Dear Parents and Carers,

The Gospel passage for last Sunday, tells us the beautiful story of someone who had a real conversion after an encounter with Jesus Christ. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of Jericho and tree-climber, ends up doing great things when the Lord comes to dine with him.

We are told Zacchaeus needed to climb a tree in order to see the passing Lord. This action says something about his tenacity or at least curiosity to know more about this man of whom many spoke. Seeing the Lord and listening to his words, Zacchaeus reveals a readiness to change his ways and make amends for any he may have defrauded.

The most important point, no matter what the profession of Zacchaeus or anyone else may be, is simply that “the Son of Man has come to search out and save what was lost,” as Jesus expressed it. While we rejoice in this reality, we must also apply it to our daily life, that is, never lose hope in others, either our friends, family, co-workers, perceived enemies, or whomever. We must keep striving to assist those in need, the loveable or not, and extend to them the loving hand of Jesus as best we can.

Over the coming week, consider the ways that you, just like Zacchaues, can try to catch a glimpse of Jesus in your everyday life.

CLASS FORMATION GROUPINGS 2020 – FINAL WEEK FOR PARENT REQUESTS.

This lengthy process of class formation for 2020 has now commenced in earnest this term.

This process involves the current class teachers preparing draft lists for next year’s classes. This process takes into consideration the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each individual student. Decisions are made to establish balanced, equitable class groups with the potential to work well together. As the teachers know the students within the school environment exceptionally well, the best interests of each individual student is always considered during the discernment process.

Parents are invited annually to contribute to the process of class formation by informing us in writing of any needs that may impact on class placement. Written requests could be submitted either through the class teacher or via an email to info@sjctdow.catholic.edu.au marked in the subject line – 2020 Class Formation.

Parents are able to provide input during Weeks 1 - 4 in Term 4. This means that all requests need to be made by this Friday 8^th November 2020.

It is important to note that whilst parental requests are considered, there is never a guarantee that these requests will be granted. If parents make a request, particularly about their child being placed within a friendship group, please be aware that there may be circumstances surrounding such requests that may prevent it from being granted.

ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT PARENT SURVEY 

All parents have the opportunity, via an anonymous online survey, to provide input into areas affecting the education of their children and the general functioning of the school. All feedback is greatly valued and will assist in contributing not only to the preparation of the Annual School Report but also to the future directions in planning for school improvement.

The survey can be accessed by pasting the URL listed below into your web browser.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnS8A8E8_ra0HO1Mpnch2FYJMTtSBCT6khDqrzC3sAOJaypA/viewform 

Alternatively parents who prefer to complete this survey as a hard copy these will be available through the Office. A copy has also been included with this week’s bulletin.

After a significant career spanning over three decades at St John’s, I wish to advise the school community that Mrs Colleen Bluett will be retiring at the conclusion of 2020. Over this time, Colleen has held a variety of teaching roles and leadership positions. Colleen has been instrumental in being a positive influence in the lives of many students over many years of dedicated service.

We also would like to wish Mr Wayne Sly our best wishes as in 2020 he will be relocating to Western Australia for family reasons. Wayne has been a dedicated staff member at St John’s for the past four years. We wish Colleen and Wayne all the best as they will both be sadly missed at St John’s.

We wish to congratulate the staff members who will be continuing at St John’s in 2020 –

Hannah Witheridge, Jodie Owen, Manuela Brticevich, Andrew Astill and Alicia Sinfield. We also congratulate new staff who will be joining our community and look forward to welcoming Suzanne Johnstone in 2020. Further staffing appointments will be made over the coming weeks.

We are certainly blessed at St John’s to have passionate educators who are involved in contributing to the ongoing education of our students. We are grateful to all our staff for the contributions they make on a daily basis to making a difference to the lives of our students.

Enjoy the coming week and may we continue to walk in peace and joy,