Dear St John's families,

Thank you to our Assistant Principal, Rebekah Brown, for organising our Colour Run today. What a fun afternoon we had!

Thank you to our students for the way they embraced the activity. Thank you to our Community Council members who helped prepare the special lunch. Thank you to all families and students who helped raise funds, supporting the development of our kitchen garden and to support the important work of Catholic Mission.

Kindergarten & New Students Orientation

This week we held the second of our Kindergarten 2024 orientations. Our 53 new students were absolutely amazing and our staff were commenting on how  we 'fall in love' with a new groups of students each year. They were settled, excited about new beginnings and they engaged with every activity their teachers organised. They also met the Year 4 classes who will be their Year 5 Buddies next year and they were very comfortable to talk, laugh and eat together.

Yesterday we held an orientation day for new students in Years 1-6 in 2024. We had visiting students in nearly every year level. When I introduced three new students to Kindergarten (for Year 1 next year) the children immediately clapped and exclaimed 'Yay!' That same spirit of welcome was given to every new students that visited. I was very proud of our students.

Literacy Assessments

This week we have been finalising our DIBELS literacy assessments for all students across Kindergarten to Year 6. These assessments are conducted at the beginning, middle and end of the year. They help us track the growth of each student's fundamental literacy knowledge and skills. We also use this data to identify when a student needs some additional support in literacy and what in particular they need support with.

So far the data is looking very good and we're really pleased with the growth of our students. Later this term teachers will offer Parent-Teacher Interviews with families and this would be a great opportunity to see how your child has progressed this year.

There are 4 weeks left for the 2023 school year. There is a lot for us to accomplish in that time. We're also conscious that everyone, families included, are tired at this time of year. Let's help each other finish strong with positivity, celebration and excitement about the next chapter in our school story.

Matthew Garton

Principal