Message from Lauren

Hi Families,

We hope the long weekend brought time for much needed re-connection and joy. I was very grateful to be able to travel down to Point Lonsdale and visit family and friends who I haven't seen in a very long time.

Welcome back

We would like to formally welcome back all children to St. John's!!! We are beyond excited to be back together and we are looking forward to celebrating our return on Friday 5th November with a sausage sizzle cook up (adhering to all COVID-safe guidelines)!

In the afternoon, our Prep-Two Hubs will enjoy a performance by the amazing Damian Peck. Our 3/4 Hub will enjoy some Sports Activities and our 5/6 Hub will enjoy a Trivia competition. Over the coming weeks, our educators have been organising some experiences that will help to strengthen dispositions for learning.

COVID restrictions update

The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria have released a new School Operations guide effective from Monday 1st November. Some important points we'd like to share include:

Excursions/incursions

All excursions and incursions consistent with vaccination requirements and other health and safety controls are permitted.

Mask wearing

All children from Years 3-6 are still required to wear a mask indoors unless medical exemption applies. Staff are also expected to wear masks indoors where this doesn't interfere in the act of teaching.

Air purifiers

These are being rolled out slowly across the state. There has been an initial focus on Secondary Schools as they have children sitting exams.

Assemblies/liturgies

Density limits apply to indoor and outdoor spaces. We are hoping to hold all assemblies and liturgies outdoors (weather permitting) from now until the end of the year. Beginning in Week 7, each Hub will host an Advent liturgy focused on Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Families from the hosting Hub will be invited to attend. Please see the Faith section of the Newsletter for further information. We kindly ask that upon entry into Joan's Yard, a St. John's staff member sites your COVID double vaccination and you check in via QR code.

School Photos

School photos are able to be taken! As there is no availability from our usual company, Advanced Life, our resident photographer, Jackie (a 5/6 Hub educator) will take these on Wednesday 17th November.

Confirmation

This will be celebrated on Monday 29th November at Our Lady's Church. Density limits will apply.

Farm News

Families are invited to visit the Farm after school or on weekends to spend time in the garden and even pull a weed or two. Please leave the produce as it is used by the children during the term. To enter, contact our office for the lock combination and we ask that you remember to lock the gate when you leave.  Please consider the environment, other users of this area and COVID-safe measures of social distancing.

Please note that currently, there is an excessive amount of water on the ground and in the fire pit at the Farm from the downpours. The fire pit has been taped off but please be mindful if you visit over the next few days.