Principal's Message

Dear Families,

As we are launching into Week 11 we have been reflecting on what has been a productive and positive term. Our students have settled nicely into their routines and our staff have had time to foster those important connections. A reminder that our students commence their holidays this Friday (17th April). On Friday our staff will be taking part in professional development. We are particularly enthusiastic about our session with our school psychologist, Sam, who is upskilling our staff on the best ways in which we can support our students.

Staffing Update

With mixed emotions we announce that Sharni Rickards has been successful in her application for a leadership position at Corpus Christi in Bellerive. Sharni will temporarily transfer for the remainder of 2026 to be the Early Years Literacy Coordinator. Sharni has been at John Paul II for over 20 years and has excellent skills and knowledge in the science of learning and evidence based literacy programs. Mrs Megan Hickey will return from Maternity Leave towards the end of Term 2 and move into this space to teach alongside Ms Cassie Prenter. We are welcoming Mrs Melissa Rawlings to the Grade 1 team to work with Ms Prenter until Mrs Hickey returns. Mrs Rawlings is a highly experienced teacher who has worked in our school in a relief capacity. We wish Mrs Rickards all the best as she embraces this leadership role.

Matt Westwood has accepted a position at Nyrstar and will be finishing up at John Paul II at the end of this term. Matt has been a great team member as a trainee and Utility Officer. We wish Matt all the best as he enters this new, exciting chapter. 

Mr Alex Hutchins has been announced as our Acting Deputy Principal for Terms 2 and 3 as Mrs Lauren Hall takes the role of Acting Principal. I will be taking Term 2 and 3 as Long Service Leave and spending some quality time with my family in Far North Queensland. I know the school is in great hands with Mrs Hall and Mr Hutchins leading the way. 

I wish you all the best over the next 6 months and I look forward to returning refreshed and energised in Term 4. 

Ben Morgan

Principal