St Johns Newsletter - 4 June 2025

Principals Report

The Australian Government recently announced an Anti-Bullying Rapid Review. The Review will look at current approaches to addressing bullying in schools, what is working and what needs strengthening, with the aim of providing options for the development of a consistent national standard for responding to bullying and its underlying causes in schools. 

The Review co-chairs, Dr Charlotte Keating and Dr Jo Robinson AM, are seeking views from students, parents/carers, teachers, school leaders and those involved in school education across the country.  

To provide feedback through the submission process, please visit www.education.gov.au/antibullying-rapid-review 

This web page contains instructions on how to participate, along with the Review’s Terms of Reference. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: ABRRConsultations@education.gov.au

I Sea, I Care Ambassadors: Last term, students in Year 5 had the opportunity to apply for a new and exciting leadership position. Liliana, Ella, Peyton and Piper B wrote excellent applications and were chosen as the 2025 ISIC Ambassadors (I Sea, I Care)  The 4 girls were presented with their badges at the Week 6 Assembly on Friday. The ISIC focus for the year will be about the value of our marine environment, how we are always connected to it and how to teach the wider community to care for it.  

On Monday June 16th, the ISIC Ambassadors head to Woodlands Primary in Langwarrin with Rebecca Taylor (ISIC Coordinator) and Mel Hunt (ISIC Team Helper) to take part in a peer tutoring session, where they will learn more about the program. They will share this learning with our school at the Week 10 Assembly. The team will also head out on three other excursions that focus on waterways, catchment areas and being up close with marine life on the Moonraker Boat in Sorrento. We look forward to reporting back to the school about our experiences and learning throughout the year.

Regional Cross Country: Congratulations to Lincoln Butera and Max Bell who have qualified for Regional Cross Country at Hastings on Wednesday 18th June. We are so proud of them for reaching this level of competition. Good luck.

Confirmation: This evening, 13 of our Yr 6 students will be making their Confirmation. Bishop Greg, will be celebrating this special mass. The Rite of Confirmation includes a Renewal of Baptismal Promises, Laying on of Hands and and an anointing on the forehead with the Oil of Chrism. Thank you to the parents, teachers and parish for supporting these children in this stage of their faith journey.

Alycia Matthews will start her maternity level at the end of this week. We thank her not only for her dedication in the 3/4M classroom but also as our leader in Religious Education especially with our liturgies and masses. With you, we wish her good health as she awaits the arrival of her first baby.

Student Free Day - Friday 5 June: A reminder that this Friday is a Student Free Day for all students.

Regards

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Religious Education News

Tonight we celebrate our Grade 6 students who are doing their Sacrament of Confirmation, of which they have been preparing for a number of weeks. Last Friday they joined with the Grade 6 students from Columba and St James Primary Schools to participate in a Confirmation Reflection Day, led by Year 10 Youth Ministry students from Marist Sion College. The day involved reflecting on Pentecost and the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit and learning about living out faith in everyday life. We wish our Confirmation Candidates all the best this evening for this special part in their faith journeys.

This term, our school is supporting the St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal by collecting non-perishable food, toiletries, and winter woollies (new or gently used) to help those in need. This initiative reflects the Catholic Social Teaching of the ‘Dignity of the Human Person’ by showing care for the wellbeing of others. Each classroom has a donation basket, and our Social Justice Leaders have spoken to students about the importance of this appeal. We are collecting donations until the end of term. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader

Upcoming Dates

4/6: Sacrament of Confirmation Mass @5pm

Pray Together

St Vincent de Paul - Winter Appeal

Friends of St Johns - Pie Drive & Disco

The Resilience Project - Parent Hub & TRP@Home

TRP@Home - Scan the QR code below to access

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 & School Holiday Program

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