PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
WELCOME BACK
Welcome back to Term 3. We have been so very blessed that despite the fact that more than 50% of Australia is in lockdown and all the other high schools in the Wollongong diocese are undertaking remote learning, we are here on campus continuing with face to face learning.
In continuing to support our positive mindset we are focussing on developing an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’. Research shows that people who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better,express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful, with two key aspects; a readiness to show appreciation and to return kindness.
With this in mind, at St John’s, we are thanking each other and striving to give kindness at every opportunity. It is through these actions that we will grow our own culture and we then get to enjoy it, but it takes each of us to do our bit and collectively we can create something amazing.
ST JOHN'S 2021 SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
What a great celebration the school production of ‘Babes in the Woods’ was for our school. It was such a clever and joyful story delivered by the most talented young people under the direction of Mr Mark Burian.
Congratulations to our students who have prepared for this event since the start of 2021. It was also supported by many staff undertaking the various roles. Mrs Jan Johnston designed and made costumes with Mrs Leone Frank. She has undertaken this role for so very long and truly been of great service to our school community.
FANTASTIC BASKETBALL COURT SHADE COVERS
We wish to thank the ongoing efforts of our P & F Committee and volunteers who have assisted in various fundraising activities.One of the shelters was provided by the P&F and the other was funded by the school. This is such a wonderful area now that can provide a suitable location for students in all weather conditions.
CONGRATULATIONS MR JAMES EIRTH
I would like to congratulate Mr James Eirth who has been appointed to the substantive position of Assistant Principal of St John the Evangelist, Nowra.
Following the recruitment process for the Assistant Principal position James has successfully obtained the substantive position commencing immediately.
James has been the Acting Assistant Principal at St John the Evangelist since Term 4, 2020, and has held the position of Middle Leader 3, Pastoral Care Coordinator since January 2018. He commenced in the Diocese of Wollongong in 2016, as an Education Officer in the School Improvement Specialist Support Team, and prior to that, was the Administration Coordinator at Bethlehem College, Ashfield. He has over 15 years of experience in Catholic Education.
James holds a Bachelor in Education from the University of NSW, a Graduate Certificate in RE, and is currently studying a Master in Educational Leadership with the ACU. He is an active parishioner of the All Saints Catholic Church in Shellharbour City.
Since coming to St John’s James has worked to provide excellence in teaching and pastoral care. He has focussed in further developing our school culture of Excellence in Learning and Peaceful and Just Relationships.
We are very blessed to have James as the Assistant Principal in our school.
NEW CANTEEN MANAGER
We wish to congratulate Ms Gerri Hart on her appointment as our new Canteen Manager. Gerri has been working as our Canteen Assistant, making for a smooth transition into her Canteen Manager's role. Despite the challenges faced with the current Covid-19 regulations preventing volunteers on-site, Gerri has adapted to these difficulties, amending the canteen menu to be able to continue to offer this service to our school. We wish you well with your new role, Gerri!
NAIDOC SPEECH
Mr David Muller presented an inspirational speech at the St John’s NAIDOC assembly. I understand that it is difficult for our parents and carers to watch these livestreams so I have published his speech in this newsletter. I highly recommend that you take the time to read it. Click here to view David's presentation.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal