It was a pleasure welcoming our new Year 8 students back for 2021. After speaking with several individuals about their holiday break, I was delighted to hear that many students got to spend some quality time with their families and friends and are feeling refreshed and excited for the upcoming year.

I would like to welcome our new students in Year 8, who have seamlessly integrated into our Year group. I would also like to welcome our new PALS staff members. We are lucky enough to have some new and experienced staff, who are enthusiastic about the pastoral needs of our students and getting to know their PALS classes over the coming weeks.

A reminder to all parents and guardians that if your son or daughter is having any pastoral issues, their PALS teachers are the first point of contact. They will communicate with me if the issue cannot be resolved.

The upcoming year has many exciting prospects. I am sure our Year 8 group will be even more impressed as to what St John's has to offer, hopefully with less restrictions from COVID. I encourage all students to start saying yes more often. Yes to some extracurricular activities, yes to new friendships and yes to taking on all educational opportunities that our wonderful school has to offer.

Have a fantastic year. I look forward to creating many treasured memories with you all!

UNIFORM AND DIARY

A reminder to students and parents/caregivers to revisit the uniform requirements and ensure that students are presenting themselves each day to the high expectations of the school. A reminder that sports shorts are to be a suitable length and not rolled up. This is also the case with the girls' skirts and the boys' shorts. They are to sit on the knee. Please give me a call if there are any issues in regards to uniform. Also, the use of the school diary will be a focus for 2021. Each student is to have their diary with them every day and must take it into PALS in the morning and to each lesson. Consistent and correct use of the diary will assist students in their organisation and keep them focused on achieving success in all areas of their learning.