Principal's Report 

Staff & School Advisory Council Dinner

On the evening of Thursday, August 17th, the Annual School Advisory Council and Staff Dinner was held to celebrate the school year and recognize the contributions that both volunteers and staff make to our community.

Our honored guests from the Lasallian and Presentation Orders included Br. Joe Gabel, Br. Michael Carroll, Sr. Helen Carboon, and Ms. Anne Young, the Mission Coordinator of the Presentation Sisters Victoria.

It was a pleasure to have the members of the School Advisory Council present, including Mr. Tony Biviano, Chair of the School Advisory Council and CEO of Majellan Media, Fr. Brendan Lane, our Canonical Administrator and Parish Priest of St. Mary's, Mr. Peter Liddell – Alumni and Partner at Chartered Firm KPMG, Mr. Chris Richardson, Project Manager in the Building and Construction Industry, Ms. Cathy Pascal, a buyer with Fisher & Paykel, and Ms. Anna Jorrisen, our newest member of the SAC and manager with the National Bank.

Our celebration on that night also featured an acknowledgment of Fr. Brendan Lane for his 50 years of service as a Priest. Fr. Brendan has been a steadfast supporter of St. John’s, and we've been privileged to witness the legacy he has built – one of faith, love, and service to all the communities he has served.

The evening was also an occasion to honor the dedication of three staff members who will be retiring from St. John’s at the end of the 2023 school year. Mr. Rhett Joachim, with 21 years of devoted service, Ms. Amanda Gengaroli, who has left an indelible mark on a 21-year journey, and Mr. Naim Abdelahad, whose remarkable service spans 26 years. On behalf of our community, I extend heartfelt gratitude for their generous contributions to this College.

Sr. Margaret Bellesini Award

During the School Advisory Council and Staff Dinner, the Sr. Margaret Bellesini Award was presented to staff member Ms. Angela Blaak. This award, named after Presentation Nun Sr. Margaret Bellesini, a pioneering figure in the College who led the middle school of St. John’s with unwavering commitment, recognizes a staff member who embodies the Core Values of the De La Salle Brothers and Presentation Sisters.

I extend my congratulations to Ms. Blaak for her enduring dedication to these values over her years in our school community.

I extend my gratitude also to Mr. Rhynehart and Ms. Phillips for orchestrating a splendid celebration of our community, thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.

Staff Spirituality Day:

Last Friday, the entire staff participated in a Staff Spirituality Day at Melbourne Zoo, guided by our Director of Faith and Mission, Mr. John Rhynehart. Utilizing the conference center at the Zoo, we embarked on an exploration of our Annual Theme – “Known and Loved”. Mr. Rhynehart adeptly utilized spiritual reflections and church teachings to facilitate a discussion on God's commitment to all humanity – that we are known and loved.

These spiritual days hold paramount significance, as they prepare our staff for the journey of accompanying our young people. This is at the core of our identity as a Catholic school, distinguishing us from other schools.

While all schools emphasize academic,

 social-emotional, and physical development, we set ourselves apart by our focus on the spiritual dimension – the connection to the transcendent, beyond the tangible world. Educational development, in our view, encompasses all these facets, forming the bedrock of our philosophy to educate the whole person.

Addressing the spiritual aspect is pivotal; without it, an essential equilibrium remains elusive. Thus, we draw upon our Catholic traditions and teachings to engage young minds in discussions about life's profound questions, such as purpose and existence. Our approach involves fostering dialogues that encompass various religious and philosophical perspectives, enriching their understanding. Days like these cultivate an appreciation for our ethos and culture rooted in faith, ensuring that staff actively partake in our students' holistic education.

My sincere appreciation goes to Mr. Rhynehart and Ms. Phillips for designing a spirituality day that resonated with our staff, offering both engagement and valuable insights.

Acting Principal:

I will be on enrichment leave from September 1st to October 4th. 

During my absence, Deputy Principal of Student Wellbeing. Mr. Greg Van Es, will serve as the Acting Principal, while Mr. Nigel Adkin will assume the responsibilities of Deputy Principal of Student Wellbeing. Throughout this period.

 I eagerly anticipate participating in a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes, an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our founder, St. John Baptise De la Salle. 

I look forward to seeing our staff, students, and families upon my return in the first week of term 4.

Staffing:

I wish to inform you that Ms. Lisa Jacob will be on Long Service leave for the next five weeks and will be replaced by Ms. Lyndell Green. Additionally, Ms. Pinto will also be on leave for the final two weeks of term 3 and will be temporarily replaced by Michele T.

Book Week:

In the upcoming week, we will celebrate Book Week with a series of activities aimed at nurturing literacy and fostering a love for reading. These include:

• Poetry workshop with Mr. Peter Samuel
• Writing workshop with Miss Hava Klan
• Visits from Author Alice Pung – whose credits include: Unpolished Gem, Her Father’s Daughter, and the novel Laurinda.
• A fashion parade of your favorite book characters
• Staff vs Student debate organized by Ms. Keel
• Trivia Quiz

Book Week serves as a platform to emphasize the significance of reading and literature in our lives, particularly among our children and young adults. It's an occasion to kindle a passion for books, bolster literacy skills, and ideally instill a lifelong love for learning. My heartfelt thanks extend to our English Learning Area Leader, Ms. Sue Keel, our literacy committee, and our staff for meticulously crafting this engaging week of activities for our students.

RUOK? Day – 14th September

St. John’s will participate in RUOK Day on September 14th. 

Originating in Australia, this initiative spotlights mental health awareness and fosters open conversations. On an annual basis, it encourages students to pose the question "Are you okay?" to promote mutual support and understanding among peers. Through assemblies, workshops, and discussions, the day strives to break down stigma, educate on mental health, and equip students with tools to identify and address well-being challenges. My sincere gratitude extends to our Pastoral Programs Coordinator, Ms. Angelique Phillips-Kemp, for her dedication in preparing this important day within our community.

Parent-Teacher Interviews:

I wholeheartedly encourage all parents to seize the opportunity of Parent-Teacher Interviews held on the final two days of this term – September 14 & 15. 

During these sessions, staff will focus on providing feedback about coursework, homework, and assessment tasks undertaken throughout term 3. The interviews will take place face to face on September 14th in the Br Leo Scollen Stadium, and online via the Teams App on Friday, September 15th. 

Further information regarding booking interviews will arrive via email on September the 6th.