From the Principal

This is a special time of the year as we celebrate the students' achievements as a school community.

On Monday evening Year 6 students and their families gathered for Valedictory and the PYP Exhibition, an important occasion to acknowledge our senior Primary students. The students were invited to reflect on their Primary years, take pride in their many achievements and begin to look forward to the next phase of their schooling. Whilst there were some nostalgic moments during the Valedictory, the overwhelming mood was one of excitement. The Exhibition, which is the culmination of the PYP, provided an opportunity to engage with the students about their learning. The students were articulate, confident and knowledgeable. Congratulations to our Year 6 students and class teachers Katherine Stevens, Brady Morris, James Winter and Darcy Gebbetis on their excellent work this year.

On Wednesday evening Years 10 and 11 families celebrated Praise and Thanksgiving with The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot, Assistant Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Perth and Philip Goldsworthy, Director of Mission and Planning, Anglican Schools Commission, in attendance. It was a successful evening acknowledging the many achievements of our students. Special Guest, 2018 Service Prefect, Martha Dodge delivered  an excellent address referencing university life and the importance of helping others. The musical item featured talented Year 11 student, Ashleigh Bydder performing her own composition I'm Not Brave.

This morning's Early Learning Centre Nativity, Baubles, was a delight to conclude the week. It is always the happiest of occasions with family members as excited as the participants themselves. Congratulations to our Early Learning Centre staff and the children for their wonderful production which was full of energy, colour and character affirming the importance of the birth of the Christ child, Jesus.

We were also treated to Christmas carols led by Generation Joy, the choir comprising students and residents of Thomas Scott Hostel. The choir which was formed earlier this year is going from strength to strength with all participants growing in confidence and having fun.

Next week we hold Primary Praise and Thanksgiving on Tuesday morning and the Years 7, 8 and 9 Praise and Thanksgiving on Tuesday afternoon. I look forward to seeing you at these special occasions.

The end of the year brings with it a number of farewells. We thank three members of the Executive, Nick Jones, Wayne Revitt and Nick Tanner each of whom has made a strong contribution to the School. I congratulate Nick Jones on his appointment as Principal of Cathedral College, Wangaratta and Wayne Revitt on his appointment as Head of Junior School at Penrhos College and wish them both well in their new schools. With a restructure of the senior positions in the Secondary School to take effect from 2020, Nick Tanner leaves John Wollaston to pursue new opportunities. Nick has given outstanding service to the School for 18 years; initially as the Head of Society and Environment, then Deputy Principal of Administration and more recently as Director of Administration. Professional in word and deed, Nick is held in the highest regard and will be remembered  by staff and students with respect and affection. I wish him well for the future.

We warmly thank the following teaching staff who have completed their contracts; Kaoru Cooper, Min Kim, Rochelle Protzman, Monica Stirling and Rachel Zimmerman. We also extend our appreciation to non teaching staff Michelle Gregory and Michael Murphy who are relocating to Melbourne and Adelaide respectively.

Thank you to Brendan Kilmartin for his outstanding service as Head of Hale House in the Secondary School. Brendan, who has been a charismatic and passionate House leader for many years, has decided to step down from the role. He will continue teaching in the Health and Physical Education Department. How fitting that Hale should be Champion House in 2019. Well done Mr K! 

We also bid farewell to a number of students who are moving on to further education, training or the workforce. Several of our 'leavers' are relocating within the metropolitan area or interstate with their families necessitating a change of school. On behalf of the staff,  I thank them for their contribution to the School and wish them great success and happiness in the future.

I have always maintained that a strong sense of community lies at the heart of every successful school. To that end, I wish to thank you for your support of, and contribution to, John Wollaston this 30th anniversary year. Whether you have attended a P&F meeting, a sports carnival, volunteered in the classroom, kept in contact with the staff or indeed any other event or activity, you have made a positive difference to the school experience of your child. I know that young people thrive if parents and teachers care - care not just about their academic progress but their growth on the path to maturity. I am grateful that a strength of our community is that we work closely together to effect the best possible outcomes for our students.    

I wish you an enjoyable festive season with your family and leave you with a Christmas blessing.

May the joy of the angels,

the eagerness of the shepherds,

the perseverance of the wise men,

the obedience of Joseph and Mary,

and the peace of the Christ child

be yours this Christmas.

 

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

be upon you and remain with you always.

 

Amen

With good wishes for a wonderful holiday.

Anne Ford

Principal