Jesus often used the image of the sheep responding to a shepherd’s voice. He talks of the sheep knowing the shepherd’s voice and responding to it as they know and trust Him.

In the words of Fr Ronan Kilgannon;

“By using this image of sheep responding to their shepherd’s voice, Jesus is suggesting we be similarly attuned to His. And this we must try to do today, among the insistent demands of our mobile phones, Mp3 players, wifi, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the media in general. He wants us to listen to Him over and above all that, and trust what He teaches. He addresses us from the Scriptures, hopefully in some sermons, quietly when we are at prayer, at times through the people we meet or in the events in which we are involved. St Thomas Aquinas wrote, ”Nihil est sine voce”, ”Nothing is without a voice” or, the Divine Presence whispers to us in everything.”

So in the busyness of our lives, and in the quietness of our personal time, let’s attune our hearts to the words of God and as we may hear His voice.

TEACHING REMOTELY

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work that all the teachers have done in ensuring that all students were provided with quality learning experiences delivered remotely. The challenge came to the staff very suddenly and it was very impressive how they engaged so positively with professional learning to develop their skills so that they may provide quality teaching. They have also shared their learning and taught each other new skills. We have had very positive feedback from our community and we appreciate the trouble that so many of you have taken to acknowledge their work. 

The teachers have also been supported by hard working School Support Officers who have also engaged in professional learning in Google Classroom and Zoom.

TERM 2

Welcome back to a whole new way of schooling. Who would have thought just 6 weeks ago that our world of learning would change so much? I am in awe of the outstanding way in which our community has taken on this challenge and with our focus on our young people have ensured that this has been as successful as it could be. The pressure that we have faced has challenged us to learn and grow, to think of new ways of doing things. When you’re in pressure situations, you’re doing something special. When you’re under pressure, you’re doing something important. Something that matters and yes, that ‘something that matters’ has been:

teachers creating a new way of teaching, students engaging in a new way of learning and parents and carers  supporting their children in their learning. Congratulations, It has been a challenge, and hopefully we have learnt new skills and deepened relationships.

So as we now move into the process of returning to the classroom we are faced with some new challenges that I believe we will manage together. We have a plan and will adjust it if the environment changes but we will always place the wellbeing of everyone at the forefront of our decisions.

As outlined in the letter sent home to parents and carers all students will return to the school next week. For Year 12 that is each day and one day a week for other year groups. Learning will continue for every student, everyday. They are expected to be working remotely each day from 8.30am - 3pm. If you need support please contact your child’s teacher or year coordinator.

For the safety on site at school students will be asked to be mindful of social distancing and hygiene practices. Unfortunately we cannot have volunteers on site at this time. Year coordinators have sent an email to each student with advice on the expectations for students.

We appreciate the support and feedback of our parents and carers.

TERM 2 WEEK 3

This week we begin our return to school using the following schedule:

Students with increased health risks may continue to access remote learning from home, including on scheduled attendance days, to suit their individual needs. Please let the school know if your child/ren will not be attending on a scheduled attendance day.

While the school remains open every day for all students who need to attend, we encourage you to keep your child/ren home wherever possible on days they are not scheduled to attend. This will help us enormously to balance and manage the total number of students on site each day.

Attendance reporting: Roles are marked in PALS each day and attendance and engagement is recorded each lesson.

For the students who are at school on their allocated day; roles are marked here at school. For students who are not present at school on their allocated day an absentee SMS will be sent. If students are absent please note the reason via the sms link. If your child is staying home and online, then you reply to the SMS with an 'Other' reason and add 'Remote Learning' in the description.

For the students who are remote learning; Remote PALS procedures will continue each day (with the exception of allocated on-site day/s). If your child has missed the roll marking in remote PALS you will receive an absentee SMS. If your child is staying home and online, then you need to reply to the SMS with an 'Other' reason and add 'Remote Learning' in the description.

Timetable:  there are a number of very minor timetable changes so students need to look at their Compass timetable online on Monday 11 May.

Uniform: All students are expected to wear their full school winter uniform, including the blazer, on days they attend school. Year 12 jerseys may only be worn on Fridays along with school trousers or skirt, not tracksuit pants.

Requiring all students and staff to practise personal hygiene, including regular and thorough washing of hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

Adhering to social distancing requirements for teachers and school staff, in line with Government health advice.

Encouraging increased physical space between students (e.g by arranging furniture to leave as much space as possible between students, etc.).

Canteen will be providing its regular service. As always students are encouraged to order their lunch online before 8.30am. Online orders are preferred.

Bubblers will not be available at school however students will be able to fill water bottles and are encouraged to bring their own water bottled, labelled with their name.

Computers and chargers should be brought to school each day. Computers should be fully charged.

Equipment should not be brought into the school. Balls will be available for loan from the library.

Hand sanitiser is supplied however students are encouraged to bring along their own small bottle or wipes. The use of the hospital grade soap supplied in the bathrooms to wash hands is most the most effective method for hand cleaning.

Staff and students only on the school site, no volunteers or providers at this time.

Buses and public transport: Local school buses will be continuing their regular service.

Pick-ups and drop-offs must maintain social distancing.

ANZAC DAY

This year at 6am on ANZAC day I stood at my gate with my husband to honour our ANZACS and those who have given their lives for our freedom. It is an isolated location so there was no-one else nearby and it was so beautiful to watch the sun rise. We lit our commemorative candle and honoured a minute's silence. And then in the distance we heard a bugle playing and we felt so connected to everyone else who was also honouring this moment. In our isolation we found connection. It was a truly special occasion. 

And how wonderful it was to see the many pictures that you sent to us and know that as a school community we were there together as we have always been on ANZAC day. Click here or on the image below to view a slideshow of some of the wonderful images received.

Forty St John's families have a parent serving in the Australian Defence Force. Sadly our St John's community lost a much-loved member last year, Petty Officer James Pierson passed away while serving on a Royal Australian Navy Ship in November 2019. Click here or on the photograph below to view our tribute to PO Pierson and our Defence personnel.

Lest we forget.

Mrs Sandra Hogan

Principal