Principal's Report

Dear Families,

Our community has been shaken by the recent news of the Principal, Verona Gridley's sudden poor health. I thank you all for your support of Verona, the staff and myself since the news of her illness. Please continue to keep Verona and her family in your thoughts and prayers as she commences chemotherapy treatment this week. The Community Association have sent flowers to Verona today, on behalf of the school community, to let her know that we are all thinking of her. They will also plan to organise assistance in a few weeks time once we know what she requires. Any cards can be dropped at the school office and we will ensure that they are delivered to Verona.

2021 Start Dates and Staffing

The 2021 school year will commence for staff on Wednesday 27 January, 2021. Prior to commencement, Thursday 28 and Friday 29 January have been reserved for student assessment and analysis of results. An email will be sent home shortly detailing the procedure and expectation for parents to book an appointment for students to come to school for pre-testing on either the Thursday or Friday. School will resume for all students Prep-6, on Monday 1 February.

I have listed below the class structures and teachers for the 2021 school year.

Prep - Shannon Kearns

1/2 - Carmel Barro and Kristina Reid

3/4 Kellie Cumming & Tom Jackson

5/6 - Emma Pattison & Andrew Brown

We congratulate Julia McPhee, who replaced Naomi Ryan on maternity leave in August, on her new teaching position at Doherty's Creek College, Truganina for 2021. We thank Julia for her care, enthusiasm and commitment shown to the Prep students in her charge. Julia started at St John's during the period of remote learning and she has been a wonderful asset to our school community.

We wish her all the best at her new school.

Italian Day

Grazie Signora DeAmicis for a wonderful Italian Day celebration last Thursday. Students created clay sculptures of iconic Italian landmarks, drew Modigliani inspired art, played soccer, participated in waiter relays, created Venetian masks and enjoyed pizza and gelato for lunch. An enjoyable day, full of learning experiences, continuing the development of students' knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the Italian culture.

School Closure Day

Last Friday staff participated in Professional Learning on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Staff explored the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at the Melbourne Museum before participating in the Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have a particular and enduring importance to our society, assisting all of us to understand the uniqueness of these cultures and the wisdom and knowledge embedded in them.

Before School Care

A large number of students have been arriving to school before 8:30am. School day starts at 8.45 and students are supervised from 8.30am onwards. Prior to this teachers need time to prepare for the school day and the office is not attended. Your child's safety is a priority and of great importance. Parents are asked to use Camp Australia if you need to drop your child/ren at school before 8:30am.

End of Year Events

Due to COVID we have had to make some changes to our traditional EOY events.

Art Expo - Google Site created & link to be sent to families Friday 27 November.
Confirmation - Thursday 3 December, 7.00pm with limited numbers.
Carols on the Green - will become Carols on the Screen and video link will be sent out the week beginning Monday 7 December.
Thanksgiving Mass - we will not be having a Thanksgiving Mass for whole community this year but an end of year mass for students only will take place Monday 14 Dec, 9.00am.
Prep Nativity Play - will be recorded and a link sent to families of prep students
Year 6 Graduation Ceremony - Monday 14 December, 7.00pm - we are still waiting to see if parents will be able to attend otherwise it will be students and teachers only.
Final Assembly - will be held outside on Tuesday 15 December, 2.30pm. 2021 school captains, Deakin Shield recipients and the Adamson Cotter Award will be announced at this assembly.

Have an enjoyable week,

Monica O'Shannassy

moshannassy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au