YEAR 12 FINISH OF NORMAL LESSONS

Well, as they say, Spring has sprung. Although the weather remains cool the daylight hours are rapidly extending and warming. It is a wonderful time for schools as the graduating class prepares for final exams and leaving. While at the same time the new College leaders are being installed.

This is a happy time but also a sad one. School life is comfortable and the challenge ahead is in the wider world. It is an anxious time for most. It is also an incredibly emotional time for the Staff who have watched these young people grow over the years to the wonderful adults that they have become.

Normal lessons will continue until Monday of Week 10, then there will be a series of final events culminating with the Graduation Assembly on Wednesday, where the Graduating Class will be presented to the whole school community.

JUBILEE YEAR – 2025

Pope Francis has called 2024 a Year of Prayer in preparation for the Jubilee Year of 2025. The Pope explains – “Prayer is the first strength of hope. You pray and hope grows, it moves forward. I would say that prayer opens the door to hope. There is hope, but I open the door with my prayers”.

 Bishop Brian has also called us to be overwhelmed by hope. In reference to the prophet Jeremiah’s promise of God’s plans for “a future of hope”. (29:11).

 Let’s pray that we may be hope-givers.

(Taken from Lumen Christi Parish Bulletin, September 1^st)

BISHOPS AWARDS FOR STUDENT EXCELLENCE

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of attending the Bishops Awards and presented Bridget Fairs as St John’s nominated student. After a process of viewing the students’ contributions to school life and also in the wider community a single student is chosen from each secondary school.

The quality of these young people is extraordinary with many being involved and succeeding at things that normally take a lifetime. It was a delight to witness their testimonies. Below is St John’s testimony for Bridget.

“Bridget Fairs is a dedicated student whose unwavering faith, leadership, and academic commitment have shone throughout her time at school and within the Shoalhaven community. Over her six years at St John’s, Bridget has become a respected role model among her peers and younger students, embodying the essence of Pax Christ, our school motto, the peace of Christ.

Bridget's devotion to her faith is evident in her active participation in the school’s liturgical life, her personal witness, and her engagement with Nowra parish and broader diocesan events by reading in parish masses and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. As a Year 11 student, she embraced her role as a Youth Ministry Leader with enthusiasm and demonstrated true servant leadership. At the end of 2023 Bridget was awarded the PAX Christi Award recognising her commitment to the school life. Bridget’s sincere and modest example of faith has inspired and encouraged her peers to explore and deepen their own faith.

Academically, Bridget is a motivated and reflective learner with a strong work ethic and a goal-oriented mindset, which has contributed to her success in her studies. In 2023, she received Academic Excellence awards in Drama, English Advanced, English Extension 1, Studies of Religion 1, Modern History, as well as a Highly Commended Award in Chemistry. Additionally, she was honored with the Academic Excellence award at the end of her Preliminary Course in 2023.

Bridget’s commitment to the dignity of every individual, in alignment with Jesus’s teachings, is evident in her involvement in the Student Vinnies Conference, the PAX Group and her significant support of various charities and social justice initiatives both at St John’s and in the local community.

Bridget’s has consistently demonstrated her all round approach to school life. Bridget recently came 10th at the NSW All schools Cross Country representing the Wollongong Diocese. She has represented the school in a number of sports including netball, swimming, basketball, athletics and AFL. She has also been an integral part of the St John’s community, showcasing her exceptional school spirit through participation in sports carnivals, drama productions, ANZAC marches, leading students at the Year 7 camp and assisting students in Exams as a reader writer. Bridget is also heavily involved in the Nowra Players, a local amateur drama group and all of our school productions. As a representative on the school leadership team with her role as Vice-Captain, Bridget consistently lives out the school values and showcases the remarkable young women she is. 

Bishop Brian, I present Bridget Fairs as an exemplary candidate for the Bishop’s Student Excellence Award”.

BISHOP BRIAN SPECIAL MASS - 2024 YEAR 12 CAPTAINS VICE CAPTAINS 

On Tuesday 10 September St Johns Year 12 Captains, Vice Captains, Mrs Sophie Daley and myself attended a Special Mass celebrated by Bishop Brian at St Francis Xavier Cathedral. We were joined by all 2024 Year 12 Captains and Vice Captains from Secondary schools throughout the Diocese.

Bishop Brian’s dedication to, and support of, our student leaders has played a vital role in helping form them into exemplary Catholic leaders. With the mission of being Bearers of Christ’s Love, our student leaders are encouraged to influence, shape and serve their communities in meaningful ways.

Followed by a lunch, the event served as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate their commitment to these values over the past twelve months.

Mr Wayne Marshall