Dear Parents,
Kindy Orientation
On Wednesday we welcomed parents of children who will be starting Kindy next year. It was an opportunity to meet with the teacher and other key staff members. Next Wednesday, between 9-10am, we welcome our Kindergarten students for 2026 to the school. They will have the opportunity to meet the Kindy staff, do an activity and have a play. Parents can take the opportunity to mix socially over a cuppa outside the staffroom. The current kindergarten class will spend some time in Pre-primary and the Pre-primary children will move to Year 1 for the hour.
Colour Fun Run
Our Colour Fun Run last Friday was a wonderful success, thank you to all parents who came to support and assist. Special thanks to our P&F and in particular Susannah Piek who has been organising this event for many years – it is her last one!
The fundraising went very well with over $3500 in total raised, which included 16 students who raised over $100 and were eligible for the raffle to slime one of 4 willing teachers – congrats to the 4 lucky students! This will take place after tomorrow’s assembly.
Parent Volunteers
I would like to take this time to thank the many volunteers who have helped in some way during the year. On Wednesday 3 December we will have an afternoon tea, commencing at 2:15pm to recognise those who have volunteered throughout this year.
Staffing 2026
I would like to farewell the following staff, leaving at the end of this year:
- Blace Antonio has worked at St John Paul II for 3 years and has chosen to travel in 2026.
- Zoe Jones has obtained a teaching position with a fulltime PE load at St Stephens.
- After working with us in 2025, we say farewell to Kingsley Novell and David Hanrahan.
- Also, Marisa Grafton, Edwina Cannon and Georgia Allison have been on leave in 2026 and have now resigned.
I would like to welcome teachers Anel Britz and Nicole Brown to our school in 2026. I also welcome back Jess Cook, who has been on maternity leave in 2025.
Staffing for 2026 is as follows:
Assistant Principal: Mr Nic Bigwood
SWD Coordinator: Mrs Vickey Draper
Team Leader Early Years: Mrs Michelle Clapp
Kindergarten: Mrs Cettina Rutley, Miss Becc Shannon (EA), Mrs Jenny Baxter (EA) and Mrs Melanie Davers (EA)
Pre-Primary: Mrs Rachael O’Brien, Miss Paris Sharp (EA)
Year 1: Mrs Michelle Clapp, Nicole Brown (Wed), Ms Jo Sheahan (Mon- Wed) (EA) and Ms Alicia Wilde (Thurs-Fri) (EA)
Year 1: Miss Ebony Baker and Mrs Ravinder Kumari (EA)
Year 2: Miss Jasmine Panaia and Ms Deb Harris (EA)
Year 3: Mrs Kristi Phillips and Mrs Ravinder Kumari (EA)
Year 4: Mr Eddie Gibbs and Miss Kathleen Blackmore (EA)
Year 4/5: Miss Jade Alaga
Year 5: Mr Jason CainYear 6: Miss Isabella Ferritto and Mrs Kerry Clune (EA)
Science Mrs Jess Cook
Phys Ed: Mrs Anel Britz
Art and Music: Mr Mark Raftos
Indonesian: Mrs Marlee McAdam
Social Worker: Miss Abbey Lamb
Chaplaincy Worker: Mrs Jenny Baxter
MiniLit and Library: Mrs Trudy Gibbs
Canteen: Mrs Jo Sheahan
Financial Officers: Mrs Mailyn Duenas and Mrs Chi Zhang
Administration: Mrs Fiona Kranz and Mrs Chloe Fox
Grounds: Mr Garry Singh and Mr Rod Williams
End of Year
There are several exciting school events coming up as we enter our last two weeks of term for students.
The big school community event is our P&F end of year Christmas picnic on Friday 5 December between 4:30 and 7:00pm. There will be a variety of activities, all children are singing carols from 5pm, parish choir, a food van and icecream van, face painting, circus skills workshop, supercar display and craft stalls. Please see the flyer as part of this newsletter.
Other special events and functions are our Pre-primary J nativity next Friday morning and the Pre-primary P nativity on Monday December 8, Graduation, Whole school Thanksgiving Mass, Awards Assembly and Talent Show. I look forward to seeing parents and families at these various functions. It’s an extra busy time for our hard-working staff who will be finalising reports, but an invigorating time for us all with so many entertaining events!
Talent Show
Our student leaders were very keen for the Talent Show to take place again and persuaded me to host the event, and there has been significant interest from the students. Auditions took place today with the performance happening after the Awards Assembly on Friday 12 December.
2026
We are currently finalising classes for 2026, please let the school office know if you are not planning to return to SJPIICPS.
In Harmony
Martin Tucker
Principal
