Term 2, Week 10, 3rd July 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Parents, Carers, and Members of our School Community,
As Term 2 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what an incredibly successful and vibrant ten weeks it has been. It truly feels like our school community has been buzzing with energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to learning and growth in every corner.
We've witnessed remarkable achievements across the board. Our students have continued to shine academically, demonstrating their dedication in the classroom and achieving fantastic results. Beyond academics, it's been wonderful to see so many students embracing new challenges and discovering their talents. From the exhilarating performances in our school drama performance to the fierce yet friendly competition on the sports fields, the teamwork and individual excellence on display have been truly inspiring.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our incredible staff. Their commitment to nurturing our students, both academically and personally, is evident every day. Their innovative teaching methods, tireless efforts, and genuine care create an environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Finally, a huge thank you to our wonderful parent community. Your partnership is invaluable, and your support, whether it's volunteering for events, assisting with homework, or simply encouraging your children, makes a profound difference.
As we head into the break, I encourage everyone to enjoy some well-deserved rest and rejuvenation. I look forward to welcoming you all back for another exciting term, ready to continue building on the incredible foundations we've laid this term.
Warm regards,
Dave
Pupil Free Day
Just a reminder that tomorrow - Friday, July 4th, will be observed as another Pupil Free Day. There will be no classes held on this day.
In anticipation of our new build, we will be moving furniture from 12:30pm onwards. We would appreciate any parent and student support with this!
Further Feedback Requested
Thank you also to those parents who filled out the Tell The From Me Survey. It gives us some great areas to focus on moving forward.
There were a few areas that we scored lower than previous years, which surprised us, so we are seeking more descriptive feedback in the areas of 'Parents Feel Welcome', 'Parents Are Informed' & 'School Supports Learning'.
We would appreciate it if parents could provide further feedback and suggestions to us in these areas by adding them to the confidential ONLINE FORM.
Thank you!
Semester One Report Cards
Semester One Reports have been published for you to view on Compass.
If you are unsure how to view your child's report please see the PDF instructions below to assist you.
Please also view the video HERE which is a video for parents titled ‘Understanding the K-6 Student Report’.
"The Force Awakens" - A Stellar Arts and STEM Collaboration!
Our school recently witnessed an extraordinary theatrical event with the performance of "The Force Awakens," a truly unique and masterful production brought to life by the brilliant collaboration of Ms. Chartres and Miss O'Leary. This wasn't just a drama performance; it was a shining example of a cross-curriculum Arts/STEM masterpiece!
Students captivated the audience with their dramatic flair, bringing the beloved characters to life on stage. However, the magic extended far beyond traditional acting. Miss O'Leary's expertise in STEM was seamlessly woven into every aspect of the production, demonstrating how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are integral to the world of performance. From the ingenious one-liners to the intricate design of the set pieces, and even the precise timing of movement cues, the fusion of creative expression from the Arts and the innovative content of STEM truly made "The Force Awakens" an unforgettable experience. It was a testament to the power of interdisciplinary learning and the incredible talent and dedication of our students and teachers. Congratulations to everyone involved in this spectacular production – you truly awakened "The Force" of learning and creativity in us all!
LEARNING @ ST JOHN'S
🎭🔬 The Force Awakens: A Powerful Fusion of STEM and the Arts! 🚀🎨
This term, our classrooms have been buzzing with energy—literally—as students explored the wonders of the physical world through an exciting integration of Science, Technology, STEM, Creative Arts- Drama.
With a focus on forces, the movement of objects, forms of energy, and how we use it, students didn’t just learn these concepts—they lived them. Through co-planned and, at times, team-taught lessons, teachers across key learning areas collaborated to deliver rich, dynamic experiences that brought science to life in creative and imaginative ways.
The highlight of the term was the creation and performance of “The Force Awakens”—a dramatic production inspired by students' understanding of physical science principles. From designing set pieces and props to choreographing scenes that demonstrate the effects of force and motion, every element of the show was a learning opportunity.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms. Chartres and Miss O’Leary, who led this ambitious project with passion and dedication. Their teamwork provided our students with a unique, hands-on learning experience that culminated in a Hollywood-worthy performance. Behind the scenes, many staff members also contributed their time and talents to ensure every detail was perfect.
Our students have worked tirelessly, learning not only about science and the arts, but also about teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. “The Force Awakens” truly demonstrated the power of integrating learning areas—and the remarkable results it can produce.
Well done to everyone involved!
The Force Awakens
Disco Fun
WELLBEING
Parent Tips for Thriving in the School Holidays
I know that the children are ready for a well-earned break as are all the staff. Looking back and reflecting on the term from a ‘Wellbeing and Pastoral Care’ perspective I think one of our most significant achievements this term is the way children have been participating so cohesively and inclusively during break time.
