A Message from the Principal

I was truly inspired this morning by the respectful participation of all of our students during our morning liturgy and as we walked around the Mitcham shopping precinct to recognise Reconciliation Week. This was the first of many activities that the students will be involved in throughout the week. Tomorrow the School Leaders and FIRE carriers will attend the Long Walk at Aquinas College in Ringwood, as an action for Reconciliation with the broader community.

I am delighted to announce that Maria Wallis, will be working 2 days a week at St John's to assist Jenny in the Office on Fridays and in the Library on Tuesdays. She will be a great addition to our staff team.

Reconciliation Week

We began the day with our FIRE Carrier students leading us in a short liturgy, to mark the beginning of the Reconciliation Week, to pray as a whole school community and raise awareness about how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in our country. Each child was given a red, black or yellow hand, to hold up high, as we did a Long Walk from our school around the shopping precinct of Mitcham. We crossed the footbridge over Whitehorse Road, waving the Aboriginal Flag and our sea of hands, to the delight of many motorists. The shopkeepers came out to greet us and cheer us on also.

When we returned to school we created a sea of hands in our garden and reflected on the symbol of planting the hands in support of reconciliation. The hands symbolise our school community's support for RECONCILIATION, RIGHTS, RESPECT and recognition of identities, cultures and the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It was a very special morning for us all.

Working Bee - This Saturday!

Please join us this Saturday 4 June, at 12 midday for our first school working bee for the year. If you can spare a couple of hours to help spread some mulch, replenish the sandpit or pull some weeds, we would love to see you. Remember that families who attend one working bee per year receive a $50 rebate on their school fees.

Please bring your own tools, including:

wheelbarrows
spades/shovels
rakes
hedge trimmers
weeding tools
secateurs
gardening gloves

If you are able to attend please email me principal@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au or leave a message at the office. Many hands make light work and we would appreciate any help that you are able to offer. I look forward to seeing you there!

Jump Rope for Heart

This week we continue our St John's Jump Rope for Heart campaign. Students have been learning various skipping skills in Physical Education lessons and this week they will focus on refining their skills and what they can present for the Jump Rope for Heart 'Jump Off' next Wednesday afternoon. All classes will be giving a demonstration at 2.30pm, Wednesday, 15 June and everyone is welcome to attend.

Don't forget to sign your child up so they can support the Heart Foundation and win some great prizes also. It’s important you register your child online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link below to get started. www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program and your child's health.

Uniform Sub Committee

The uniform sub committee has been busily working behind the scenes in response to the survey earlier this year. We have introduced a navy waterproof jacket as an optional piece for the uniform. It is fleecy lined and very warm. It has no logo so may be used on weekends also.

They are also currently designing a new sports top which will be introduced later this year in response to our survey results. A reminder that tights or long navy blue socks may be worn with the tunic.

Trivia Night - 30 July

Thank-you to our Year 3 and 4 parents who will be supporting our CA team to help run this years Trivia Night. It has been a few years since we have been able to run this event so please save the date and let us know if you are able to assist in any way. If you would like to make a prize donation for the auction or raffles, you are welcome to leave it at the office.

Open Day

Next Wednesday we are hosting an Open Day. As many parents still have not seen our new Library and STEM room it would be a great opportunity to come along for a visit. You can bring your friends and neighbours too. We are currently finalising our enrolments for Prep 2023, so if you know anyone who is planning to enrol, please encourage them to send in their forms asap.

Jokes of the week from Maggie

How do you make a seal stew? Keep it waiting

What do foxes call rabbits? Fast Food

Why was the falcon on its knees with its head bowed? Because its a bird of prey

Have a Wonderful Week!

Verona Gridley

Principal

vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

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