St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

Dear Families,

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all MACS to celebrate their Catholic identity and the pivotal role they play within their local communities and the sector.

This year’s theme celebrates the significance of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of our local Church in Melbourne. ‘Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick’ 

Mrs Smith and our student leaders travelled to St Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate Mass with schools across the Melbourne Archdiocese. After Mass our students and staff enjoyed the Concert in the Park for primary school students. 

We thank our amazing Year 6 leaders for representing St John’s in an exemplary manner and hope that they thoroughly enjoyed their day out. Thank you to Robyn, Veronica & Cherie our helpers for assisting Mrs Smith and our leaders on the day.

Exciting times for Melissa Davey and her family as she is expecting her first child in July.

We look forward to sharing this wonderful time with Melissa over the months ahead. Further information will be shared as we work towards replacing Melissa during her period of maternity leave.

As parents, many of us know the feeling that raising children was never meant to be done alone. It truly takes a village — yet in our busy lives, that sense of village can sometimes feel missing. As one of the parents in our school community, I would love to help create a small space where families can connect, support one another, and build that sense of village together. From this idea, The Village Circle was born. The Village Circle will simply be a relaxed and welcoming gathering for parents from our school community. It’s a chance to chat, share experiences, make new friendships, and support each other through the beautiful and sometimes challenging journey of raising children. Young children are warmly welcome to come along and play while we connect. There’s no pressure, no expectations — just an opportunity to build a stronger sense of community and support among the families in our school. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy being part of, I’d love for you to join me (and my daughter Elora-4yrs) for a cuppa on Fridays. Because parenting is easier, and far more joyful, when we do it together.

Time - 9:00am – 10:00am

Where - St John the Baptist School Hall

Wednesday next week we have our SJB School Photos. All students are to wear full school summer uniform. This includes wearing black school shoes. Students are not to wear their sports uniform. Students are to have their hair tied back for their class photos, however should students wish to have their hair down for their individual photo this is fine. Once the individual photo has been taken students are required to tie back their hair again.

Classes who have PE on Wednesday may change into their runners after their school photos.

We are most fortunate to partner with Marty and Carley McGauran from Inform and Empower to provide families with an online session focusing on ‘Raising Kids in a Digital World’. Marty and Carley provide valuable insights into the digital world that children are navigating. They provide families with an understanding of the current digital climate, along with how to educate, support and raise conversations and awareness with children.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience as an E learning educator and psychologist leading the evening, this is a session that is most beneficial to all families. Navigating the digital world in partnership as home and school provides our students with education and support they need to become digitally responsible citizens.

Thank you everyone for ordering your keyrings and supporting Project Compassion! Keyring orders are now closed. Another batch of keyrings were in office tubs this afternoon and we aim to deliver the rest of the keyrings before the holidays.

Amelia and Hannah

We will be providing all children an Easter Egg on Thursday 2nd April as we conclude Term 1.  A nForma note advising all parents of this gift has been shared with families.   Parents with children with dietary requirements will receive an alternate treat that their child may choose to eat.    We advise parents of this action as we are highly aware of our role to cater for children with allergies, whilst providing the opportunity for our children to receive a small gift from their teacher or Easter Bunny!! 

We are excited to share that Barry Plant Boronia is once again running their Easter Colouring competition. This competition is open to children 12 years and under, with 3 prizes to be won that will be drawn out of a hat!

1st Prize: Nintendo Switch Lite

2nd Prize: $100 Toymate Voucher

3rd Prize: Easter Egg Hamper

The artwork can be dropped into our office at 69 Boronia Road, Boronia, via email or at any of our Open for Inspections. We also invite you to The Basin Music Festival (March 20th-22nd) where we will have a Barry Plant Marquee set up at The Basin Triangle with art tables dedicated to those who want to enter the Easter Colouring Competition.

Please find attached the Easter Colouring sheet

Good luck everyone!!

Wishing all our students and families a wonderful week.

Kelli Johnston

March

25th - Sacrament of Reconciliation @ 5pm

25th - PSGs

26th - Open Day #3 - Tours @ 9am, 10am, 4pm & 5pm

27th - SJB Family Weekend away @ Warburton

27th - Assembly @ 2.45pm

27th - Halogen Leadership Day - School Captains

30th - PSGs

31st - Regional Swimming

April

1st - School Photos - Summer Uniform

1st - SAC Meeting

2nd - Holy Week Stations of the Cross

2nd - Easter Raffle draw

2nd - Term 1 concludes @ 2pm

Term 2

April

20th - Term 2 commences

23rd - St Joseph's Lighthouse Program

23rd - Confirmation Family Evening @ 7pm

24th - ANZAC Day Prayer Service

27th - St Joseph's Lighthouse Program

27th - Parents and Friends Meeting @ 7pm

30th - Term 2 Level Newsletters shared

30th - St Joseph's Lighthouse Program

Janice

Tuckshop orders can be placed via http://www.flexischools.com.au

Orders must be placed no later than 7.30am on the Wednesday or Friday.

Friday March 27th

Amy Chan

Kellie Brooks

Wednesday April 1st

Hot Cross Bun Day (no normal canteen) - helpers needed please

Friday April 3rd

Closed

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