Principal's Report

Coronavirus Outbreak – Communication

Over the coming weeks we will continue to update our Community as to the impact of the Corona Virus. In reference to school closure we will follow the direction of the State Government and Catholic Education Commission who have supported the Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton in his advice that , "… pre-emptive school closures are not likely to be proportionate or effective as a public health intervention to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time. "

We also understand the impact of the virus is changing daily and school closures maybe enacted in the near future. Should this be the case all members of our community will be alerted by SMS message and confirmed on our School Webpage and Facebook page. Staff are preparing for the reality of a school closure through the continued development of our online learning platform SEQTA so that we can ensure continuity of student learning during any enforced closure.

Cancellation of Parent Teacher Interviews

As we advised through mail earlier this week the Australian Government has advised, effective from Monday 16 March, organised, non-essential gatherings should be limited to 500 people and as of Thursday, 100 people. This has led to the cancellation of several school events including school assemblies and the end of term Parent Teacher Interviews on the 26th and 27th of March.  Please note that due to the cancellation of parent Teacher interviews, Thursday the 26th of March will be a normal school day from 8.50am to 3.20pm.  Friday the 27th of March will be a student free day as per our advertised calendar.

Parents will receive Interim Reports for their sons and daughters this week . Over the course of next week, including Friday the 27th of March teaching staff will place onto the SEQTA Portal all Term 1 assessments for parent review.

Communication will be sent to parents this week re-emphasising the process for parents to access student assessment and progress via the SEQTA learning Management System.

Year 12 Retreat

The Class of 2020 stopped normal classes last week to attend a highly successful retreat program in Yellingbo near Yarra Junction. Enjoying beautiful weather for three days our students appreciated the opportunity to engage with our Lasallian Youth Ministers and share some of the challenges they have in common on their journey to adulthood. I wish to thank our Director of Faith & Mission – Mr Tim Swan, our Lasallian Youth Ministry Team, including our own Youth Minister Jan Holewa , Camp Organiser Ms Judy Bishop and all the other staff who worked superbly with our students to make it not only a memorable part of their school year but an important step in their journey of self-discovery.

Cancellation of Gala Soccer Day, SIS Events and Italian Immersion Program

Due to Government bans related to the Coronavirus a number of school events have been cancelled including our Gala Soccer Day, Harmony Day activities, our SIS Big Night out and sporting activities and unfortunately our School Holiday immersion to Italy. We are exploring options to reschedule these activities to later in the year, particularly our Italian Trip, and our Primary schools who are looking forward to the use of our sporting facilities which we have opened for student use this week.

Staffing News

I inform our community that Business Manager Mr Nic Salvatore has announced his retirement at the end of July this year. Mr Salvatore has been a great steward and servant of the College over two periods of tenure 1992-1999 and 2016-2020. He also served with distinction at Sienna College, Salesian College Chadstone, Sacred Heart Oakleigh as well as the finance department of the Melbourne Catholic Education Office. In a career spanning 34 years, Mr Salvatore has been generous with his talent and wisdom and it has been a privilege to have him at St John's. We wish him well in his retirement.

A process to select a new Business Manager will take place next term.

Bereavement

We have received the sad news during the week that former staff member and ex-student Natalie Bonnefin passed away.

A member of our school library team for many years she will be sadly missed by all those who loved her. Our sympathies and prayers go out to her mum Myrna, family and friends. 

We pray:            

Eternal Rest grant unto her O Lord and may perpetual light shine on her.  May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.  Master of the Universe, hear our prayers, we make them in confidence forever and ever.

Easter Liturgy

Our Easter Liturgy will take on a different structure this year as we limit our student gathering to a small intimate homeroom-based liturgy next Wednesday.  We draw strength from the central message of our Catholic faith that through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that God is with us in the midst of our suffering.  In these anxious times, this message is reinforced through our Annual Theme, "Emmanuel – God with Us". It is a powerful reminder that God is always present with us but also that we are needed to be Gods presence for others.

I wish all our families a safe and healthy school holiday period and I look forward to returning to St John’s in hopefully more settled times next term.