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Socktober 2025 – Zambia

This year, through Catholic Mission, we are raising awareness and funds for communities in Zambia, to help ensure children have access to food and education, giving them the chance to build a brighter future.

‘Socktober is an exciting way to bring communities together and make a real impact on global issues. By participating, you not only help those in need but also foster a sense of empathy and social responsibility.’

This is a chance for students to learn about important causes in the world around them and to see the difference their efforts can make to other children less fortunate.

Each classroom has been given a colorful sock from the initial display, in which to collect their class contibutions towards the cause.

These donations will be tallied at the end of the month to announce our total contribution to Catholic Mission.

More Information: https://www.socktober.org.au/

In Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Sunday 2025, we are called ‘…to be missionaries of hope, strengthening global solidarity in response to growing humanitarian challenges.’

 

Hopefully our school community is returning refreshed after the break ready for a busy end to the year.

The first week of term will see us gather as a school for a Mass to highlight our committment to the Missions through the ‘Socktober Appeal’.  Junior Swimming Lessons will also conclude in the first week of Term 4.

Our Foundation Orientation Program will commence this Term with our Grade 3 students preparing for, and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The first week of November will be busy with a Student Free Day on Monday the 3rd November, followed by Melbourne Cup Day public holiday. Our Art Show will be held on Thursday 6th November with Grandparents’ Day celebrated on Friday 7th November. The following week Remembrance Day will be recognised.

December will  see us focus on Advent, with the following also being highlights, Christmas Carols at Westernport Regional Health Service, our whole school Color Run, the Grade 6 Graduation Mass and award presentations, with Student Leaders for 2026 also being announced before the year ends.

During, and in spite of all this activity, staff will have prepared Student Reports to be distributed in the final days of Term.

 

 

Our Fathers’ Day Breakfast was again a highlight with many dads, father figures and grandparents, taking the time to join the children for breakfast, to ball-play outside and staying on for the celebration of a special Fathers’ Day Mass.

Wearing their new choir robes, the student choir led the singing with some members performing solo parts to a well rehearsed reflection song.

We are so privileged to have staff willing to go above and beyond for our school community, whether it’s setting up, coming in early to get things cooking or giving of their time for rehearsals, a great example for our students of committment and belonging to a community.

The theme chosen by the CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) for Book Week 2025 is Book an Adventure.

‘2025 is also a milestone year for us as we celebrate 80 years of Children’s Book Week! For 8 decades, CBCA has been dedicated to inspiring young minds to journey through the countless worlds that books offer.’  https://cbca.org.au/childrens-book-week/

Here at St John’s we will celebrate Book Week with a variety of events.

• Mon. 18th Aug. Progressive Story commences – contributed to by classes from across the school & students will experience a Treasure Hunt Book Week Performance
• Tues. 19th Aug.   Favourite Book Day for Seniors (3-6). Sharing and completing associated literacy activities.
• Wed. 20th Aug.   Favourite Book Day for Juniors. Sharing and completing associated literacy activities.
• Thurs. 21st Aug. Book Week Dress Up Day and Parade in the hall from 9.10am-10.10am Followed by selected Book Week Activities from the CBCA website
• Frid. 22nd Aug.  Multi-age Story Time & PJ Day

So please get those costumes ready for our Book Week Dress Up Day & Parade.

Even though we had gimpses of sunshine, the cold wind challenged our supportive spectators who came along, thanks for your endurance.

The children showed great resilience and eager healthy competition through some varied events; for the seniors, shotput, discus, high jump, long jump, triple jump, hurdles & sprints. The juniors enjoyed running, gumboot throwing and various other challenging events.

Thanks go to our sports co-ordinator, Miss Jess Gridley for her efforts in planning and running the day.

Those senior students who qualified will now represent our school at the interschool level.