Principal's Report 

Harmony Day

On Thursday 21 March, St John’s celebrated Harmony Day under the theme of "Where everyone belongs." This special day, nestled within the week of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, holds deep significance for our community. It's a testament to our collective commitment to fostering inclusivity and respect for all individuals, guided by the fundamental belief that every person is inherently valuable and made in the image of God.

This year our Vocational Major students under the guidance of Ms Dias and her staff diligently prepared an array of activities to celebrate this occasion throughout the week. From the world of sports to tantalising cultural food stalls and a vibrant cultural fashion parade, there was something for everyone to enjoy. 

Our whole school assembly took place on Thursday with a focus on celebrating the beauty and diversity of our Indonesian culture, through our guest performer Ms Maria Parker a wonderful traditional Indonesian dancer. Another highlight was the performance conducted by our Samoan students who shared a little of their culture and customs through a welcome ceremony.  

Easter Liturgy 

This past Tuesday, our school came together to pause and reflect on the message at the heart of our Catholic faith. Commencing with a solemn procession of the cross through our school grounds, followed by the reverent washing of the feet—a symbolic gesture mirroring the sacred ritual of discipleship—our students and community gathered in prayerful contemplation led by Father Luke Bulley.

This beautiful ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity for us to meditate on the significance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, central tenets that underpin our faith journey.

I extend my gratitude to Fr Luke, as well as Mr Rhynehart, our Director of Faith & Mission, and all those involved in orchestrating these important Easter ceremonies. We are blessed to have faith leaders who can create a space and environment for our community  to engage in a deeply personal reflection, reminding us of the ever-present grace of Christ in our daily lives.

Staffing

I advise of the following staffing changes for Term 2. 

Ms Frankie Flannigan will be relocating to Tasmania for family reasons, effective early in Term 2.  Ms  Sue Keel will be a taking a new role at Brighton Secondary College, effective from April 15. Miss Alice Liu will be leaving St John’s to pursue work in the personal training industry also at the beginning of Term 2. I thank them collectively for their work with our students over a number of years and wish them well on their new career opportunities.

Advertising to replace these staff members is under way and I announce that Mr Mark Bowler will join the staff at the beginning of Term 2 as part of the PE faculty.

SIS Big Night: A Spectacular Showcase of Performing Arts

Last Tuesday night, the spotlight was on Southern Independent Schools as they hosted their highly anticipated Big Night performing arts concert at the Drum Theatre. This annual event, put together by the 16 schools of the Southern Independent Schools Association, stands out as one of the most entertaining evenings on the school calendar.

The concert was a harmonious fusion of music, song and dance, showcasing the collaborative efforts of students from various schools. I extend my congratulations to our talented  students, whose performances, including those of the St John’s School Choir and Contemporary Dance ensembles, enthralled all in attendance. A special acknowledgment is due to our dedicated Arts staff, led by the Ms Anne Aldis, Mr Reymond Balano, and Ms Emma Bradley.

Cross Country

Congratulations to all participants in the House Cross Country Event held last Monday. On display was athleticism and determination as our students took on the challenge of the House Cross Country event. Amidst the scenic backdrop of our local parkland, participants tackled a demanding course with commendable enthusiasm.

A round of applause goes to Leonis and Delphinus students for their performance in  securing the top spots on the leaderboard with an impressive 174 points each. Columba claimed a well-deserved third place with 145 points, followed by Phoenix, Aquila and Monoceros. From this talented pool of participants, a squad will be selected to represent St John’s at the upcoming SIS Cross Country event in early Term 2.

A note of thanks to our Sports Coordinator, Mr Mark Alexandar, and the dedicated staff for their organisation and execution, ensuring a professionally run event that was enjoyed by all.

Parent-Teacher Interviews Wrap-Up

It was wonderful to witness the strong turnout of parents at the end-of-term Parent-Teacher Interviews. These sessions served as invaluable opportunities for feedback between parents, teachers and students. This feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping the next steps of our students' learning journey as we head into Term 2.

CLC Open for Learning During School Holidays

Looking ahead to the school holidays, our Contemporary Learning Centre (CLC) will remain open from 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on each day, providing a conducive environment for students to work on their homework or assignments for the upcoming term. This service is available to all students, offering them a supportive space to stay on top of their academic endeavours.

Wishing You a Joyous Easter Holiday

As we approach the Easter break, I extend warm wishes to all members of our community for a safe and blessed holiday season spent in the company of family and friends. May this time be filled with moments of joy, reflection and renewal. I eagerly anticipate the safe return of our students on Monday, April 15.