RETURN TO ONSITE LEARNING

How wonderful it has been to have everyone back on site. I have had such positive feedback from staff and students alike have engaged so positively with the COVID requirements and are very mindful of following the guidelines for the common good of everyone in our community.

We would like to thank all the parents and carers who have helped prepare our students to return and assist them to understand the importance of safe distancing and hygiene measures.

YEAR 12 RECOGNITION CEREMONY

On Thursday we celebrated the achievements of our Year 12 students. They have been a very focussed group of young people who have committed to their HSC studies with an admirable focus on their learning despite having to undertake remote learning over both their preliminary and HSC years. They worked with their teachers to develop their skills in independent learning and adjusted to the alternate delivery of the assessments with a strong resilience to manage this change. I am certain that this has them well-prepared for post school studies.

They have also made such a wonderful contribution to the wider school community. They have engaged with many social justice activities including Vinnies Youth, Vinnies Van, Timor Leste fundraisers, Relay for life and Christmas hampers. They also assisted in the canteen, helped with liturgies, engaged with Youth Alpha and LIVE events and took on leadership positions in groups such as PAX and Jag. This community engagement has prepared them to be active and informed citizens and truly make a difference in the world both now and in the future.

So many of them have already gained early entry to university or post school options such as apprenticeships and others are still considering what they may want to do.

Year 12 have been well supported by their Year Coordinator Mr Simon Vaughan, who is so very proud of what amazing young people they have become. Their PALS teachers are so very proud of them and many tears were shed. They have provided constant support and encouragement and enjoyed their company for many years with most being their PALS teachers from Year 7.

I also pray that during their years at St John’s they grew in their spiritual connection to their God and developed a moral compass embedded in the values of St John’s.

We wish them all the best as they prepare for the HSC exams and look forward to sharing their formal with them after their exams.

YEAR 12 AWARD RECIPIENTS

 

YEAR 11 RECOGNITION CEREMONY

On Wednesday we acknowledged the Year 11 students with their preliminary reports and awards. They have moved into their HSC studies with a wonderful sense of commitment and are a very engaged group of young people. We look forward to them moving into the school leadership roles and wish them the best for the HSC year.

SR CARMEL BAMBRIDGE AND SR EILEEN BROWN

Over the last couple of weeks we have seen the passing of Sr. Carmel and Sr. Eileen. Both were Good Samaritan sisters.They have both been significant members of our school community and been instrumental in creating the culture that we all hold dear.

Sr. Carmel was the first principal of St John’s and she had a very clear focus on this school embedded in its practice in its school motto of ‘Pax Christi’, a peaceful school.

Sister Eileen worked in a pastoral role in the parish and regularly in the school. Her ministry was from a very caring and generous heart.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen