WORK EXPERIENCE: A WEEK TO BE PROUD OF!

From June 30th to July 4th, our Year 10 students participated in a work experience program. After reading through the feedback from employers, I couldn’t be prouder of this group.

Before heading off to their placements, students were reminded:
"Remember, you are representing St John's, your family, and most importantly – yourself. Ask questions, be proactive, look for things to do, and be respectful."

It was incredibly rewarding to see that message echoed in the feedback we received. Employers consistently spoke of the students’ enthusiasm, initiative, and respectful attitude. A few examples of this feedback are included below.

As parents and caregivers, you should also feel a strong sense of pride in how your children represented not just our school, but your families and themselves.

Hunter Seibhur - Teaching - Primary

An SSO (school support officer) was absent, the teacher told the principal “I don’t need a replacement, I have Hunter!!!”

Keiran Kochanewicz - Facility Design Group

Kieran has displayed a real zest for learning and he really applies himself to the task. He is hungry for knowledge. I would be very pleased to have him in my office next year if I am available. Working well. Can't wait to employ him.

Naoim Angelkovski - The Creative Mill

Naomi is picking up software skills very quickly. She is working on a gaming project/walking through the creative process. The employer is very happy with Naomi's initiative and work ethic. 

Chloe Balsar - The Movement

Very engaged, polite and approaching all tasks positively. Chloe has enjoyed sitting in sessions, where appropriate, and observing the physio help clients. 

Aaron Burnett - Iconic Renovations & Co

A great worker, on time, showed initiative and picked up new skills. No concerns at all. The employer believes he would make a very good apprentice carpenter.

Emmi Daniel - Teaching - Primary

Excellent week. She showed initiative, listened well to instructions and worked well with students across all ages. Emmi was given some extra duties to match her skills and reliability. 

Hannah Doyle - Waminda Women's Centre

Waminda is very happy to be hosting Hannah. She listens well, is calm and kind. Perfect qualities for a nurse!

Claire Lloyd - Shoalhaven Medical Imaging

Working well with her employer and learning to read images - MRI, X-Rays and ultrasounds. Her employer  is very impressed with her people skills and humour - qualities that are needed in this field!

Chloe Longland - DPG Services Pty - Opal Healthcare

Very happy and surprised to see the diversity of roles required to run an aged care facility. Very busy and lots of team work. Learning some administrative skills. The employer wants to employ her now - showing great initiative and care with all tasks given.

Ryley Megahey - Headspace Nowra

Enjoying a range of community engagement activities. She is building a positive rapport with the team and has shown great initiative and maturity with all set tasks. 

Lachlan Molloy - Decadence Cakes

Lachlan has been assisting with the preparation of cakes, front of house and will be attempting to use the coffee machine. The employer is very happy with his polite manner and willingness to learn.

Ava Carter - Flamingo Florist

Ava is doing amazing. Made a bouquet on the first day and they were 'like wow!' They love her and Ava is learning about the industry and the pathways into becoming a florist.

Noah Sheehan -Connected Kids OT

Noah is amazing. He has had some great opportunities to sit in on individual and group therapy sessions. They are very happy with Noah and hope he considers OT as a career.

Oliver Willson - Lets Torque Automotive

Oliver worked well on the days he was there. Followed the guys around the work shop helping out where he could. Showed initiative & asked questions.

Chanelle Brown - South Nowra Early Learning Centre

Chanelle is doing a great job, staff were very impressed with her engagement in the rooms and overall energy. She is enjoying the experience too!

Angela Hong - Choice Pharmacy

Fitted in really well with the team. She is brillant, store owner offered her a job! Interacting with customers, looking for work and showing interest. 

This was an engaging and eye-opening experience for our Year 10 students. It provided them with valuable insight into how the workforce operates and the expectations they will need to meet—and exceed—as future employees.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work of Ms Arenas in coordinating the entire Work Experience program. It was a significant undertaking, and her efforts ensured the success of the week.

A sincere thank you also goes to the staff who visited students and connected with their employers during the placements: Mrs Frew, Mr Wilson, Ms Lloyd, Mrs Renshaw, Mrs Standen, Mrs Manley, and Mrs Kelly. Your support played a vital role in the students’ positive experience.

REPORTS

At the end of last term Year 10 Semester 1 reports were emailed to parents/carers. Take the time to talk to your child about their report, focus on their learning profile and see if there are any areas for improvement and recognise areas where they have excelled. Discuss some goals they can work towards and re-visit the”My Study Time” (see below) to incorporate some or more “brain training” into the family’s schedule!