What an exciting and busy start it has been as Year 11 begin their last term in preliminary studies. It has been so pleasing to see this Year the positive attitudes that all students in the Year group have had this year towards their studies and presence in the school community. All of Year 11 need to be congratulated on this.

Students will be moving into exams at the end of week 8 and more information will come to students in the next fortnight that will help them prepare for the exams and also explain the process to families for this week of exams.

YEAR 11 LEADERSHIP DAY

Year 11 Leadership Day occurred on Thursday 15th August. This day aims to develop students' leadership skills as we begin the process of electing our new school leaders for the 2025 year.

What an exhilarating day the Year 11 Leadership Day was at St John's!  

Our incredible students showcased their remarkable leadership skills, and it was nothing short of inspiring! From engaging workshops to dynamic team-building activities, each participant brought their A-game, demonstrating enthusiasm, creativity, and collaboration. 

The energy in the room was amazing as students tackled challenges with determination, brainstorming innovative solutions and empowering each other along the way. It was heartwarming to witness their passion and commitment to making a difference, not just in their school but in the wider community. 

A huge shoutout to all our Year 11 leaders for their outstanding participation and to our amazing staff for facilitating such a memorable experience!

Together, we are shaping the future with confidence and purpose.  

We encourage any students who may be interested in becoming school leaders to nominate. Thanks to all of the students for their positive involvement.

YEAR 11 SPORT LIFESTYLE AND RECREATION

"Year 11 Sport Lifestyle and Recreation classes visit a local gym to put into practice the resistance training programs they have learnt to plan and create. These are personal programs designed by the students themselves related to a specific fitness goal and the aim to develop healthy lifelong training habits."

PDHPE OVERNIGHT CAMPING TRIP

Year 11 PDHPE Overnight Camping Trip took place on the 13th and 14th of August. This was a great opportunity to develop skills in outdoor recreation and what better place to do so than Murramarang National Park. The camp was to meet the requirements of the Outdoor Education Unit of the PDHPE Course. The students hiked from Durras to Kioloa, camping overnight at Pebbly Beach. During the camp students participated in group challenges and team building activities.

Thanks for the PDHPE staff for their organisation.

STUDENT REFLECTIONS

On the morning of Tuesday 13th the PDHPE crew gathered around the sheds adding kilos to our hiking bags that were double the size of us. We all stumbled as we chucked them on our backs and jumped on the bus enjoying the last hour of warmth. We arrived at the starting point where the 17km adventure began. As we started getting further into the hike with the majestical views of being in the bush, seeing coves, walking close to cliffs and walking along the beaches it couldn’t get any better. As Mr. Ellul was stumbling along the track he told Sarelle and I to slow down as we were keen to keep going as we were not wanting to stop and wait for the crew. After a long 5 hours of walking we made it to the campsite where we all settled in and started putting up our tarps and started to get ready for dinner but before that Mr Higgins asked us if we wanted to go for a fish and everyone said yes, as well as enjoying a game of footy on the beach as the sun went down. Noah and Blake caught 4 salmon and a crab, but with a great memory of teaching Mr. Muvceski how to cast a rod. With the best meal of the trip being cheese toasties for dinner over the fire it couldn’t get any better and games around the fire with Mr Bryce, Mr Ellul, Mr Muvceski and Mrs Iso as well as having chats and laughs with our peers, with bedtime being at 10:30 pm as we had a early start in the morning leaving the camp site by 9am. The next morning Mr Higgins lead us into an ambush of leaches but we made it out alive with Mr. Ellul's aeroguard saving most of the PDHPE students from the leeches. The rest of the hike was cold and foggy with a light shower as well as a never ending fire track going up and down hills, we finally made it to the end where the bus was waiting to pick us up.  

I would like to thank Mr Ellul, Mrs Iso, Mr Bryce and Mr Muvceski for taking the time to take the two year 11 PDHPE classes on the Overnight Hike and for the memories we all had for the two days we had together. 

Nicholas Ferreira 

The Year 11 PDHPE overnight bushwalk was a great experience, the hike was scenic on day 1 going over and through the headlands and seeing all the small coves before reaching our eventual campsite. I had a great time with my mates and also got to talk with people I hadn't spoken to in my year. It was a good trip that came with memorable moments.