St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

Tuesday December 6th 2022

Letter from the Acting Principal

It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were introducing our Year 6 leaders for this year and now we are preparing to say goodbye to them as they continue their education at secondary school.  We are very proud of our 2022 Year 6 students.  They have been fantastic ambassadors for our school, always aware of the role they play in making our school such a wonderful place to be.  They are such a talented and caring group of students and have always shown their understanding of the importance of thinking of others and being people of service.  Whilst it is sad to say goodbye we are confident that they are ready for the next stage of their school journey.  Thank you Year 6 for being such wonderful members of our school and parish community.

Special mention to the following families who have their youngest child graduating from our school this year.  Very best wishes to the following members of our community:

Hall, Hooker, Imani, Lee, Loughron, Ong, Ordenes, Russell & Santilli

We also say farewell to the Oldman and Triffett families as they move to Queensland and New South Wales.  You will be missed!

Our Year 6’s will be honoured at a school assembly on Wednesday 14th December at 12:30 followed by a whole school guard of honour to conclude their day.  We will also be celebrating with our Year 6s at their graduation mass in the evening followed by a disco in our school hall.  

On Thursday 15th December the children from Prep - Year 5 will be involved in a Goodbye and Good Luck Assembly at 2pm  for Molly, Jo and Tess.  All families are welcome.  Our last day of school concludes at 2:30pm.

Choir Performance

The tradition continues this year with the St John the Baptist choir once again performing at the Ferntree Gully Library at 6:30pm on Tuesday 6th December.  We thank Lorraine for volunteering her time to give our students this wonderful experience.  All families are welcome!

Carols Night

We are looking forward to sharing in the Carols night with all families on Thursday 8th December.  The P&F will begin serving sausages from 5.30pm and the carols and nativity play will begin at 7pm.  Donations of gift cards will be gratefully received by our Year 6 Social Justice leaders and presented to St Vincent de Paul for their Christmas Appeal on the night.  This is a whole school event and all children are expected to attend.  If your child is not going to be present please could you let your child’s teacher know for planning and organisational purposes.

Important Documentation

We have sent  home some important paperwork for families to check, update and return to school.  I recognise that this is a busy time of year for families however I ask that all families take the time to review your contact details and child/rens medical information so that we can ensure that our records are accurate and up to date.  Even if no changes need to be made please sign the form and return it to us as an acknowledgement that they have been checked.

2023 Start Dates

Friday 27th January -    Staff return

Monday 30th January - Students return  

                                                 2023 Preps finish at 1pm

Please join us for our P&F welcome morning tea in the hall at 9am on this day to celebrate the beginning of our 2023 school year and welcome Kelli Johnston as our new Principal.

Star Warts - Download Link

Parents & Friends of SJB

So excited for our Carols on Thursday evening. We will be cooking a bbq for a gold coin donation (card payments accepted) which will hopefully make your dinner dilemma easier! We are setting up at 5pm and would be happy for any help on the evening or beforehand to fill esky’s, collect ice etc. There will be a XMAS RAFFLE on the evening, we will be selling $2 raffle tickets (cash only). The prize is a stunning gingerbread house donated by Anna Kristof and some funky Christmas T-shirts donated by Jacinta O’Dowd. Such a lovely prize to help you celebrate Christmas in style!

A Big Thank You

The P&F would like to wish Mrs Schouten a wonderful Christmas and New Year as she leaves for her Summer holidays after tomorrow and look forward to hearing of your adventures in 2023. Mrs Schouten has been invaluable in the administration support and guidance of the P&F and we are truly grateful.

Booklists for Years 3-6 2023

Below is the link to complete this year's Booklists for students in Years 3 -6, 2023.  Home Delivery or Click & Collect is available.

Lilydale Books - Booklists Years 3-6

School Fees 2023

School Fee statements for 2023 will be distributed to families next February.

Fees for the 2023 year are as follows:-

School Fees (per family)            $1,510.00

Capital Fee (per family)                   $80.00

Maintenance Fee (per family)      $100.00

Prep-paid Levies for 2023

Levy Document

Information regarding pre-paid levies for 2023 was sent home recently. Also attached below for your reference.
Download

Canteen News

Last day the Canteen will be open for lunch orders is this tomorrow, Wednesday December 7th.

Change to Cut-Off Time for Orders in 2023

Please note, due to increasing numbers in lunch orders, it will be necessary to bring the cut-off time for ordering forward.  The latest time orders can be placed will be 7.00am.

Canteen Helpers Volunteer Form 2023

Are you able to help in the canteen next year.  If so, please complete the form attached and return to the school office.
Download

Canteen Helpers Roster


Wednesday December 7th 

Rachel Ben Last Day for Canteen

Friday December 9th

CANTEEN CLOSED


Canteen Price List 2022

Download

Uniform Shop News

Parish News

Community Notices

Knox Carols by Candlelight

Knox Carols by Candlelight is this weekend and is a free event that warmly welcomes our diverse community to come together to enjoy the spirit of Christmas and a magical evening of entertainment. 

📅 Saturday 10 December, 4pm - 10pm📍 Wally Tew Reserve (Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully)View the full program below.FREE event.For more information, see the event page or website.

St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully