Principal's Report 

Welcome Back

On Wednesday of this week all students returned to St John’s Regional College for the first time since term 1. The excited conversations and laughter echoing through the corridors can only be described as a joyous reminder of what gives our school its heart and soul. The students I spoke to were happy to be back amongst friends and familiar surrounds once more.

We often talk about the importance of becoming resilient and being able to bounce back when we hit hard times. I am sure our young people will look back on this time as being challenging but also that they got through it. They should take pride in this and the confidence that in the future when they face difficulties in all forms of life, they will be able to do the same through perseverance and working together. 

I thank our teachers for providing an excellent remote learning program this term. It has not been easy, and they have worked very hard to learn new skills and keep the communication going with both students and parents. I also thank our parents because it has been very much a partnership between home and school to ensure that learning has been the focus for our students when they have been away from the daily routine of school.

Now that we are back the remaining weeks of this term will be about re-establishing school routines. Reconnecting with teachers, asking questions and getting back on top of the job of learning. It is good to have everyone back again.

Congratulations

 Our Music Teacher Mr Michael Perryman has ben nominated for the 2020 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award. Mr Perryman has been a strong advocate for the way music and creativity help improve education standards, well-being and  a stronger connection to school life for our students. 2020 has been targeted by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to celebrate the exceptional influence music teachers have on young people and their future pathways and I congratulate Mr Perryman for his nomination.

Bereavement 

I offer our sympathy to Tofi, Christopher and Danielle Jorissen on the passing of their grandfather. The funeral will take place this Friday at Resurrection Church.

We pray:      

Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine on him. May his 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.

Amen. 

New Business Manager for St John’s Regional College

I advise our community of the appointment of Ms Shelley Iles to the position of Business Manager. Ms Iles has over 15 years’ experience working as a Chartered Accountant across a range of industries and has spent the past 12 years within the Catholic Education Sector as the Finance Manager at Padua College . Ms Iles will commence on the 29th of June taking over the role from current Business Manager Mr Nic Salvatore who looks forward to a well-earned retirement after 30 years of exemplary service to the Catholic Education Sector. I extend a warm welcome to Shelley.

Enrolment Interviews for 2021

Over the last week our senior leadership team have been interviewing our Year 7 2021 students and their families. Our new students are excited about continuing their educational journey at St John’s and taking advantage of all the exciting opportunities our school has to offer. Our online enrolment information session and tour continue throughout this year for 2021 and 2022 students. Details about enrolment information sessions are contained in this newsletter or on our school website. Our Enrolment Registrar Ms Symone Goodwin can be contacted on 03 8793 2000 for further assistance.

Congratulations

I congratulate staff member Ms Dayna Foden Bell and her partner Mitch on the arrival of their first child, daughter Mahalia Rose. Born on the 29th of May both mother and daughter are doing well.