Welcome back to the 2020 school year and a special welcome to all our new staff and students. This year we will welcome around 200 new students and 14 new staff, and we look forward to what each of them are going to bring to our school when they share their unique talents. 

To our new students and families I would like to extend a special welcome. You have chosen St John’s for your child and we assure you that their learning and growth is important to each of us. This is a wonderful school community and we encourage you to engage with us at every opportunity as it is through getting involved in information nights, working bees, canteen and carnivals.

For each member of this school community we pray that the year ahead brings not only times of joy but also the opportunity to grow and excel. That through the challenges that we set for ourselves and each other we find a great sense of fulfilment in this place of learning.

During the holidays many of us have faced a number of challenges. The devastating bushfires have certainly affected each of us in one way or another. And then the news of Mr Summer’s death brought to us a great sadness. Such a tragic loss. So we will walk gently at the start of this year to support each other, mindful of the grief that many members of our community may be feeling.

At St John’s we have 6 KEY VALUES that guide our actions. So to start our year let’s start our year by thinking of three of them.

The first is COMPASSION.

When we listen to each other we should listen as Jesus did. 

On many occasions He was seen to draw in the dirt as he ‘just listened’. For us this is listening with the ear of the heart. We are also called to listen to each other and hear their story.

Then the second value is HOSPITALITY.

A hospitality that calls us to be kind to each other. To say ‘hi’ but, not to just stop there, we should really try to see the best in everyone, to really care about them.  To be the Face of Jesus in each person we encounter. 

And finally the value of HOPE.

The designer, Jenny Keys, had a beautiful home in the Australian bush. Her home was affected by the fires and along with her sadness Jenny focussed on the value of Hope. I love the words of hope that she shared in the Sydney Morning Herald (19/1/2020 ):

"As much as we love the green and the beauty of the bush before disaster, it's also important to look at it after the fire just to see what happens, because it's extraordinary," she said.

"It shows us what's possible."

"Every time I see those shoots – that green – and you see how tough, how hardy the earth is, you also see how tough we are as people ... I just still feel so optimistic for this country

So I encourage our young people to be mindful of the value of HOPE and have it foremost in their minds as we create a safe and optimistic place for all members of our school community to grow and learn

Even though there are hot days to come and fires may continue to be a concern, be assured that the school is always mindful of ensuring that everyone is safe and have excellent preparation and plans for all incidents that may arise. I encourage students, parents and carers to use the normal school procedures and always seek advice from teachers if you have concerns.

PALS is one of their first support networks, so if they have any concerns or want to chat with someone consider having a word with their PALS teacher or any other teachers they are comfortable to chat to. 

We are here as a community in 2020 to help each of you grow personally and in your learning each and every day.  Focus on  learning, set goals high and work hard to achieve them.

I wish to thank our staff and teachers for their positive contributions and behind-the-scenes work to ensure a smooth start to the year. I'd also like to introduce the 2020 Year Coordinators as follows;

HSC 2019 RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY

During this week's assembly we recognised the HSC achievements of many of our 2019 HSC students. We celebrated success in so many areas from outstanding ATARS, students on the distinguished achievers list and those who had been nominated for their major works. Makenzie Veale, the School Dux for 2019, gave the keynote address. 

Have a wonderful 2020 and I pray that it is a very rewarding year for everyone as we all work together as a community for the young people of St John’s.

Mrs. Sandra Hogan

Principal