Loving God,

Thank you for the gift of reading.

Help us to see stories not just as words on a page but as windows into other worlds and mirrors of our own lives. May we discover new ideas, learn about different people, and grow in empathy and understanding.

We ask you to bless our students as they learn to read and find joy in a good book. Bless our teachers who guide them and ignite a love for reading. And bless our families who share stories and create a home where books are treasured.

May our school be a place where every child can unlock the magic of reading and find adventure, wisdom, and wonder in every story they encounter.

Amen.

Dear Parents/Carers,

What a fantastic celebration of Book Week with our annual Book Week Parade! The COLA was a sea of colour and creativity as students and staff transformed into their favourite book characters. It was a true celebration of stories and the power of imagination, and it was a blessing that the wet weather did not dampen the excitement. Apologies are extended to those parents who were hoping to view the parade via Zoom. Technology was not working in our favour today.

A huge thank you to all the parents for the incredible effort you put into the costumes. From magical wizards to adventurous explorers, every single outfit was a testament to the wonderful world of literature. It was a joy to see the excitement on the children's faces as they paraded around, sharing their love for books.

A very special thanks to Mrs Julie Fraley, our amazing Librarian who coordinated the parade, and who works hard each day to instil a love of reading with all our children by ensuring the Library is a wonderful place to visit.

Congratulations to our students who attended the Diocesan Athletics Trials yesterday. You will be able to read about their achievements in this Newsletter. Suffice to say that I am very proud of the way the represented the St John's School Community.

I would like to wish our Year 6 students the very best as they travel to Canberra for their two-day excursion tomorrow and Friday. From past experience, I know that they will have a great time sharing this experience with their friends, and they will learn a lot about our country's government and Capital city.

Staff Development Day

You are reminded that the final Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day) is being held next Monday 25 August.

TELL THEM FROM ME- STUDENT SURVEY RESULTS

Last term we invited the community to take part in the ‘Tell Them From Me Survey’- students, parents and teachers. The data collected provides us with essential insights into identifying areas of strength and areas for improvement. 

We had 142 students (Years 4-6 only) who participated in the TTFM Survey. A snapshot of the data has been summarised below:

Primary Students Survey

Affirmations/Areas of strength

• A high percentage of students believe their teacher helps them to have a relationship with God and have opportunities for prayer and liturgy and 86% feel supported in their Catholic faith
• Majority of students know the school’s mission and vision
• 81% of students believe that teachers motivate them to show empathy for others.
• 73% of students feel accepted and valued by their peers and others at school, girls 64% and boys are 80%
• 86% of students feel they have positive relationships 
• 90% of students believe that schooling is useful in everyday life
• We sit above the mean in students feeling that there is someone in the school who will advocate for them.
• 90% of students try hard to succeed in their learning

Interesting/Areas of improvement

• 85-90% of students think students do not get in trouble at school for disruptive/inappropriate behaviour -
• 41% girls believe they are victims of bullying, boys 27%
• 44% of Year 4 students reporting having anxiety, 30% Year 5 and 6, Girls 43% and boys 25%  

Primary Students Engagement Survey

Affirmations/Areas of strength

• Consistently academically and socially the students are engaged. For example intellectual engagement is at 90% with the average at 86%. We are just above the average for most areas. 
• Students seem to be engaged and enjoying their time at school according to the data

Interesting/Areas of improvement  

• Disengagement is consistent from Year 4 onwards. These are below the norm for Stage 3. Consistent 16-17%.
• More student participation in school sports and clubs as 85% of students identified this as a positive.

Students Open-ended questions

Affirming/Areas of strength

• Mostly positive about the playground spaces
• Happy with the two toilet blocks
• Diversity / inclusivity 
• Sport
• Staff was generally spoken about positively (kind, listening, approachable)
• Safe space
• Catholic life was mentioned positively

Interesting/Areas of improvement

• Students identify area of need as more books
• Gender divide

Students at St. John's generally appreciate the supportive and friendly environment, highlighting positive relationships with teachers who are described as nice, helpful, and good at explaining difficult concepts. Many students also value their friendships and the opportunity to interact with peers. 

A recurring theme for improvement was the desire for more and better sports facilities and equipment. They specifically mentioned soccer goals on the Astroturf, more nets on basketball hoops, and additional sports activities. Some students also expressed a wish for greater fairness and equality between boys and girls in access to facilities like the Astroturf, and a stronger stance against bullying and mean behavior among students.

The data collected from our older students is extremely valuable and our school has begun to respond to their concerns. We will strive to improve in these areas for our students.

BOOK WEEK

On Wednesday, 20 August, we held our Book Week Character Parade in the morning. It was a wonderful school community event. The students all looked amazing and dressed up with the consideration of this year’s Book Week Theme- Book an Adventure. Thanks to the students and their families for the incredible effort in organising such a wonderful variety of Book Week costumes! Their teachers also did a fabulous job and got into dress-up mode as well.

It is truly a wonderful week to highlight quality texts and the importance of reading.

A special thank you to our wonderful librarian, Mrs Fraley, for organising the parade and other activities leading up to and held during the week.

Throughout the week, classes have read some of the shortlisted picture books from the CBCA. Click on the link below to find out the winners of the CBCA 2025 Book of the Year Awards.

SOCCER GALA DAY- YEARS 3-6

On Thursday, 28 August, we will have several teams representing St John’s at the Western Region Soccer Gala Day. We wish the students the very best on the Soccer Field at Raby and encourage them all to be safe, responsible, organised and respectful. But most importantly to have fun! 

The day is non-competitive to cater for children of all abilities. Teams have been selected based on preferences given by children earlier in the year. The aim is to give everyone an opportunity to participate, regardless of skill or ability. 

We look forward to finding out all about the Gala Day after the event. A special thank you to Miss Clarke and Mr Toohey for coordinating the teams for our school. 

Thanks to the teachers, parents and carers in anticipation of their support on the day.

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week :17th August - 23rd August

Week 4 - Awards: PRIMARY 

Students have received their sponsorship booklet and can now create their profile at www.myprofilepage.com.au.

There are big prizes up for grabs! Simply raise $10 to unlock your first incentive prize. The more you raise, the more prizes you will receive.”