St Johns Newsletter - 5 November 2025

Principals Report

Understanding Our 2026 Class Structure

As we prepare for 2026, we’d like to share some information about our class structures and why our school continues to use composite classes across all year levels.

Why composite classes? Composite (multi-age) classes allow us to:

• Balance class sizes and student groupings across the school.
• Build collaborative teaching teams that plan and assess together.
• Provide flexible, targeted teaching so every child learns at their point of need.

This model also supports a strong sense of connection and continuity as students learn alongside different peers and teachers over time.

What does the research say? Extensive research shows no significant difference in academic achievement between straight year-level and composite classes. The biggest factor influencing learning is quality teaching, not class structure.

Studies also highlight several benefits of composite settings:

• Peer learning: Older students develop leadership skills by supporting younger classmates.
• Social growth: Children learn empathy, cooperation, and confidence within diverse peer groups.
• Individualised learning: Teachers focus on each student’s stage of development, rather than age alone.

These findings are supported by research from Veenman (1995), Thomas (2012), and more recent Australian studies, including work by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).

Our approach: At St John's, composite classes are part of a whole-school teaching model. Our teachers work closely together to plan programs, monitor progress, and differentiate learning. This ensures consistency across the cohort and allows every student to be challenged and supported appropriately.

In summary: Composite classes are a deliberate choice that align with our school’s values — fostering flexibility, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. With skilled teachers and a shared approach to planning, we’re confident this structure provides the best opportunity for every child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our Socktober Social Justice awareness focus and fundraising for Catholic Mission was again a huge success. The funds raised in the classrooms and from the Crazy Sock day totaled over $420. Thank you all for your generosity.

The St Johns’ Art Show is tomorrow and we are looking forward to the wonderful atmosphere that this event creates. Come along and enjoy the children's masterpieces, bid on the class artworks, enjoy some food and relax amongst the live music.   

Grandparents Day is this Friday and is a wonderful event enjoyed by many of our families annually. It is an opportunity to celebrate the grandparents in our lives and share a small part of our students' school life with them. 

See our schedule of events below, come for the whole day or just the events that interest you, if grandparents can’t come invite a special friend of the family. 

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal: For the remainder of this term, our school is proud to support the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal.  We invite all families to donate Christmas items like bonbons, Christmas cakes, chocolates, and other Christmas treats to help bring joy to families in need. Each classroom will have a collection basket and we ask for your generous support.  It’s not just about the ‘giving’ but an opportunity for family discussion about helping others and be grateful for what we have.  The items we collect will be given to the St Vincent De Paul Society to be made into hampers and given to local families.

Each classroom will have a collection basket for donations. 

Regards 

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Religious Education News

Over the next couple of weeks, some of our Yr3 students are preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation. One of the Gospel passages they focus on is the parable of the Lost Sheep

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

So how does this relate to our times and context?

Let’s say; Some were questioning why the school spent so much time with students who often got into trouble. Imagine we have one hundred students. Ninety-nine follow the rules and try their best. But one student struggles — they get upset and frustrated, make mistakes, and find aspects of school hard. Wouldn’t we go and help that one student? We’d listen, encourage them, and help them make better choices. And when that student finally has a good day, we’d all be so happy!

That’s how God feels when someone who’s been making wrong choices decides to do what’s right. He celebrates because the one who was lost has been found.”

Pray Together

The Resilience Project

Breathing Exercises and Anxiety

Breathing exercises like box breathing and 4-7-8 breathing can help manage anxiety by slowing your heart rate and calming your nervous system. For box breathing, inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4, repeating the cycle. With 4-7-8 breathing, inhale for 4, hold for 7, and exhale for 8 counts, repeating the cycle. Other techniques include focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and using simple, guided exhalations.

St Johns Art Show - Thursday 6 November

Grandparents Day - Friday 7 November

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership

Uniform Ordering - Beleza

St Johns uniform is sold through Beleza both in their Pakenham store and online - see links below for online shop  or shop location/contact details. 

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 via this link:  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. 

Community News - Lang Lang Soccer Club & Koo Wee Rup RSL Christmas Events

Colouring competition entries - these will be distributed to classrooms in the week beginning 5 November  for those students wanting to enter - completed entries MUST be handed in via the classroom before Wednesday 26 November. 

Christmas Cooking & Craft Competition Entry forms - can be collected from the office or downloaded below.