St Johns Newsletter - 4 December 2024
Principals Report
Dear Parents/Cares
It is hard to believe we only have 21 more days until Christmas. The next couple of weeks will go by so quickly. In this busy time, may we not lose focus on the CHRIST in Christmas and that we are celebrating his birth. I thank all those families who brought in items for the St Vinnies Hampers. These hampers will be distributed to locals who need a little something at this time.
Friends of St John’s: Our final Friends of St John's meeting for 2024 was held last week. This was a great opportunity to reflect and review the past 12 months and to plan for 2025 events. We farewelled Rachel Richardson who, in one way or another, has been on the FoSJ for at least 10 years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for the support and the opportunities she has provided to our school community.
Gr 6 Graduation Mass: Tonight is our Graduation Mass, 7pm in the Church, followed by awards and presentations. This is an opportunity to not only farewell our Grade 6 students, but also to celebrate their achievements and memories at St John’s. We wish them all the very best for Secondary School.
Colour Event: This Friday to celebrate the end of the year and to farewell our wonderful Grade 6’s, we are holding a Colour Event. The children, in their grade levels, will run through an obstacle course where teachers will spray Indian Holu colour powder on the children’s clothing. This is a casual clothes day (light coloured clothing recommended), fully enclosed shoes MUST be worn. Please note: This is a student only event.
6th December Grade 6 Final Day (Guard of Honour): Traditionally we end this day with a whole school guard of honour for the Grade 6’s with parents in attendance – this will take place on the basketball court at approximately 3pm. If you wish to attend please gather outside the hall gate before this time, we will let everyone in just prior to the guard of honour commencing.
Meet Your Teacher Morning: Monday 9th December - After recess students will find out who their 2025 teacher/s are and spend time with their classmates.
I would like to welcome two new staff for next year Crystal Meyer and Nicola Finch and welcome back Peta Barnett. They all bring great experience and knowledge which will complement our current staff.
Farewells
Mrs Sarah Manelski: Sarah commenced at St Johns in 2007 as a graduate teacher and has proven herself to be a wonderful educator. As an Art and Classroom Teacher, and as a part of the leadership team, Sarah has directed and inspired others to develop and improve themselves, and to bring about expert teaching practices across the school. Sarah has been loyal and supportive, always focusing on what is best for the children and the school. St Josephine Bakhita, Clyde North, is very fortunate to have recruited such a talented educator; we wish her every success in her future endeavours.
Mrs Georgia Tanner: Georgia also started with us as a graduate teacher in 2020, as Miss Williamson, she initially taught in the Yr3/4 area however found her true calling in the Juniors. As a teacher, Georgia brought much enthusiasm and passion to her role and she has continued to grow in her profession, building strong relationships with her students and co-workers. We have celebrated with her, a wedding, pregnancy and the birth of Olli. We are sorry to see her go but wish her well in her future teaching role at St Ita’s Drouin.
Reports Home: Friday 13th December: Student Academic Reports will be posted on PAM next Friday. If you have any queries regarding your child’s report, please make an appointment with your child’s teacher to discuss.
Regards
Chris Dortmans, Principal
Religious Education News
Over the past few weeks, our school has been getting ready for Christmas by learning about the Advent season. Our junior students have been leading the way with weekly Advent liturgies, reflecting on the special themes of this time of year. They’ve been thinking about the theme of ‘hope’ and what it means to them by writing their own “hopes for the future.” These beautiful messages are displayed in the Junior building, reminding us all to look forward with faith and positivity. It’s been wonderful to see how students are embracing the true spirit of Advent.
We’d also like to say a big thank you to all the families who supported our St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. Our community is very grateful for your generous contributions. We’ve collected so many donations, including food, toys, and gifts, to help make Christmas a little brighter for those in need. Check out the photo of all the class donation baskets – it’s a great example of how much our school community cares. Thank you for helping us spread hope and kindness this Advent season.
Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader
Upcoming dates
4/12: Grade 6 Graduation Mass @7pm
12/12: Whole School End of Year Mass @9:15am
Pray Together
Whole School Colour Event - Friday 6 Dec
To celebrate the end of year and farewell our Grade 6’s, we are holding a Colour Event on Fri 6th December.
This will be a casual clothes day and children are encouraged to wear eye protection (swimming goggles work well) and a white/light coloured t-shirt to show-off the colours. Appropriate enclosed footwear must be worn. The children, in their grade levels, will run through an obstacle type course where staff will spray Indian Holi powder on the children’s clothing.
Please Note: This is a student event only.
The Holi colour powder is non-toxic, non-flammable, skin safe, biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Made of corn starch and food grade colours, it is safe for all.
An example can be watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyGDsS3DzWw&feature=emb_logo
Friends of St Johns - 2024!
It has been another fantastic year of working behind the scenes to support our school, students & families.
Just a quick wrap up of what the FOSJ has been up to this year:
- Hosted a Welcome Picnic in February to welcome new families and bring existing families together
- Maintained bookclub opportunities for families
- Cooked pancakes to celebrate and support the kids knowledge of Shrove Tuesday
- Provided grade 6 shirts to acknowledge students final year of primary school
- Coordinated a huge Easter raffle with 87 prizes
- Ran Mother’s & Father’s Day stalls to give kids the opportunity to find that perfect little gift for someone special
- Ran amazing Mothers & Father’s Day raffles with some great donations from local businesses
- Ran the family favorite Winter Pie drive
- Closed off semester 1 with a bang hosting the student social calendar highlight: the school disco!
- Assisting with the St John the Baptist Feast Day
- Created a great tee towel keepsake to remember the school years
- Provided morning tea for the Blessing of the building
- Ran a sock fundraiser in Socktober
- Hosted afternoon tea for Foundation parents on their first Orientation
- Helped at Grandparents day by serving tea and coffee at morning tea as well as providing lunch
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who give their time so freely to provide the opportunities for our school community.
Thank you to Chris, Di and Nancy for their time support of our amazing committee, also to Belinda for running our canteen & uniform shop and supporting our activities and to lastly to Bill for always being there supporting us.
I would also like to acknowledge Rachelle Richardson for 10 plus years of volunteering her time to the St Johns community through the FOSJ. Rachelle has been our “go to” for every event and is always in the back ground putting bread and serviettes in a tub ready for a sausage sizzle, running School discos, coordinating book club and much more.
Regards, Dusk Crowley
Uniform Shop & Canteen
Canteen
A reminder that our final canteen day for 2024 is Monday 9 Dec.
Uniform Shop
Final uniform shop day is Thursday 12 December - online orders only.
Upcoming Events
No Upcoming Events
Christmas Eve Mass, Carols & Choir
St Nicholas Day Mass, Tue 10 December
Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership
