Principals Update

Key Events - Term 3

Term 3, Week 5

• Friday 22nd of August -Year 5/6 Hoop time Basketball

Term 3, Week 6

• Monday 25th of August - Book Week at SJV
• Thursday 28th of August - Sacrament of Confirmation at St Patrick's Cathedral, 6pm. Gymnastics in the MPR
• Friday 29th of August - Book Week parade at 9am. Assembly at 3pm. Lucky Jar donations for the fete due in.

Term 3, Week 7

• Tuesday 2nd of September - District Athletics (Selected students), PSG Meetings & PFA Meeting at 7pm
• Wednesday 3rd September - PSG Meetings
• Thursday 4th of September - Father's Day Mass at 9am, Fathers Day Stall 10am. PSG Meetings
• Friday 5th of September -Father's Day Breakfast 7.30am - 8.45am

Dear SJV Families,

It's hard to believe that we are already half way through the term with so much having taken place.  Over the coming weeks, our main focus will be on our Visual Arts Show which the students have been busily preparing for under the guidance of Mrs Davoren. Information regarding the Art show will be shared with everyone in the coming weeks.

Next week at SJV, the students will be celebrating book Week as well as busily preparing for the book week parade which will take place next Friday in the MPR at 9.00am. Parents are more than welcome to attend. A special thanks to Rebecca Middleton for organising book week activities and the parade.

The students in Year 6 have been very busy in preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Confirmation will take place next Thursday evening at 6pm at St Patrick's Cathedral. Please keep those students in your prayers.

Finally we wish our wonderful Aerobics team all the best for the upcoming National Aerobics competition. I am sure they will represent us with great pride and enthusiasm and will be amazing.

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

Father's Day Breakfast / Father's Day Stall

The Father’s Day Breakfast will take place on Friday the 5th of September 7.30am -8.45am. We would like to see all dads and their child/children come along for a cuppa and bacon and egg roll. Please make sure that you return the slip to the school office for catering purposes.

The Father’s day stall will take place on Thursday the 4th of September.

Mums make sure that you give your child $5 to buy a gift for Dad at the Father’s Day Stall that will be run here at school from 10:00am in the multi-purpose room.

School Closure days / TIL

Last Friday our staff took part in a fantastic Professional Learning Day at the Mary MacKillop Centre in the city. As a Catholic school, we are committed to ensuring that Religious Education remains a strong focus in our learning and teaching each year. The day provided us with a rich and inspiring experience, allowing staff to deepen their understanding of Mary MacKillop’s story, reflect on her legacy, and explore how her values continue to shape our work in Catholic education today. It was a wonderful opportunity for all staff to come together in faith and learning, and to take away fresh ideas that will support both our teaching and the spiritual growth of our students.

As Monday was also a school closure day, staff had a time in lieu day (TIL). As part of the Catholic Education enterprise agreement, staff are entitled to time-in-lieu for the extra hours they work at events such as camps, Sacraments, the School Fete, Parent–Teacher Interviews, Family Nights, and other evening or weekend activities.

To support this, schools are required to allocate pupil-free days, for Professional learning and TIL days such as the ones scheduled last weekend. 

After consultation with our School Advisory Council at the end of last year, closing the school to allocate a TIL day to staff was found to be the most cost-effective option, avoiding additional costs being passed on to families.

We thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritise staff well-being and professional learning, which in turn enhances teaching and learning for our students.

MACSSIS SURVEYS

In the first week of September, a letter will be shared with all parents via email informing you that St John Vianney's is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne and in particular here at SJV.  We would love as many parents as possible to complete this survey when it is shared with you in the first week of September.

SJV Fete

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 3

• Lucky Jars - Friday the 29th of August
• Lolly Hunt - Friday 19th September

Term 4

• Wine & Chocolate drive - Friday the 17th of October 
• Lucky Jars & Lolly Hunt - Friday the 7th of November

School Closure Dates - Term 3

Term 3 concludes on Friday 19th of September at 2pm (early time due to building works beginning)

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

School Fees

This is just a reminder that all school fee accounts were due by the 15th of August. If you are experiencing any difficulties with making any of these payments, please make sure that you contact me on principal@sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au to organise a time to discuss. 

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

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.

• The next Newsletter will be shared on Thursday 4th of September.

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal