A message from the Assistant Principal and Mrs D's "Thought of the Week"
Fete
Thank you all for an amazing family and community Fete!
It was a terrific effort by the organisers, the Community Council, staff and volunteers to prepare for the Fete. They worked effectively to ensure everything was organised, booked, delivered, set up, coordinated etc. I would like to thank in particular, Janice Spackman and her team of volunteers. Many hours went into planning and ensuring all was ready.
Thank you to those parents, friends and community members who volunteered to help on stalls. Without your help we would not have been able to have as many stalls as we did. On a beautiful Spring day, the Fete was well-attended and most stalls traded well.
Thank you also to our amazing SJV staff who were involved in everything! Staff were seen assisting with many tasks in and out of school time, setting up, working on various stalls, assisting students and visitors and packing up... among many things.
Whilst the final amount on the day is an important achievement, more important is the fact that we held a great family event for our families and local community. Thank you to the whole community for supporting the SJV Fete again!
Raffle Books
All books either sold or unsold should have been returned yesterday. I ask all families, if you haven't already done so, make an effort to sell their book and return the book to the front office to ensure all tickets are accounted for before the draw on: 29th November.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the resolution (end) of the First World War (the Armistice) on 11 November, 1918.
The Armistice
In 1918, after suffering a number of defeats and heavy losses, the German forces agreed to an armistice (a truce) with the Allied troops and this signalled the end of WWI. The treaty was signed at 5am on 11 November 1918, but did not officially come into effect until six hours later at 11am. The armistice was met by celebration around the world; people yelled, cheered and danced in the streets.
For this reason, Remembrance Day was originally called Armistice Day. In Australia, it was renamed in 1997. The name change broadened the meaning of the day, widening the focus from World War I, to a day which commemorates those who served in any war or conflict.
Year 3 held a reverent prayer celebration on Monday. Thank you to Mr Toth and Mrs Donaghue for the well rehearsed and beautiful service.
Swimming week 9
All children received notes outlining the swimming lessons to be held in week 9 at Stromlo Leisure Centre. Please ensure swimming notes are returned by Monday 25th November and payment is made on Qkr! ASAP. If you require a new note, this can be accessed from The Notes to Parents page of the newsletter.
Students not returning in 2025.
Don’t forget to let us know if you are planning to leave St John Vianney's at the end of the year. (Year 6 exempt of course!) We are in the process of organising staffing and class numbers for next year. We also have some grades that are reaching capacity and have families on waiting lists. We ask for your help as accurate numbers will assist with this process.
Secondhand clothing
Mrs Spackman very efficiently sorted our overflowing collection of lost property. Most items were labelled and have been returned to classes. Located in the front office is a table of un-named clothing or they have a past students name on it. If your family is still missing an item, please find time to have search through the pile. Anything still remaining at the end of Week 6 will be given to clothing pool.
Postponed Opening of indigenous garden
The school has made the decision to postpone the official opening of our Community Indigenous Garden that was set for the 29th November.
The SCC received the community grant to create a project that will engage parents and community into the future.
To fulfil this commitment, the school would like time to build ties in educational and cultural opportunities to liaise with students and indigenous elders to discuss the significance of the garden and what it can be used for moving forward. This way when the official opening occurs, the students will feel far more connected to what is happening. The opening will also be connected to a family engagement event.
A date in 2025 will be determined as advertised ASAP.
Last Day of Term Four / Staff Development Day
Please remember that Catholic Education is allocating one (1) staff development day for all ACT systemic Catholic schools on the last day of Term 4 being Tuesday 17th December. Please note, therefore, that the last day of school for all SJV students this year is Monday 16th December.
Nina De Rosa
Acting Principal