PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Whilst we are challenged by the restriction of lockdown for the common good for COVID 19 the world is following the events in Afghanistan with a heavy heart and a deep disquiet about what lies ahead. All of us see the images of chaos, unrest, uncertainty and fear. Much lies in the balance. The hope and dreams of young Afghan girls and boys and all Afghani people. At this grave time we pray that all humanitarian needs can be met. Conflict has forced thousands to flee from their homes. We pray that all countries will willingly receive refugees so that we may all support the people of Afghanistan.
REMOTE LEARNING
I would like to acknowledge our wonderful parents and carers who have supported our young people in remote learning. It is certainly challenging and we appreciate the generous spirit that you have given to this role. To our students also, you have connected with a determination and resilience that is admirable. It is not easy however we will often confront new challenges in life and if we take to them a mindset that we can do this the best that we can, life will provide us with opportuinities for growth and bring us deep moments of joy when we succeed in these difficult challenges.
As a community guided by the Catholic faith we look to Catholic social teachings to guide our thinking.
The principle of the Common Good in Catholic Social Teaching emphasises that we are connected with other people. The Common Good is about the general welfare of the entire human family where the rights and duties of individuals and groups are harmonised into the achievement of the common good. Our collective commitment to remote learning, COVID-safe principles and vaccination is a practical expression of our concern for the common good of our community.
So I encourage everyone to try to keep a positive mindset, acknowledge the new skills that you are developing, connect with others appropriately at every opportunity and if you need support at any time seek it out. Sometimes we give support and sometimes we accept it, that is the basis of a supportive community. Please don’t hesitate to call the school if you need assistance.
A GESTURE OF LOVE
Pope Francis recently described getting vaccinated as an act of love: "Love for oneself, love for our families and friends and love for all peoples. Love is also social and political.'
He went on to say that social and political love is built up through “small individual gestures capable of transforming and improving societies”.
So, if you have been vaccinated or you are getting vaccinated consider it a gesture of love, a simple way to care for one another and to support the common good.
LEADERSHIP TEAM 2022
We have the most wonderful group of young people entering the HSC year for 2022. There is a great diversity of talents and they willingly get involved and ensure that their talents are shared with our school community. Earlier this term they engaged in a Leadership Development Day and their collegiality was very evident. They work so well as a team. They were given the opportunity to nominate for a school leadership position, present an expression of interest and each nominee attended a forum where they responded to a question posed to them by the school executive. This and their expression of interest was shared then voting was undertaken.
Whilst we are very confident that each of the young people in this cohort will shine as a leaders we would like to acknowledge the elected school leaders for 2021:
NEW LEADERS IN OUR SCHOOL STAFF
This year Mr Aidan Leishman has been in the role of Pastoral Care Coordinator. He has now been appointed to the substantive position of Pastoral Care Coordinator. We are so blessed to have a leader who has such diverse experience in educational settings. He is very focussed on ensuring that all students are supported to learn and incredible competency in this role.
Mrs Leone Frank will be retiring at the end of this year and I would like to announce that Mr Brendan Gibson will be the new Vocational Education and Training (VET) Coordinator. He brings a wealth of experience to this role and has worked in many different schools in diverse areas. Mr Gibson has taught a number of VET areas including Hospitality and Construction. VET at St John’s has grown to include so many areas and next year we will also be adding VET Fitness for Year 11. I am certain that Mr Gibson will continue to ensure that this area of study is delivered with excellence and an engaging curriculum.
FATHER’S DAY - SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER
Father's Day is a day of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. We wish all fathers in our school community a very happy Father’s Day this Sunday. We also honour those who take on this role for the many young people who do not have fathers in their lives.
Parenting can at times be so very challenging however it also brings with it immeasurable joy. Our children are such a gift and to have the privilege to be their mentor and guide is the gift of fatherhood. The advice from St Peter to the Corinthians is an excellent mantra:
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal