Dear St John the APsotle Community

As you read this I am at the Year 6 Camp enjoying spending time with the students and staff.

The Year 6 Camp is such an important part of the way we set up our eldest students for the school year. They test their capacity to problem-solve and to collaborate together. Most importantly, it places them in such a differnet environment that they see aspects they never knew about each other. They see that others have the same vulnerabilities as themselves and they also see unexpected strengths in their peers. For those who embrace it, it is a profoundly positive experience.

Parent Information Night

Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended on Monday evening, for those who came to the hall session and for those who came a little later. We work very hard to provide easy opportunities for you to engage with your child's classroom and school experience. It was such a lovely evening and had a wonderful buzz about it. Thank you to our wonderful staff who prepared so well and to Mr Ganley who cooked a lot of sausgaes that kept families full for the evening! Thank you for the lovely feedback about our new staff and the newly painted areas.

We noticed on Monday evening that approximately half of the parents in some year levels turned up. I like to think that this is because a) some people are yet to download the new app to see the calendar and newsletter, b) the night clashed with too many family commitments to attend,  or c) many people are very comfortable and confident in their child's teacher this year and what will be happening in the classroom. The next day we sent home packs to parents who did not attend. In the meantime we have aslo received questions and emails about school and classroom that would have been answered at the information evening and in the packs.

Thank you for reading this Newsletter today and keeping up with what is happening in the school. We very much appreciate your effort in your busy life. Please encourage others around you to connect in with the SZapp to keep abreast of news and information. Simple permission slips will begin appearing soon and we would prefer these to be filled in online. Remember also to look at the information in your child's pack about connecting with Seesaw. Over the course of this year you will see some wonderful pieces of work from your child through this new means.

Community Council

Please remember the following:

The Community Council AGM will be held on Wednesday 20 February at 6pm. All parents, carers and members of the community are welcome to attend.

The Community Council provides an opportunity for members of the school and parish communities to support the vision of the school, and is an amalgamation of the roles of the P&F and School Board. 

Membership is made up of the school principal, assistant principal, elected parent representatives, staff representative and a representative from the Parish and we all come together twice a term to meet. 

This year, the Council is seeking a new Chairperson. If you are interested in this position or being a part of the Community Council, please nominate by contacting Veronica (current Community Council Chair) CommunityCouncil.sjaps@cg.catholic.edu.au or see me for further information.

Have a lovely weekend.

Matthew Garton (Principal)