Principal's Page
'A Welcoming Community Leading the Future of Learning with Faith and Love'
A Message from the Principal
There are always so many great things happening at St John's, as we know how important it is for our students to learn in a variety of ways, including incursions, excursions, camps, hands-on experiences and research. This week our year 5 students will be heading to Ballarat, to stay at the Sovereign Hill Hotel, to be immersed in life during the gold rush days. We look forward to hearing all about their new adventures and experiences on the gold fields. Our Year Prep - 2 Swimming Program also commences this week. This is a crucial part of the Victorian Curriculum Water Safety program and a great learning experience for our students. Our Year 3/4 students will be visiting Monash Theatre on Wednesday to see the Emmaus Production of Little Women. It is such a hive of activity this week.
Last week our junior students visited CERES and the senior students took part in district basketball competitions. Our Year 6 students were immersed in activities at their retreat day on Friday, in preparation for their Confirmation. Reflections on these special days are in the Religious Dimenson and Learning and Teaching pages of this newsletter.
We are delighted to welcome Sophie and her family in Year 1/2 this week. We hope that you will all feel very welcome at St John's and we are grateful that you have joined our school community.
Thank-you for your donations for our major social and fundraising event, this Saturday night. We would love a few more donations of bottles of wine or a box of chocolates to add to our hampers. The TRIVIA NIGHT is set be a fun and entertaining evening and I look forward to seeing you all there. Here is a sneak peek at some of the students artwork, that will be auctioned on the night.
Cyber Safety
Last week all students across the school took part in an incursion on Cyber Safety with a presentation by our local Police. They all heard the important message about using caution when signing up for any new apps or social media, especially if the apps are for 13+. They discussed the dangers of what can happen when you accept friendship requests from strangers or when you share too much personal information online. It is critical that you have these ongoing conversations with your child and to be fully aware of everything that they are accessing online. We are investigating the prospect of a parent evening on cyber safety in the near future.
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
On Wednesday this week, we will open the bookings for our Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences. These will be held on Tuesday, 8 August in the Mary Mackillop Space and can be booked through PAM (link below).
All parents and students are expected to attend, unless you have had a (PSG) Parent Support Group Meeting, in the weeks prior.
PAM - https://pam.sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
Lunchboxes
This is just a reminder that students are not allowed to share food from their lunchboxes. Please remind your child not to share food and to eat everything from their own lunchbox.
Any packaging will be sent home and we ask that you please use small reusable containers for fruit and snacks.
Parking Safely at St John's
We urge all parents and families to always park safely when picking up or dropping off your child at school.
Please observe the Kiss and Drop or No Parking Signs at the front of the school and be aware of other cars and pedestrians.
There is always plenty of parking on the basketball court or on the other side of Whitehorse Rd if you need to park.
Ticket inspectors have been handing out tickets lately.
Do not double park at the front of the school as this causes accidents.
Policy Acknowledgement
Please complete the PAM acknowledgement of the new Child Safe Standards and Parent Code of Conduct policies on PAM.
PAM - https://pam.sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
Joke of the Week
Where do you learn to make ice cream? At Sundae School.
Have a wonderful week!
Verona Gridley
Principal
vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
PAM - https://pam.sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au