WELCOME BACK TO ALL

I hope that all have had a well-earned rest over the Christmas period and spent time with family and friends. We look forward with great hope to 2024 being a most wonderful year at St John’s. The challenge ahead is to make this year the best one yet. That is in your personal life and in your school life and this is very achievable if we are intentional in our actions. So, I look forward with optimism for our St John’s community.

We have a deep commitment to our School Mission:

WELCOME TO OUR NEW YEAR 7

It is always a special day at a school when Year 7 commence. The parents are anxious and the students nervous. So many students wait out the front of the school until they see another face they recognise or their friends arrive before they start to relax.

The students had a wonderful program on Wednesday that saw them rotate through activities in their PALS (pastoral and learning support) Group. They visited the Library and had a tour of their new home. I thank Mrs Simis, Mr Stephenson and the PALS team for the organisation.

I also want to acknowledge the wonderful group of Peer Support Leaders who attended and led numerous activities throughout the day. Thank you.

2023 HSC RESULTS

St John’s would like to congratulate the HSC group of 2023 on their outstanding efforts. A total Year group of 120 students with 51 seeking University admission and an ATAR, achieved a total of 22 Band 6's. 15 students achieved a Distinguished Achievers listing.

This also included 6 students with scores over 90.00 and 7 HSC Major Works nominated for showcasing. We celebrate our College Dux, Caitlan Fairs who achieved a personal score of 97.25.

I need to also recognise all Staff that taught these students in their journey through education at from their start at St John’s.

NEW STAFF TO ST JOHN'S

It is a normal and positive function of schools to have some turnover of Staff each year. In 2024 welcome back from Maternity Leave Mrs Jennings and Mrs Abby Spruce. We also welcome Kylie Hetherington (English); Doriano Benedetti (HSIE); Josh Gersohn (PDHPE); Joel Dowdell (HSIE); Lachlan Bryce, Kiri Larter and Lauren Gilbert (Learning Support); ); Michael Fischer and Wendy Johnston (Indentured Casuals) and Sonia Diaz as our new Pastoral Care Coordinator.

2024 COLLEGE GOALS AND 2024 CYCLIC REVIEW

In education there are processes that are applied to every school to ensure a quality education is delivered. One of these is the Cyclic Review, a process that looks at where the school was and where it is now. The staff then work out goals for where they want the school to go in the future. St John’s last had a review in 2020 and this years review will be in early Term 3. Each review has a life of four years so this years will cover 2025 – 2028. The result of this work is important and all Staff will be involved as well as parent and student feedback.

As such we have two simple but important goals for 2024.

1. To improve the school learning culture and student outcomes.
2. To review the school charism (spiritual gift).

The Cyclic Review, although it involves a lot of work, is a wonderful opportunity to see where we are at and plan for the next four years.

2024 OPEN NIGHT

St John's Open Night will be held on Thursday 7 March, we look forward to showcasing our school for Year 7 2025 & future students.

Mr Wayne Marshall
Principal

A warm welcome to existing students, new students and families to the 2024 school year. My name is Sonia Diaz and I have been appointed as the Pastoral Care Coordinator at St John’s. I hope that the Christmas holiday break was filled with lots of fun and rest and that everyone is ready for an exciting and productive year ahead. Beginning the school year after the longer Christmas break can be challenging for many students. Fortunately, there are many tried and tested strategies that students can implement to support their learning and wellbeing for the year ahead including: 

• Being organised (timetable checked and bag packed the night before)
• Creating a routine that accounts for both study and free time (and sticking to it!)
• Creating a system, such as a visible calendar, to be prepared for assessments and complete tasks by their due date
• Committing to be grateful every day
• Doing something active such as going for a walk or playing sport
• Having a healthy sleep routine including an appropriate bedtime (phones, laptops and other electronic devices to be kept out of the bedroom)

We encourage our students to take responsibility for their own success however, it is always helpful if parents and carers positively encourage and support them in implementing these strategies.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind students of the importance of meeting the school’s expectations as outlined in our policies, specifically:

• Student Attendance Policy
• Student Uniform Policy
• Student Behaviour Management Policy
• Electronic Communication Device Policy
• Peaceful School Policy

I would also like to encourage parents and carers to familiarise themselves with these policies so you can play an active role in helping your child meet such expectations. Getting the little things right, such as uniform, ensures a positive start to the school year also. These policies can be accessed via the school’s website https://www.sjedow.catholic.edu.au/policies.

I look forward to working with students and families this year.

Ms Sonia Diaz

Pastoral Care Coordinator  

Save the Date

Year 10 and Year 11 Information Evening Wednesday 21 February 2024. It is very important that all students and parents/carers attend this meeting as it will cover the rules and regulations around assessment in relation to the ROSA and HSC as well as other important information.

Year 11 Change of Course:  Any change of course in Year 11 must be finalised by Tuesday 20 February 2024 (Beginning of Week 4).

Mrs Lisa Murphy
Curriculum Coordinator

Welcome to what is set to be an action packed term of Representative Sport.

St John’s has a strong sporting culture and provides many representative sporting opportunities for students.

The Representative Sport Google Classroom is a platform where students can access information on Representative Sport. This digital notice board provides important information such as the registration to trial, trial dates, important dates and expectations.

Students must be a member of the Representative Sport Google Classroom to access the google forms.

Tennis- please ensure notes are submitted and payment made. Event Date 7Th February @ Lamea courts

Triathlon -2024. All those who have nominated for triathlon teams, there will be a meeting early next week to confirm entries. 

Any questions please email Sports Coordinator

Mrs E Gray

graye01@dow.catholic.edu.au

SJE 2024 CARNIVALS

• Swimming Carnival @ Nowra aquatic centre on Friday 23 February 2024 (Compulsory carnival all years)
• Crosscountry Carnival @ Willandra Cambewarra Wednesday 3 April 2024 (7-8 Compulsory 9-12 Competitors only)
•  Athletics Carnival @ St Georges Basin Friday 3 May 2024 (Compulsory carnival all years)

Mrs Rachel Frew
PDHPE Coordinator

Dear St John’s community,

My name is Riot, I am a Wellbeing dog and I will be visiting St John’s very soon. I am part of the Dogs Connect program, like Ziggy was. I will mostly be working in Learning Support with my owner Miss Denny and the Learning Support Team, but may also be part of some other small group activities. Initially, I won’t be working with any students, I will just be getting used to the new environment. I am super friendly and I am so looking forward to coming to school.

Soon we will be sending out a google form to ask about any concerns families may have. Please know, Miss Denny and Team have noted any previously mentioned concerns when this form went out for my predecessor, Ziggy. 

This is me just saying, “Hello” for now, and showing you my new School Uniform.

See you soon,

Love Riot

MUSIC TUITION

Mrs Abbey Simis/Mr Michael Christie

Dear Parents and Carers,

Attached is information regarding 2024 School Fee's.

For information regarding school fees, please access the Diocesan School Fee Management
Policy and Frequently Asked Questions which is available on our school’s website under School Fees in the Parent Info section.

If you need any further information contact the school on 44 231 666.

Regards 

St John's

CANTEEN MENU 

BELOW IS THE CANTEEN ROSTER FOR TERM 1

SHOALHAVEN CITY COUNCIL - ROAD WORKS

SHOALHAVEN GIANTS - 2024 REGISTRATIONS OPEN

The Shoalhaven Giants Junior AFL Club is seeking U9 to U15 players for the upcoming season. They are offering free registration this year to encourage kids into the sport.