walawaani njindiwan, Welcome Everyone

Gooroon has had a busy and thriving beginning to the year. We welcomed ninety three Aboriginal students and their families and carers to St John’s this year - twenty four from Year 7 alone.

OPEN NIGHT

Open night was a great success with many prospective students and their parents interested in the role Gooroon plays at St John’s in supporting Aboriginal culture, students and families. The Night was opened with Didg and our boys Dance Troupe (led by Max Turner) welcomed our visitors into the school.

Boy’s dance and Digj has began with great enthusiasm under the guidance of Uncle Archie and Uncle Sean. We are honoured to have LS Matt Joseph from HMAS Albatross assisting with boy’s Digj when time allows. Aunty Chris and Aunty Deb have been busy guiding the Girl’ Dance. Aunty Deb is also leading a committed group of girls that are volunteering their lunchtimes to work on dot painting that tells the story of the Didj on our fabulous Didgeridoo case in H1. Gooroon is an inclusive space and all students are welcomed to participate in our Dance and Didj  programs.

The Young Koori Womens’ Program run by Waminda has commenced and we have around thirty fIve girls attending this once a term. We are also pleased to have Lachlyn Bisat, Tiahn Carter and Georgia Szymoniczek represent St John’s at the Shoalhaven City Council’s student Youth Advisory Committee. 

HOMEWORK CENTRE / GOOROON SUPPORT

As assessment season comes upon us we have noticed a wonderful increase in students attending Homework Centre. A reminder that the Homework Centre is open between 3:00 and 4:30pm every Wednesday.  Afternoon tea is provided and all students are welcomed. Teachers and a Homework Centre Co-ordinator are on hand to provide support. Ms Marcia Arenas (TAPs Co-ordinator) is also working with us as a mentor to support our senior students as they transition from school into work or education pathways.

A reminder that Gooroon is open every lunch and an AEA is always available to support students with school work or assessments during Lunch 2 (on top of the support they offer in class).

GOOROON PARENTS/CARERS MEETING

We were delighted to hold our first Parents and Carers Meeting since 2019. Aunty Chris opened in Dhurga Language which was very moving. Our meetings offer a great opportunity to discuss what we do in Gooroon as well as seeking feedback from families and carers.  We appreciate the time people took time out of their day to come and visit. We were also pleased to have Mr James Eirth (Assistant Principal) and Mr Corey Carter - our P&F President - attend this meeting.

We had great success with our Annual Closing the Gap BBQ - thanks to all that supported this initiative in our Lenten period.

We wish all families a special Easter, 

Thank you for your support