YEAR 12 GRADUATION

The motto for our Year 12 students has been their focus since Year 7:

“Walk in the way of the good and the just and be the change you wish to see in the world” 

They have certainly exemplified this in their words and actions here at St John's.

This week has been such a wonderful celebration for the graduating class of 2022. They are an outstanding group of young people who have made so many proactive contributions to the community here at St John’s.  They have applied themselves with diligence to their studies and as I walked around chatting to them at the Year 12 farewell breakfast on Tuesday morning I was heartened by their plans post school. So many of them have early entry to universities or have secured apprenticeships. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours and look forward to hearing from them in years to come. 

HSC NOMINATIONS

This year we have had an outstanding number of nominations for HSC major works. In addition to the 6 nominations for Dance, this week we were informed of five new nominations:

These works have been identified as some of the best HSC major works in the state.

VET AWARD

Lat week the Wollongong Catholic Diocese held their annual Vocational Education & Training awards. Congratulations to St John's teacher Mr Jack Lopez, recipient of the VET Trainer of the Year for the Fitness course.

PRINCIPAL 2023

I am very excited to announce that the person selected to take up the principalship of St John’s in 2023 is Mr Wayne Marshall. I have attached the formal announcement that outlines his credentials and experience, I believe that we have been truly blessed with this selection. Wayne is a very experienced principal who has worked in a diverse range of schools. He is very competent and relates well to students, staff and parents and carers. He has a strong faith commitment.  He undertook the role here at St John’s for a period of time in 2021. I know that he will take an already outstanding school forward with a focus on outcomes for all our students.

Principal Appointment - Mr Wayne Marshall

RETIREMENTS

Mr Greg Kelly and Mr Peter Szota have retired from St John’s after 33 and 32 years of service respectively. 

Mr Greg Kelly

An original staff member of St John’s  and an English teacher in the early years, Greg taught many subjects. He also teaches religion and is a man of great personal faith. Additionally Greg has undertaken the roles of English Coordinator, General Coordinator and Assistant Principal.

His School engagement includes supporting English areas such as Debating and Public Speaking.

He attended many school camps and weekend Ski trips along with excursions to Indonesia with Indonesian students and New Caledonia French students and completed an exchange in Canada for 12 months.

Mr Kelly loves to be in the classroom and is passionate for young people’s improved learning outcomes.

He is a very clever man, is well read, well informed and likes a discussion. He is very good at thinking about what he knows and analysing and critiquing it with others in conversation.

He has a very dry sense of humour and often brings a smile to our face. We wish him the best and thank him for his contribution to St John’s.

Mr Peter Szota

Pete joined St John’s in its second year and as such has worked here for 32 years. He is a Maths teacher but has taught other subjects including Science.

His skills in Maths have seen him teach at all levels including Maths Extension 2. He was also the Maths and Curriculum Coordinator in the early years of the school.

He has taken on the roles of Year Coordinator, VET Coordinator and taught Careers for a long time.

He was the School Debating Coach that won two state titles for Years 7 and 8.

He is a keen sportsman especially in athletics. He was chosen to train for the 1980 Australian athletics team but due to injury he failed to make the team. He has shared his talent coaching many SJE teams.

One of his greatest contributions to the school has been in the area of performing arts. He played in a band and has been the guitar and singer for the teachers' band on many school events. 

Peter directed the School musical for 20 years, that’s 10 musicals!! He also supported many of the school productions as the Stage Manager. Mr Burian truly appreciated his support.

Peter is such a positive member of our school community. There is always a smile on his face and a happy hello. He always see the best in things and people. And has a reputation as a practical joker: many stories to share.

I thanks him for his great contribution to St John’s and wish him all the best in his retirement.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I would like to wish all parents/carers, staff and students a restful and safe holiday break.  Thank you for your support during this busy term. We look forward to seeing all staff and students (in summer uniform) return on Monday 10 October.