YEAR 8 2023

Year 8 has settled well and I am extremely pleased with the way they have returned wearing the uniform proudly and respectfully highlighting their pride in being part of the St Johns community. I also would like to welcome the new Year 8 students and their families to the St Johns community:

Matthew Pickering; Harrison Leavesly, Eden Singleton, and Izzy Thornton. I am sure it will not take them long to flourish in the fertile environment that St Johns provides for students.

At the end of last year, I asked the students to reflect on “something positive that they will bring to Year 8 in 2023”. These qualities were then placed into a word cloud for students to see and reflect on.

As you look at all the different qualities, you can see that Year 8 is an amazing Year group with lots of attributes that contribute to our “two wells” - peaceful relationships and excellence in learning - which in turn, enable our students to flourish and be the best version of themselves.

DIARY USE REMINDERS

It is essential that students continue to make efficient use of their diary in order to develop good organisational habits. The diary is also a means of communicating between parents and teachers.  Here are some reminders regarding using the diary:

• All students must have their diary with them all day
• At the beginning of every lesson, students should open the diary to the relevant day and place the diary on or near the desk.
• Students should record all homework, assessments, mid-point checks and anything else at the request of the teacher 
• The diary is essential to the merit system as teachers put red stamps into student diaries as affirmations.
• Parents should sight the diary at least once a week and sign the diary, this will continue to be check each extended PALS time on Wednesday’s.
• PALS teachers will check this signature once a week.

SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

The school swimming carnival (Friday 17th February) will be an exciting event for Year 8’s as it will be their first opportunity to experience a full school carnival (as swimming and athletics carnivals were washed out last Year). Carnivals are a great opportunity for students to be part of the house spirit at St Johns. Participation in events is encouraged but not compulsory - however cheering for your house is compulsory (especially if you are in McCabe!!! - am I showing my bias???). No school does carnivals better than St Johns so I am sure it will be a great day for everyone! The carnival permission note  should have already been submitted via compass. 

SPORT AND PERMISSION TO PUBLISH STUDENTS IMAGE NOTES

Both the notes for ‘Year 8 sport’ AND “Permission to Publish” should have been submitted via compass. If you have any questions or concerns about using Compass - contact our friendly and very knowledgeable office staff and they will be able to assist you.

Looking forward to an exciting year ahead as Year 8 Coordinator