LEADERSHIP

At St John’s we aim to assist all students to reach their potential and whilst our goal is to provide quality Catholic education there is a clear focus on excellence in learning and peaceful just relationships. These are our two wells. To ensure success in all these areas all members of the school community must play a role. This is where good leadership is essential. At St John’s our goal is to develop leadership skills in all our students. This is where the diversity of our community members provides a richness in their leadership skills.

Some of our young people are transformational leaders whose passion is clearly evident. They are so overtly passionate they easily encourage others to step up and join them. We see them here at St John’s promoting their passion at assemblies and year group meetings and leading community action groups.

Equally important however are our other leaders. Those who show leadership through service and our transactional leaders who can competently organise almost any event. These students are evident in social justice groups such as PAX and Vinnies and the environmental group JAG. They also become involved in the many opportunities to support others in initiatives such as the water walk and letter writing. They visit nursing homes and join service community groups such as RFS.

Many students find leadership comes so naturally however for most students it is one of those challenges that, when they take it on, they surprise themselves with how much they grow. This is where the key to good leadership is embedded. Leadership must be distributive. Good leaders take on the challenge and hear the voice of others. They take time to hear that voice and then act in such a way that they are building the capacity of other leaders. Capacity building is central to good leadership. Good leaders invite others to join them and support them in their role. Our students that take on the roles in SRC are exemplars in this.

With this in mind I would like to acknowledge the Year 12 students and the many young people who have taken on leadership roles and opportunities throughout the last 12 months. The extra challenge it has presented has resulted in some surprising and very positive outcomes. Young people never cease to surprise us with their ingenuity.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be welcoming new leaders as we undertake the selection process for the new School Representative Council. I encourage all students to nominate for these roles and take on the challenge that they offer.

FAREWELL TO STAFF

We will have a couple of very valued staff members leaving us at the end of Term 3.

Sue Rankin has worked in many roles in administration over her 16 years at St John’s. Sue has shared her outstanding skills in these roles to ensure our staff and students are well supported. In most recent times one of her key roles has been in attendance and supporting the pastoral care roles in the school. Her care for our young people has been very evident in the work that she has undertaken. We are grateful for her outstanding service to our community.

Matt Mathison has been the Technology Officer for St John’s for many years and during this time has resourced the school to ensure that we could enhance the learning of all our young people with contemporary and effective technology. Matt has also been a keen learner and has used his skills to support effective communication not the least of which has been streaming events such as the school assemblies. Matt has led the SJE News Team, a truly quality production. Matt has also been undertaking university studies. We wish Matt every success in his new role.

Leland Foster's work as an Aboriginal Education Assistant at St John’s has always focussed on ensuring that all students were well supported to maximize their learning outcomes. He has provided exceptional support to so many students in this area and used his cultural knowledge to support in skills such as didgeridoo. Leland has undertaken study whilst working and now has a position in his field of expertise. We wish Leland the best in his new position.

Mrs Sandra Hogan

Principal