From the Principal

With the State now operating on high caseload settings due to the spread of the Omicron virus, schools are fortunate to be able to hold their School Ball. So, notwithstanding the requirements for double vaccination and mask wearing, our Year 12s left school early this afternoon full of excitement for their Ball this evening. It will be a Ball like no other and I'm grateful to the Dean of Pastoral Care, Kylie Virgo and the Ball Committee for their organisation of the event. I'm also grateful to the Parmelia Hilton for responding to our requests to provide the safest possible environment for our students. The Ball is an important rite of passage for our senior students and I hope tonight is a memorable occasion for all involved.

Earlier this week as part of our SEEDS Program, WA State Recipient Australian of the Year 2022 Paul Litherland, a leading educator in online safety, presented to our Secondary students. An annual visitor to our school, Mr Litherland is an engaging speaker whose background within the Technology Crime Investigation Unit of the WA Police offers invaluable learning opportunities for students. He tailored his presentation to each of the year groups ensuring that the messaging and material were accessible. Unfortunately, the parent presentation was unable to be held this year but we are hopeful that it can be included in his program in 2023. 

Our new School Counsellor, Laura Steeles, is rapidly becoming a familiar face around the campus as she settles into her role at John Wollaston. We are very fortunate to have someone of Ms Steele's experience and expertise join our community. She is a key member of our pastoral care team and works across the whole school to support the needs of our students. I look forward to the important contribution she will make to our school.

As government protocols change with respect to the management of COVID-19 in the community, I will continue to write to you via SEQTA to explain the impact on our school. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to express a concern. 

With best wishes

Anne Ford

Principal