Principal's Report

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2020 School Year. I am very excited to be here, as the new Principal at St John's. I feel humbled and blessed to have been chosen to serve St John's primary school community and I look forward to working in partnership with you, as together we support your children's learning and growth. I am looking forward to getting to know all of our students and their families over the next few weeks. It is certainly a very vibrant and welcoming community and I feel a great sense of belonging already.

I have been teaching for many years at various schools around Melbourne. Most recently I have been at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Deepdene, as the Deputy Principal. I am passionate about education and have always enjoyed being a leader in Learning and Teaching, Social Justice and Religious Education.

I would like to thank Jacqui Marshall for her great leadership and her focus on supporting the students to achieve their best in all aspects of school life, which has helped the community greatly. I thank Jacqui too for her generous support and guidance during my transition and induction into Principalship.

Thank-you all, for the wonderful start to the new school year. It is always such a lovely time for our students and staff, as they return refreshed and energised from the summer holidays. 

My door is always open, so please come in and say hello!

First Assembly

Thank-you to the families who were able to join us for our first assembly on Monday. The Host class was 3/4KC, who shared their learning about School Wide Positive Behaviour Expectations, their class charter and their 'I Can Do It' motto. 

Founders Day Mass and Celebrations

Please join us for the celebrations on Founders Day. It will commence with Mass at 11.15am and will be followed by refreshments in the Narthex.

School Photos

Our school photos will be on Monday 10 January. Please ensure that your child has their full summer uniform on this day.

Prep Welcome Dinner Tuesday 18 February     

We look forward to celebrating the beginning of your child's school journey at the Prep Dinner. More details to follow.

Twilight Sports

The St John's School Sports will be held on Monday 2 March  at the Bill Sewart Reserve, Burwood Highway, East Burwood.       

Parent Meet and Greet                  

The Parent Meet and Greet sessions will take place on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 February. Please complete the form that comes home today and return to your students teacher prior to the meeting.

You may book in your meeting time on trybooking.

Staffing for 2020:

Verona Gridley                                   Principal

Monica O’Shannassy                      Deputy Principal, RE Leader 

Jenny Macleod                                   Administration

Naomi Ryan                                        Prep R 

Shannon Kearns                               Prep K

Emma Pattison (Buis)                     Year 1/2 EP / Student Wellbeing Leader

Carmel Barro                                      Year 1/2 CB

Kellie Cumming                                 Year 3/4 KC / Maths Coach

Tom Jackson                                      Year 3/4 TJ / E-Learning Leader

Kristina Reid                                       Year 5/6 KR

Marisa Box                                           Year 5/6 KR

Andrew Brown                                   Year 5/6 AB

Sue Walmsley                                     Library support

Ange Crowe                                         Learning Diversity Leader/Reading Coach

                                                                 Chinese Teacher Tutor 5/6

Louise Devoy                                      Performing Arts Teacher

Deirdre Cosgrave                              Visual Arts Teacher

Rosetta De Amicis                            Italian Teacher Prep - 4

Kim Wilson-Hartrick                        Learning Support Officer

Connie Pearse                                    Learning Support Officer

Kate Hetherington                           Learning Support Officer

Julie Carroll                                         Learning Support Officer

Melinda Kerwin                                  Learning Support Officer

Cheryl Apostolopoulos                   Learning Support Officer

Verona Gridley

Principal 

vgridley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au