I write this final Newsletter article of 2024 and am amazed at just how quickly this year has gone by.

I am proud to say that the students are achieving good results and have an increased belief in themselves that makes me very proud. St John’s students are as good as any in the state, they just have to believe in that and work hard to achieve it, just as others are working hard around the state. Engagement in the classroom and student behaviour has also improved and is evidenced in our data.

This year the school had its Cyclic Inquiry, which occurs every four years. This process reviews our last four years and looks to set direction for the next four years. We look to 2025 with the main school goal of -  Improved student learning outcomes. 

SPECIAL AWARDS

Congratulations to our Special Award recipients that also received their awards at the 2024 Presentation Award Assembly. These students are to be commended on for their outstanding achievements. These awards are in recognition of students exemplary service and actions that go above and beyond.

PRESENTATION AWARDS ASSEMBLY

On Tuesday 17 December, St John's 2024 Presentation Awards Assembly was held for 7 - 10 in the school hall. The students are to be commended on how they conducted themselves in the extremely hot conditions.

Congratulations to all of the students that received awards, both major awards and faculty awards. It was terrific to see so many of our students receiving awards. We would like to thank all of the parents, carers and family members that attended the assembly to see their child recognised for their hard work and dedication. 

FACULTY AWARDS

HSC RESULTS - CLASS OF 2024

ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT

Following a recruitment process I am pleased to announce that Lisa Murphy has been appointed to the position of Acting Assistant Principal at St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra. Lisa's appointment to the role is for the duration of the 2025 school year.

Lisa brings a strong understanding of the St John the Evangelist’s, Nowra, community, having worked at the school in leadership positions for many years. Lisa is currently the Curriculum Coordinator and her leadership experiences include performing the positions of Acting Assistant Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, Acting Pastoral Care Coordinator, Instructional Coach, Mathematics Coordinator and Year Coordinator. She has also had experience in other school systems.

Lisa’s qualifications include a Graduate Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Arts, and she is currently studying a Masters of Educational Leadership with ACU.

Lisa is also an active member of the St Michael’s Catholic Parish, Nowra.

STAFF LEAVING ST JOHN'S

As we finish the school year, I also acknowledge the wonderful Staff who will be leaving the school and are moving (or have moved) to new schools or retiring. Their contribution has been greatly appreciated.

Our fulltime teaching who are leaving are :- Mrs Lynnette Kelly, Mr Mark McKinnon, Mrs Pieta Phillips, Mrs Maggie Frawley and Mrs Mel Brodie-Marshall.

We also wish Mr Elton well as he takes 12 months leave.

I wish to thank all of these Staff for the dedication and commitment that they have shown to ensuring that your child has a quality education. They will be missed, but as in any school their replacements will be equally as dedicated.

ADVENT

The candle lit at Church last Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, (Gaudete Sunday) was the joy candle. It is a special thing to be able to bring joy to another person’s life. I ask the students to reflect upon this. How have they bought joy to another’s life this year? How have they made a difference? Have they been a support?

I would like to thank very sincerely the members of the P&F for their work and support this year. These parents care greatly for their children’s education and for St John’s in general. Their advice and counsel had been so important to some of our major decisions. I trust this will continue next year and welcome all parents to consider attending the meetings. One per Term with lots of advertised warning.

I thank all of our sports and debating coaches for their extra investment of time for their teams. We had another successful year with many students excelling and gaining representative honours. An outstanding effort from our students. A particular mention to Talika Irvine as the Diocesan Female Athlete of the Year. The co-curricula offerings at St John’s are enormous and the musicals, plays and drama events allow those involved to blossom. I also thank our staff who generously offer to support students on overnight events such as retreats and Bushcraft. That doesn’t happen in all schools. 

Finally, I thank all of the parents that I have met this year. Educating a child is a partnership between the home and the school. You have made a choice to give your child the best chance to have a fulfilling and meaningful adult life. Thank you.

As all would be aware I have been seconded (asked) to Corpus Christi for 2025. I look forward to returning in 2026 and have full faith in Mr Eirth’s capacity as the Acting Principal and Mrs Murphy’s capacity as Acting Assistant Principal.

I wish all a wonderful Christmas break filled with happiness, family, friends and joy. Elsewhere in this Newsletter will be the mass times for the local Parishes. I encourage all to attend in this special time in the Church’s calendar.

God bless, Wayne