In particular, I’d like to point out the soccer or touch rugby game that takes place on the grass every break. This game involves students from year one right through to year six, both boys and girls. While at times there have been some tensions, by and large the game flows smoothly. Much of the credit must go to the older children especially two of our Year Six leaders Joseph and Finn; they consistently model strong positive playground ‘HIKING’ behaviours such as ‘encouraging, supporting and including others’. They set the tone with their positive actions and words.
The information below was very popular in Term One so I am sharing it again, the tips below from other families have been collated by Open Universities Australia.
Happy holidaying & thanks for your on-going support!
Best regards, Greg
Create a school holiday program planner
Lisa Price gets her family together and brainstorms ideas, activities and social outings. Everything goes into a family calendar that’s hung in the kitchen and decorated with stickers and drawings. That way, everyone in the family knows what’s happening and when, which helps her plan her time and feel in control.
A bonus tip from Lisa: she uses Paddlepop sticks with a (free or paid) activity written on them for lucky dip days.
Form a pool with other parents
“So, say you’re in this ‘pool’ with four other sets of parents. One parent takes all the kids for a day while the rest run errands, work or study in peace,” states Clare.
“Big plus—instead of taking ten days of leave from work, you might be able to take just two.”
Of course, you’ll have to negotiate the rules with your pool members—a regular day per week with a roster? On an ad hoc basis? If so, with how much notice?
Block out a regular but realistic time to connect with your kids
Some experts recommend starting each day with play time—by satisfying their need for connection early in the day, they’re less likely to feel the need to interrupt you while you’re working or studying.
"I do this. Play time is followed by some solo time (within sight) and lunch. Then, while my younger one sleeps, I power through work and we do stuff together again in the afternoon,” says Clare.
Wear them out
This is sage advice that can probably be applied year-round! Clare says, “Make sure they get enough physical activity so that they go bed on time. For example, choose a tennis school holiday program. Of course, you’ll need to balance that with days of rest.”
Encourage self-directed activity
When they’re stuck home with you and you have looming study deadlines, you need them to occupy themselves while you frantically work.
Clare suggests, “Once they can read, you could give them an ‘assignment’ based on something they’ve asked about that week. Tell them ‘go find out about lizards and come back in an hour, we’ll trade what we learnt’.”
Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, CEO of Nature Play WA, gets her kids to make lists of things that make them happy, like dancing, humming, reading, listening to music and playing outside.
When they tell her ‘I’m bored’, she directs them to check their lists and pick something to do. When they ask her for screen time, she insists they first complete an outdoor activity—riding their bike around the block three times or pulling out ten weeds, which usually ‘stretches into an hour of nature play’.
“What I’m really giving to them is the opportunity to feel the breeze in their hair, smell a flowering Wedding Bush, to play without the adult gaze on them and maybe even work out some of their sibling niggles,” she says.
Finally, know that you are doing your best and feel good about it
Do not let those feelings of ‘I could be a better student/employee/parent’ get to you.
We’ll even put ourselves out there and guess that one big reason you’re working this hard is to better provide for the little ratbags currently ripping apart the living room while cackling like hyenas who’ve just found a wildebeest carcass.
Okay, big deep breaths… you’ve got this.
MISSION
St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal - Outstanding Success!
Our school community has shown incredible generosity in supporting those in need this winter! Students have donated an amazing 103 items to the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal, including blankets, jackets, tracksuit pants, beanies, and socks.
This fantastic effort has well and truly exceeded our target of 40 items, demonstrating the caring spirit that makes our school community so special.
To celebrate this wonderful achievement, we will be holding a Pyjama Day on Friday, 25th July. More details about this fun celebration will be shared soon.
Thank you to all students and families who contributed to making this appeal such a tremendous success. Your donations will help keep our community members warm during the colder months ahead.
Caritas Project Compassion - Making a Difference Together
We are thrilled to announce that our school community raised an incredible $450 for Caritas Project Compassion this year! This significant contribution will make a real difference in the lives of people who need it most.
Project Compassion is Caritas Australia's annual Lenten fundraising campaign that brings together Australian schools, parishes, and communities to help end poverty, promote justice, and uphold dignity for our most vulnerable neighbours around the world. Through Project Compassion, Caritas supports long-term programmes that empower communities to build sustainable solutions to the challenges they face, including access to education, clean water, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
Our generous donation will join efforts across Australia to create lasting change and hope for families and communities in developing countries, helping them break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures.
In other mission news, our dedicated student mission team is currently working hard to create a special school prayer. This meaningful project will continue when we return next term, and we look forward to sharing their inspiring work with the whole school community.
Safe holidays and God's blessings to all!
Ellie Bailey
Leader of Mission
SCHOOL INFORMATION
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU"
Our Birthday people
Savannah G & Cynthia
People who will celebrate during the Winter Holidays
Avahlia & Ghina
COMMUNITY NOTICES
