PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
To build an authentic relationship for all Australians it is essential that we hear the truth from our past, acknowledge it and work together for a shared future.
It was wonderful to have so many people from our wider community join us for the NAIDOC celebration on Monday. It is in sharing stories and celebrating culture that we deepen our understanding and develop a combined vision for the future together. Local story was acknowledged including the story of Ararrawa a local Aboriginal man who fought so hard for his community and highlighted was the Bomaderry Childrens’ home, the only one in NSW and the stories that it holds are stories for us all to know.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students shared with us a Liturgy, stories, dance and music. The honour, respect and integrity that they gave to this celebration is a credit to the wonderful young adult leaders they will become.
After the assembly there was a special gathering where Aunty Grace acknowledged these young people and the staff and students of St John’s for the value and focus that has been given to the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and the value we place on acknowledging their culture. The cake was cut by Aunty Grace and Corey Carter, our Parents and Friends President who is also an Aboriginal leader in our community.
Thanks to all the staff of Gooroon including Mr Hall, Aunty Jo, Aunty Chris, Uncle Tom, Mrs Millington and Mr Foster.
SEMESTER ONE CONCLUDES AND SEMESTER TWO BEGINS
Students from years 7 to 10 will be receiving their reports, giving feedback on their learning achievements and engagement for semester one. We encourage all parents and carers to discuss this feedback with their child and together make some goals for semester two. The best goals are ones that identify actions such as ‘one hour of homework and study each evening’, ‘ensure that the diary has at least three entries each day’ or ‘seek feedback at least twice each day from my teachers’.
Students are encouraged to seek feedback on their learning as this not only assists them to learn but also helps the teacher know what they have achieved and enables planning their pathway forward with a deeper knowledge of that student.
Year 12 students are also at a critical time in school assessment with their preparation for their TRIAL exams that will be held at the start of term 3. They are encouraged to establish a study plan for the holidays and many are also attending learning sessions held by their teachers at school.
SCHOOL PRODUCTION
A number of years ago a Year 12 parent said to me after attending the School Production for the first time “It was so good, I wish I had gone to all the others!”. So please don’t postpone getting your tickets for the school production. They typically sell out early for Friday and Saturday night and many people are disappointed when they are unable to get seats. There is even a matinee session on the Sunday before school returns which is a great opportunity for families to attend.
Click here to get your tickets now on line or purchase at the school office.
Mrs. Sandra Hogan
Principal