Principals Update

Key Events - Term 2

Term 2, Week 1

• Thursday 24th April - Anzac Day Service @ 3pm in the MPR
• Friday 25th April - Anzac Day Public Holiday

Term 2, Week 2

• Tuesday 29th of April -  STOMP Program begins (All students in sports uniform).

• Thursday 1st of May - Whole School Excursion
• Friday 2nd May - Assembly at 3pm (Presentation of SRC badges & Aerobics performance)

Term 2, Week 3

• Tuesday 6th May - STOMP Program continue (All students in sports uniform)
• Thursday 8th of May - Whole School Mass @ 9.15am. Mother's Day stall 10am - 11am. Junior Mayor Event (selected Year 6 students)
• Friday 9th of May - Mother’s Day Breakfast 7.30am - 8.30am. Mother’s Day assembly at 3.15pm in the MPR. Interschool Sport (H) v's Mentone Park 9am-11am

Dear SJV Families,

I hope you all had a relaxing and joyful Easter break with your family and friends, and that you're feeling refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead. This term is a longer one—spanning 11 weeks—and it's packed with activities and opportunities for learning.

It was such a pleasure to see so many happy faces as students returned to school on Monday morning. The smiles weren’t just on the children’s faces—many parents looked just as cheerful!

As always, school life is full and vibrant. Earlier this week, you should have received your child’s Term Letter, outlining the key learning areas and activities planned for the classroom. Please take a moment to read through it. If you have any questions or would like further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.

I’m really looking forward to all that this term holds—especially the wonderful learning that will happen both in classrooms and during specialist sessions. There’s so much to be excited about!

In Loving Memory of Pope Francis

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88. Widely recognised as a reforming and compassionate leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis worked tirelessly to modernise the Church’s mission and priorities, always with a focus on humility, service, and care for the most vulnerable.

Throughout his papacy, he called us to live the Gospel with authenticity, courage, and universal love—especially in service to the poor and marginalised. His legacy is one of profound faith, mercy, and an unwavering commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As a Catholic community, we are deeply grateful for his witness as a true disciple of Christ. Over the past twelve years, Pope Francis has inspired us with a renewed missionary spirit—inviting us to embrace Gospel-centred reform, shared leadership, and a deep, trusting relationship with the risen Christ, alive and active in His Church.

As the successor of St Peter, Pope Francis embodied a pastoral heart, continuously praying for peace, unity, and dialogue across the world. He strengthened the global Church, including our own Archdiocesan family in Melbourne, and left a profound mark on all of us involved in Catholic education—encouraging us to renew our faith in Christ daily, trusting that from this relationship, we will grow and flourish.

Let us now pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance upon those entrusted with electing the next Bishop of Rome. May the Lord bless and guide Pope Francis' successor in the time ahead.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

School Winter Uniforms

I would like to acknowledge Bronnie Camera and Meg Kehoe for all the work they do in our Uniform Shop. This is all done on a voluntary basis. Thank you ladies, we appreciate  the many many hours you both give to this shop and service. Please note that the shop is open on a Monday afternoon at 3.15pm. If you cant make that time, please just leave your order at the office and it will be filled the next time the ladies are in. At the end and start of each term they normally offer 1 or 2 additional opens to help out change of uniform. 

At the commencement of Term 2, students may wear either the FULL summer uniform or FULL winter uniform (please do not mix and match the uniforms) until the end of Week 2. From Monday 5th May, ALL student must be in FULL WINTER UNIFORM.  

Anzac Service

The ANZAC Day ceremonies are a special time in the school year and it is very pleasing to see how our children grow in respect and knowledge, each year, of the significance of ANZAC Day.

Tomorrow the 25th of April, all students and their families are invited to the Mentone RSL service at Memorial Park commencing at 8.40am. Any students who attend this service are to wear their full school winter uniform. Mrs O'Shannessy will be there and will gather the students together as I am attending the official Anzac day march in the city.

STOMP Program

The Stomp program begins next Tuesday. All students are to wear their sports uniform on this day.

Whole School Excursion - Movie & Picnic

We are excited to share that we have just discovered that this year marks a very special milestone for our school—St John Vianney’s 65th Anniversary!

To celebrate 65 wonderful years of learning, community, and faith at SJV, we have organised a whole-school excursion on Thursday, 1st May.

We will be travelling by bus to Village Cinemas Southland to watch the newly released film, “King of Kings.” This inspiring, family-friendly movie (Rated PG) tells the story of a boy named Walter who discovers hope through the story of Jesus.

Buses will depart from SJV at 9:00am sharp. A small popcorn is included with the movie, and afterwards we will head to Braeside Park for a shared picnic lunch. We will then return to school by 1:30pm.

Students should bring a small backpack with their lunch and a drink bottle for the day.

If you haven't already done so, please provide permission for your child to attend via nForma.

To get a sneak peek at the film, you can view the trailer here: https://youtu.be/Ddiqz3BT7i8

We look forward to celebrating this significant anniversary together as a school next Thursday.

Mother's Day Stall / Breakfast

The Mother’s Day Breakfast will take place on Friday the 9th of May 7.30am -8.45am. We will also have a Mother’s Day assembly which will begin at 3.15pm in the MPR. We would love to see as many mums there. 

If any dads are able to assist on the day, please let the office know or contact Jess Viviani the President of the PFA. 

The Mother’s day stall will take place on Thursday the 8th of May after Mass has concluded.

Dads make sure that you give your child $5 to buy a gift for mum at the Mother’s Day Stall!!

Parents & Friends Association - SJV Dads Group

2026 Prep Enrolments 

Our Requests for School Tours are continuing with many booking times to come and visit our wonderful school. Enrolments for Prep 2026 are now open and we encourage all families to submit their applications as soon as possible.  If you have a child or you know someone wanting to tour schools for their child, please encourage them to book a school tour by contacting Nicole in our front office (Limited places available).  If you are not able to make these tours please note that you are also welcome to call to make a time that does work for you. 

School Closure Dates Term 2 

• The school will be closed on Friday the 6th of June as there will be a professional development day for all staff. This is the Friday of the King's Birthday long weekend. 
• The King's Birthday Holiday is Monday 9th of June. This is a public holiday and children are not required to attend school.

Reminders

• Dogs - Please note that for the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community, no dogs are permitted inside the school grounds and they must not be left unattended tied up at the gates. Adult supervision and holding of the leash is so important around vulnerable places such as schools.  We love dogs but we do have to take care of all members of our community.

• Bikes and Scooters - Please walk bikes and scooters when moving through the school grounds.

• Punctuality - It is expected that all students are to be at school by no later than 8.45am and not any time up to 9am. From 8.45am to 9am is crucial for students to get themselves organised, start the day with Meditation, prayer, take the roll and ready to commence their day promptly. Formal lessons begin at 9am. Any child who arrives at or after 9am is to be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. I ask all parents to make sure that you adhere to these times.

• The next Newsletter will be shared on Thursday 8th of M.

Regards

Mick Schinck

Principal