As we conclude Week 9, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the key events and developments within our Year 7 cohort.

YEAR 7 INFORMATION NIGHT

A massive thank you to all the parents and carers who attended our Year 7 Information Night on Monday. It was wonderful to meet each of you and to introduce our dedicated team of PALS teachers. At St John's, we pride ourselves on being a supportive community, and this event was a fantastic opportunity for parents to connect with our staff. Remember, we are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Communication is key, so please don't hesitate to reach out to the appropriate staff member should you need assistance or guidance.

AWARENESS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

In recent times, we have observed some concerning incidents related to the use of social media platforms, particularly Snapchat. It's essential for parents and guardians to be aware of the potential dangers associated with such platforms. Please monitor your child's online activity closely, and remember that sharing videos or images of other students without consent can have serious consequences, including suspension. Additionally, there could be criminal consequences. It's worth noting that the legal age for using certain social media platforms is in place for a reason, and we encourage you to consider this when discussing online safety with your children.

The legal age to use Snapchat is 13.  

I encourage all parents to access the following website that can offer further information and supports: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents 

Last week, our Assistant Principal Mr James Eirth addressed the Year 7 cohort regarding the importance of maintaining a respectful and peaceful environment within our school community. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in physical contact among students, which is not acceptable. We want to emphasise that our school prioritises safety above all else, and such behaviour will not be tolerated. We appreciate your support in reinforcing this message at home.

DIARY USAGE

It is essential for our Year 7 students to utilise their diaries effectively. Encourage your child to write in their diaries daily, noting down homework assignments, upcoming assessments, and any other important reminders. Additionally, we kindly request that parents or caregivers take a moment each week to sign their child's diary. This simple act fosters communication between home and school and ensures that everyone is aware of the tasks and activities ahead.

PROJECT COMPASSION DONATION

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the students and families who generously donated to Project Compassion. Lent is a season of giving, and your contributions will undoubtedly make a significant difference to those in need. I'm proud to see our Year 7 community coming together to support such a worthy cause!

NAPLAN COMPLETION

A big thank you to all our Year 7 students for completing their NAPLAN assessments. These assessments provide valuable insights into each student's academic progress and help us tailor our support accordingly. Rest assured, we will utilise this data to support your child's learning journey effectively.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Year 7 Religion classes have been participating in 'Stations of the Cross' during the last week. This Christian ritual traces the final events in the human life of Jesus, from being condemned to death to being laid in the tomb.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Next week, we have our eagerly anticipated Cross Country event. Participation is compulsory, and it promises to be a fun-filled day for all involved. Furthermore, all participants will receive a house point in recognition of their efforts! Go MacKillop!

Cross Country Practice

As we reflect on the past weeks and look forward to the Easter weekend, let us continue to embody the spirit of giving and compassion in all that we do.

'With Jesus, we can reach the highest of heights’

Abbey Simis

Year 7 Coordinator