A Message from the Principal

This week marks the start of Advent as we begin to prepare for the Birth of Jesus. It is easy to get caught up in the consumerism and commercialism of this beautiful season, so it is important to take the time with your family to reflect on the birth of Jesus and how you will bring the peace, joy, hope and love of Christmas more fully into your lives.

We have three weeks left at school but we are maintaining rigorous learning and preparing for many special events. Please add all of these dates and activities to your calendar.

Vinnies Gift Cards

To support families in need across Melbourne this Christmas, we are asking that each St John's family donates a $20 gift card for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. The gift cards can be from any major retailer including Coles, Kmart or Target. If you can afford more than one card that would be appreciated. It will be a great way to take action this Christmas to support families in our community who are less fortunate.

Dreams Under the Big Top

It was wonderful to welcome everyone back as a community onto the school grounds to celebrate our school production and share in the many talents of our students. Special thanks to the Community Association for helping to put on this special event and huge thanks to Jackie Harkin for all of her organisation and preparation for the evening. It was a great success. Photos and vidoes are on sale and can be purchased through the school office.

Community Association AGM - 1 December

On Wednesday 1 December we will be hosting the C.A. AGM at the school. Everyone is welcome to come along for drinks and nibbles, to celebrate the great work of the C.A. and help plan for 2022. We look forward to seeing you there.

Carols on the Green - Thursday 9 December

Our students are busy practicing their Christmas Carols to sing with you all next Thursday night at 6pm - 8pm. This will also be the official Opening and Blessing of the new school playgrounds and learning spaces. Bring along your outdoor chairs or picnic rugs for a night of celebration and singing.

Thanksgiving Mass - Tuesday 14 December

We are very excited to be able to have our whole school Thanksgiving Mass this year. All families are invited to come along on Tuesday 14 December at 7.00pm, for the Thanksgiving Mass. The students will be participating in the Mass in various ways. Year 1 students will be giving a blessing to their Year 6 buddies and it will be a great celebration of the year for everyone. All adults must be double vaccinated and need to sign in on arrival.

Monday 13 December - 2022 Orientation Morning

On Monday 13 December students will meet their new classes and teachers for next year at 10:00am and spend some time with them. Students will then walk to Halliday Park with their present classes to enjoy an end of the year picnic. Students will not need to bring their lunch as a sausage in bread and an icy pole will be supplied by the C.A. Students will still need to bring their brain food, afternoon snack and drink bottles. Parents are most welcome to join staff and students at Halliday Park. Students may be collected early from the park or collected from school at the usual time.

Parish Raffle

Thank-you for supporting the Parish Raffle. There are some great prizes to be won. All parish raffle tickets are due back this Friday 3 December. Please sell them to your family and friends. This is a major fundraiser for the parish and the school.

Opening The Doors Foundation - $5 Wristbands

We are still selling Indigenous Wristbands to raise funds for Opening the Doors Foundation. The FIRE Carrier Student Leaders will be selling them after school in at the front of the school and before school in the passive play area each day. The wristbands are $5 each with all funds going towards supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their educational needs.

Mini Missions - Socktober Fundraising Event

Today we all enjoyed the Mini Missions Day raising awareness and funds for families in Thailand as we supported Socktober. It was St John's Fete, on a smaller scale, but with just as much fun. The Mini Missions began with a beautiful liturgy held outdoors, followed by the setting up of stalls and activities. The sun was shining all day which made the water balloons tolerable with Mrs Pattison and Mr Brown dodging the torrents of water. Preps sold out of their Frogs in Ponds and Year 1 and 2 onsold preloved toys and books. Year 3/4 sold popcorn, provided marble art, colouring in, an obstacle course and guess the lollies in the jar. The year 5/6 students ran their own stalls with home made treats, lollies, icy poles, remote control cars and lob a choc. Thank-you for all of your donations and support.

Thought of the Week

The Season of Advent brings Hope for us all and the promise of new beginnings. We place our hope and trust in the birth of Jesus and bring him into our hearts and our lives. How will you prepare for the birth of Jesus this Christmas?

Have a fabulous week!

Verona Gridley

Principal

vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

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