St Johns Newsletter - 14 August 2024

Principals Report

It’s not ok to be away nor to be late for school (Michael Grose)

One of the most important things you can do to ensure your child has a bright future is to make sure he or she goes to school every day—and gets there on time.

It sounds simple, but it’s true. The correlation between school attendance and children’s achievement levels is well established. The more time kids spend at school, the more likely they are to experience school success.

Conversely, according to a report from the Victorian Auditor General, students who are regularly absent from school are at the greatest risk of dropping out of school early, and of experiencing long-term unemployment.

When kids miss school, not only is their academic progress impeded, forcing them to catch up on missed work (which some never do), they often miss important interactions with their peers which can compound issues of social isolation and low self-esteem. 

It’s hard to get an accurate picture, but it would appear that Australian students miss an average of between 12 and 15 days per school year, with parent-condoned absenteeism highest among young primary-aged children.

That adds up to a year’s lost schooling over the school-life of a child. In today’s highly competitive world, this rate of absenteeism is alarming, putting our kids at a distinct disadvantage.

House Athletics: Last week we had our St John’s House Athletic Sports. Well done to all the students for competing hard and trying their best. Congratulations to Cremin (Red) for winning this year’s carnival.  Results of the senior events will be used as a means for qualification for the upcoming District Athletic Carnival. Thanks to Ms Jess Gridley for her organisation of this event.

Senior Winter Sports: Last week the grade 5/6 students played against St Catherines Berwick. The scores were:

Football: St John’s 107 points  to St Catherines 18 points       

Newcomb:  St John’s 0 Sets to St C 3 Sets

Netball A: St John’s 20 goals to St C 0 goals        

Netball B:  St John's 14 goals to St C 17 goals

This Friday, we play Trinity at Narre Warren South.

No Pets on School Site: For the safety of all our students a reminder to all families that no pets are permitted on the school site. The only exceptions are assistance animals or if you have made a pre-arranged time for show and tell with your child’s teacher. 

Bullying No Way Week: During the week we will be engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. We encourage parents and carers to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with their children about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support. You can visit the Bullying No Way website for tips around how to have this discussion.

St John's Facebook Page: We are pleased to announce that our Facebook page is now operational.  As a result we are collecting new Photo/Video consents for all students which incorporate Social Media consent, these are open via a Connect Field in PAM and we ask that families action this before Wednesday 21 August so we can have these in place before posting photos from recent events. 

The Facebook page will be used to promote our school to the wider community and to share good news stories and photos from activities and events. 

Please Note: 

• It is an expectation that all interaction with our Facebook page be respectful
• Comments will not be available on posts
• Only staff & students with permission for their photo to be posted on our Facebook page will be included in posts
• Where student photos appear in the newsletter we may use student first names only
• Where student photos/videos appear on our facebook page names will not be used

Please follow the link below to the page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563612581489

Regards 

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Religious Education News

This Thursday August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a significant feast day in the Catholic Church. This day honours the moment when Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. The event highlights Mary’s unique role in our faith as the first disciple and the ultimate example of devotion to God. For our school community, this celebration aligns beautifully with our Term 3 theme, “Love One Another,” as it reminds us of Mary’s deep love for God and her willingness to serve others selflessly.

Tomorrow our Junior students will lead us in Mass to celebrate this event. In our classrooms, students will delve into the story of the Assumption and reflect on how Mary's life exemplifies the love and care we are called to show one another. By exploring Mary's unwavering faith and her loving response to God's call, children will gain a deeper understanding of how they, too, can live out the theme of “Love One Another” in their daily lives. As a Catholic school, we are committed to fostering these values in our students, helping them grow in faith and in their capacity to love and serve others, just as Mary did.

Upcoming dates

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

28/8: Sacrament of Confirmation Masses @5pm and 7pm

30/8: Father’s Day Liturgy @9:15am

Pray Together

Book Week - DRESS UP DAY -Thu 22 Aug

Father's Day - Breakfast, Liturgy, Stall & Raffle

Footy Day - Thursday 5 Sept

Please Note: Footy Day lunch orders will open in CDFpay on Thursday 15 August. 

Friends of St Johns - Tea Towel Fundraiser - Orders close Friday 16 August

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. 

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. 

St Francis Xavier Yr 7, 2026 Tours

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.