A Message from the Principal

As I reflect on the achievements of Term 1, I am truly energised and grateful that we have been able to provide so many great learning, social and spiritual opportunities for our students and families. What an incredible Term it has been with many highlights, including:

Parent Information Night
Prep and New families Welcome Dinner
Welcoming 17 new families across the school and 22 Prep Families
Fully utilising our new indoor and outdoor learning & play spaces
2 Assessment days for all students at the start of the year
Beginning of the Year Outdoor Mass
Founders Day Mass
WOW Tuesdays and Ride2school Day
Harmony Day
Initiating FIRE Carriers and Future Leaders
Kaboom Percussion Incursion
Year 6 Camp to Mt Martha
Meet and Greets with teachers and Parents
Assemblies with parents and families
Athletics Coach Training for all classes
Welcoming our wonderful new staff members - Melinda, Rhett, Clorinda, Alice, Ruby and Jen

We have all achieved so much this term and it wouldn't be possible without my very hardworking and dedicated staff. I am so grateful to have them all on our team and to be so well supported.

Please keep Ms Lou Devoy and her family in your prayers, as her Mum passed away early Sunday morning. She had been unwell for a while but is now at peace and reunited with her husband.

Thank-you to everyone who was able to attend and assist at the First Eucharist Celebration on Saturday. It was a very special ceremony and a great community event. Special thanks to Melinda for coordinating the ceremony and to the class teachers, Carmel, Clorinda, Marisa and Naomi for preparing the students and the celebration, so beautifully.

Congratulations to Ivy in Year 5, who applied for and was successful in her entry to participate in the 2022 Open Floral Art competition at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Ivy and her mother, Amy, headed to the flower wholesaler bright and early at 5.30am last Tuesday morning where she selected her flowers. They then proceeded to the Exhibition Buildings with her materials and flowers to set them up. Being the youngest person by a long shot, Ivy felt a little nervous but she worked hard and got her design up and ready for the exhibition. She was delighted to be awarded 3rd Prize in the Open Category for her arrangement. Her eye for colour, creativity and design are exceptional.

Her floral art design was on display for the five days of The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in the exhibition buildings, Carlton. Well done Ivy!

St John's Instagram Account

St John's has a new Instagram Account which includes updates of some of the great events and learning that is happening at school. One of our Mum's has volunteered to update the account so please follow us and provide your comments and feedback. You can also find us on facebook 'St John's Primary School - Community Association' and we are twitter too @SJPSMitcham

Year 6 Leaders

Year 6 Leader Photos are currently displayed on the wall in the office area. Parents are able to order the photos which cost $18 each. If you would like to order a Leaders Photo please send a clearly marked envelope with your child's name, class and which photo you would like to order, to the school office.

Future Leaders Meeting

It was lovely meeting today with all of our Future Leaders, to discuss what makes a good leader. Each student then chose a leadership characteristic to work on for themselves.

Each student reported back on what is happening in their class and made suggestions about actions for Future Leader Meetings.

They will be creating new playlists for the bell, which are modern and calming. The Year 3/4's are keen to get a class pet and many other classes are focussing on Acts of Kindness Walls and Class Expectations. They are certainly a dynamic and enthusiastic group of leaders.

National Ride2School Day

Thank-you everyone for particpating in the Ride 2 School Day on Friday 25 March. It was great to see so many students and families getting active on their way to school.

There was a healthy treat of fresh fruit upon arrival and lots of energy and smiles throughout the day. We encourage all families to stay active over the holidays and hope that you will continue to walk or ride to school next term.

COVID-19 vaccination for your child

Over 50 per cent of all children aged 5 to 11 have now received a first dose, with many now due for a second dose (eight weeks after the first). In particular as we approach school holidays and the weather cools down, it is important to take steps to minimise the impact of COVID-19. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your child, and the community.

The Department of Health website provides a number of resources with further information about seeking COVID-19 vaccination. Further resources are also available at: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/who-can-get-vaccinated/children

Vaccines are widely available across the country at general practices, state-run clinics and Aboriginal Health Services. You can find a participating clinic and make an appointment by visiting the Vaccine Clinic Finder at: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking

Thank you for your efforts to keep your child and the wider school community safe.

All students received a new RAT Test kit last week. Please use this for the first week back next term.

Thought for the day

May your hearts leap with joy for the Resurrection of Jesus brings the gift of new life and greater meaning to our own lives

I would like to wish you and your family a very safe and peaceful Easter and look forward to seeing you all back for the start of Term 2 on Tuesday 26 April.

Verona Gridley

Principal

vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

Wellbeing

Engaging Children who have experienced trauma