Principal's Page

A Message from the Principal

This morning we held a special whole school assembly to celebrate the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop and to pray as a community. Mary MacKillop is an imporatnt part of our school's history as her order, the Josephite Nuns, were the teachers and leaders at our school through the 60's, 70's and 80's. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The assembly was also an opportunity to remind all students about the behaviour expectations at St John's. We discussed the importance of a positive attitude, looking out for each other and following instructions from all staff. The key messages from the assembly were: 

  • Be respectful at all times
  • Communicate with all adults and each other with a respectful tone and with appropriate language
  • Put others before yourself
  • Love one another
  • Have a happy and safe day

It was wonderful to join with the school community last weekend at the Trivia Night. It was a great success and was well supported by the school parents, their friends and families. I would especially like to thank the CA committee members and several Year 3/4 parents who were able to assist with organisng this huge event. We had an awesome team who sourced donations and sponsorship prizes for the night. Please see the Community Association page for a full list of our Sponsors.

St John's 150 Year celebrations

In 1872 our school was first established in Mitcham, however our suburb was known as Air Hill so in the beginning, the very first Catholic school in the area was called Air Hill Catholic School. It became the Parish of St John's in 1952 and our thriving, present day school building opened in 1960 as St John's Primary School Mitcham. Our long rich history of 150 years, will be celebrated this year in a variety of ways. We are painting a mural in the breezeway, which will acknowledge our 150 year celebration. In November, we will celebrate as a community with an Art Show, Open day, Special Mass and a Community Lunch. Please save the dates:

  • 4 November - Parents' Art Show Evening
  • 6 November - Parish Mass, Open Day and Community Lunch

Baby News

We are delighted to announce that two of our teachers are expecting babies. Mrs Shannon Wilton in Prep is due at the end of December and Mrs Emma Pattison is due at the end of January. We are very happy for them both and look forward to hearing to about their little bundles of joy.

Intergenerational Program

Our Year 3/4 students have embarked on an intergenerational program with the Senior Parishioners in our Community. Last Wednesday we met in the Narthex of the Church to meet the senior parishioners and to find the stories. Each student interviewed a different parishioner and asked them questions about their childhood, their school days and their adult life. Every first Wednesday of the month we will meet up. Future activities together will include craft activities, tours of the school and a special lunch.

Visitors to St John's

Last week, the kinder students from Lucknow Kindergarten came to visit our school. They loved working in the Prep classroom, visiting the chickens and the STEM room. It is a lovely way to support our local kindergartens and to help the children  with their transition to school life.

 

Staff from St. Scholastica's offered great affirmations to all of our teachers. They were very impressed with the use of data in our rooms to inform the teaching and learning of our students. They were also inspired by the consistency of practice across the school and the high standard of responses from our students when asked about their learning.

 

Today parents from Year Prep-2 came in to share their cultural stories. It is a great opportunity for our students to hear from experts and to learn about the variety of cultures represented at our school. Special thanks to Melinda Bott, Joelle MacKay and Julie Tauali'l for sharing their stories and cultural heritage.

Important Reminders

  • School Closure Day on Wednesday 24 August
  • Students are to wear Italian Dress to school this Thursday, 11 August
  • Please book in for your student led conference on Wednesday 17 August (details are on the Teaching and Learning page)
  • Last day of Term will be a 1.00pm finish

Joke of the Week

Did you hear the story about the claustrophobic astronaut?

He just needed some space.

 

Have a fabulous week!

 

Verona Gridley

Principal 

vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au