Principal's Message

While I write this week's newsletter, Peter is attending the Trans-Tasman Principals Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand. The theme for this year’s conference is Together Leading Learning, which perfectly aligns with the SJV Vision: Build, Belong, Become and Believe - fostering collaboration and growth for our community.

Conferences like this are a wonderful opportunity for leaders to learn new ideas, strategies, and insights that will help to continue to provide the best learning environment possible for students. It's also a great chance to connect with fellow principals from Australia and New Zealand, sharing experiences and gaining fresh perspectives.  We look forward to Peter's safe return next term and look forward to his new insights and knowledge.

Prayers Please

Our community is deeply saddened by the loss of Fr. Brian Ebert. Many families and parishioners have been blessed to attend Mass when Fr. Brian graciously stepped in for Fr. Brannelly or Fr. Michael. We are thankful for his dedicated service to our Church and, most importantly, for exemplifying his love of God. His funeral will be held at Holy Trinity, Curtin, on Monday, 23rd September, from 11am. May he rest in the eternal love and peace of God.  We keep his family in our prayers.

Student Well Being and Learning Survey

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) are collaborating with the University of New England (UNE) to conduct a national study on student wellbeing and learning.
They are aiming to collect evidence through a survey from a broad sample of parents and carers of children attending Catholic schools in Australia.
The survey will be open until the end of October. Results will be used to report to the Federal Government and Catholic Education.

Summer Uniform

Summer Uniform commences in Term 4, so please check the wardrobe and order on Qkr! or visit the Clothing Pool if any items are needed. We will have the usual transition period early in Term 4 to cater for the unpredictable weather.

A reminder that black leather school shoes are an essential item of uniform. Several parents comment that their Year 6 child only has one term left at school. However, students also need black school shoes in high school.

Chris Steel Visit

Next week we will be receiving a visit from the Minister for Transport Chris Steel.  Teachers and students alike will get the opportunity to meet Chris and Chris will get the opportunity to see some of our teachers in action.  The SRC will also be given some time to have a sit-down conversation with Chris and I believe they are busy preparing some thoughtful questions for him when he arrives. 

School Safety

Dogs on School Grounds

According to the ACT Domestic Animals Act 2000, dogs are not permitted on the grounds of child-care centres, preschools, or primary schools unless one of the following applies:

(a) The dog’s owner lives on the school grounds, or

(b) The dog has been granted permission by the school principal or person in charge.

(c) The dog is an identified therapy animal

Smoking Policy
In accordance with Catholic Education policy (“Smoking Free Environment”), smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of the school grounds, including the car park. All CECG schools are designated smoke-free environments. This ban applies to school facilities, buildings, grounds, sports fields, vehicles on school grounds, and parking areas. All students, staff, visitors, and other authorized personnel are informed that smoking is not permitted.

Drive Safely
ACT Police guidelines for shared zones, such as our school car park, mandate that motorists must not exceed a speed limit of 10 km/h and must always give way to pedestrians. More information is available on their website: ACT Police Road Safety.

Parking Guidelines
Please park only in designated parking spaces. Children are not allowed to enter the car park area without adult supervision. Parents should pick up their children at the designated gates (Playground or ASC). If you are unable to leave your car, please use the drop-off lane located in front of the Hall.

Visiting the School
Parents visiting the school during school hours (8:30 AM to 4:00 PM) are requested to enter through the Front Office. For families with children attending Camp Australia outside of these hours, please communicate with ASC staff before entering the main building. Staff members frequently have administrative duties, and minimizing interruptions helps protect their time and privacy.

Save the date!

We look forward to welcoming all of our Grandparents and Grand-friends to SJV on Wednesday, 23 October , commencing with Mass at 9.30am.  Further details will be shared closer to the date.

Community Indigenous Garden Opening - 29 November - more details to follow.

2025 School term Dates

Catholic Education have provided dates for next year.  These may help for 2025 holiday planning:

Term 4

Term 4 begins for all students on Monday October 14th and finishes on Monday December 16th.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to everyone, especially those involved in the community garden, fete, extracurricular activities, sports, and our concert extravaganza—to name just a few. We are deeply grateful to our wonderful community for all you do, from creating fantastic Book Week costumes to simply getting the kids to school on time! We understand that some days can be more challenging than others, but together, we are building lasting memories for our children and creating a truly special school experience.

Mrs D’s ‘Thought of the Week….’

"Holidaying with Kids isn't about the holiday.

(Because let's face it, that's just exhausting!)

It is about making memories and spending time together."

Nina De Rosa

Principal