Principal's Page
'A Welcoming Community Leading the Future of Learning with Faith and Love'
A Message from the Principal
The Autumn sunshine was greatly appreciated throughout the holidays. I thoroughly enjoyed a week away in Jamieson, soaking in the spectacular colours of the Autumn trees, the native bird life and the long walks along the river. I hope that you all enjoyed some special adventures as a family also.
At our final assembly last term, students from each class presented a snapshot of their learning from the term. It was fantastic to hear the discoveries that they made and the inspiring learning that is happening at St John's. To see the slideshow from each presentation please take a look at the Learning and Teaching page in this newsletter.
It is great to be back for the start of a new term with many special events planned. All classes will continue to focus on Gratitude while their Inquiry Learning focus will be on History. Term overviews for each year level will be sent out next week. The Calendar for school events has been updated for Term 2, so please add these dates to your diary.
We are delighted to welcome Harshal, a new student to our school. Harshal will be joining the Year 3/4C Class. We hope that he enjoys his time at St John's supported by our welcoming community.
Holy Week Celebrations
Our Year 5/6 students presented the Stations of the Cross in a beautiful role play that inspired our community to reflect on the passion of Christ in today's context. Each senior student had a part to play as an actor or narrator. We were guided around the school as we followed Jesus journey with an indigenous perspective. Special thanks to Mrs Amanda Hill our Performing Arts Teacher for preparing the students and to Mrs Melinda Buscema for helping to organise this very special event.
At our final assembly on Holy Thursday the school community reflected on the events of the Last Supper, including the washing of the feet. Just as Jesus served his followers and friends we also re-enacted the washing of the feet, inviting parents, staff and students to participate.
Easter raffle
Congratulations to the 17 winning families in the Easter Raffle. There was great excitement at our final assembly as the winners were announced. I would like to thank the CA committee, for planning and promoting this fundraiser and especially to Anna Carnovale for organising the prizes, sourcing the doantions, wrapping them all so beautifully and coordinating the raffle tickets. We really appreciate the time and energy that you put into organising this raffle which raised a total of $815 for the school.
Thank-you to everyone who supported the raffle.
ANZAC Dawn Service
Our School Choir sang beautifully at the ANZAC Dawn Service on Tuesday, 25 April in Mitcham. They were supported by many parents who embraced the cold and early hour, to commemorate this significant day. Our School Leaders lay a wreath at the foot of the memorial, along with many other schools and community groups.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them
Today as a school community we commemorated Anzac Day with a short service. This included the Last Post and one minutes silence. The Choir sang again for us, their rendition of 'Here you lie', which was very moving and a great tribute to all who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom.
Prep 2024 Enrolments and Parent Information Evening
Enrolments for Prep 2024 classes are now open. If your child is eligible to enrol for next year please send in their completed enrolment form to the office as we will be arranging interviews in June.
If your child is currently attending Kindergarten, please come along to the Prep Information Evening and encourage your friends and other parents to come along also.
It will be held on Thursday, 11 May, at 7.00pm. Everyone is welcome!
EPA Scientists Presentation at Heatherdale Bowls Club - 17 May, 7.30pm
The Environmental Protection Authority contacted the Heatherdale Bowls Club and offered to have a session to inform the public of just what the EPA does and how it is helping to fight pollution in the area. It would be most informative for any student who wants to further their studies or career in environmental science or sustainability. Everyone is invited to come along. Students must be accompanied by a parent. There will be 4 environmental scientists present, and also the manager of their department.
They will explain the process of examining a pollution concern, and what comes next. The bowls club are pleased that the EPA chose their Community Group to host this session, and invite all of our students and families to attend.
17 May, 7.30pm 114 Heatherdale Rd Mitcham
Parish School Closure Day
On Monday, 24 April, St John's, St James and Our Lady's Ringwood staff enjoyed a professional development day at St John's, Mitcham, with guest speaker Fr. Elio Capra. He focused on making faith real for our students and recontextualisation of scripture and various artworks. He provided great insights into how we develop our own faith and educating and develop our student's faith. Fr Dispin then celbrated Mass with us all, unpacking the meaning and symbolism of the parts of the Mass.
School Uniform
A reminder that all students are encouraged to wear their Winter school uniform from the beginning of Week 2 in Term 2. During the first week of term, students may wear either the Summer or Winter uniform, depending on the day's weather.
Students are expected to wear their correct footwear at all times. Parents must send an email to their child's class teacher if students are not able to wear the correct uniform, including footwear, navy blue socks and black shoes.
The new Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2023
You may be aware about the new Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2023 (the Agreement) which introduces a formal time in lieu (TIL) process for teachers. The Agreement provides that a principal may require a teacher to undertake work and attend a school activity outside the normal hours of attendance (i.e.,in excess of the 38 hours or normal hours for a part-time teacher) and when this occurs, it will attract TIL.
From now on Principals are preparing for the accrual and acquittal of TIL through their annual planning processes. The timing of the acquittal of TIL is at the discretion of the principal, having regard to the operational needs of the school and causing the least disruption to the educational program of the school. Acquittal options are outlined in the CECV Implementation Guide for Schools. Principals may elect to acquit TIL through designating days during the year on which all staff and students are not required to attend school. For 2023, there are opportunities to acquit TIL for the whole school on the following days: April 24 (day before ANZAC Day); November 6 (day beforeCup Day); early finishes on the last days of Terms 1, 2 and 3; end of Term 4 from Monday, 18 December.
I hope that this clarifies why we are now having an early finish at end of each term.
Follow us @St John's Social Media
It is great to see our new followers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Please follow us and spread the word amongst your family and friends. If you could repost and share our latest stories that would be greatly appreciated.
Here are the Links - Facebook Instagram Twitter
Joke of the Week
What has a head and a tail but no body? A coin.
Have a Fabulous Week!
Verona Gridley
Principal