St John's Primary School was opened in 1948 by the Sisters of Mercy, named in honour of St John the Evangelist. The majority of the original seventy-nine students were from European migrant families living in the local area. Most of the school was built byvoluntary labour. In 1950, the Dominican Sisters from Dongara took over responsibility for the parish school and Sister Mary Albertus OP was the first Superior.
The original Church-hall was initially considered adequate for the number of students, but very quickly enrolments exceeded 100. Two new classrooms, a storeroom and a small office wereblessed and opened in 1951. Enrolments peaked in 1958 to 410 pupils with small numbers going on to Junior and Leaving Certificate (Years 10 and 12). 1958 also saw the employment of the first lay teacher.
The first lay principal was appointed in 1981 when the Dominican Sisters relinquished control of the school. Enrolments declined in the 80's and early 90's due to the aging population of Scarborough and the many new schools that opened in the northern suburbs. But with the re-zoning of Scarborough in the 2000's from single house blocks to multi-residential dwellings, the popular area has attracted new, younger families.
Description
Throughout the years there has been an active Parents and Friends Association which has provided much needed equipment for children and teachers and constantly improved both the school building and the grounds. School facilities have been upgraded constantly due to a very proactive and involved School Board and educational funds have been wisely allocated to improve student learning outcomes. The 2000's saw a revitalisation of the school and it is now an esteemed, vibrant, single stream, co educational Catholic school community from Pre Kindergarten to Year Six. Enrolments are at capacity in 2023, with over 200 students and 30 excellent teachers and support staff led by Principal, Velma Erskine.
