St John the Evangelist Catholic High School Nowra eNewsletter

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

CELEBRATING A REMARKABLE TERM 3: WISHING OUR COMMUNITY A PEACEFUL BREAK

Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 3 draws to a close, we extend our warmest wishes to all families, students, and staff for a peaceful and relaxing break. It has been another amazing term where our community has continued to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and grow in all aspects of school life.

Throughout the term, we’ve witnessed inspiring moments of achievement, leadership, and connection:

WEEK 2: WELCOME BACK AND NAIDOC CELEBRATION

We began the term by welcoming students back and encouraging personal reflection on their learning journey so far. Students were invited to consider what worked well in Semester 1 and how they might continue to grow in the months ahead.

A highlight of the week was our celebration of 50 years of NAIDOC. This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, resonated deeply with our community. We honoured the cultural contributions of our Gooroon Elders and staff, and celebrated the inclusive spirit of our programs—such as boys’ didj and dance, girls’ dance, and choir—open to all students. The ceremony was a powerful display of unity, pride, and cultural respect, reminding us that our young people are the strength and legacy of tomorrow.

WEEK 4: STRENGTH IN FAITH AND RESILIENCE

We marked the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, reflecting on hope and devotion. Our Year 12 students completed their HSC Trial Examinations with commendable focus and maturity. Staff praised their conduct and effort, reminding us that growth—not just achievement—is the true goal of education.

WEEK 6: CREATIVITY, LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Spirituality Day offered Year 12 students a chance to pause and reconnect, culminating in a joyful Colour Run. Across HSC courses, major works were submitted, showcasing exceptional talent in Drama, Visual Arts, Construction, and Hospitality. We also celebrated Mary MacKillop’s legacy and launched the Year 12 2026 Leadership Process, where students demonstrated integrity, service, and vision.

WEEK 8: HONOURING CULTURE, LEADERSHIP, AND WELLBEING

The Year 12 Aboriginal Graduation Dinner was a powerful evening of pride and cultural connection. Our School Captains and Vice Captains attended a leadership lunch with Bishop Brian Mascord, reinforcing the values of compassion and courage. Year 11 students completed their Preliminary Exams, and Paul Dillon’s Parent Information Night provided valuable insights into drug and alcohol awareness.

WELCOMING OUR NEW 2026 SCHOOL LEADERS

In Week 10 of 2025, we also celebrated the commissioning of our newly elected leaders for 2026. Such a special moment. I would like to take the opportunity to again express my sincere congratulations to all leaders.

Congratulations and thank you to all of the 2026 Student Representative Council, Youth Ministry Leaders, House Captains, Vice Captains and Captains. Your peers and your teachers have recognised you as embodying the values and beliefs we hold dear here at St John’s and for that, you should be proud. You have used your talents and your gifts to make St Johns a better place and we celebrate you.

Remember, A leader in a Catholic school isn't just someone who forcefully takes charge or barks instructions. It isn’t someone who undertakes the role for the glory or accolades. Jesus reminds us through his actions that true leadership is grounded in humility, gentleness, and above all else, service to others. Jesus shows us that it is not about showing power or popularity; it’s about serving with love and compassion to make the lives of others better.

A great leader is not harsh or domineering but leads with kindness and respect for others. When you lead with gentleness, you create a community where everyone feels valued, where everyone is seen, where everyone has a voice.

To the leaders of 2026, I encourage you all to lead by example, lead with the heart of Christ and in doing so, be humble, be merciful, and be peacemakers in our community school striving toward growth as learners and human beings made in the image of God.

FAREWELL TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2025

In addition to all these amazing achievements, we celebrated our graduating class of 2025—a truly special cohort. Their final week was marked by a celebratory breakfast where staff and students ate together and shared memories from the years that were. We continued these celebrations with a moving liturgy and awards evening on Tuesday, followed by a whole-school farewell on Wednesday which featured thoughtful addresses from the Leaders of Wellbeing—Josh Watson, who guided the students through Years 7–9, and Nick Garner, who continued the journey and supported them in Years 10–12—alongside speeches from the Year 12 Captains and Vice Captains.

A highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the 2025 House Cup winner - congratulations to MacKillop House! After a 20 year wait, their victory was well-deserved and met with incredible excitement.

While I could never summarise the special place in our hearts that this cohort holds, I would like to share my thoughts and sentiments with the entire community.

PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS TO THE YEAR 12 COHORT OF 2025

I have had the privilege of watching our Year 12 students grow from wide-eyed Year 7 students—whose school bags seemed far too big for their shoulders—into the remarkable young people we honoured last night and today. Their journey has mirrored my own son’s journey, and just as I am proud of him, I am equally proud of each and every one of you.

Year 12, while we have had students leave us along the way, most into exciting careers that saw them follow their passions, I would like to say to you, congratulations, congratulations, as you have stayed the course. You have committed to your education, faced challenges with courage, and achieved great things both in and out of the classroom. Whether it was on the sporting field, in the classroom, in the arts, in social justice, through leadership, or in quiet moments of kindness and compassion, you have shown us what it means to be truly exceptional. You have shown what it means to be a St John’s student. I am not going to spend time focusing on the HSC just being a number and that it doesn’t define you, because frankly, if you feel this way, I believe we have failed you. During your time here, you should very much know in your heart that you are worth far more than any mark could ever capture.

You as a cohort embody the very heart of our school’s values—Love, Hospitality, Hope, Compassion, Spirituality, and Justice. These are not just words on a wall or in a diary; they are the values you have lived by everyday. You have welcomed others, lifted spirits, stood up for what is right, and shown compassion in ways that have inspired your teachers, your peers, your family and your community.

As you prepare to step into the next chapter of your lives, I want you to continue to grow both as human beings and lifelong learners. The world you step into is full of possibilities, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make a difference wherever you go because that is simply who you are. It is in your DNA as a St John’s student.

To the parents and families that gathered last night and today—again, I want to offer a sincere and heartfelt thank you. Thank you for entrusting your children to us, for walking alongside them through the highs and lows, when they made you proud and when they tested the very last nerve, but ultimately for always being their unwavering support and their biggest advocate. Your partnership has been invaluable, and your faith in our school community has helped shape the young people we celebrate.

Year 12 2025, as you close this chapter and begin the next, remember that you will always have a home here. You are part of our story, and we are proud to be only a very small part of yours. Never forget the friendships, the lessons, and the values that have shaped you during your time here and always remember that the door is open whenever you need.

Congratulations, Year 12. Thank you for the inspiration, the laughter, and the memories you leave behind. Our community is so much richer for having you in it. You are truly unforgettable.