From the Principal
Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Staff,
Thank you for your wonderful support for our Year 6 students and their efforts to raise funds for Catholic Mission's current work in Myanmar providing quality education for children.
The Year 6 students ran an excellent morning of fun activities that students could participate in for a small donation. The crazy socks idea was also initiated by them. This cohort of Year 6 students have proven to be thoughtful and active in supporting those in need.
Thank you also to Mr Tim Gill (father of Yolanda and Natalia) who came to share his knowledge of Myanmar with the Year 6 students, giving them a greater understanding about the needs of the people and the positive impact their work can have.
Classes for 2019
As there are two streams of classes at St John the Apostle there are different combinations of children in classes each year. When forming the class lists the following factors are taken into consideration: gender, learning needs, work habits, friendships, behaviour, health considerations, social-emotional well-being, religion (to assist in achieving a balance between classes, especially in Sacramental years) and common names. Ideally, we aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics.
Where practical, parental requests based on educational concerns will be considered. At St John the Apostle, the staff and parents will follow these principles and guidelines when considering placement of students each year:
- Every care will be taken to ensure that each child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development;
- Parents who wish to discuss particular concerns regarding the placement of their children in particular classes should put the concern in writing (email is preferred) and addressed to the Principal only by Friday of Week 5 (Friday 16 November);
- Parent concerns will be seriously considered during the process. It must be clearly understood, however, that no definite guarantees can be given regarding parent’s requests;
- Please be aware that requests for particular teachers or for a particular gender of teacher will not be considered. Which year level each teacher will be teaching is still yet to be determined as staffing recruitment processes are still underway;
- Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Classroom Support Teacher, School Counsellor, etc. during this process.
Taking into account all of the factors listed above, the current class teachers compile class lists during the first week of December and hand to the Principal for confirmation. Children will be informed of their class placement for the following school year in December (usually the last week of school) and the opportunity will be provided for them to spend some time with their new class teacher. No changes are made after this time; and throughout this process, the Principal, after appropriate consultation, reserves the right to make final professional decisions regarding the placement of children.
Playground Plans
Thank you, everyone, for returning the survey and/or attending the Open Forum to provide some important parent ideas to Phil and Jenni who are developing our Outdoor Learning Masterplan.
The SRC (Student Representative Council) have been working with each class to collect their ideas. All of our students have been so enthusiastic to provide them.
Phil and Jenni will begin preparing a concept plan to present to us in a few weeks time and seek our feedback. We're looking forward to it.
Disco Fever
Thank you so very much to those who assisted last night in providing the opportunity for our student to participate in a disco. A big thank you to Heather Rattenbury who organised so much of it and Anthony Ganley who organised the entertainment. He always makes a wonderful DJ!
Communication changes in 2019
How have you enjoyed the new e-newsletter? I'm hoping it is more accessible for you on many devices. Next year the final stage of streamlining our communication will occur and we will no longer be using Skoolbag and instead use the Schoolzine app. This will align our school website, newsletter and general communication tools all into one place on your phone. From 2019 you will also be able to use the app to send permission notes, absentee notes and book parent-teacher interviews.
If you would like to get a head start you can download the Schoolzine app by
At the moment it is used only for our website and newsletter distribution. Skoolbag remains our messaging app until the end of 2018. We will keep you up to date with more information on how to make the switch later in the term.
Have a lovely weekend.
Matthew Garton (Principal)