St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

Last Wednesday, Ursula DeCorrado and I had the privilege of presenting at the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) Principals’ Forum, held at the Catholic Leadership Centre.

We were invited by MACS to share our school’s story of success, following recognition as one of the top 10 schools in the state for significant Year 3–5 growth in Mathematics, alongside strong NAPLAN results across all areas.

Out of 291 schools in MACS, SJB was the only one selected to present — a true testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work of our teachers, support staff, and leaders.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such a committed team, whose efforts continue to inspire and invest in the growth of our students every day.

We look forward to welcoming our 2026 Prep families and students as they start their journey with us at St John the Baptist. The following dates below are important dates for our Preps and their families:

Wednesday's Division Cricket has been postponed due to weather concerns.  It will now be held on Wednesday October 29th.  At this point, Athletics is still occuring on Thursday for selected students.

We wish all students a wonderful day of competition and know that they will represent SJB in an exemplary manner. Making it through to Division is a wonderful achievement. We are so proud of each of you.

Fee statements with an outstanding balance are being sent home today with your eldest child. We kindly ask that any overdue amounts be finalised promptly.  Details about the 2026 pre-paid levies will be communicated to families shortly.

Our last Working Bee for this year will be held on Saturday 25th October.  Many hands make light work so please consider joining us on this day.  Our working bee is a great way to meet new people and help us keep our school looking great.  Our working bee begins at 1:30 and concludes at 4pm.  A job list is detailed in the Operoo notice.  

Our wonderful P & F have been busy organising a fun family evening of bowls at the Upwey Bowling Club. We warmly welcome all families to join in a fun night of barefoot bowls. Family evenings are a great opportunity to socialise and meet families across the school as well support businesses in the local area.

Please see the flyer below for details. Happy bowling everyone!!

Online Music Solutions will be a new music provider for St John the Baptist Primary School, bringing instrumental lessons.  Instrumental  lessons can be booked directly with Online Music Solutions and lessons are able to be delivered individually or in small groups.

 Online Music Solutions has been providing high-quality music programs in Melbourne schools since 1987. The program at St John the Baptist will be led by Justin Forster and Lynne McKelvie, both highly experienced teachers with over 20 years of working with primary-aged students. Together, they are passionate about making music engaging, fun, and rewarding for every child.

 To celebrate, there will be a music demonstration at a school assembly on Friday, 7 November, followed by an after-school “instrument discovery” session. Families are warmly invited to stay, meet the teachers, ask questions, and even try out a variety of instruments.

 Regular lessons will begin Term 1, 2026, offering keyboard, guitar, ukulele, violin, drums, saxophone, clarinet, flute, and trumpet for students from Prep to Year 6. These lessons will occur on a Tuesday afternoon.  (more details, including cost are outlined below)

 The Online Music Solutions team looks forward to being part of the St John’s community and sharing the joy of music with all students!

Congratulations to students who recently took part in the AGC assessment workshop at school. Everyone is welcome to come along to our Open Days on Saturday November 8 and Saturday November 15, which will give you the opportunity to try a free class and attend an information session. Ph 9859 6499 for more information or visit ausgirlschoir.com.au/joinagc/

Wishing everyone a fantastic week.

Kelli Johnston

October

21st - School Nurse in Prep

22nd - School Nurse in Prep

22nd - SAC Meeting

22nd - Inform and Empower Cyber Safety - Year 1/2

23rd - Regional Athletics

24th - Assembly - Prep JD presening

27th - Prep - Year 2 Swimming

29th - Prep 2026 Information Evening

29th - Fire Education Session - Year 1/2

30th - All Saints Day Mass - 9.15am

31st - World Teacher's Day

November

3rd - School Closure Day - Assessment & Reporting

4th - Melbourne Cup Day - School Closed

6th - Prep 2026 Transition Session No. 1 - 9am - 10.30am

6th - Year 3/4 Level Mass - 9.15am

7th - Assembly - 2.30pm

10th - Prep - Year 2 Swimming

11th - Remembrance Day (Prayer Service)

13th - Prep - Year 2 Swimming

14th - Assembly Prep BA presenting @ 2.45pm

17th - School Closure Day

20th - Prep 2026 Transition Session No. 3

24th - Prep - Year 2 Swimming

25th - SAC and P and F Thank you evening

26th - Official School Building Opening

28th - Assembly @ 2:45pm 1/2HS presenting

December

1st - Prep - Year 2 Swimming

4th - SJB Carols Evening @ 7pm

6th - Gilwell Park Dad's & Kids Camping Weekend

8th - Prep - Year 2 Swimming

9th - Reports emailed to families

9th - Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival

9th - Year 3-6 FTG Library Performance @ 6pm

11th - Year 6 Graduation Mass

15th - Year 6 Fun Day

16th - End of Year Assembly

16th - Last day of 2025 school year concludes at 3.15pm

A recent stocklist for the 2nd Hand Uniform Shop is attached below. The 2nd Hand Uniform Shop is open Wednesdays 2:45 - 3:15pm. Cash sales only. Thank you to the families who have recently donated some items. Clean, offical SJB uniform donations are always gratefully received and can be left at the office when convenient to you. 

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 October 24th 

Mel Price

Carrie Canton

Friday October 31st

Katrina Horne

Rients Huitema

 Friday November 7th

Cassy Croning

Nelson Serrao

Claire Lewis