PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
STAFF LEAVING ST JOHN'S
We so often take time to acknowledge our young people here at St John’s and this year we have celebrated so many successes across so many areas.
At this time however I would like to also acknowledge the remarkable staff and their commitment to excellence. There are a number of staff who will be leaving St John’s at the end of 2021. For many of them they are moving to retirement and others to alternate areas. I would like to acknowledge these staff to our wider community.
Mr John Jakimyszyn has been working at St John’s for 27 years and is now retiring from teaching. He is the face of outdoor education and it was John who has implemented this program to share his love and skills in this area. Our Bushcraft course is unique and we are grateful to him for his time and dedication in this area. John is also a very competent HSIE teacher with a focus on Geography and Society and Culture. Many of you would also not be aware that John held the leadership role of Pastoral Care Coordinator for many years and was responsible for the initial implementation of Restorative Practices.
Mrs Mary Willis will also be retiring after 27 years at St John’s. She has worked in the library and has been integral not only in this role but also in maintaining the archives of the school. This was featured this year in the school’s celebration of our 30th Anniversary.
Mrs Moira Brown will be retiring after 24 years as a Science teacher at St John’s. She has held many leadership roles here including Year Coordinator and Science Coordinator. Moira has been a key member of the timetable team and in more recent years has led the implementation of Compass. Her attention to detail has resulted in outstanding outcomes in all she does.
After 23 years at St John’s, Mrs Carmel Smallwood will be retiring this year. She has a passion for French and ensuring that all students have access and challenge in their learning. She has provided an excellent standard of differentiation. Mrs Smallwood has organised and led many overseas excursions to enable our students to immerse themselves in the French language and culture. Mrs Smallwood is also an excellent Geography and English teacher.
Mrs Leone Frank has taught in the areas of TAS and VET at St John’s for 23 years. She will be retiring at the end of this year. As the VET Coordinator she has ensured that students have a variety of focus areas in work skills based courses. Along with the eVET courses and Tafe offerings we offer Construction and Hospitality as well as Fitness in 2022. Mrs Frank has also supported the school musicals and productions with her sewing skills.
Mrs Jade Roper has worked in English at St John’s for 4 years and has also worked in the gifted area and debating. She will be moving to a school closer to her home next year.
Mrs Sophie Cadman has taught Science and HSC Chemistry at St John’s for 4 years and will be leaving to work in a local business next year. She has also been the School Support Team lead that looks each week at student data and case manages student behaviour and well being.
Mr Sean Gray is currently studying his teaching degree and will be moving closer to his university to complete his studies. He has held roles in both Learning Support and Aboriginal Educational Support. He has generously given his time most lunchtimes to run activities for our students and is always a welcoming and happy presence. He has developed netball, especially for our boys.
Ms Daphne Palucci has worked across several areas for many years, mostly as a relief teacher. She has always ensured that learning continues at times when the classroom teacher is not available. Her commitment to her faith has been shared with students in her work with Youth Alpha.
Mr Simon Zulian joined us again in 2021 as a HSIE teacher. He has a great passion for Legal Studies and students using their voice in the political arena to ensure their voices are heard. He has led the Mock Trial team. He will be moving to a school closer to home.
Mrs Tania Speer has worked in the admin area as the Pastoral Support in 2021. She has managed attendance data and students plans with great competence. She will also be moving to a position closer to home.
FAREWELL AND CONGRATULATIONS YEAR 12
We celebrated the graduation of our HSC students at the most wonderful formal on Friday night. It was such a beautiful evening in which the students clearly valued their educational experience as a cohesive group of students.
I would like to acknowledge the team of staff who prepared the formal including Mr Simon Vaughan, Mrs Jessica Kinna, Ms Kate Davis, Ms Janie Hamilton, Mr James Eirth, Mr Mark Malady and the events planner: Mrs Monica Hartsthorne.
SUCCESS IN ART EXPRESS
Congratulations to Lily Thomas-McKnight whose major work has been selected for the NSW Art Express exhibition as an outstanding major work. Congratulations also to Asha Uebe, Hailey Frew, Paige Manning and Maddison Manasseh whose work has been selected for the 2022 Shoalhaven Gallery 'New Horizons' exhibition.
MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
Today we presented our major awards to students in Year 7-10 as well as the whole school awards. Congratulations to all the students who received an award, the result of hard work and commitment. Click here to view our presentation as livestreamed on Monday 13 December.
Special thanks to Dr Francis Antonio who each year donated a beautiful chess set for the chess award.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS APPRECIATION
Thanks to all the parents, carers and friends who have supported us this year with their generous donation of time. The canteen would not run without your support. Thanks also to the Parents and Friends Committee for leading this team of volunteers and supporting people. Thanks to;
President: Mr Corey Carter
Vice President: Mr Brad Simpson
Assistant Vice President: Mrs Sophie Pavlis
Treasurer: Ms Monica Oke
Secretary: Mrs Vanessa Cladingbowl
Assistant Secretary: Ms Melissa Alder
Publicity Officer: Mrs Jacinta Davis
HAPPY CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR & HOLIDAY BREAK
This year has certainly presented its challenges and also many opportunities to do things a little differently. I pray that the Christmas celebration is a special one for you and that you have time to refresh your spirit over the holiday season. May God Bless you and bring you peace during this time.
Mrs Sandra Hogan
Principal