St John the Evangelist Catholic High School Nowra eNewsletter

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

"An authentic faith – which is never comfortable or completely personal – always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it.”

Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium

SJE SEE, REFLECT, ACT: THANKS DR DOMINIC FRAWLEY

Catholic Social Teaching offers a way of thinking, being and seeing the world. It provides a vision for a just society in which the dignity of all people is recognised, and those who are vulnerable are cared for.

See, Reflect, Act: The tradition of Catholic Social Teaching encourages a process of:

Looking at the social justice issues as they affect society - SEE
Understanding what is happening and why it is happening - REFLECT
Discerning the actions needed to respond - ACT

Each term a meeting is held gathering members from St John’s and the wider community to consider our actions that align with catholic social teaching. This team has been chaired by Dr Dominic Frawley and other attendees including Johnnies Vinnies leaders, Nowra President of St Vincent de Paul, Mrs Vanessa Kidson as SJE St Vincent de Paul patron, Mr David Muller for Timor and immersions, Mr David Comensoli as REC, Fr Duane/Leo as priest, and other attendees as appropriate.

Dr Dominic Frawley will be resigning as the chair and I would like to acknowledge his

outstanding contribution to our school community. His passion for social justice has driven this team and he has certainly made a difference for the people of the Shoalhaven and especially for us here at St Johns.

Mr Mark Burian will step into the chairperson role, in which we thank Mark and know he will make positive contributions.

SENIOR RETREAT

Waterslea on the beautiful Shoalhaven River was the location for the retreat for our Year 12, 2020 students this week.

The opportunity to spend time with their peers, sharing their stories and their spirituality, was evidently very valuable for them as a group. Their engagement was commendable and the teachers expressed what a special time it was for all. Fr Leo, also joined the group, and is a wonderful spiritual guide for these young people. I also acknowledge the staff who lead the retreat. They have a strong commitment to assisting our young people to deepen their spirituality and I believe they offer very high quality experiences along with a great sense of fun and comradery.

STUDY SKILLS AND PLANNING

At St John’s we have the goal for each student to achieve their potential in life and lead fulfilled and meaningful lives.

We work each day in every moment to challenge students to make the most of each learning experience so they may self assess and receive feedback for improvement. It is also important for students to stop and acknowledge how much they have learnt and can offer to others.

Central to good outcomes is good preparation. One area that many students are challenged in is that of planning and using their time effectively. It is important that all students sit down each evening to do some independent study. This is often a matter of completing tasks teachers have set or for Stage 4 students, doing Maths Pathways and Word Flyers. However for many students there is no set work or assessment. It is still important to honour the study time.

The question should never be;

“Do you have homework tonight”,

but rather;

“When are you doing your study tonight?”

The best location for younger students is generally at the family table where they can be encouraged and supported, but for older students who have developed their study skills, a personal desk may be more suitable. Whatever the location it is essential for students to develop good practices, undertake the time and spend it effectively, rather than procrastinate:

Consistent practice will certainly lead to positive outcomes.

Mrs. Sandra Hogan

Principal