St Johns Newsletter - 11 September 2024

Principals Report

The end of term 3 is a very busy one! This week our Grade 5 & 6 students attended camp on Phillip Island. They have spent the last few days visiting iconic destinations such as the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, Amaze-N-Things and Pelican Feeding at San Remo. CYC the Island offers lots of adventure activities and our students participated in abseiling, the pinnacle, pedal racers and trampolines. Along with ten pin bowling, a trivia night and fish and chips on the beach our students (and staff) will come back to school with lots of memories to share. Camps are a very important part of a child's education, they provide unique experiences and foster independence in a supported environment. Thanks to the staff who spent time away from their families to enable our students to participate in and enjoy this experience.

This week and next week our junior students are participating in swimming lessons at Cardinia Life, Pakenham. The swimming teachers at Cardinia Life are catering for the varied skill levels of our students by grouping them according to their swimming abilities. This swimming program is another opportunity for our students to not only develop their swimming skills, but also their independence. Our junior students are responsible for taking care of their belongings as well as getting themselves dried and dressed after the lesson. This can be a new experience for some students, especially the ones in Foundation, but staff are on hand to support them. There is usually a hiccup or two with someone’s socks or undies going missing, but for the most part everything runs smoothly.

Tonight, 11th September, Hugh Quinn and Mackenna Barker are participating in the Lion’s Club Junior Public Speaking Competition. This event is held at Tooradin Sports Club and will also include students from Koo Wee Rup Primary, Bayles Primary, Lang Lang Primary and Cardinia Primary. Hugh and Mackenna will present their speeches to a panel of judges. We wish them both the best of luck.

Wellbeing Day: A reminder that this Friday is our Wellbeing Day at St Johns, students are encouraged to wear a “touch of yellow”. Please see the flyer below for full details. 

The highlight of next term, if not the year, is our Whole School Production: Alice in Wonderland Jr. The classes are busy with Mrs McFarlane rehearsing and Bill is busy making scenery, it promises to be a wonderful event. Information and permissions in regard to production will go home over the next few weeks, so please keep an eye out.

A reminder that Term 4 is summer uniform and hats are required. 

Term 3 concludes on Friday 20 September with a 2:30pm finish. On behalf of Chris and our staff at St John’s, I hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable school holiday break. See you on the first day of term 4 on Monday 7th October.

Regards

Jacki Taylor, Deputy Principal

Religious Education News

As we finish off our Term 3 celebrations we look ahead to Term 4. In Term 4 we will celebrate World Mission Month, a special time when we focus on helping people around the world and supporting Catholic Mission, the Pope’s official mission agency working to combat the challenges of poverty in every part of our world. It’s a chance for us to think about how we can share our blessings and make a positive impact. At St John’s, we embrace this month by showing our commitment to helping others, both near and far.

To celebrate World Mission Month, next term we'll kick off Socktober. This year Catholic Mission’s focus is on supporting the amazing work at the Don Bosco Caring Centre in Mongolia. On October 14, we’ll have a Crazy Sock Day, where students can wear their wildest socks to school with a gold coin donation. Let’s come together to make a big difference with a simple act of kindness. More information will be provided early next term. For more information on Catholic Mission, visit https://www.catholicmission.org.au/ .

Pray Together

Wellbeing Day - Friday 13 September

Sock Fundraiser - Orders close Fri 20 Sept

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. 

Uniform Shop & Canteen

Canteen

Our canteen is now closed for the term. 

Uniform Shop 

Uniform orders are processed on Monday & Thursday, orders must be placed by 2pm on these days via CDFpay.   For exchanges or general enquiries in regard to sizing, second hand uniform etc please email Belinda:  uniform@stjohnskwr.catholic.edu.au 

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.