renewal of our school’s adventure playgrounds.

Our current playgrounds have served our students for many years and they are well loved. Sadly, the back adventure playground is now at the point where it can no longer be repaired, nor can damaged sections be replaced. The front playground still remains in reasonable condition, but will require significant attention in the not-too-distant future.

Replacing these structures is a major undertaking. The estimated cost for each playground ranges from $80,000 to $125,000 (presently), depending on design, equipment, and compliance requirements. Last year we applied for a number of larger and smaller grants and have been unsuccessful to date. While we are actively exploring further grant opportunities, and I have just recently submitted for a larger one, one of the key criteria for attracting funding is the demonstration of a community contribution.

With this in mind, I have met with the School Board, staff and student leaders regarding the launch of a 12-18 month fundraising campaign with a goal of raising at least $25,000. (If we get more! Any extra will all be put towards the playgrounds) This is a significant step for us and for me. Traditionally, our fundraising has been limited to covering the costs of community events, with the focus on connection rather than revenue, which has been my preference. While that spirit remains, I am asking our community to dig a little deeper, where possible, or to reach out beyond our community, for this important and shared cause.

I understand the very real challenges many of our families are facing with the rising cost of living. Please know that I am not asking for large amounts from individuals, but rather hoping that small contributions, combined with wider support and creative fundraising, which will help us reach our goal together.

In the coming months, we will be sharing more information about events and opportunities to get involved — whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Every gesture of support counts.

In the next week, you will receive information about a Trybooking fundraising page we will be setting up which can be added to by anyone inside or outside the community and will remain open over the entire period.

Thank you for your continued care for and commitment to our school. Together, we can ensure our students have safe, engaging spaces to play, grow, and thrive for years to come.

District Cross Country

I'm sure a more detailed report will come out soon but congratulations to all the children who ran their hearts out in the rain today for Cross Country. I understand there were a number of personal bests and some outstanding performances! Well done everyone!

St John's Footy Tips

A few position changes since last update and some new faces in the Top 10!

Top 10 Footy Tips

1 - Mr LEFEBVRE - 66

2 – Mr B 66

3 - JESSA1923 – 65

4 – ASHFOUDY 65

5 – MISSBNG2014 64

6 – JARON96 64

7 – LAMBY LAMB MAN 63

8 – EZNDAZ 63

9 – KRIDGIE 63

10 – MATT-LEDGER 63

Letter for Parish Support from Fr Chinua

Find the Treasure

Want to win $2000 worth of school fees?

The Catholic Schools Guide are offering this opportunity. Follow the instructions here

Operation Safe Plate

Frankston Police in conjunction with Bunnings are offering school communities the chance to have anti-theft screws fitted to car number plates for free. See the attached flyer for details.

School Uniform Reminder

Just to clarify for everyone, we no longer have a Summer and Winter uniform. There is only a School Uniform and a Sport Uniform.

Operoo Account & nForma App

Please make sure you set up your child's account on Operoo so all our correspondence and permission forms, etc, can get to you.

Please make sure you have downloaded the nForma App and set up your account. You need to use the same email address you used for the school to set up the account so you can access your child's information. All parent-teacher meetings will be managed and booked through the nForma App.

SAM4SCHOOLS

This platform monitors anyone who works or helps on the school site's working with children registrations.

Look after the women in your lives this weekend!

Kind regards,

Derek Bruitzman

Principal

Jokes of the week:

Q. Did you hear about the new restaurant on the moon?

A. I hear it had great food but lacked atmosphere

Q. What did the big flower say to the little flower?

A. Hey bud!

Q. Why should you never trust stairs?

A. Something is always up with them.

Fun facts of the week:

Giraffes are 30 times more likely to be hit by lightning than people!

Your brain is constantly eating itself! It's okay...that's completely normal. It's a process called phagocytosis!

Kids will love this one! The biggest piece of fossilised dinosaur poo ever found is over 30cm long and 2 litres in volume! It's from a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Wow!

Grade 1/2 News