St Johns Newsletter - 21 May 2025

Principals Report

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Rose Ahrens passing. Rose was the sister of our dedicated teacher Bernadette Hance and often accompanied Bernadette with the music at our Masses. The entire school community extends its deepest sympathies and support.

While Bernadette takes leave, Nicola Finch will teach the FH Class.

I would like to welcome Mr Vince Ruffolo to our staff. Vince will teach 34M when Alycia Matthews commences maternity leave later this term. 

Erin Bolton, in 12B, will also be commencing maternity leave in the coming weeks. Nicola Finch will replace Erin in 12B for 3 days a week and Lisa Banjac will continue with the other 2 days.

At last Monday’s Staff Professional Development day we gathered with or Parish in Partnership schools, Columba Bunyip and St James Nar Nar Goon. This allowed us the opportunity to invite guest speakers to work with small groups on a range of focused topics for supporting students. Topics included;

• Behaviour is a form of communication
• Supporting student with developmental language disorders
• Authentic Inclusion, who are your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
• Specific Learning Disorder in Reading, Written Expression and Math
• Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviours (WSAPBS) The most influential behaviour in a school 

Congratulations to the 9 students who will be representing our District at the Division Cross Country level of competition next week. 

Next week is Reconciliation Week. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. On Thursday 29th May, we will be celebrating a Reconciliation Mass at 9:15am. We invite you to come along and join us.

All students in Grade 6 will attend the Confirmation Reflection Day to be held at St Johns on Friday 30 May. This day will be run by staff from Marist Sion College for grade 6 students from St Johns, Columba and St James.

The purpose of the day is to reflect on and participate in a variety of activities  regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

On Wednesday 4th June the confirmation candidates from our three Parish schools will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Bishop at a special evening Mass here at St John’s commencing at 5pm.

Regards

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Religious Education News

Catholic Education Week is a special time when we celebrate the gift of Catholic education in our lives. In 2025, this celebration takes on even deeper meaning as it coincides with the Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis. The theme for this year is Pilgrims of Hope, reminding us that we journey together in faith, guided by hope and trust in God. It is a time that we give thanks for the rich tradition of Catholic education and the values of faith, compassion, and community that shape our schools.

To mark this special week, we will join with our two Parish schools, Columba Catholic Primary School, Bunyip, and St James Primary School, Nar Nar Goon, to celebrate Mass, followed by morning tea and playtime together. These shared moments are a joyful reminder of our connection as a Catholic community. In classrooms, students will reflect on what it means to be Pilgrims of Hope, exploring why we love being part of a Catholic school and what makes our school a special place to learn, grow, and belong. Catholic Education Week invites us all to walk forward in hope, with hearts open to God and to one another.

Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader

Upcoming Dates

22/5: Grade 3-6 Catholic Education Week Mass @10am (St John’s Church)

23/5: Grade F-2 Catholic Education Week Mass @10am (St James’ Church)

29/5: Reconciliation Week Mass @9:15am

4/6: Sacrament of Confirmation Mass @5pm

Pray Together

Friends of St Johns - Pie Drive - ordering will open via CDFpay by Flexischools on Thursday 23 May

The Resilience Project - Parent Hub & TRP@Home

TRP@Home - Scan the QR code below to access

National Simultaneous Storytime

This year all classes participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime, this years story was The Truck Cat which was enjoyed by all classes. Classes also completed a range of activities about the story to support their learning. 

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events shows events for the next 4 weeks, for events further ahead please see the calendar in PAM. 

Camps, Sport & Excursions Fund (CSEF) & 2025 School Savings Bonus (SSB)

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CESF)

The Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund has been introduced by the State Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

The 2025 CSEF amount will be $154 per primary school student.

To be eligible for the fund you must be:

• A parent or legal guardian of a student enrolled at a registered Victorian school on the first day of Term two or the first day of Term Three; and
• Hold a valid means-tested concession card or be a temporary foster parent.

Application forms are available from the school office or may be downloaded via the link below
and should be lodged with the school by 22 June 2025.

2025 School Savings Bonus

The School Savings Bonus is a State Government initiative designed to assist families with cost-of-living pressures. Under this funding, each eligible student is entitled to a $400 bonus for application towards activity levies and uniform purchases from approved supplier. Within our school, all CSEF applicants are eligible to receive this funding. All families who have a Centrelink Health Care Card and have not applied for CSEF in the past are encouraged to contact the school office and initiate an application this year. Please refer to the below link for more information:

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

To enrol in OSHC please use the online enrolment form below: 

Enrolment Form

For all other information in regard to OSHC please follow the link below to their website: 

Out of School Hours Care | Windermere

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

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership