Secondary School News

From the Deputy Principal Pastoral Care, Nick Jones

Term 4 has started well for our Secondary students and most of them have returned to school looking very smart in their summer uniforms. I thank parents for their support in maintaining our high standards of student presentation. I would like to remind all students that the School cap/hat is a required part of our summer uniform and students should be wearing their cap/hat to and from school and during recess and lunch breaks.

Our Year 10s enjoyed a fantastic experience on the Cape to Cape Track during the final week of Term 3. Students were treated to stunning scenery along the south west coast while also being challenged by a variety of activities including hiking, caving and abseiling. The Adventure Works team led the students through aspects of their Into Adulthood program and the students came away with much stronger connections between each other and also with their teachers. Students were required to display genuine leadership skills as they were responsible for many different roles including navigation, meal preparation, setting up and packing away camp and hydration.

This week is Valedictory Week and our Year 12s have enjoyed several formal events to celebrate and reflect on their time at John Wollaston. I would like to congratulate all Year 12s for the respectful and dignified way in which they have celebrated their final days of Secondary schooling. During the Year 12 Farewell Chapel Service I reflected on two important qualities that I believe are important for our graduating students.

 “All schools can pass on knowledge to students. With today’s technology, this is not a difficult thing to do, however I believe that there are two important reasons why your parents decided to send you to John Wollaston. The first was to develop this important quality, wisdom and the second was to assist in your development as a good person, a person of strong character who would make a positive contribution to society and the community in which they live. Wisdom and good character. When I look across the room this afternoon, I feel confident that your school has done a very good job in laying the foundations for your development as a person of wisdom and good character. However, you are a lifelong learner, and this is only the beginning for you. Never stop seeking wisdom. True wisdom can only be gathered through experience and reflection. Experience and reflection. Go out now and experience the world, meet new people from different walks of life, from different cultures, from different upbringings. When you meet these people, have an open heart and open mind, be humble and learn from their friendship. Be generous with your time and your spirit, be compassionate and be genuine.”

All the best.

Nick Jones

Deputy Principal Pastoral Care