Dear St John the Apostle families,

Today our Year 6 students led us in a beautiful prayer assembly. Gathering together in prayer and thankfulness is always a great privilege and joy as a community. We haven't gathered together in prayer for such a long time and I thank Year 6 for setting such a wonderful example.

Making new friends

Each week we deliberately choose a whole school positive behaviour focus to help our students learn ways they can positively impact on their experience of school and to build a school culture that is based on positive relationships.

This week our whole school focus has been 'make a new friend'. This focus was chosen to challenge students to make one new connection this week. It's human nature to get caught up in routines, that includes who we interact with. But sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones to talk with a new person can open all sorts of surprising opportunities. It also helps to build up a network of connection, so important for positive mental health. We never quite know how our simple 'hello' and little chat with another person can positively impact their day.

It would be wonderful if parents could ask children if they have spoken or played with someone new this week, encouraging them to branch out and build connection with others.

Active Streets Program

Our school is participating in the Active Streets for Schools program.

Active Streets delivers infrastructure improvements around schools to make it safer and easier to ride, walk, scooter or skate to and from school.

To support students who may be beginning to travel independently, we will distribute an Active Streets resource pack to students who participate in the Walk Safely to School Day next Friday (see information below). The pack will include a map highlighting routes to our school. 

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about how they can use these resources to support walking or riding to school. Starting small is often a good approach, so try using part way points a short distance from the school and accompany students to teach them safe habits. Active Streets have provided us with two large maps to help families know safe part way drop off points to walk and ride to school. You can find one of these on our school fence in the afternoon pick up area and on the Active Streets for Schools website.

The Active Streets program helps children to develop independence, while providing health and safety benefits for the school community, with increased physical activity and fewer cars on the road. 

Election News

This election is proving to be one where dissatisfaction is driving people to seriously consider their options and make sure their vote counts in shaping the government we need.

As you discern how you will use you vote and as you consider all of the candidates and parties on the ballot paper, National Catholic Education have provided you with a resource describing the education focus for the main parties. There are many issues we must consider as we each choose how to use our vote. If education is an important issue for you in this election then please look at the information below.

Enrolment Period

It's our enrolment period for 2023. During May we accept enrolment applications for Kindergarten the following year. If you have a younger sibling that will attend Kindergarten in 2023 please remember to complete and enrolment application by Friday 27 May. You can find a link to the enrolment application on our school website.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Matthew Garton