Dear St John's Community,

I'm not sure about you but I'm not ready to finish the year yet! I feel like there is so much still to be done! Oh well..I guess that's what the Christmas holidays are for!

I just wanted to take a moment to say a massive thank you to each and every one of you. You’ve all played such an important part in getting us through this year and making it a memorable one.

As we head into the Christmas break, I hope you all take some time to relax and recharge. Whether you’re spending Christmas with family, having a cheeky Christmas barbecue, or just kicking back in front of the telly, I hope it’s a time of peace, joy, and a little too much pavlova (because who can resist?). And if you're lucky enough to have some time off, here's hoping you get to enjoy a few silent nights before we all roll into 2025!

And don't forget its also a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s remember what Christmas is really all about—love, kindness, and sharing joy with one another. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone return next year, ready to take on the challenges and joys that 2025 will bring. If we can manage to do it with matching socks and a good sense of humour, I'm sure we’ll be right!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, safe, and restful New Year. See you in 2025!

Staff Changes

Just this week, Mr Billy Coburn has taken a year's leave from St John's to take up a position with another school teaching Physical Education five days a week. It is a role he has always wanted to have a go at and as such I wish him all the best and thank him for his many years of service to St John's. We may see him again in future, only time will tell.

Grade 6 Graduation

At a beautiful ceremony the other night our graduates for 2024 celebrate the end of their primary school journey. There were many memories and a few tears and we wish them all well and their families with their future endeavours.

Chess Champion

Congratulations to Leo D For reaching the Northern Star Victorian Chess championships for Primary Schools State Final. He must have gone to Knight school...(teehee)

My Christmas Prayer of thanks

To finish up I'd like to share with you my Christmas Prayer of thanks for 2024.

Dear God,

Thank You for the gifts of joy, patience, and laughter that have filled our school community this year. We are truly blessed by each and every person who calls St John’s their community.

Thank you for all of our wonderful teachers. Whether it's guiding students through maths problems, teaching them the true meaning of Christmas, or simply trying to keep up with the never-ending classroom chatter, you have blessed us with a team of passionate teachers who bring out the best in our kids. Please continue to fill their hearts with inspiration and their coffee cups with just the right amount of caffeine.

Thank you for our super support staff who are the glue that holds us all together, whether it’s with a smile, a kind word, or simply a well-timed one-liner. We thank You for their quiet strength, their constant support, and their ability to handle everything from art supplies to the messy clean ups. May You bless them with rest, laughter, and the joy of knowing how much they are appreciated.

Thank you for our wonderful parents and carers, who are the backbone of our community. Thank You for their support, for helping with all the bits and pieces, and the countless school drop-offs and pick-ups. Bless them with peace and patience as they juggle the many responsibilities of family life. I ask that You grant them time to rest and reconnect with each other this Christmas, surrounded by love, joy, and the laughter of their children. Help them feel appreciated, as their dedication helps make St John’s the vibrant place it is.

Help everyone in our community to carry the spirit of Christmas in their hearts as we move into the new year—bringing love, patience, and a little bit of humour to every corner of our school.

May we never forget to share a smile (and maybe a slice of Christmas cake) with each other this Advent season.

Amen.

Q. Why did Santa ask Mr Caine for help in music?

A. He wanted to improve his 'w-rapping skills'

Q. What do we call a snowman in Australia?

A. A bucket of water

Q. What do you call Santa when he's in the South Pole?

A. A lost Claus

Christmas Facts:

Jingle bells is the first ever song to be played in outer space (1965)

The most expensive Christmas Tree in the world is in the Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Spain and is worth 15 million dollars!

Santa Claus has 70 different names around the world! (E.g. Dun Che Lao Ren, Papa Noel, Joulupukki, Christkind, Pere Noel, Kanokaloka, Baboushka Ded Moroz, Noel Baba, Samichlaus...and many more!)

Dates for the Diary