Principals Update

Key Events

Term 4, Week 3

Thursday 19th October- Swimming Program- Prep -Yr 4

Friday 20th October- Swimming Program- Prep -Yr 4 & Rugby Year 5 & 6. Lucky Jars Drive (School Fete)

Term 4, Week 4

Tuesday 24th October - Swimming Program Prep - Year 4. Whole School Mass @12pm

Wednesday 25th October - Prep 2024 Information evening @ 7.30pm

Thursday 26th October- Swimming Program- Prep -Yr 4

Friday 27th October- Swimming Program- Prep -Yr 4

Term 4, Week 5

Tuesday 31st October - All Souls Day. School Advisory Council Meeting @ 7pm

Wednesday 1st November- All Saints Day

Thursday 2nd November- Prep Transition 2024, 9.30am - 10.45am

Friday 3rd November- Chocolate Drive (School Fete) & Fancy Hat Day

Dear SJV Families,

What a wonderful evening it was last Thursday night with the Visual arts show - Around the World Tour! You should all be so extremely proud of the terrific work that was displayed and presented by the students. Once again, we’d like to thank everyone who was involved, especially our Visual arts teacher, Gabbi Davoren who did an amazing job in displaying and teaching the work. I would also like to thank the many staff who assisted with the setting up and packing up of the displays. It was an amazing team effort! Finally thank you to all the parents and special friends for attending. We hope you were captivated by the brilliant art work that was on display.

The students have settled into the term extremely well after the school holidays and have been busy focusing on their learning and assessments and the Visual arts show. It’s an important term for all students as reporting will take place. For Year 6 students it is vitally important not only here at SJV but as a part of their transition program into their chosen Secondary colleges.

Important Reminders

• Students are to bring a Jar this Friday for the Lucky Jars stall at the Fete.
• When students enter the gates from 8.30am, they will line up in their designated areas. At 8.45am the bell will sound indicating that the students can now enter their classrooms. The reflective music will be played at 8.50am signalling the beginning of prayer and meditation. Formal classes then begin at 9am.
• Punctuality - It is important that all students arrive at school at the correct time.
• The next newsletter will be sent to families Thursday 2nd of November.

School Fete

The school Fete is not far away and promises to be a fantastic event and the Fete committee led by Nathan Viviani are putting in a great deal of work behind the scenes to make it all happen. Please make sure that you read all correspondence sent home and support this wonderful event.

Staffing News

In 2024 we will warmly welcome Mrs Catherine Osadnik (Classroom Teacher) and Mrs Catherine Weekes (Performing Arts Teacher) into the SJV community. Catherine Weekes is an experienced Performing Arts teacher who has taught students in both the Primary and Secondary setting and will be teaching part time in 2024. 

With the number of students increasing in 2024 from 143 to 163, we needed an extra classroom teacher. We therefore appointed Catherine Osadnik. Catherine has worked here as a CRT throughout the year and is very experienced having worked in a number of different schools. 

These welcomed new additions will bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the school. I know they will be made to feel very welcome.

First Reconciliation

On Wednesday the 8th of November at 12pm, our Year 2 students plus some other students from other grades will receive their First Reconciliation in the St. John Vianney’s Church. This will be the second sacrament for each of our students and it is the sacrament that we all live out on many occasions every day. This sacrament is where we are saying sorry for what we have done wrong in our daily lives. Parents of candidates are invited to attend on this day.

Prep 2024 Parent Information Evening

We are excitedly preparing to welcome our 2024 Prep families and students for their Orientation program. This program continues to be a highlight of the year, as these children take their first big steps into school life. While some students already have a sibling at SJV, we cannot underestimate how this can still be quite an overwhelming experience as the children transition away from a very small Kinder/Early Learning Centre setting into a significantly larger one. For our new (and not so new) Prep parents, we look forward to welcoming you next Wednesday 24th October at 7.30pm in the MPR. This information evening is a wonderful opportunity to meet new families and teachers who will work with your children.  

Our Prep 2024 Orientation Sessions are as follows:

• Thursday 2nd November 9:15am-10:45am
• Wednesday 15th November 9.15-10.45am

New School Website

Please don't forget to check out, the new SJV website as it is now live for everyone to see. Please click on the link https://www.sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au/ to view. 

Pupil Free Day

There will be no school for students on Monday, 6th November, the day before the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday. 

End of School Year 

School will finish for students at 12:00pm on Friday, 15th December.

Summer Uniform 

From this week onwards all students should be wearing their School Summer Uniform. 

Hats are to be worn during any outside activities such as a playtime. 

Classes for 2024

As we begin the process of planning ahead for 2024 classes, I ask any families who know that they will not be returning to St. John Vianney's in 2024 please inform me as soon as possible. principal@sjvparkdale.catholic.edu.au

Remembrance Day - 11th November

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a moment not only to pause and remember all those who have served and sacrificed in wars and conflicts across the world, but also to reflect on the historical events that led to this day of significance. Originally announced to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting with Germany in World War I, Remembrance Day today gives us all the opportunity to acknowledge the service personnel who died while serving in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. From Monday the 23rd of October, Year 6 Social Justice Leaders will be selling merchandise for our local RSL. Poppies and other items will be available for $2, $4, $5 & $10. Please support this worthy cause.

World Teachers Day

World Teachers' Day 2023 will be celebrated across Australia on Friday 27 October 2023. This day is a chance to recognise and celebrate the teachers who are making, or have made, an impact on the lives of our students. World Teachers’ Day is a chance to say, ‘thank you’. 

We are very lucky here at SJV to have such amazing, dedicated and hard working teachers. On behalf the community, I would like to thank the teachers for the wonderful work that they do in educating our students academically, socially and emotionally.  

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal