A message from Emily

Dear parents and carers,

Welcome back for Term 4! It is hard to believe we are already making preparations for the end of the year. Time flies when you're having fun, and the excitement certainly continues this term.

Yesterday, the 5/6 Hub launched their projects to the 3/4 Hub and special guest, Mayor of Maribyrnong City Council, Mohamed Semra. The children were thrilled to share their learning with Mohamed, who spoke highly of their proposals for the redevelopment of the old Footscray Hospital site.

Mohamed also spoke passionately to the students about what inspires and motivates him as a local leader. His deep commitment to the community and his remarkable personal story—recently featured on ABC's Australian Story—left a wonderful impression on our 5/6 children.

I also took the opportunity to speak with Cr Mohamed about our current project to redevelop our school hall and let him know how much we would appreciate his support with our permit applications. As our school falls within his ward, he generously offered to support St John's. In addition, I will be joining some of our PFA representatives in a meeting with Katie Hall today to discuss future developments and funding support for our school community. I will share further updates as these conversations progress.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with our uniform supplier alongside two of our Year 6 students, Frankie and Rhoda, who presented their design ideas for a potential new school jumper. This was a wonderful initiative driven by Frankie and Rhoda, who came prepared with clear criteria regarding materials, design features, and colors. We look forward to receiving the design storyboards based on our discussion and will consult the broader school community for feedback once they arrive.

As we begin to (hopefully!) enjoy warmer weather, a gentle reminder to all families that hats must be worn by children during outdoor activities throughout Term 4. We have a few hat options available for children to choose. A small supply can be purchased directly from the school office, or you can order online and in-store through Spartan.

• Order online - Link
• Visit the store - Spartan School World, Central West Shopping Centre Shop,  Ashley St, Braybrook VIC 3019 (Next to Flip Out Braybrook)

Wellbeing Update: Supporting Behaviours and Expectations

Recently, we developed a team representative of staff across all sections of the school to continue our exploration on how we can continue to care for the safety of our children whilst also supporting behaviour choices.

A consistent behaviour support approach can also lead to: 

• increased independence

• better communication 

• stronger relationships

• greater community participation

• improved emotional wellbeing increased choice and control

• enhanced dignity and inclusion 

Effective behaviour support can be taught, learned and repeated, so facilitating the sharing of good practice is key. 

As part of this process, we will focus on the area of moving safely throughout the school which links directly with our Ways of Working - I am Safe. We are Safe. 

Teams will set expectations and trial routines, such as how we move from outside to inside the learning spaces after break time and eating time. This is a focus across the whole school. 

🌱 A Big Thank You to Our Farm Volunteers!

A huge thank you to all of our wonderful Farm volunteers who generously gave their time over the school holidays to care for our chickens, gardens and veggie patch. 🐔🥕🌿

We are so grateful for the time, care and love you put into keeping our Farm thriving while everyone was enjoying a well-earned break. We couldn’t do it without you! 💚

🐦 The Great Aussie Bird Count

Get ready to take part in The Great Aussie Bird Count! 🐦

This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and families to get outdoors, connect with nature and discover the amazing birdlife living in our local area.

Keep an eye out for more information about how you can get involved, and start brushing up on your bird-spotting skills! 🔎🦜

For more information and some great resources, visit the Great Aussie Bird Count website.

🌿 Term 4 Farm Working Bees

Our Farm Working Bees are back for Term 4! We would love to see our wonderful Farm community getting their hands dirty and helping our Farm flourish.

Working Bees will be held on Fridays during Weeks 3, 5, 7 and 9:

📅 Week 3: Friday 23 October

📅 Week 5: Friday 6 November

📅 Week 9: Friday 4 December

Bring along your sturdy shoes, gloves and willingness to get stuck in! 🌱🪴🐔

We look forward to seeing our Farm family back at the patch!

This term we will be selling Zooper Doopers and Berri Quelch Fruit Sticks every Thursday for $1. 

What's coming up:

• Family Photos Fundraiser 10/11th October. 
• 14th October - Year 3 Day Camp
• 14 - 15 October - Year 4 Overnight Camp

Save the date

• Tuesday 1st December : 1 and 2 Hub Afternoon Tea
• Friday 11th December : Year 6 Graduation
• Tuesday 15th December : Last day for children. 1pm finish
• Wednesday 16th December : Last day for staff

Warm wishes

Emily

OUR IMAGE OF THE CHILD

‘At St. John’s, we strongly believe that children are at the centre when given authentic and meaningful experiences. They flourish when their passions and interests are acknowledged and valued. Children are empowered when they take ownership for their learning. They have a right to develop autonomy through discovery.’

(St. John’s Staff, 2018)

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the owners of the land on which we live, play and learn at St John's Primary School, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

All students attending St. John's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.