Principal's Page

Principal's Updates

As we move further into the school term, it’s wonderful to see our school community so actively engaged in learning, activities and events across the school. Our students have been demonstrating enthusiasm, resilience and a commitment to doing their best, both in and out of the classroom. These qualities reflect the supportive environment created by our dedicated staff and families working together.

In this newsletter, you’ll find highlights from recent school events, updates from classrooms and important information about upcoming activities. We encourage families to take a few moments to read through and celebrate the achievements and efforts of our students. Thank you for your continued support of our school community. Together, we create a positive and inspiring environment where every student can learn, grow and succeed.

This week we also look forward to celebrating Catholic Education Week across Melbourne. Catholic Education Week is a special time for our school community to recognise and celebrate the important role Catholic schools play in nurturing faith, learning and service. Throughout the week, our students will have opportunities to participate in activities that highlight our shared values, strengthen our sense of community and celebrate what makes Catholic education so meaningful.

On Thursday night I invite you all to join us for an online Cyber Safety Webinar, hosted by 'Inform and Empower' to help support our students in the Digital World. You are all invited to register for our Cyber Safety webinar: bit.ly/19march2026. It is a FREE event.

Working Bee Thankyou!

Last Friday we had over 30 attendees at our first working bee for the year. The children eagerly helped their parents shovel the mulch under the playground, sweep, rake and tidy the garden beds. Within an hour, 2 truckloads of soft fall mulch had been moved and raked under the adventure playground. The garden beds were weeded and the grounds were all neat and tidy. The evening finished with a sausage sizzle which was a lovely way to show our gratitude to the students and families who volunteered. It was a huge effort and I am very appreciative of the community support that we have. The families were grateful for their BBQ sausages and snacks afterwards, prepared by Mrs Buscema and Maria. I would like to extend a huge thankyou to everyone who was able to attend.

Student Photos at School Assemblies

This is just a reminder not to take photos of other students, especially at school assemblies and events - please only take photos of your own child. It is also important not to share photos online or on any social media platforms, if they include other students. 

Chess Club in Term 2 @St John's

Chess isn't just a game, it's like a brain workout. Playing boosts your memory, sharpens your focus and gets those problem-solving skills in motion. It's a blast to play with friends, plotting your next move, and trying to outsmart each other. Even better, our awesome teachers at Chess

 Mates aren't here just to bore you with rules, we're all about making chess fun. We teach you cool puzzles and theories that make you a better player while you have a great time. We look forward to hearing from you soon. It will be $15 per week.

Please complete an Expression of Interest Form for our Chess Club in Term 2 https://form.jotform.com/260627066997875

St John's Second Hand Uniform Sale - 18 March

On Wednesday, 18 March from 3.00pm - 4.00pm we will be having a BIG SALE of our Second Uniforms. Each item is only $5.00, so get in early for your good quality Winter and Summer uniform items. EFTPOS and Cash sales available.

Twilight Sport Rescheduled - Monday, 23 March

A reminder that our Whole School Twilight Sports Event will be held on Monday, 23 March at Bill Sewart Reserve, East Burwood. Please arrive by 4.30pm ready for a 4.45pm start. Students dress in their Team Colours and runners. They will need their hats and water bottles, clearly named. BBQ sausages available for dinner.

Harmony Day Tomorrow

We are looking forward to a fantastic day where we celebrate Harmony with the theme “Everyone Belongs”. Please join us throughout the day if you are able to - ensure you sign-in at reception. It is a great opportunity to get together as a school community and celebrate everything that makes us unique. Parents are welcome to attend at any time during the day but please sign in at reception.

• Students are encouraged to wear free dress featuring orange and/or green, or a national costume if they have one
• A gold coin donation would be appreciated and all funds raised will be donated to Caritas Australia
• The fun will commence at 9am with a variety of activities such as Cooking, Big Water Walk, Classroom activities, Coin trails and Dancing
• A Big Water Walk will be taking place during the day: Year 5 & 6 & Prep (12.00 - 1.00), Year 1 & 2 (1.00 - 1.45) & Year 3 & 4 (9.30 - 10.30) 
• We will be building a coin trail with any loose change so please send in your coins
• The day will conclude with a Tarantella workshop in the Coghlan Centre commenting at 2.15pm

We hope you can join us!

School Advisory Council

You are all invited to put in an expression of interest to join our School Advisory Council. School Advisory Councils are an essential part of the governing and operating of St John's school. It provides a forum for consultation and participation for our school community, ensuring accountability for the decisions they make. St John's School Advisory Council is committed to ensuring that responsibility and local agency is preserved for our school community. Please email me if you are interested in finding out more or putting in an expression of interest to join. Our first meeting for the Year will be tomorrow night, Tuesday, 17 March.

2027 Enrolment Forms 

We are now taking enrolments for Prep 2027. If you have another child ready to start school next year please complete an enrolment form and send it into the office by the end of this Term. Be sure to let your neighbours and friends know that they need to get their enrolment forms in early.

St John's Primary School Mitcham - Enrolment Form

Parent Volunteers

You are all invited to come and help in the classrooms at any time. Teachers are always looking for helpers in literacy groups, maths groups or for one off support as you share your expertise in a certain area. Please contact your child's class teacher to let them know when you are available and ensure you have completed the St John's Volunteer process and have a current Working With Children Check.

Catholic Education Week15-22 March 2026

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne from 15-22 March 2026. This annual event is held to promote the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools everyday. The theme for this year’s celebrations is, “Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick”.

This year’s theme celebrates the significance of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of our local Church in Melbourne. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, our mother Church, is named after the saint of Ireland. We challenge our students to live out the message of Jesus and walk the way of the gospel to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society, just as Saint Patrick did. There are 335 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne that educate around 150,000 students and employ more than 20,000 teachers and staff, and most will celebrate Catholic Education Week in some way. Our school is planning several activities during the week including Harmony Day on Tuesday.

Happy St Patrick's Day

🍀 Did You Know? – St Patrick’s Day Facts

• St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17 March each year.

• St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is known for teaching people about Christianity.

• The shamrock is a symbol of St Patrick’s Day because St Patrick is said to have used it to explain the Holy Trinity.

• Many people around the world wear green on St Patrick’s Day to celebrate Irish culture.

• Today, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many countries with parades, music, and community celebrations.

🍀 Student Challenge – St Patrick’s Day 🍀

Keep your eyes sharp! A large shamrock (3 leaf clover) has been hidden somewhere in this newsletter on a different page.

Can you find it? When you do, let me know where you spotted it and collect your reward.

Good luck and happy searching! 🌈

School Photo Day - Thursday 19 March

On Thursday, 19 March, will be our School Professional Photo Day. All students need to wear their full Summer uniform, including black shoes. Year 6 students should have their Year 6 jumper. If this is on their usual PE day, they may bring their runners in their school bag. Please don't be late to school that day so that your child doesn't miss out. All parents need to order online prior to the day. 

See details on the flyer below for orders. Orders can only be made via www.leadingimage.com.au using the access code: SDNJP6FQ

Joke of the Week 

As we celebrate Catholic Education Week, we wish all members of our school community a great week of celebrating. May you be filled with the spirit of kindness and gratitude and may our vibrant community continue to support you throughout the term. 

Verona Gridley

St John's Primary School Principal

principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au