Principal's Page
'A Welcoming Community Leading the Future of Learning with Faith and Love'
A Message from the Principal
On Thursday 22 February we hosted our Prep Welcome Dinner which was a great opportunity to catch up with our new families. The Year One families were a wonderful support, coordinating the event, serving the food and providing the desserts. It was lovely to see our current and new families connecting, strengthening partnerships across the school. Thank you to everyone involved.
Tonight we will host the St Johns Twilight Sports Carnival and the weather is looking amazing. It is always a great community event where we can showcase the sporting skills of all of our students. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Last week we hosted our first Open Day for the year. I was very proud to be showing prospective families the active classrooms and beautiful learning spaces that our teachers take great pride in. It was lovely having so many families coming through, to see and share all of the fantastic things that are happening at St John's.
Last week I was privileged to meet with the new Director of MACS on Friday, at the Outer Eastern Principal Network Day. Dr Ed Simons took up this position last year and is already making some major positive changes across our system.
Last Thursday the Vision for Instruction was launched as part of the MACS Flourishing Learners 2030 Vision. Please take a look at this document as it will be transforming our Catholic Education curriculum over the next 12 months.
Fantastic things are happening in Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools.
School Closure Days
Please note our school closure days for 2024, as approved by the School Advisory Council. Some of these days will be for Professional Learning (PL) and other days are taken as Time in Lieu (TIL) days, for the many afterhours of work that the staff participate in.
- 25 April Anzac Day
- 26 April TIL Day
- 29 April PL Day
- 11 June PL Day
- 12 August PL Day
- 4 November TIL Day
- 15 November PL Day
Twilight Working Bee
Thankyou to everyone who was able to attend our working bee last Friday night. We had a huge turnout and were able to complete many jobs, including some hedge trimming, weeding, moving mulch and lots of minor repairs. I am very grateful for the support of our generous community.
Baby News
I am delighted to announce that Mrs Emma Pattison is having another baby. Emma has just returned from maternity leave this year, taking on the role of PE teacher. Emma will be taking leave from Term 3.
We are also awaiting the announcement of Mrs Naomi Ryan's baby news, which will be any day now.
Future Leaders
Today Mrs Buscema and I met with the new Future Leaders. They are all part of the St John's Student Advisory Council and shared many ideas and happenings from their classes. We have given them the action of discussing with their class any ideas about improving our Adventure Playground. They are a great team and supported each other beautifully through their first meeting.
Marathon Club
Marathon Club is cancelled tomorrow, Tuesday, 5 March, in light of the late night tonight for Twilight School Sports. We will resume again this Thursday, 7 March.
Year 6 Jumpers
Our Year 6 students look fantastic in their new Year 6 rugby style jumpers. We are grateful that Joelle McKay was able to come in today to take some magical photos of them all. I will share these with you at a later date.
MACS Vision for Instruction
Are You Eligible to Apply? - CSEF Payment
The Victorian State Government has a Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund for families that are eligible. Qualifying for this fund can lead to further relief for school fees through MACS. Please click on the link below which contains the criteria eligibility and CSEF application form. If you believe you are eligible to apply please leave your signed form at the office or email it to Jenny. jmacleod@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
St John's School Social Media
Our Social media promotes many great activities and events that happen at St John's. This year we are hoping to reach 500 followers so please follow us on our socials and share it with your family and friends.
Athletic Jokes of the Week
The barefoot runner said it was all about heart and sole to finish.
I forgot today’s workout. Could you jog my memory?
Have an energized week. Be kind, have courage and don't hesitate to contact me, if I can support you or your child in any way.
Verona Gridley
Principal