Message from the Principal

We are all settled back into the rhythm of school life. Some students have eased back into the routines and requirements of a school day while other students are taking a little longer to readjust to a full days program again. The results of our outsatnding remote Learning Program have paid dividends with our students showing very pleasing growth across English and Maths. You can be reassured that any intervention that is required is already underway and all of our students continue to flourish across the curriculum.

It was great to see the array of football colours brighten our school last Thursday, with all students enjoying the culmination of activities from wellbeing week.

Last Thursday night we also welcomed our 2021 Prep Families to a Virtual Information Evening. We look forward to when we can welcome them all onsite.

2021 Classes

I am currently planning the classes for next year. If your family circumstances have changed and your child will no longer be attending St John's please send me an email explaining your intentions.

We are receiving interest in enrolments across the school so there is a great deal of planning involved.

If for any educational reasons, you would like to make any requests for next year, please let me know over the next week. From Wednesday 4 November I will not be able to assist with any new requests.

Mini Missions - Socktober

Tomorrow our Year 5 and 6 students will be hosting the Mini Missions to raise awareness of poverty and support the great work of Catholic Missions. Students can wear coloured socks to school and will need to bring $5 - $10 to buy the treats and play the games at the various stalls.

Interrelate Personal Development Program

On Wednesday 11 November, St John's will be hosting a Personal Development Program online for students in Years 3-6. This is an optional program for all students and parents in these year levels.

Where Did I come from? - Year 3 - 4

To help children aged 8-10 years gain an understanding of the structure and functions of the reproductive system in males and females.

Preparing for Puberty - Year 5-6

To provide information on puberty for 10-13 year olds, in relation to the physical and emotional changes, preparing them for the changes during puberty and dispelling the myths, by providing accurate, understandable information.

To make a booking please go to the Notice Board page in this newsletter.

Anxiety - Parent Webinar

Tuesday 27 October, 7.30pm

Anxiety, Coping strategies and COVID19

Dominique Furet (St John’s school counsellor) will be running a webinar on anxiety, coping skills and the impacts of COVID19 this Tuesday 27 October at 7:30pm. It will include important insights into feelings of stress and anxiety, particularly in the context of COVID19. Tips and strategies will be offered to parents on how to best support your children in challenging times. There will also be opportunities for any questions.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96806148652?pwd=WGJRTVlZV2VCMHBXbnNxYWtwR2ZRdz09

Condolences

We were saddened to hear the news of the passing of Calvin Pan's Grandmother (Prep K) mother of David Pan, mother in law to Linda. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Drop off and Pick up

Just a reminder that students need to arrive after 8.30am to avoid congregating in the foyer.

There is plenty of room on the back playground for after school pick-up.

Please avoid parking on the opposite side of the service lane at the front of the school. It is very dangerous for students to cross this service road.

St John's Building Project

I am delighted to inform you that we have been given the final approval from both Town Planning and Catholic Education Melbourne to proceed with our Building and Landscape works. This project was begun by Jacqui Marshall and is now going to tender. I will be meeting with the Architects and CEM Infrastructure to select the contractors in the coming weeks. We are hoping for work to begin at the end of the year. It will be a 6 month project.

Please see the next page of the newsletter for the Plans.

Mangoes

Don't forget to order your delicious fresh mangoes. To place an order go to the St John's Community Association page of this newsletter.

Jokes of the Week

Q. What runs but never moves?

A. A fence.

Q. What race is never run?

A. A swimming race.

Q. What animal is the best cricket player?

A. The bat.

May the week ahead bring joy, peace and happiness!

Verona Gridley

Principal

vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

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