Newsletter - Wednesday 21 June

Principals Report

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome back to the beginning of another term.  I hope you all found some way to endure the wintery weather during the holidays. I would again like to welcome Miss Jessamy Gridley to St John’s. Jess will be teaching three days a week in the 3/4D classroom and two days as our PE teacher. 

Throughout the term there will be many extra curricular activities for the children. Online safety sessions, Winter sports, Urban camp, Book week dress-up day, Father’s Day breakfast, Confirmation, AFL clinics and Footy dress day.  What a busy term, please keep an eye on the newsletter and PAM for details of all events/excursions. 

Georgia Tanner and her husband Anders, are excited to announce that they are expecting their first child early next year. We wish Georgia good health over the coming months.

National NAIDOC Week was celebrated across Australia last week, to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's NAIDOC theme,'For Our Elders', is an opportunity for all Australians to ensure our young people are learning from our Elders' knowledge and perspectives, and that these continue to be passed down through generations. Perhaps this week is an opportunity for your children to talk to their grandparents and have them share a story from their past.

Inform and Empower sessions for term 3 start next week for students Yr’s 1 to 6. These sessions will continue to inform and empower students to become more aware, clever, kind and brave online citizens. Information sheets will be sent home after these sessions.

Parent Teacher Interviews - will be held Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 July, information in regard to bookings has been emailed to families. Bookings are now open via PAM, we ask that bookings be made before Friday 14 to allow for organisation.  Please note that students are NOT required to attend.

Book Fair - Our annual Book Fair will run from Monday 17 to Thursday 20 July, students will browse the Book Fair on Monday and parents will be able to purchase from Monday afternoon. Book Fair will be open during Parent Teacher Interviews to allow families to purchase. See full details of opening times below. 

Friends of St John’s - The end of term disco was such a wonderful evening. The students thoroughly enjoyed the dancing, games, glow accessories and treats. A huge thank you to the Friends of St John's team and school staff for their organisation and support. The next Friends of St John’s meeting is on the 27th July at 9:30am.

Canteen & Uniform Shop Closure - The canteen & uniform shop  will be closed on Thursday 20 and Monday 24 July, apologies for any inconvenience. 

Winter Sport for our Grade 5 & 6 students commences next Friday 21 July, please refer to the calendar in PAM for details. Permissions for away games are now open, please action these at your earliest convenience. 

Chris Dortmans,  Principal

St John the Baptist Feast Day - Thur 22 June

Religious Education News

Last week our Social Justice Leaders launched the St Vincent de Paul ‘Tinnies For Vinnies’ Winter Appeal. This is an annual campaign organised by the St Vincent de Paul Society, who work tirelessly to help those in need in our community. This appeal takes place during the winter season when vulnerable individuals and families often face additional challenges due to harsh weather conditions. The Tinnies For Vinnies Winter Appeal aims to alleviate the hardships faced by these individuals and ensure they have access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter, warm clothing, and heating facilities.

As part of the St John’s approach to the Catholic Social Teachings of Dignity of the Human Person & Preferential Option for the Poor, we are asking families to consider giving to the appeal this year by donating non-perishable food items, non-food items, and winter woollies. A list of example items is shared further in this newsletter. Each classroom has been provided with a donation basket and donations can be made up until the end of August.

We thank you for your support during this campaign as we aim to bring hope, warmth, and a sense of belonging during a time when it is needed most in our community.

Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader

Pray Together

Upcoming Events

OSHC (Out of School Hours Care)

After School Hours Care operates out of the St Johns hall before and after school.

Please contact OSHC directly for all enquiries:

• 1300 946 337
• EnrolmentsOSHC@windermere.org.au

Alternatively you can visit them in the hall before or after school to enquire. 

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership