Dear SJV Families

We are at the end of Week 5 halfway through the term, at this pace you probably can see me visibly ageing!  

Below I have placed a prayer of reconciliation, this is poignant, given the Australian Reconciliation Day holiday that occurs this coming Monday. 

Dear Lord

We pray for healing, forgiveness and unity, creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.

Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.

In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.

Director Ross Fox's School Visit

We welcomed Mr Ross Fox into our school on Thursday afternoon.  For those parents new to the system, Ross is the Director of Education for Canberra/Goulburn or as Kinder like to say - 'He's Mr Rodda's Boss!' 

Ross was very impressed by the learning that was taking place in our school.  We began by discussing our school's implementation of Catalyst (CE's Pedagogy Program) and then analysed the data that demonstrates the improvements that our students have made with their learning.  

As I took Ross on a tour, we saw Informal Measurement for maths in Kinder, Hot and Cold for science in Year 1, art work on Gargoyles in Year 2, the three levels of government in Year 3/4 and describing landscape features for writing in 5/6 with an Italian Assessment thrown in for good measure.  All of this on a Thursday afternoon.  That is why when I am asked, I proudly tell colleagues that we have a fantastic staff here at SJV. 

Enrolment Period - May

This is the last official week of enrolment, so if you have not put in a form for a sibling or recommended our school to a friend, please do so by next week. 

Carnival Ribbons

Athletics and Cross Country ribbons will be handed out at tomorrow's Morning Assembly.  Given how many students participated there may be more children standing on the awards dais than applauding the recipients.  This of course, is a good thing. Year 5 will be visiting the ELC Friday, when SJV will be having their Awards Assembly. Year 5 will have a special ceremony to receive their ribbons Friday 2nd June.  

Parent Teacher Interviews - Wk 5 - 22nd - 26th May

By now, most parents will already have seen their teacher to discuss their child's learning and set goals for them for next semester.  Sometimes, however, life gets busy and things get put to one side.  If you have not made an appointment to see your teacher, please make a time ASAP and I am sure they will find a time for you that will suit both parties.  

School Survey

Over the next two weeks we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an on line survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and well being at St John Vianney’s.

Year 4-6 students will also be asked to participate in their own survey, this is entirely voluntary. Your child will not take part if either you or your child do not wish to. If you do not want your child to take part, please notify your classroom teacher. 

The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. An email will be sent out to you today which will contain the link you need to access the survey. 

Congratulations

Finally some wonderful news to share with our community is that one of our families have just received their Australian Citizenship.  The first ceremony was just for Shaun's mum, Nicole as pictured. 

God Bless

Peter Rodda

Principal