From the Principal 

Congratulations to our archivist Carol Lander who is the recipient of the prestigious Elloy Award for Service to Education, presented by the Belmont Rotary Club. Mrs Lander has worked in a variety of roles at John Wollaston for 33 years. Her passion for the School knows no bounds. This year she organised the 30th Reunion for the Class of 1993 which was a resounding success. The Award is testament to Mrs Lander’s dedication and outstanding service to education and is richly deserved.

The CEO of the Anglican Schools Commission, the Revd Peter Laurence OAM, visited the School recently to present 20 year ASC Service Awards to two teachers, Jaquie Fisher and Fiona Morrison. We congratulate both staff members on their outstanding commitment and dedication to John Wollaston Anglican Community School.

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

On Monday 27 November, Year 6 students and their families gathered for Valedictory, an important occasion to acknowledge our senior Primary students. The students had the opportunity 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. Congratulations to our Year 6 students and class teachers Jo Burman, Ella McKean, Alexia Sberna and James Tsironis on their excellent work this year.

On Wednesday 29 November, Year 10 and 11 students and their families celebrated Praise and Thanksgiving with the Venerable Canon Gill Rookyard, Archdeacon Assisting and Mr Shane Parnell ASC Director of Finance, in attendance. It was a successful evening acknowledging the many achievements of our students. Guest speaker, Dean of Teaching and Learning, Kathryn Paul, offered advice and encouragement for the future.

Wednesday morning's Pre Primary Nativity was a delight. 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, The Twinkly Nativity, which was full of energy, colour and character affirming the importance of the birth of the Christ child, Jesus.

Primary Praise and Thanksgiving this morning and Years 7-9 Praise and Thanksgiving this afternoon have brought the academic year to a close. It was a pleasure to have the Hon. Dr Tony Buti MLA Member for Armadale. Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship; and Multicultural Interests;  Mr Joseph Pascuzzi ASC Chief Financial Officer and Mr Craig Moulton Chair of School Council join us for the morning.

The end of the year brings with it a number of farewells.

We bid farewell to a number of students who are moving on to other schools, further education, training or the workforce. Some of our "leavers" are re locating within the metropolitan area with their families necessitating a change of school. On behalf of the staff, I thank them for their contribution and wish them great success and happiness in the future.

We warmly thank all departing staff and wish them every success in the future. To those who are embarking on leave, we wish them a time of refreshment and enjoyment.

• Tamara Bailey (Education Assistant), 12 months leave
• Leah Corlson (Year 1), to travel
• Akiko Fuchino (Japanese), to the School of Isolated and Distance Education
• Narissa Lambert (Food and Textiles), to Shenton College
• Margaux Ledsome (Community Engagement and Marketing), to new opportunities
• David Longman (Science), to Head of Science at Lumen Christi College
• Brady Morris (Year 4), six months leave
• Keiko Nakao (Japanese), to Living Waters Lutheran College
• Kathryn Paul (Dean of Teaching and Learning), to Director of Teaching and Learning at the ASC
• Bev Richardson (Food and Textiles Technician), to retirement
• Sarah Robinson (Education Assistant) to new opportunities
• Marnie Saunders (Little Wollies), to the tertiary sector
• Alexia Sberna (Year 6), to Trinity College
• Fiona Shand (Deputy Head of Primary), to post graduate study
• Tatia Sly (Head of Languages), to new opportunities

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 John Wollaston during the year. If you have attended a school event such as a P&F meeting, Parent- Teacher Evening, assembly, sports carnival, drama production or instrumental concert and kept in contact with the staff, 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 time.

Amen

With good wishes for a wonderful holiday

ANNE FORD