From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 3.

I hope your children are well rested from the extended break. Walking around the grounds and visiting classrooms this week, students spoke enthusiastically of the three weeks' holiday and their happiness to be back at school. There is always something special about the energy at the start of a new term; it's the perfect opportunity to start fresh and look forward to the activities and events in the coming weeks.

This term we welcomed 12 new students to John Wollaston and seven new staff who are replacing staff on leave. We wish all our newcomers a smooth transition to our school.

New Primary staff:

• Mr Simon Blanchard (Learning Support and Year 2 Term 3)
• Ms Tara Castafaro (Year 4 Term 3)
• Mr Glyn Teape (Year 3 Semester 2)

New Secondary staff:

• Mr Tyron Dias (Sports Coordinator 12 months)
• Ms Shannon Hicks (HPE 5 weeks)
• Mr Charlie Polkinghorn (HPE Semester 2)
• Mr Neil Williamson (Humanities 5 weeks)

In addition we welcome three new non teaching staff:

• Mrs Amanda Osborne (Education Assistant Term 3)
• Ms Kerry Robertson (Administration)
• Mrs Thamara Samarasinghe (Laboratory Technician)

Addressing leave arrangements has resulted in some significant role changes:

• Mrs Sheree Zecca - Acting Dean of Teaching and Learning (Primary) for 5 weeks
• Mrs Lauren Heron - Acting Coordinator of Early Years for 5 weeks
• Mrs Deborah De Martinis - Acting Head of Humanities for 5 weeks
• Mr Quentin Hess - Acting Head of HPE for Semester 2
• Mr Michael Leaning - Acting Head of Ramsden House Term 3
• Mr David Longman - Acting Head of Scott House Semester 2

New Appointments

Congratulations to Miss Evie Dodge who is our new Registrar and Ms Jessica Mackenzie who is our new Community Engagement and Marketing Officer.

Shaun Tan Art Award

This week I had the pleasure of attending the 20th anniversary exhibition of the Shaun Tan Award for Young Artists at Subiaco Library. The Shaun Tan Award routinely attracts a large number of entries from around the state and this year was no exception. The top 50 artworks were on display featuring students from Years 1 to 12. John Wollaston Year 3 student, Willow Millar's artwork Rabbit was featured.

A highlight of the presentation ceremony was Shaun Tan's inspiring speech to the students. Speaking via video link from Melbourne, Shaun critiqued several of the students' works and encouraged them to follow their passion for art. He was effusive in his praise of the standard of the artworks on display.  It was a wonderful honour when Willow was announced as the recipient of two awards; Third Place in the Middle Primary category and Subi Kids Crew Award Winner. Willow is a very talented artist and is to be congratulated.

COVID-19 Health Measures

Thank you for your ongoing support of the School as WA is impacted by the third wave of the Coronavirus. As communicated in recent days, we will continue to adopt a cautious approach to school activities this term in the interest of the health and safety of students and staff. Mask wearing, although not compulsory, is strongly encouraged when indoors. We will continue to adopt a vigilant approach to cleaning and hand hygiene.

Best wishes for the coming term. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any concerns.

Anne Ford

Principal