From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 4. This term we have welcomed eight new students and teacher, Kim Barnett who has joined the Health and Physical Education Department to cover for Brendan Kilmartin who is taking Long Service Leave this term. We hope that Ms Barnett and our new students settle in well to our school community.

The highlight of the fortnight has been the inaugural Valedictory Dinner for Year 12 students and their parents and guardians on Thursday 14 October. Held in a marquee on the lawn in front of the Technology Centre, balmy weather, fine food, entertainment and a lovely atmosphere made for a very special occasion. The Valedictory Reflections were delivered by Prefects, Sydnee Hopkins and Holly van der Vaart.  The dinner celebration was a perfect lead into Valedictory Week. 

This has been a great week for the Year 12s who left the School for the final time this morning after their traditional Fancy Dress Breakfast, a procession through the Years 4 to 11 Guard of Honour and viewing of the Leavers' DVD. 

Our Leavers thoroughly enjoyed the various celebratory events which culminated yesterday with a farewell from the whole school at the morning Gift of a Candle Service, and the evening Valedictory and Prize Giving where the students were joined by their families, the Secondary staff, Executive and special guest, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth. The Head Prefects, Ashlyn Hayes and Jack Wallace spoke with confidence and poise expressing gratitude for their time at John Wollaston and leaving valuable advice for their successors. Equally polished were Primary Head Girl, Suruthikasri Saravanan and Primary Head Boy, Louis Trueman who delivered the Primary School Goodbye at the morning service. Head of Ramsden House, Sally Banks delivered the farewell address from the staff. It was humorous and heartfelt, and warmly received by the students.

The evening event is continuing to build an important tradition of "shared success". Each student is presented to the Principal and academic and special prizes are awarded. It is wonderful to see the students warmly acknowledging the success of their peers. Congratulations to all recipients of prizes and awards, they are richly deserved. The entertainment featured an exuberant performance by several students singing a medley of popular songs. Camellia S Shwe performed her original composition, Seek Wisdom.

We introduced a sporting flavour into Valedictory Week last year, a staff versus students netball game to win the Valedictory Mug. The students were keen to seek a re-match with staff following their loss on the volleyball court on Founders' Day. Unfortunately, wet weather prevented the game from proceeding. 

Fourteen Veterans finished their schooling this week. A Veteran student is one who completes his/her entire schooling at John Wollaston and this year's group comprised five boys and nine girls who had commenced in Kindergarten, Pre-Primary or Year 1. To acknowledge the Veterans, I host a morning tea during Valedictory Week which is also attended by the Executive. This is a special time when the students reflect informally on their school journey and share plans for their future.  To families who have committed to the School for the duration of their children's education, I thank you most sincerely for the significant emotional and financial investment you have made. 

Thank you to parents  and guardians for supporting the events of this important week; your sons and daughters, the staff and I greatly appreciate your involvement. The Class of 2021 has left with our best wishes for the future.

With good wishes.

Anne Ford

Principal