SJE COMMUNITY & THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

We generally refer to the students, staff and families connected with St John’s as the ‘community’ of St John’s. As a catholic school community we hold dear the Catholic social teaching of the Dignity of the Human Person. 

The foundation of all Catholic Social Teaching is the inherent dignity of the human person, as created in the image and likeness of God. The Church, therefore, calls for Integral Human Development, which concerns the wellbeing of each person in every dimension: economic, political, social, ecological, and spiritual.

The renowned sociologist and author, Hugh Mackay, presents in his book “What Makes Us Tick” a well researched reflection of the ten key social desires. 

The desire for love, says Mackay, is the deepest of all our desires that when freely given offers the most enduring contribution to a better world. He doesn't hide the allusions to 1 Corinthians 13 when he writes that love is about action as much as feeling and true love seeks no recognition or reward. He even borrows the language of the Apostle Paul when he surmises that when it's authentic, love is constant and faithful and perseveres.

The desire to be taken seriously, is the only one of the ten here that Mackay singles out and declares to be sovereign. "Take me seriously" is a cry from the heart that underlies so much human behaviour, he suggests. It's about a deep yearning for ways to be acknowledged as unique and significant. The belief that every person is a unique creature made in God's image - a life that is precious beyond all measure and utterly unrepeatable.

These concepts are foundational to our community. We build a community grounded deeply in Catholic Social Teachings. One in which we work together to ensure that all our members are valued and given every opportunity to grow and reach our potential in a supportive community that challenges us to excellence and supports us to reach it in a peaceful and caring community. 

Also in this month of November the Catholic Church remembers those who have passed beginning the month with All Saints and All Souls day. We took time, as a community, to also pray for those in our community who had passed.  

MANDATORY FACE MASKS

We wish to thank our students for the positive way they have followed directions for complying with Covid-safe regulations to ensure the safety of our school community.

We would like to remind students that it is the student's responsibility to provide their own face mask everyday to be worn indoors at school.

HSC BEGINS

How wonderful it was to see our Year 12 students back on grounds to finally have the opportunity to undertake their Year 12 exams. It has been a longer than usual journey however I am certain that they are well prepared and are excited about completing their HSC year and preparing for their post school options. We wish them all the best in the exams and plans for their futures.

STAFF COLLEGIAL LEARNING

The staff at St John’s constantly engage in professional learning. They develop professional learning goals as well as working collegially in teams. Many staff are developing new programs and currently improving teaching programs in 2022. Over a period of a number of weeks they have closely examined the surveys that have been collected throughout 2021 and are ensuring that strategies are developed to address any concerns that are identified. The middle leaders in all areas, curriculum and pastoral, undertake extra training and lead most often collegial learning that staff undertake. A focus on growth and improvement is evident at all levels at St John’s.

SJE POSITION VACANT - CANTEEN ASSISTANT

We wish to advise the position of School Support Officer - Canteen Assistant (70 Hours per fortnight) is currently available at St John's, with applications closing 15 November 2021 at 8.30am. For further details or to apply, please click here.