A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

I am currently attending the VACPSP (Victorian Association Catholic Primary School Principals) Conference where the focus has been on Think, Engage, Lead with Strength. I have been equally blown away and inspired by the speakers I have heard over the last 2 days who have taken me on an emotional rollercoaster, but ultimately reinforced the message of the conference - Our Story gives us strength, Scripture inspires our journey. We are Better, Together. I could say lots about each speaker but three I would like to highlight here with you. The first two, Jelena Dokic and Craig Foster, one a former number 4 tennis player, the other a former Socceroo, both using their platform to raise awareness and make a difference to others. Jelena shared her story of being a victim to survivor to now a thriver and how we should treat everyone with kindness and acceptance because we often don't know what is happening underneath the surface with the people we interact with on a daily basis. Some people need someone to believe in them so they can start believing in themselves and Jelena said this is what saved her life when she had no self worth after years of abuse and family violence. Craig's message calls us to think about the way we treat the most marginalised in Australia as it tells us about who we are as a country. That when we lift others up it isn't bring others down as we are all not starting at the same point. I had respect for both these people as professional athletes but I have a new found respect for them as humans and what they are doing for the most vulnerable among us. The third speaker I would like to mention is Mitch Tambo. Some may know him from Australia's Got Talent. Mitch shared his story as a proud Gamilaraay man and the impact that generational trauma, assumptions and generalisation has on First Nations People but most importantly sharing knowledge and experience of his culture. We were also treated with a performance by Mitch which was both energising and an uplifting way to finish our day yesterday. I encourage you to look these people up on social media or do a quick google search. There is so much more to them and what they do than what we might see as public figures.

Staffing updates:

This week we have recruited two new staff members to our community. As communicated to the community in the past, Erynn Stuhldreier is planning to travel overseas to live and work in the coming months. I am pleased to announce that we have employed a new PE educator who has many years of experience in the role. We have also employed an educator for the 2 Hub. This educator will begin in Term 3. We are very appreciative of Victoria who is available to continue working in the 2 Hub next term before she returns home to Canada. I look forward to announcing and introducing these new educators in future newsletters as we need to allow time for their current communities to be informed of them leaving.

Building Projects  updates:

As recently communicated we are looking at roofing works required particularly for the hall that we now have support from MACs Infrastructure and Planning team to fully investigate what is required. At this stage I don't have a timeline or scope of works but there will be extensive work needed due to the age of the building and roof. I will keep you up to date of next steps and possible impacts. I have also had meetings with both MACS and Roam Architects and the development of an updated master plan to be inclusive of the Farm and convent. We are looking at re-imagining the current building and possibilities of improving our buildings and creating more areas for play space. It is my hope to be offering many opportunities for community input into the vision and possibilities around this vision for St John's moving forward.

SAVE THE DATE: 10 October 2024 @ 7pm Parent Trivia Night. More information about this to come as well as a call out for people interested in supporting the planning and organisation of this event.

It's hard to believe that we are coming to the end of term with Easter fast approaching. All families are welcome to join our Holy Week liturgies next week. Please see information on the Learning and Teaching page. School will finish next Thursday at 1pm due to Friday being Good Friday public holiday. Term 2 will commence on Tuesday 16th April. 

Wishing you a safe Easter and school holidays.

Emily