A warm welcome to existing students, new students and families to the 2024 school year. My name is Sonia Diaz and I have been appointed as the Pastoral Care Coordinator at St John’s. I hope that the Christmas holiday break was filled with lots of fun and rest and that everyone is ready for an exciting and productive year ahead. Beginning the school year after the longer Christmas break can be challenging for many students. Fortunately, there are many tried and tested strategies that students can implement to support their learning and wellbeing for the year ahead including: 

• Being organised (timetable checked and bag packed the night before)
• Creating a routine that accounts for both study and free time (and sticking to it!)
• Creating a system, such as a visible calendar, to be prepared for assessments and complete tasks by their due date
• Committing to be grateful every day
• Doing something active such as going for a walk or playing sport
• Having a healthy sleep routine including an appropriate bedtime (phones, laptops and other electronic devices to be kept out of the bedroom)

We encourage our students to take responsibility for their own success however, it is always helpful if parents and carers positively encourage and support them in implementing these strategies.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind students of the importance of meeting the school’s expectations as outlined in our policies, specifically:

• Student Attendance Policy
• Student Uniform Policy
• Student Behaviour Management Policy
• Electronic Communication Device Policy
• Peaceful School Policy

I would also like to encourage parents and carers to familiarise themselves with these policies so you can play an active role in helping your child meet such expectations. Getting the little things right, such as uniform, ensures a positive start to the school year also. These policies can be accessed via the school’s website https://www.sjedow.catholic.edu.au/policies.

I look forward to working with students and families this year.

Ms Sonia Diaz

Pastoral Care Coordinator