St Johns Newsletter - 31 July 2024

Principals Report

It was wonderful to return from leave to find children and staff in such good spirits. I appreciated the time and opportunity to visit my daughter in the Northern Territory and to escape this cold weather. I’d like to thank Jacki Taylor for all that she did in my absence and for the whole school staff who supported her during this time. 

Parent Teacher Interviews: Thank you to families for attending last week’s parent-teacher interviews. Attending these interviews is one way of showing your child that you’re interested in their learning and their life at school while also promoting the communication lines between school and home.

Book Fair: Our Book Fair last week was a great success with total sales of approx. $4,400.  The school will receive a commission with which to buy new resources for our school library. Thanks to Megan Briganti for her organisation.

Division Mixed Netball: Last Friday, a team of our students competed at the Division Winter Sports. We are extremely proud of their efforts and the great sportsmanship shown by them at such a high level of competition. 

Uniform: One of our ‘Walk with St Johns’ key pillars is to be RESPECTFUL. This respect includes following the policy and procedures that we have in place. Wearing our school uniform correctly is one of those and we expect all families to adhere to this. Currently there are a number of students regularly not in school uniform, please let’s work together to respect our great school. We understand (especially in winter) that getting uniforms dried etc. can be difficult, if your child does need to be out of uniform for a day a simple written note to your classroom teacher is required.

Inter School Winter Sports: Competition commences this week with an away game at St Brigid’s, Officer. Students will compete in either Football, Netball or Newcomb, please see the calendar in PAM for more details. Next week, we play host to St Catherine’s.  

Inform and Empower; over the next couple of weeks, students will take part in their third live stream incursion for the year on digital safety and wellbeing. These sessions will inform and empower students to become more aware, clever, kind and brave online citizens. Information sheets will be sent home after the sessions.

Junior and Senior Athletics: Athletics for both Juniors and Seniors will take place next week, please see flyer below for full details.

Regards 

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Religious Education News

Our Grade 6 students are eagerly preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation, a significant milestone in their spiritual journey. Confirmation is the sacrament through which individuals receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, strengthening their bond with the Church and empowering them to live out their faith more deeply. In preparation for this, students are learning about the significance of Confirmation, deepening their relationship with God, and engaging in various activities such as classroom discussions, prayer, and reflection.

A key component of the preparation for Confirmation is the 'Saint Project', where each student chooses a Catholic saint to research, learning about their life, virtues, and contributions to the Church. This project helps students connect with their chosen saint as a spiritual role model and see how they can live out their faith in meaningful ways. As our students approach their Confirmation day, we invite all families to support and pray for them, encouraging them to embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit and live as true disciples of Christ.

Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader

Upcoming dates

8/8: Grades 3-6 Class Mass @9:15am

15/8: Grades F-2 Class Mass @9:15am

Pray Together

House Athletics

Friends of St Johns - Whole School Tea Towel Fundraiser

Order a Tea Towel keepsake featuring students artwork!!

All students will complete their own artwork to be included on this keepsake whole school tea towel - see example below. 

Tea Towels can be ordered via CDFpay 

$23 each 

                                                                                 Orders close Friday 16th August

                                                                                          Delivery of orders will be before the end of term. 

Note: Students will complete their artwork via classrooms for inclusion on the Tea Towel. 

Authour Visit (Michael Wagner) - Pre-purchase of books - closes 16 August

Upcoming Events

Whole School Musical - Save the date!

Wednesday October 30th, Bunjil Place, Narre Warren

Students are working hard rehearsing and are looking forward to the Production. 

Further information will be provided closer to the event in regard to arrangements & ticketing etc. 

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership

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.