Dear St John the Apostle families,

Today we celebrated Harmony Day. Students were able to learn about the many cultures and languages we each identify with and bring to school with us every day. Thank you to Mrs Macdonald and the Specialist Teachers who prepared students for our celebrations today.

As a celebration of diversity I am reminded of the phrase 'difference is the norm'. 

I am thankful for the many differences we experience in our common humanity. Whether they be differences of culture, language, work, learning, interests, skills, abilities, gender. Our differences do not divide us, they are a source of richness. We learn from others' experiences and stories. We develop greater understanding, greater compassion, greater love. We can only 'be on earth the heart of God' when we understand what the earth we are part of has to offer and that includes all people and their uniqueness.

Happy Harmony Week!

School Photos

We have postponed the school photos scheduled for next week to ensure that we don't have too many absences from classes. There is no need to re-order if you have ordered online. The photo day will be later in Term 2. We'll remind everyone a few weeks beforehand.

Pupil Free Day

Catholic Education continue to support all of our schools in professional learning about High Impact Teaching Practices as part of the  Catalyst Program. We are in the second year of this program.

To enable staff to receive the fundamental training Catholic Education have again determined the first day of next term to be a Pupil Free Day. Please not that in the first week of Term 2:

• Monday 25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday
• Tuesday 26 April - Pupil Free Day - Professional Learning for staff
• Wednesday 27 April - Students return

OSHClub are providing a program of supervision for Tuesday 26 April. Please visit the OSHClub website for contact details if you wish to access their program.

Playground Update 

We're currently in the process of receiving quotes for updating the playground equipment. Later on this year we will have new playground equipment for both junior and senior ends of the playground. We're also undertaking the initial design process for landscaping the rest of the playground spaces. We're very excited and I look forward to sharing news of these changes over the course of the year. If you would like to see a lot of what is happening please visit the School Development page on our website.

School Fete

At the most recent Community Council Meeting we decided to plan for a school fete, to be held early in Term 1 in 2023. We're really excited to create the opportunity to gather and celebrate the beginning of the school year again. We have missed these opportunities. If you are keen or just curious about being involved in organising the fete and would like to know more about what it entails please contact me and I am happy to let you know.

Have a wonderful weekend. Stay healthy and safe.

Matthew Garton