Year 7 have had a few busy weeks that have kept them on their toes both in and out of the classroom. Camp in week three seems so long ago but I’m sure will forever be in the memories of the students. I would like to congratulate all of the students on the way they participated in the camp as a whole. Their involvement in the activities saw many students stepping outside their comfort zones to get the most out of the camp experience. Many have made new friends not only at camp but throughout their days at school and it is great to see these new relationships developing amongst the year group. I would also like to take this time to thank all the parent helpers that assisted us with the camp. It would not have been possible without you. A special thanks goes to Mrs Loreena Doumbos and Mrs Kylie Druce who assisted in the running of the kitchen for the duration of camp.

St Johns has a number of very active Social Justice Groups and Year 7 have recently had the opportunity to sign up to any of these groups. Some students have signed up to more than one and I encourage all students to get involved in Social Justice at the school in some way, find that group that resonates with their interests and passions. One particular Social Justice initiative that the whole school is currently participating in is fundraising for Caritas through Project Compassion. Money is collected each Wednesday morning in PALS during Lent and I encourage all students to dig deep to support those less fortunate.

Other extra-curricular activities that students are involved in are representative sport, music tuition and a couple of Year 7 students have signed up for the school play. It was also lovely to see last week the number of Year 7 students that participated in the school swimming carnival. It was an exciting day for all Year 7 students getting involved in house spirit in their first of many carnivals. Congratulations to those students selected to represent St John’s in the Diocesan Carnival coming up.

The Parent, Student and PALS Teacher Gathering held last week was met with enthusiasm across the PALS groups. If any parents would like any extra information from the night or were not able to attend please contact your child’s PALS teacher through the diary with any concerns you may have. Also last week a number of students received a letter inviting them to participate in our assessment support program. This program is designed to assist students in the planning and implementation of their assessment and assist them in their organisation. I encourage students invited to participate in this program to use it to assist them in growth and improvements in their learning.

Congratulations to all Year 7 students on a successful start to high school as we move toward the end of Term 1 and a huge thank you to all the parents who constantly support their children and the school in their learning.

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me and loved me as yourself”.

Mrs Sophie Daley
Year 7 Coordinator