St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

The Semester 2 student reports were distributed yesterday at 4pm. Student reports are one of the valuable links between school and home to allow you to gain an insight of how your child is progressing with their learning at St John the Baptist.

The reports are now accessible for families to view.

The online portal has many advantages which include:

-    Accessible on multiple devices

-    Environmentally friendlier than printed reports

If you have trouble accessing your child’s report you are encouraged to contact Mr Wayne Daniell for assistance. 

wdaniell@sjferntreegully.catholic.edu.au

Yesterday the students had their first Move Up session.  The Move Up sessions are an opportunity for students to get their new classmates and their teacher/s for next year.

 The second ‘Move Up’ session will be Thursday 12th December at 10:30am.

Move Up sessions can bring a realm of big feelings for students. These feelings may include excitement, nervousness, joy, uncertainty, worry, anticipation, disappointment, thrilled and more. Reassuring students that this is a wonderful opportunity to get to know new students and new teacher/s always assists with adjusting to new situations. At times a child may be disappointed to be separated from a friend. Focusing on the positive of meeting up with friends at recess times and getting to know students who they may have not previously worked with are great opportunities to get to know others, extend friendships, as well as building adaptability, resilience and confidence.  As adults, our response to change and new opportunities has a significant impact on how our children adapt and respond to change.

The SJB staff have invested many hours considering what is best for all students and in creating balanced classes.  We look forward to a wonderful 2025.  

We warmly welcome all members of the St John the Baptist community to join us in giving thanks and celebrating the many volunteers and contributions so generously shared throughout the 2023 school year. We welcome classroom helpers, tuckshop helpers, P & F members, SAC members, Working Bee participants and more to our Thanksgiving Mass. We are most fortunate to have an active and vibrant community consisting of parents, grandparents, guardians and members of the community.

After Mass we would like to extend a further warm welcome to our helpers to come together in the hall for Morning Tea.  We would like to thank you all for all that you have so generously contributed throughout the year.

Beyond Educare - After School Care Link

Each year schools are now required to carry out a number of Literacy and Numeracy learning tasks to monitor student progress and growth.  These tasks are valuable in providing staff with information in relation to students' understanding, growth and areas for future teaching and learning focus. Whilst these learning tasks are most valuable, they require time and staff resourcing to be completed.  To complete these learning tasks  in a timely manner and minimise time away from classroom teaching St John the Baptist staff will use the first 2 student days to carry out the required tasks.

Families are now able to make a booking through School Interviews for their children to each have a 30 minute learning interview with their classroom teacher.  (Please see below)

We ask families to familiarise themselves with the dates below in relation to commencement dates for 2025.

Tuesday 28th January

Staff Professional Learning day

Wednesday 29th January 

- Preps commence  8:45 - 1:30pm. 

- Students Year 1 - 6 individual 30 minute learning interviews

Thursday 30th January 

- Preps onsite  8:45 - 1:30pm. 

- Students Year 1 - 6 individual 30 minute learning interviews

Friday 31st January

- Prep - Year 6 all students commence full time

Thank you to families that have or continue paying their school fees.  Term four is almost over and we would appreciate the finalising of any outstanding monies.

Please contact the Office if you are unable to finalise your fee account to discuss options available to help you meet your fee commitment.

office@sjferntreegully.catholic.edu.au or 9758 1013

We warmly welcome families to gather on the school oval for a play, catch up and celebration of 2024 at the conclusion of the school year (Tuesday December 17th). Families are warmly invited to gather for one more play prior to commencing the holidays. This is an opportunity to gather as a community to celebrate 2024 and wish each other a wonderful Christmas.

At the conclusion of the last day of school we will additionally have Zooper Doopers for all students.

We hope to see many of our families gather.

The 2025 Twilight on the Green will be held on Friday 7th February on the oval from 5:30pm. We look forward to a family evening of fun, games and gathering as a community. Bring your picnic blankets, chairs, picnics, snacks or take away to have dinner on the oval. To ensure a Child Safe environment this is strictly an alcohol free event.

Time: 5:30pm start

Cost: $15 per family

Kelly Sports session: 6 - 7pm

We are excited to announce Kelly Sports will be hosting a range of activities for students on the evening.  This is a great way for families to get involved and have some fun together with their children.

Wishing everyone a great week. It is hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner!!

Kelli Johnston

December

12th - Graduation Mass - 6pm 👨‍🎓

12th - Move up session No. 2

15th - Third Sunday of Advent - Joy

16th - Year 6 Fun day 🤸‍♂️

16th - Class moving day

17th - End of Year assembly - 2:45pm

17th - Last Day of SJB School Year - 3:15pm

17th - SJB Family Gathering on SJB oval - 3:15pm

22nd - Fourth Sunday of Advent - Love

25th - Christmas Day - Merry Christmas to all

January 2025

28th - Staff return for 2025

29th - Prep students commence 8:45 - 1:30pm 🎉

29th - Year 1-6 Learning Interviews

30th-   Prep students commence 8:45 - 1:30pm

30th - Year 1-6 Learning Interviews

Come along to the 2nd Hand Uniform Shop to see if there are any items you need for next year. We have a range of items in various sizes, including sun hats, beanies, school bags and excursion bags. A range of long navy pants were found in storage. These will be available for $5.00 a pair.

In the final week of school, the 2nd Hand uniform Shop will be open on Thursday 12th, Monday 16th, and Tuesday 17th December from 2:45 - 3:15pm. We will be set up outside the Office. Cash payments only. Please bring cash along in case you find something you like as there will be no holds.

Tuesday 17th December 2:45 - 3:15pm

(Uniform shop will still be open on its usual Tuesdays also - 2.45pm-3.15pm).

Any items to donate can be left at the office, when convenient for you. Please only SJB official school uniform (no Anko or School Zone brands), no holes, tears or patches. 

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

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