A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers

What a term it has been! We have celebrated Confirmation, NAPLAN, 5/6 Camp, Mother's Day Breakfast, Semester One's learning, assembly and prayer gatherings, launching the Kalbarr Project, walk to school day and next week we have 3/4 Camp at Lady Northcote. That's a lot to pack into a nine week term but a great term of learning and new experiences. 

It was fantastic to see, meet, chat, say hello to so many families at school for Learning Conversations on Tuesday and Wednesday. Many families joined me in the Innovation Hub to have a chat around what they love and value about our Farm now and from the past as well as the possibilities moving forward. I will continue to conversation with the Staff and children early Term 3 before sharing putting something together to share with the community. 

The Parish is also hosting consultation sessions and they would love our  families to engage with them. The purpose of the sessions is to hear from parishioners and parents of St John’s what they need from the Parish in terms of spiritual development or sacred spaces and how best way to engage with school families. 

There are two Parish Consultation Sessions:

• Saturday 18th June 9.30am – Our Lady’s Pavilion - Maidstone
•  Thursday 23rd June 7.00pm – Our Lady’s Small Hall – Maidstone

Last night we had a first meeting towards establishing our School Advisory Council. The participants were given an opportunity to hear about the purpose and role of the Council and make an informed decision around committing to this group. I look forward to announcing and introducing the appointed members of the St John's School Advisory Council next term.

After many weeks preparing and waiting, our new website is now live. The website address is the same but you will now be greeted with a fresh new look. Bess has been driving the creation of this new site and we look forward to continuing to develop this and would love to hear what you'd like to see on our website - www.sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au

I would also like to introduce Amy Littley to the St John's community. Amy will be taking over Mel's role in the Year 1 Hub while she is on maternity leave. Amy is an experienced teacher who has had leadership roles in Mathematics and Learning and Teaching. We are lucky to have her expertise join our team next term. The children in Year 1 had the opportunity to meet Amy yesterday as part of her transition to St John's.  Mel will remain at the start of Term 3 where we will have an opportunity to wish her all the best.

Semester 1 Student Reports will be available via the Community Portal next week. We have currently switched this tab off which the uploading process takes place and will reappear once it's completed. You will receive an email from Leonie to let you know when these are available for you to access.

Next week is the last week of term. The children will finish on Friday at 1pm. Children in 5/6 will support Andrew in running a sports day for the Prep - Y2s. The 3/4 campers are due to return to school before 1pm. 

Please note that the first two days of Term 3 are school closure days. We have advertised this in important dates all term so hopefully this is not a surprise. During these two days staff will be engaging in a Spirituality retreat with a focus on the charism of the Josephites and the pedagogy of encounter to inform our learning and teaching of Religious Education. We look forward to sharing our experiences in the first newsletter next term.

The office will be closed on Monday 11th July and will reopen on Tuesday 12th July. Children will return to school from holidays on Wednesday 13th July.

We were hoping to light the fire at the farm tomorrow and toast marshmallows but the weather has dampened this idea so we will plan for this to take place early in Term 3. We will let you know when this is happening so if you'd like to join in on the fun you'll be more than welcome.

Warm wishes,

Emily