St Johns Newsletter - 2 July 2025

Principals Report

As the first semester draws to a close, we're excited to celebrate the remarkable growth and progress of all our students. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and effort throughout the semester. It's been wonderful to see their faces light up as they've engaged in their learning and shared their successes. Congratulations to every student on their outstanding achievements this semester.

A huge thank you to the dedicated staff of St John’s. Their passion, teamwork, and commitment to planning high-quality learning experiences for our students are truly appreciated. We're incredibly fortunate to have such a hardworking team. Staff have put in many hours writing Semester One reports this term, and we hope families enjoy reading about their child/ren's achievements.

These Semester 1 reports will be distributed on Friday 4th July via PAM.  Student reports are one of the valuable links between school and home to allow you to gain an insight of how your child is progressing with their learning at St John’s.

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in the second week of Term 3, information in regard to bookings will be sent to all families via email on Friday 4 July.

Future Planning: As we plan for the future expansion of our school it is helpful to have an idea of the Foundation enrolments we may expect in the coming years. 

In order to assist us in this regard we ask that existing families with Foundation students to enrol from 2027 onwards complete this short survey before Friday 4 July.

The Resilience Project: As part of ‘The Resilience Project’ lessons in Yrs 3 to 6, students were surveyed about their sleep habits and screen time use. It served as a reminder of the importance of a healthy sleep, screen time balance.

Excessive screen time can significantly harm a child's development, affecting them physically, mentally, and socially. While some exposure to screens can be educational, too much can lead to problems like poor sleep, behavioral issues, and challenges with social interaction.

Adequate sleep is just as vital, acting as a cornerstone for children's overall health and well-being. It's essential for their physical growth, a strong immune system, improved focus, and better memory. Sufficient rest also helps children manage their emotions and behavior. Conversely, not enough sleep can negatively impact a child's health, academic success, and emotional stability.

School Closure Day Reminders: Friday 4 July and Monday 21 July are school closure days for the purpose of staff professional development. Our final day of Term 2 for students is tomorrow, Thursday 3 July with a normal 3:10pm finish time. Students commence Term 3 on Tuesday  22 July. 

Finally, I will be away on leave for the first week of Term 3, Mrs Jacki Taylor will be Acting Principal in my absence.  I wish all our families a safe and enjoyable holiday period and look forward to seeing you all when I return.

Regards

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Religious Education News

Throughout this term, our Social Justice Leaders have promoted the St Vincent de Paul ‘Tinnies For Vinnies’ Winter Appeal. This is an annual campaign organised by the St Vincent de Paul Society, to help those in need in our community. This appeal takes place during the winter season when vulnerable individuals and families often face additional challenges due to harsh weather conditions.  This appeal is in line with St John’s approach to the Catholic Social Teachings of Dignity of the Human Person & Preferential Option for the Poor, where we asked our school community to support the appeal this year by donating non-perishable food items and winter woollies. This week, baskets of items from each classroom were handed over to the local St Vincent de Paul society for their outreach pantry. If over the holidays you are cleaning out cupboards or wardrobes, please consider whether these items are worthy of passing onto someone in need. We can pass these items on to St Vinnies next term.

We thank you for your support as we aim to bring hope, warmth, and a sense of belonging during a time when it is needed most in our community.

Pray Together

Winter Appeal Donations!

This term in Visual Art.....

The Resilience Project - Parent Hub & TRP@Home

TRP@Home - Scan the QR code below to access

Friends of St Johns - Disco

Lollies - 50cents each, Glow products priced between $1 - $5, Cordial provided for all students

Tickets will be sent home on Thursday 3 July - if you have missed purchasing a ticket you can pay at the door using EFTPOS. 

Upcoming Events

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

Book Fair - Term 3

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

Community News