SAC Meeting Report

Our latest School Advisory Council Meeting took place on Tuesday 24th June in the school staffroom. It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect as a team, reflect on our shared goals and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the school’s continued growth. These gatherings are always a valuable chance to align our focus and vision for the remainder of the year. We are looking forward to the many initiatives and projects we will work on together, and we appreciate the ongoing dedication of all SAC members in making this year a continued success.

Our SAC Team for 2025

We’re grateful for their leadership and commitment to shaping the direction of our school. Their guidance continues to support our mission and values acrossall areas of school life.

Verona Gridley – School Principal

Father Dispin John – Parish Priest (Custodian of Mission)

Melinda Buscema – Deputy School Principal/RE Leader (Custodian of Mission)

Angela Maclean – Chairperson, Parent Representative

Samantha Solomons – Secretary, Parent Representative (Parishioner)

Anne Tyedin – Parent Representative

Kate Roberts – Parent Representative

May De Almeida – Parent Representative

Rob Kruisheer – Parent Representative

Key messages and opportunities from our recent meeting include:

We continue to lead the way at St John’s, with exciting developments across leadership, Learning and Teaching, Education in Faith, Wellbeing and Community.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening in and around our vibrant school community:

Leadership and Management

Our enrolment update is promising: We have 25 confirmed Prep students for 2026.

Social media engagement has been an asset in building connections and sharing our story. Open Day listings are now live on the MACS website, so be sure to check them out and spread the word.

Religious Dimension

Geography lessons have been a hit this term. Our whole school gathered to celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart and our Prep students impressed everyone with their heartfelt readings. Commitment Masses are coming up in the first week back next term for our Confirmation Candidates.

Learning and Teaching

Interschool Sport Gala Days have brought joy and energy to the school for our Year 3/4 and 5/6 students. We’re proud of Abigail, who has advanced to regionals in Cross Country. Auskick has been another highlight, full of smiles and enthusiasm. All eyes are on the production, with over 400 seats already sold—front-section tickets are gone! Don't miss your chance to experience this showcase of talent. Also on the horizon: Our Inform and Empower Digital Safety Parent Night coming up next term.

Student Wellbeing

Our wellbeing initiatives continue to support our students holistically. All year levels are engaging in incursions, and we've seen a decline in disruptive behaviours due to the Positive Behaviour for Learning Program and the Resilience Program. Younger students use a feelings chart, while older students and staff use the Mood Meter as part of weekly Resilience Project lessons. Teachers follow up one-on-one if a student’s check-in reflects ongoing concerns, with further support from Tracey and Verona if needed. It’s about teaching emotional awareness—naming feelings and finding strategies to self-regulate.

School Community

Our community spirit is thriving! Parent volunteers have been a massive help with production and other events. Our Mother’s Day celebration was a standout, with Dads doing a brilliant job to make it special for all.

Maths Leader Presentation

Sharpening Our Practice with Purpose - Mrs Anna Hendy

At our recent meeting, Anna Hendy, our dedicated Maths Leader, delivered an inspiring and energising presentation. The SAC team enjoyed kicking things off with an interactive whiteboard quiz activity—laughter, learning and a touch of friendly competition made it a real highlight!

Anna unpacked the MACS Vision for Instruction, which outlines the roadmap for flourishing learners by 2030. This powerful position statement provides schools with clear guidance around instructional best practice, promoting a consistent and high-impact approach to teaching and learning. Central to the presentation was a deep dive into Cognitive Load Theory and the science of how students learn. We explored how long-term learning occurs—through a process of attention, rehearsal, encoding and retrieval—and how regular practice and cognitive engagement are key.

Teachers are reminded that small chunks of information (especially 2–3 pieces for younger learners) and high levels of participation ensure that all students have equal access to learning.

Anna highlighted six essential elements of explicit instruction, as outlined in the Vision for Instruction(p.12), and the benefits of tools like whiteboards for immediate feedback. We learned that until students reach an 80–85% success rate, scaffolding and re-teaching remain vital. Regular reviews—within the next day, and again at 3, 6, and 9 weeks—help secure knowledge in long-term memory.

Participation is intentional and inclusive, guided by principles like obligatory engagement, clear cues and a sense of urgency. Referencing Professor Dylan Williamson, Anna challenged us to re-think the 'hands-up' model, encouraging strategies like pair-share, non-volunteers, response cards and physical demonstrations to boost comprehension and accountability.

The story so far shows that our efforts at St John's are paying off. Results from the PAT Maths Assessment show significant growth across the school. From May 2024 to May 2025, median scores rose with gains seen across all year levels.

This shows we are not just moving forward—we’re moving forward together. A huge thank you to Anna for her leadership, clarity, and commitment to improving learning outcomes for every student at St John's Mitcham.

With Hope and Gratitude Column

Aligned with our school theme of “HOPE” for the year, the SAC explored the idea of introducing a Parentpage in the newsletter called “With Hope and Gratitude Column” to express or show courage for thingsfelt or observed in our community and invite your submissions to principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

We begin this column by acknowledging the incredible dedication and hard work of Anna Hendy, our sensational Maths Leader. Anna’s efforts to educate through fun and engaging approaches to Maths have truly elevated student learning and staff practice alike. Whether it’s her whiteboard quiz games that spark joy or her deep commitment to evidence-based instruction, Anna is transforming the way we think about mathematical understanding.

Her leadership in embedding the Vision for Instruction—with a focus on cognitive engagement, explicit teaching and regular review—has empowered our team and supported strong growth across every level. The remarkable gains shown in our PAT Maths Assessments are a testament to her strategic guidance and the collective commitment of our educators. We are deeply grateful for Anna’s insight, energy and unwavering belief in what our students can achieve. She is shaping not just better learners—but more confident and curious thinkers.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to Amanda Hill, whose creative direction and passionate leadershiphave brought our school production of Cinderella and the Rockin’ Fellas to life. From choreography to costumes, casting to rehearsals, Amanda has poured energy, expertise and joy into every detail.

Thanks to her vision, this production is more than just a performance—it’s a celebration of studentvoice, collaboration, and confidence. With over 450 tickets already sold, the buzz in our communityspeaks volumes. We’re so grateful for Amanda’s talent and the magic she’s helped create behind thescenes.

Alongside Amanda’s tireless dedication, we’d also like to thank what can only be described as our Sewing Costume Angel—Kim, our LSO in Year 5/6. Sewing costumes is no easy task, but she has taken it on with creativity, patience, and care—adding real magic to the performance.

Kim was supported by 3 parent volunteers Michelle, Thien-an and Quynh. These three incredible ladies have generously given up their time and energy to ensure our production is dressed to impress. A heartfelt thank you for your important role in bringing Cinderella and the Rockin’ Fellas to life. We can’t wait to see your handiwork dazzle on stage this Wednesday night!

As always, please feel free to come and say hello if you see us around the school grounds. We value yourthoughts, your feedback, and your presence in our community. Whether you have a question, asuggestion, or just want to share a moment—we’re here, and we’re listening.

Angela Maclean

Chairperson and Parent Representative

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