School Advisory Council

St John's School Advisory Council

The first School Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting for 2024 was held on the evening of Tuesday, 27 February, onsite in the staffroom. It was excellent to reconnect with current members and welcome new committee members, to renew our sense of commitment and focus for the year.

Meet The Team

We extend a warm welcome to our newest committee members, Deb Bowers and Anne Tyedin to our current members.

We are pleased to introduce your SAC for 2024:

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)

Nicole Whelan -Parent Representative

Deb Bowers- Parent Representative

Anne Tyedin - Parent Representative

This year, the SAC have confirmed a new Chairperson, Angela McLean and Secretary, Samantha Solomons. This is very exciting and a welcome change, following a transition from our previous rotational roles for Chair and Secretary. While the rotation provided opportunities for the SAC members to test themselves in the roles, it was acknowledged that an ongoing incumbent in each role would provide greater consistency and clarity. Thank you to Angela and Samantha for taking on these roles.

Verona shared her Principals report and we noted the following item:

We have had a great start to the year, there is a very positive vibe
Courage is the major school theme for the year
Open Day last Friday was fantastic, especially having our student leaders being involved, with more tours booked in for this week
Verona connected with 10 local kinders - suggestion to have our students reading at the kinders
Year 3/4 classes have two LSOs each class. Great LSO support across the school
Leadership Conference - Big focus on the ‘Science of Learning’ getting back to basics which will flow to reading, writing and maths. Attended by the School Leadership team: Ange, Anna, Melinda, Verona and Tracey at St Anne’s in Donvale - topics discussed included cognitive load theory - how kids retain and recall information. We are buildng consistency across the Catholic education system
Chinese new year was celebrated in Chinese classes across the school
Parent Information evening survey to be issued
Tracey Farrar is to be supported by Amanda Hill in student wellbeing groups
GEM continues across the classes to practice gratitude
Chooks now have an electric door - chooks know intuitively to go in for shelter
Welcome dinner was last Thur, Angela (our Chair) - led the parents, teamed up with Deb, thanks Ang and Deb!
10 people came to PA, last week - Jess Kruisheer is the new Secretary, currently there is a rotating Chair.

Induction of SAC members for 2024

We discussed the Confidentiality Agreement, Code of Conduct and Terms of Reference
Discussion was had around the purpose of this group and the process/extent to which we can influence various matters through the SAC.

St John’s School Leaders

Fire Carriers to be decided this week and presented at the next Assembly
There is one student representative (leader) in the prep class and 2 in the other classes with a group of 15 Future Leader students

Sub Committees

Masterplan - MACS has an infrastructure group which supports building projects - Luke from MACS to meet with Verona and will recommend architects (who have worked across other schools in the MACS system)
Verona would like to form a sub-committee to commence updating and creating a new Masterplan. We are seeking expressions of interest from those in the school community who can join the Masterplan sub committee - We are seeking parent expertise from diverse professional backgrounds that could add value to a master planning sub-committee for example trades, architects, engineers, designers, construction professionals, builders, etc.

Community Engagement

Kinder visits and making connections are going well
This year, we are trialling, taking St John’s students to kinders. The SAC suggested connecting with Emmikins and Rangeview among others.
Our School Choir will be singing at the Mitcham Anzac Day Dawn Service
We are in discussions with the Parish about how students can continue to connect with Intergenerational community in the Parish

Other Discussion Items Included:

Confirming the School Closure Days - Monday 29 April - School closure Professional development and Friday 26 April - TIL day - School closure
Follow up with Camp Australia to enquire re: Holiday program and seek expressions of interest from School Community re: School Holiday program registrations
Meetings for 2024 are confirmed as follows: 27th Feb; 30 April, 4 June, 30 July, 10 Sep, Oct 15, Nov 19 -AGM. These are all held on a Tuesday and on average are held twice a term.

Courage Corner

Aligned with our school theme of “Courage” for the year, the SAC explored the idea of introducing a Parent Page in the newsletter called “Courage Corner” to express or show courage for things felt or observed in our community and invite your submissions to principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

We begin this “Courage Corner” by acknowledging the efforts Deb and Anne as our new members who have joined the SAC. We would also like to acknowledge the parents who attended and answered the call to be part of the 2024 Parents Association. Thank you again for showing up and supporting our school. We look forward to many opportunities for our staff and students to come together to build a stronger sense of connection and community this year.

Please say ‘hello’ if you see us around school.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and input, and are always happy to answer any questions.

Angela Maclean

Chairperson and Parent Representative

amwood82@hotmail.com