Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the completion of the first semester and reach the half way point of the school year, it is appropriate that we pause and give thanks for all that has been possible so far this year. We can celebrate that students have had many opportunities over the past two terms to grow academically, physically, spiritually and socially.

Our school community is enriched by the dedication and commitment of the staff at the school.  At the end of this week we will break for the winter school holidays. The two weeks will hopefully enable the students to relax and recharge before returning for the second semester of the year.

Gratitude is also extended to parents for the way they have assisted and been involved at school during the past term. It is hoped that you will be able to continue your involvement throughout the remainder of the year. It is when the school and home can work together in partnership that students can truly benefit.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES –

Thank you to the many parents who have been able to attend Parent Teacher Conferences, with your child and his/her teacher over the past week. This is a great opportunity for parents to be informed about how your child is progressing with their learning so far this year.

It is also an opportunity for parents to ask questions and seek clarification about the Semester One report that was distributed last week to students in Years 1 – 6.

At St John’s, we understand the benefits to student learning when teachers and parents are able to work in close partnership together. We value the time that parents make to be present at these conferences.

We encourage parents to be informed about your child’s progress and following the parent teacher interview speak with your child about the goals that have been set to support further learning next term. We have also included the students in these Conferences, as we believe that this enables them to take greater ownership of their learning goals that have been set for next term.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers for the time and effort taken in writing the student reports as well as completing the Parent Teacher Conferences over the past week.

What each of us bring to St John’s are a variety of gifts. This includes you as parents who demonstrate support, co-operation and commitment. This week, as we engage in parent teacher conferences the demonstration of that support, co-operation and commitment is clearly evident.

We also see this every day as the children come into school proudly wearing their uniforms, and being ready to learn. We see it in the P&F who have worked hard in the organisation of last Thursday nights Infants and Primary Disco - all to support the work we do as educators at St John’s.

We are truly blessed to have the support of each other, as we make decisions that have a positive influence on the most important members of the St John’s school community – our students.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable break.

Mrs Jane Webb
Acting Principal

All parents are warmly invited to join us at a Mass of Thanksgiving to offer our thanks to Sr Laureen Dixon rsc, who will be leaving our school community and moving to Melbourne.

Please join us at 10am for Mass on Friday 5^th July, to give thanks for the wonderful contribution that Sr Laureen has made to the school community at St John’s.

This will be a special time to give thanks for Sr Laureen and pray for her as she moves to Melbourne.