It is hard to believe that another school year is over and we are in the middle of December. There have been many highlights throughout the year. Below are some which come to mind:

• Engaging learning experiences being implemented in classrooms
• Excellent NAPLAN and PAT results in English and Mathematics
• Blessing and Opening of our new Canteen and Toilets
• Year 6 Graduation Dinner, Rewards Day & Liturgy
• Highlighting our School Vision & Mission
• Sacramental programs with our parish
• Various Masses and Liturgies
• Reenactment of Holy Week events
• Online safety talks with Constable Louise Michel
• Book Week Parade
• NAIDOC Week celebrations
• Harmony Day
• Wellbeing week
• St John’s Got Talent
• Public Speaking & Art Competitions
• Kindergarten – 100 Days of School
• Mini Vinnies Winter Sleepout & Fundraising events
• Transition to school playgroup and Kindergarten Orientation
• Watching the students participate in the athletics, swimming and cross country carnivals
• Sports gala days
• Maple continuing to support the well being of our students 
• Excursions and incursions during the year

We thank our parents and carers for their ongoing support in 2024. Special thanks also goes to the P & F for their efforts in organising events and supporting our school.

Thanks goes to the staff for their commitment and dedication towards the children’s learning and well being. They have gone above and beyond on many occasions throughout the year. The genuine concern by staff for all the students is evident with their daily interactions in classrooms and on the playground.

And finally, the special students here at St John’s. The way that so many of the students display our Good Samaritan values is a credit to the children themselves but also their parents and teachers. We thank the students for making it a privilege to be part of this special Catholic school community. 

CHRISTMAS

The feast of Christmas is about the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, when God took on human nature and became man in the person of Jesus Christ. The writers of the Gospel accounts looked back to the birth of Jesus from the perspective of his life, death and Resurrection (the Paschal Mystery).

We live now with the presence of Jesus among us through the Holy Spirit.  Our time is the time of what is, and the promise of what is to come: the fullness of the reign of God. God with us is both a present reality and a future event. This is a mystery of our faith. ‘Emmanuel’ from the Hebrew ‘God is with us’, is frequently found in Christmas carols, referring to the presence of God revealed in the life of Jesus.

On behalf of the staff, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the St John’s community for their support throughout 2024 and wish all the students and families a safe, holy and merry Christmas. I’d also like to thank Fr John & Fr Richard for their guidance and wisdom in nurturing our own faith throughout the year. We also wish all the students and families who are leaving our community all the very best as they journey elsewhere. 

THANKS TO THE 2024 SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Thank you to the School Captains for their wonderful example and leadership this year. This year our student leadership team was:

School Captains

Harrison (Harry) Brown 

Angelica Sullivan

School Vice-Captains

Mathias Abate

Cao (Hermione) Kieu

Emily Mansour

Kristie Nguyen

House Captains

Polding

Acacia-Rose (Rosie) Houston

Petal John

St Joseph

Noah Al Haider

Riley (Peter) Lambea

Therry

Stella Barbaro

Lucy Gabriel

Vaughan

Clare Da Silva

Amelia Noble-Murray

They have been a fantastic support for all teachers and students in the life of our school. We greatly appreciate the different initiatives they have embraced throughout the year. May they all continue to develop their leadership skills in the future and make an impact on their respective communities. 

MONITORING ONLINE ACTIVITIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

With the school holidays approaching, children are wanting to keep in touch with their friends from school. For many, this will be via online games and chats. This provides a fantastic opportunity to stay connected during the school holidays.

Keeping this in mind, we would encourage parents and carers to monitor their children’s online activities over the break. Please remember that staying involved and informed about your child's online activities is key. It's not about restricting their access, but rather empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely. By fostering open communication with children, they can make the most of the internet while communicating with their friends.