Q: With inquiry based learning, should we still expect that our children have the same level of literacy/numeracy learning/skills after their first year as those children who experience a more traditional learning approach?

A: At John's, we hold the value of children being literate and numerate as highly as the development of their character, curiosity for learning and resilience to pursue their goals. A discovery, inquiry-based approach to learning creates an environment where children have the opportunity to develop their learning dispositions and habits for learning in a far deeper way than an alternative, such as rote learnt skills. Discovery based learning is designed for by educators and leaders in an intentional way to include children’s interests and links to the Victorian Curriculum. Therefore, it offers the space for children to transfer the skills that they are learning through targeted literacy and numeracy small groups. For example, when children are learning about the concept of addition, they are able to investigate in the supermarket where they can add various prices to make totals. Or when children are learning how to form alphabet letters, they might be working in the vet where they need to record appointments and names of patients. The possibilities are truly endless and by no means are our literacy or numeracy expectations of children lowered. We view both inquiry, discovery based learning and Victorian curriculum areas, such as literacy and numeracy working in partnership, helping children develop deeper knowledge and skills through authentic experience.

Q. How does St. John's support children with separation anxiety?

A: If you know or think that your child will experience some separation anxiety as they begin school, please contact Ash (aowen@sjfootscray.catholic.edu.au) or our school office. That way we can put some preventative supports in place. We would also recommend viewing the short videos on our 'Virtual Tours' page. Knowing more about what school looks like and feels like may help to reduce some of the 'unknowns.'

Q. How does St. John's address bullying?

A: St. John's values relationships and works strategically to foster positive relationships between peers. This is our number one preventative strategy against bullying. We plan explicitly for opportunities to build relationships and connection between peers. This happens every morning during our 'Ready to Learn' time through our Greeting and Positive Primer (as well as many other times in the day). Children who are well connected with their peers are also better placed to learn. St. John's sets very clear and high expectations for our students, as seen in our Ways of Working. Kindness and safety are behaviours we expect of our students.

St. John's promotes safety and kindness in many ways including:

• Celebration of Harmony Day

• Bullying awareness - eg. Bullying! No Way Day

• Term focus on Respectful Relationships (Personal and Social Capability Curriculum)

• Cyber safety and conduct

There are often breakdowns in our Ways of Working. Just as children are developing Literacy and Numeracy skills, they are also developing social and behavioural skills. In instances where children are not kind or safe, there will always be a conversation with an educator or leader, a teaching moment, actions taken to repair the relationship and follow up.

Q. How many recess breaks do children get in the day?

A: A 40 minute break (11:00-11:40am) and a 30 minute break (1:40-2:10pm.) Educators also plan for regular 'Brain Breaks' and 'Movement Breaks' throughout the day.

Q: Are St John's school bags compulsory and do the sport runners need to be black or can they be any colour?

A: Yes, all students need to use the St John's school bag (they fit nicely in our bag boxes.) On the day that your child has sport, they can wear runners that are any colour.

Q: Do children need to wear black leather school shoes?

A: Children need to wear black shoes on non-sport days, however these CAN be all black runners. Our children need to be comfortable so that they can learn, play and be active.

Q: Can you purchase generic navy shorts/pants, or do they need to be purchased from the school uniform shop?

A: Yes you can purchase generic navy shorts and pants from any store. As a rule of thumb, anything with the St. John's logo (eg. the bag, hat, polo, jackets) should be purchased from RHS Uniforms, other items without a logo can be purchased elsewhere.

Q: When is the 2022 Prep's first day of school?

A: Thanks for being patient with us on this one, as we were finalising dates. Preps will begin on Monday 31st January 2022. They will have the whole school to themselves on this day, as our children in Grades 1-6 begin the next day. Preps will not attend school on a Wednesday until the week of Labour Day. They will be full time at St. John's from Tuesday 15th of March 2022.