Principal Updates

The additional programs that we offer at St John's greatly enhance our students learning experiences. They are more engaged and their enthusiasm grows when they are active participants, as witnessed in our dance classes last week. On Thursday the students all participated in dance classes with Dean from Dance Curriculum, whose skills and enthusiasm were inspirational. They engaged in hip hop dance, a fantastic form of physical, mental and social activity. The lessons culminated in a whole school performance where the students eagerly shared their new dance moves.

This week the Year 3/4 students will begin their swimming lessons at Aqualink Nunawading. The students will learn to swim safely, survival skills and students of all levels and abilities from basic development through to high-performance swimmers will be catered for.

Classes for 2026

Over the next couple of weeks the staff and I will be planning the class groupings for 2026. Our professional judgement takes into consideration many factors and it is always a difficult process. If you have any additional information to support your child socially, emotionally or academically, for 2026, please email me this week at principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

Mango Orders are Due This Week

St John's is excited to announce our annual Mango Drive fundraiser is on once again!

Orders can be placed via CDFpay, the QR code attached, or web link bit.ly/SJMangoes until this Friday, 24 October.

For any questions, please see the flyer attached or email StJohnsMangoes@gmail.com

We need your support at the St John's Fete

The 2025 Fete is on Saturday, 15 November, so please mark it in your diaries. The St John’s Parish Community Fete is one of the highlights of the year for the students, families and the parish community. It is a time for us all to come together, celebrate our wonderful community and in doing so, raise funds for the school and Parish as a whole.

We rely on a contribution from everyone to guarantee the success of the fete.

We ask that every family contributes two hours to a stall on the day to ensure the Fete’s success.

The experience of working at the Fete is enjoyable and rewarding, knowing that you are being part of our wider community. On the Fete Page of the Newsletter is the list of stalls. Please click the link on your stall of choice or the one allocated to your Child's Year Level.

STALL YEAR LEVEL

Popcorn & fairy floss Prep

Snowcones Yr 2

Lolly Yr 3

Donuts Yr 4

Cakes Yr 5

Coffee Yr 1

JJs café Yr 6

Chocolate and Lolly Donations

The Staff will be running the Lob a Choc Stall again this year. We ask that every family donates one block of chocolate for the stall. We also support St James staff in running the Lolly stall so any lolly donations would also be appreciated.

Fete Raffle Tickets

Raffle tickets are due back by Friday, 31 October and we have incentive prizes for any ticket books returned that are all sold, by this week and another voucher for the final due date next week. We have additional Raffle ticket books if you require more.

Baby News

We were delighted to hear the news that Mrs Elina Li has given birth to a healthy baby girl. Her name is Zia and she is bringing great joy to her family.

We are also excited to share the news that Mrs Naomi Ryan will be having her third baby in March next year. Mrs Ryan is currently teaching in Year 1/2B & will begin maternity leave early next year.

Introducing Mandy Jin

Hi, my name is Mandy Jin, the new Chinese Mandarin Language Teacher at St John's. I was born and raised in China and began my teaching journey as a kindergarten teacher in New Zealand. After moving to Melbourne with my family 13 years ago, I recognised the growing importance of language learning and cultural exchange, which inspired me to become a Chinese language teacher. Since then, I’ve had the joy of teaching in a range of settings, from public to independent schools, working with students from primary through to secondary levels. Outside of teaching, I’m actively involved in the kids’ and women’s ministries at my church. I also love spending time with my family and friends, playing tennis and joining in my local jogging group. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your children at St John’s. I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know each student as we learn and grow together in our school community.

Friday Snackbar

Friday Snack Bar is being well supported in Term 4 with Zooper Doopers a real hit with the students on these warmer days. Get your orders in on Wednesday for this Friday's Icy-pole treat - $1.00 each.

Money is to be given to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the day on Wednesday, icy-poles will be delivered to the classroom in the afternoon on Friday.

This is an ongoing fundraiser in Term 4 with all money raised going towards our Year 6 end of year Graduation. Thanks for supporting this initiative.

Eileen Dalton - eileen3dalton@outlook.com

Joke of the Week

Q: What kind of shoes do ninjas wear?

A: Sneakers.

I hope that you have a great week and enjoy some outdoor activities with your family and friends.

Verona Gridley

St John's Primary School Principal

principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

St John's Community Fete