This week our assembly prayer was focussed on the Polding. Our Polding house captains, Ryan and Isabelle, led the prayer that reflected on Archbishop John Bede Polding, the first Archbishop of Australia after whom the house is named and the patron saint of Polding St Vincent de Paul who is the Patron Saint of charitable societies. Some of the reflections in the prayer were:

And the words of St Vincent de Paul:

This reminds us to live by the Polding House value of compassion, and be the hands of active service that will bring the goodness of God to those in need. It calls us to service to ensure that the dignity of each person is preserved and that we place this as a priority in our lives. Saint Paul was not necessarily highlighting the giving of money but rather proclaiming the giving of time and service. So, when we return to school in Week 4, let's all follow the words of Saint Paul and give our time and service through groups such as PAX, JAG, or at a Working Bee, or assisting in the Canteen. And remember, one of the best ways to give to others when we return in Week 4 is to be friendly, caring, positive and covid safe towards other students and staff.

RETURN TO SCHOOL 

We are very excited about the fact that we will all be back on site on Monday 25 October. Parents and carers have done the most wonderful job in supporting our young people to take on the challenge of remote learning. Thank you for your support. There are many skills they have strengthened over this time especially in the areas of resilience and perseverance. So now as we return to school we will focus on supporting their wellbeing by listening to their concerns, encouraging their connection and engagement to our community with taking every opportunity to engage with others and returning to normal routines and practices.

We will also be introducing measures to keep COVID safe. These include not mixing year groups, where possible, separated playground areas, all staff and students wearing face masks, hand sanitisers and disinfectant in each room, new bus line and canteen procedures and many more.

As students will be required to wear face masks both indoors and outside at school, we ask for parents to make this transition easier for students by encouraging them to gradually increase the amount of time they wear a mask prior to their return to school.

GRATITUDE WALL

We would like the St John's community to contribute to our wall by adding messages, photos or videos acknowledging the people and things you are grateful for. You are welcome to add several messages to the board.

To participate, please click on the link below then select 'Add to Board'.

YEAR COORDINATOR POSITIONS

2022 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL