We respectfully acknowledge, and pay our respects to the Elders of the Kulin Nation, both past and present, as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School is situated.

Dear Parents/Carers, 

I wish to thank the school community for your continued support during what has been a busy year in which we have achieved so much. Our building project is drawing to an end and we are delighted in the new learning and reflective spaces. I am equally proud of the children’s achievements this year as disclosed in their reports sent home last Friday, with the teacher's comments reflecting the effort put into learning over the past school year.

Last week, our Year 6’s celebrated their primary school graduation with their families and staff; we are proud of their contributions to St John’s and wish them all the best as they move on to Secondary school. We thank departing families for their time and contributions to the school – you are all welcome back to St John’s at any time.

Graduation Awards:

Father Joseph Flynn Memorial Scholarship:  Melina Briganti

Koo Wee Rup Senior Citizens Award:  Sophie Daley

Sportsmanship Award:  Annika Miller and Billy Neill

St John the Baptist Award:  Lacey Craven and Rithul Timothy

Men’s Shed Encouragement Award:  Keally Elliott

St John the Baptist Academic Award:  Isabella Ellesley

St Sofia Committee Award:  Emelia Scamporlino and Samuel Bonaddio

Congratulations to all award recipients.

At our End of Year Mass, tomorrow we will sadly farewell:

Miss Danielle Kemp: Dani commenced at St Johns in 2012 as a graduate teacher and has proven herself to be a wonderful educator.  As a leader, she has directed and inspired others to develop and improve their skills to bring about expert teaching practices across the school and in her role as Deputy Principal, Dani has been loyal and supportive, always focusing on what is best for the children and the school.  St Angela of the Cross is very fortunate to have recruited such a talented educator; we wish her every success in her future endeavours.

Miss Raelee Browning: Raelee first came to St Johns as an Emergency Teacher and we were fortunate to engage her in a part time role for 2022. She initially shared Grade 1/2B with Mrs Brooke Baker and when Brooke commenced parental leave Raelee confidently took on the role as lead teacher.  As a graduate, Raelee brought much enthusiasm and passion to her role and she has continued to grow in her profession, building strong relationships with her students and co-workers.  We are sorry to see her go but wish her well in her future aspirations.

Mrs Leonie Hester: Leonie has also worked with 1/2B this year. Leonie brought with her many years of experience which was always evident in her interactions with her students and staff. Leonie will continue in her role as Parish Sacramental Program coordinator and we look forward to her support of our students as they prepare for the Sacraments next year.  We do hope she enjoys her retirement.

We will also wish Mrs Louise Hennessy well as she takes leave next year to spend time with her family and we look forward to her return the following year.

Madagascar USB Recordings: These were handed out last week to all families who had ordered. If you have forgotten to order and wish to purchase please contact Qantem Multimedia directly on 9561 9591.

Card Drive: Friends of St Johns: Apologies for the delay in delivery of these, we expect to receive them prior to Friday and will send them home once received. 

PAM changes over the Holidays: In January 2023, your PAM account will be undergoing a major upgrade to provide greater security and other improved functionality. During the week of the 16th of January 2023, your current PAM account will cease to function. New PAM accounts will then be created by your school, and you will receive an email asking you to create new credentials for a new PAM account.

Families will receive further information in relation to this in the coming weeks via email. 

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of the staff for the effort they have put in over the course of this year. They continually go over and above what is required for the benefit of the students.

Finally, wishing you all a happy and holy Christmas and a safe holiday period, and just a reminder, the 2023 school year starts for students on Tuesday 31st January. Further information in regard to the 2023 school year will be provided to families on Friday 16 December. 

Regards 

Chris Dortmans, Principal

It is incredible to believe we are at the end of the 2022 school year. The Junior students have worked extremely hard over the last 4 terms and have adjusted well to coming back to an uninterrupted full year of onsite learning. It has been great to see the learning and progress students have made and the friendships they have formed and strengthened. The buzz and the excitement of meeting their new teachers and classmates for 2023 was energising and has made all staff start looking forward to what 2023 will bring. All Junior students have been wrapping up the year by engaging in their Advent learning and revising and consolidating their year of learning with a Christmas twist! Thank you for your support and dedication to your children’s learning this year. We wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New year period!

The senior team would like to wish you all a safe and blessed Christmas! 

After a very busy year full of wonderful memories and exciting learning experiences a well deserved break is in order. We’d like to wish the very best of luck to our leaving grade 6 students and all staff and students who are leaving for new adventures next year. We will miss you all!

Including the communities of:  St Joseph’s Iona,  St James Nar Nar Goon,  Holy Family Maryknoll,  St John’s Koo Wee Rup and St Mary’s, Lang Lang

Administrator:  Fr. Avinash  Ph: 03 5997 1510   Fax: 03 5997 2220 Mob: 0451 997 904

Baptism Enquiries: Carmelina De Cesari   Mob: 0401 911 092   carmelinadecesari@gmail.com

WEEKEND MASS TIMES: Masses have resumed in line with current guidelines. Please contact the Parish office on 5997 1510 for further confirmation of guidelines if required.