Dear St John the Apostle Primary School Community,

This time of year is quite busy in schools. I have 360 reports to read and conduct quite a number of 2020 enrolment interviews. I also have the good fortune of being part of the St Thomas Aquinas ELC enrolment interviews for those with the intention of attending St John the Apostle for Kindergarten in 2021.

I meet so many beautiful and amazing children. There are boys who love horses and girls who instantly start building with the connector pens in the room rather than draw. There are parents who are nervous because it is their first child going to school and there are those who are completely relaxed because it is their last. There are families who are relatively alone in Canberra after moving here and those who are third generation, surrounded by cousins and aunts and uncles and friends. There are children who speak a myriad of languages!

I am reminded every year that each family and child's story is unique and while I hear statements like "He's a typical little boy”, I know very well that there isn't really a 'typical' anyone, there isn't really a norm. There is only diversity and difference. Difference is actually the norm. Difference is good!

School Uniform

As we enter the final days of Term 2 I have noticed that there are a significant number of students who are wearing items of clothing that are not part of our school uniform.

School uniforms are a way of developing a sense of equality and belonging among students. They also make getting dressed simpler each day and provide families with durable and easy to care for items of clothing. There are so many benefits to our school uniform.

In the next two weeks, we will notify specific families about any non-uniform items that are currently being worn so that these can be rectified prior to or during the school holidays. Please use the Qkr! app to place an order or look out for the Schoolzine alerts to let you know when the clothing pool is open to pick up an item or two.

Student Reports

Next Friday Semester 1 Reports will be sent home with each student. The following Monday 1 July and Tuesday 2 July will be an opportunity for Parent-Teacher Interviews. These interviews are an opportunity to discuss the student report and see how your child is going since meeting at the three-way conferences earlier this year. Children are not expected to attend the Parent-Teacher Interviews. Early next term the students will prepare Learning Journeys where they will show parents a few pieces of their work and share their learning goals for Semester 2.

New Barbecues

Thank you to the Community Council who approved the purchase of new barbecues for use at many of our school functions. The old barbecues have had a great workout over the years but are no longer easy to use and maintain. The funds for the barbecues come from the small profits that are made by the Clothing Pool. It is great to know that by using the Clothing Pool you are also supporting the school.

As the term is coming to an end I hope you are making sure that you find a little time for your own rest and recuperation.

Matthew Garton (Principal)