A Message from the Principal

We are looking forward to welcoming the school community this Friday night to celebrate together again on our new school grounds. The Family Movie Night will feature the School Production and it will be a great opportunity to bring everyone together again. As our building project has been finalised it is important to recognise the work of all the parents who have supported the project over a number of years. I would formally like to thank Sovan La for the work put into gaining the Telstra Grant for the purchase of the new shade sails. I would also like to thank all of the parents who contributed three years ago towards the fundraising, which has been used to purchase the new security gates and fencing ($20,000). Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

Advent

This Sunday marks the beginning of the Season of Advent. At St John's we will be focussing on how Jesus Inspires us. The celebration of his birth is a significant time in the Liturgical Calendar. As a school, we will begin our assembly next Monday with lighting the first Advent candle.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Last Saturday many of our Year Six students celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation in St John's church with all of their families. Bishop Les Tomlinson confirmed the students and Father Dispin concelebrated Mass with all of us. The celebration was a very joyous occasion and it was so lovely to gather with our community again in the church. I would like to thank Monica O'Shannassy for all of her work in preparing the Reflection Day and the Sacrament. Thank you also to our Year 5/6 teachers, Emma Pattison and Andrew Brown for preparing our students so beautifully.

Dreams Under the Big Top

Our Whole School Production has been a huge success. Our Year 5 and 6 students were extraordinary in their main roles. Special thanks to Ms Lou Devoy, all the staff and parents for your assistance in making this such a brilliant show. Despite the lockdown we were able to create a very professional performance. The classes danced and performed amazing circus tricks to bring together our story, to follow their dreams and not to be afraid to try new skills. We cant wait to share it with you all this Friday night.

Don't forget to order your copy from Encore Videography.

Water Safety

Congratulations to Boston in 1/2CB who entered an artwork in the National Water Week Poster Competition and won the Year 1 - 2 category. They received an overwhelming response with some amazing interpretations of the theme: Caring for Water and Country.

The comments from the judges were, "Boston’s artwork shows strong links to the theme, with systems, wetlands, meeting places, hunting grounds, native vegetation and constellations. We love the rainbow serpent."

Thank-you to all of the students who entered the competition.

Healthy Students

We are trying to maintain good airflow and healthy classrooms for all of our students. Year 3-6 are still required to wear masks indoors while at school. There are many different bugs and viruses around so please ensure that your child's symptoms are gone before they return to school.

Student Safety

As you are aware the Council has installed new 'Kiss and Drop' signs at the front of the school. They have been visiting to ensure that parents and carers are using the parking zone for 2 minute drop off and pick up. The students safety is a top priority. Please see the poster below for more details.

Parish Raffle

I hope that everyone has received their parish raffle tickets. Please sell them to your family and friends. This is a major fundraiser for the parish and the school. Please return all sold raffle books with the money to the school as soon as possible.

Joke of the Week

"What’s the difference between the bird flu and the swine flu?

One requires tweetment and the other an oinkment."

Have a fabulous week!

Verona Gridley

Principal

vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

Parish Christmas Raffle