St John's School Advisory Council
Chairperson Report
The St John’s School Advisory Council (SAC) met on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, to discuss school initiatives, student learning and wellbeing, upcoming events and the continued growth and development of our school community.
Learning, Teaching and School Improvement
Following the recent School Review, the school is building on positive feedback to strengthen teaching practices, maintain a rich and engaging curriculum, and foster a strong culture of feedback that supports student growth and learning.
Congratulations to Abbey and Connor, who once again shone at District Athletics, contributing to another strong performance by St John’s. Swimming for Years 3 and 4 is also commencing, providing further opportunities for students to develop their skills and confidence.
The school continues to provide engaging learning experiences across the curriculum, including a strong focus on chemistry, sustainability, practical economics and budgeting lessons.
Student Wellbeing and Community
Student wellbeing remains a priority. The school has welcomed Aini, a counselling placement student, who commenced last week and will be available on Wednesdays. Access to this support will be through parent referral.
The school is also continuing to refine its Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) framework, with a focus on strengthening targeted support practices and embedding these approaches into lesson planning for 2027.
The Council also discussed feedback from families about communication surrounding school camp, particularly for parents whose children are attending for the first time. The school has acknowledged this feedback and will consider ways to provide clearer communication and reassurance to families ahead of future camps.
Celebrating the Arts at St John’s
A major highlight on the school calendar is the St John’s Art Show, bringing together the creativity, talent and enthusiasm of our students and teachers. The event will feature student artwork, food trucks, entertainment and hands-on art activities. All families, parish members and the wider community are encouraged to attend and celebrate the wonderful creative opportunities offered at St John’s.
The Council also acknowledged the hard work underway to prepare for the Year 6 Graduation, with Year 5 parents helping to organise this important celebration for our graduating students.
Faith, Sustainability and Service
Our Catholic identity continues to guide the life of the school, with an ongoing focus on dignity, solidarity with the poor and care for our environment. Students in Years 5 and 6 are exploring sustainability through recycled and upcycled fashion, demonstrating how creativity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. The Council also heard positive feedback about the recent economics and budgeting lessons, which are helping students develop valuable practical life skills.
School Facilities and Planning for 2027
The school has received approval to proceed with the Lyons Room upgrade, with building works expected to commence in February 2027, following the summer holiday period. Planning is also continuing for the installation of the school’s digital sign, with the necessary building permit being pursued.
The Council discussed the upcoming school fee increase, with communication to families expected shortly. The increase is 7%, and the school has committed to including information about available fee relief options in its communications to ensure families are aware of the support that may be available.
The Council also noted upcoming staffing changes, including retirements, as the school prepares for the 2027 school year.
Join Us at the School Advisory Council AGM
The next important date for the Council is the SAC Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 24 November 2026. Wine, Cheese and Biscuits will be served to help celebrate 2026.
The AGM is an opportunity for families to learn more about the role of the School Advisory Council, hear about the work undertaken throughout the year and explore ways to contribute to the future direction of St John’s.
We encourage families to bring along a friend and come along to discover what the SAC is all about. The Council values the perspectives and contributions of our parent community, and we welcome interest from those who would like to learn more about becoming involved.
Thank you to all our families, staff and volunteers for the time, care and commitment you continue to give to St John’s. Together, we help make our school a welcoming, vibrant and supportive community where every child can flourish.
SHINE Column
Aligned with our school theme of “SHINE ” for the year, the SAC explored the idea of introducing a Parent page in the newsletter called “SHINE Column” to express or show courage for things felt or observed in our community and invite your submissions to principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
This month, we would love to shine a spotlight on the incredible people who help make St John’s such a vibrant, creative and connected school community!
A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to Beth Neason and Amanda Hill, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring together our wonderful Art Show and entertainment. Their time, dedication and enthusiasm have helped create a special event that celebrates the creativity, imagination and talents of our students. A big thank you also to Verona for organising the food trucks and helping make the event a fantastic opportunity for families, staff and the wider community to come together and enjoy the festivities.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate and talented Arts and Performing Arts teachers at St John’s. Through their creativity, encouragement and commitment, they provide our students with wonderful opportunities to express themselves, explore their talents and build confidence in their abilities. Their work adds so much colour, vitality and fun to school life, ensuring that the arts remain an important and much-loved part of our students’ learning experience.
Events like the Art Show remind us of the wonderful things that can happen when our school community comes together, with staff, students and families all playing a part in creating something truly special. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy and talents to make this event such a memorable celebration. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and we are so proud to be part of a community that embraces creativity, collaboration and the many gifts that make St John’s unique. What a wonderful reason to SHINE!
As always, we encourage you to come and say hello if you see us around the school. We value your thoughts, feedback and involvement in our community. Whether you have a question, an idea to share, or simply want to have a chat, please know that we are always happy to connect, listen and support our families.
Angela Maclean
Chairperson and Parent Representative