As I begin to write the final Year 8 newsletter report for 2019 I reflect on the year that has been. Year 8 have had a very busy and positive year. There have been many sporting achievements, academic excellence awards and presentations as well as consistent involvement in community service across the school and wider community. Year 8 have grown as a cohort and there is clear evidence that this group of students are developing strong friendships and a supportive network as peers.

Members of Year 8 continue to be involved in extra curricular activities across the school. There is also a large number of students that put themselves out there in the wider community through sport and other cultural endeavours.

It was wonderful to see our very own Finn Lochrin play the lead role in the Junior Albatross Musical (JAM) Aladdin in October. Finn is a very talented young man and I’m sure we will see him star in many future productions. Elizabeth Coulthart also starred in Aladdin as one of the guards relishing in the opportunity to perform on stage at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Center.

STEM

Marcelle Holden, Amelia McCarthy, Benjamin Royston, and Chloe Poulton all participated in the STEM Workship Day at Wollongong University earlier in the year. The students developed their team building skills through difficult programs and activities. 

AFL GALA DAY

Again a number of Year 8 students demonstrated their talent and commitment to a team environment competing in the AFL Gala Day held at Berkeley.

Elizabeth Coulthart, Tayala Clarke, Kiah Shine, Phoebe Szymoniczek, Elle Sims, Keeley Longbottom, Isabella McConville, Haylee Sear, Imogen Schellnegger, Keira Buckpitt, Caitlin Fairs, Madison Carr, Izac Maher, Dylan Johnston, Adam Staunton, Sam Phillips, Jarrah Treweek, Harry Tan, Lachlan Almond, Brad Church, Chad Lyons, Jude Mandile, Reese Manasseh, Isaiah Wellington.

Taylah Clarke and Kiah Shine  have been selected for AFL Scholarships at the Illawarra Academy of Sports in 2019/20.

DIOCESAN BASKETBALL GALA DAY

The Basketball Gala Day held in Week 1 of Term 4 had a number of Year 8 students compete in both the boys and girls teams.

The boys team had the talent of Lachlan Almond, Lachlan Callaghan, Mitchell Davies, Finn Lochrin, Harry Petre, Ben Roysten, Austin Shingleton and Daniel Walker who competed at Campbelltown.

The girls team consisting of Kate Fairbairn, Dakota Yates, Phoebe Szymoniczek, Maggie Smith headed to the Illawarra Snake Pit.

Keira Buckpitt competed in the National 2019 Rip Curl GromSearch Series at Newcastle and achieved 3rd place.

HIGH SCHOOL FOR A DAY

Raphaella Creighton, Jack Matthews, Hope Ide, Benjamin Roysten, Haylee Sear and Robert McLean assisted with the running of the High School for a Day for students in Year 5 from Mt Michael’s and St Mary’s to get a taste of high school. These students represented St John’s and Year 8 in such a positive way that demonstrates their commitment to community service.

EQUESTRIAN

Bayli Batchelor and Lois Fleming along with students from across St John’s competed in the Berry Interschools Equestrian Championships. Congratulations to both Year 8 girls on a very successful competition.

MERITS

As a Year Coordinator I have the privilege of awarding students with their Bronze, Silver and Gold Merit awards. This year I have had that role many times and it is wonderful to see so many students working hard to achieve these goals. May I remind students to ask their teachers to mark off Red Stamps and enter subject specific merits this week.

ACTIVITIES

As the year winds down students have chosen their end of year activities. As you are aware this is a special time and a fitting finish to a big year of hard work. Students are reminded that there is still a lot of work to do between now and the end of the year and it is important that they stay focused on a last push toward report time.

THANK YOU

I would like to thank all the parents and carers who have supported their children throughout the year. For the many phone calls, messages, emails and personal contacts that you have made has assisted me in getting to know your child better and being able to support their growth and development.

“God Has No Hands But Yours”