From the Principal

Founders' Day was a very successful celebration of the 30th year of John Wollaston Anglican Community School. Thank you to all involved in making it such a special occasion.

The burial of the time capsule in the new 30th Anniversary Garden took place after morning tea in front of a small gathering comprising The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO Archbishop of Perth, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM CEO Anglican Schools Commission, Mr Julian Misso Chair of School Council, School Council members, Executive staff, the Archivist, Senior Groundsmen, Community Engagement Coordinator and student leaders.  The Head Prefects lowered the capsule into the ground under the watchful eyes of the Primary Head Boy and Girl.  A prayer was offered by Archbishop Kay and sand duly shovelled over the capsule by several of those present. The capsule, which will be opened by the school community in 25 years' time on Founders' Day 2044, contains a mix of written information and regalia of this year. It will be fascinating to see how the contents will be interpreted. Will a thumb drive, for example, still be in use in 2044?

I include for your interest, my contribution to the time capsule.

Dear Members of the John Wollaston Community

I am delighted to be able to contribute to the contents of this time capsule which was buried on the occasion of the School's 30th Anniversary on Tuesday 13 August 2019. The burial site, the new 30th Anniversary Garden, is a fitting resting place.

This morning at our traditional Founders' Day Service, the whole school gathered in the presence of The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO Archbishop of Perth who presided and preached. We were also joined by The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM the Chief Executive Officer of the Anglican Schools Commission who delivered a short address to mark this special occasion. lnvited guests joined the staff for morning tea at which the 30th birthday cake was shared.

The afternoon commenced with a Staff vs Students netball game competing for the Principal's Cup and then the grounds were transformed into a village of games and novelty stalls, organised and patronised by  the students. All monies raised on Founders' Day are traditionally donated to Anglicare. This year the offertory included personal toiletries and household cleaning items, as well as money, for Anglicare's YES! Housing and Street Connect initiatives which provide homeless youth with access to longer term, more stable housing. Our school community, as always, was very generous.

As the second Principal of John Wollaston Anglican Community School, commencing in January 2001, I have been fortunate to preside over a period of growth and expansion which has seen the campus transformed by a number of purpose-built facilities; the introduction of key curriculum initiatives including the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, vocational and certificate courses and the pre-compulsory Kindergarten and pre-Kindergarten years; important pastoral initiatives embracing positive psychology principles such as the Encounter Program, PATHS Program, Kimochis and Mindfulness; and the fostering of a variety of traditions which are so important in the life of every school. We have a strong academic and pastoral reputation largely due to an experienced, dedicated staff many of whom see their career to be at John Wollaston or in one of the Anglican Schools Commission's 14 schools across Australia.

As a staff team we have worked hard to build a Christian culture of high standards and expectations, inclusivity and care. This has been well supported by our school community. I have no doubt that John Wollaston is on a far more mature footing than in its early years. Of course, maturity is relative and in the ensuing decades, the School's growing maturity will continue to be celebrated at milestone events. The School of today will seem in its infancy when its centenary is celebrated in 2089.

A constant during my tenure has been our wonderful students. Our young people are friendly, caring and welcoming. From families who are generally unfamiliar with independent schooling and have not experienced a tertiary education, our students have a great opportunity at John Wollaston to pursue their career aspirations in an environment that encourages personal best and good character.

It is a privilege to lead John Wollaston Anglican Community School whose namesake The Venerable John Ramsden Wollaston was such a respected pioneer of the Anglican Church in Western Australia. His hard work and faithful dedication are epitomised in the School's core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Commitment. It is my wish they continue to hold true in the future.

Best wishes to all who teach, learn and support our fine school in the years ahead.

ANNE FORD

PRINCIPAL

With good wishes.

Anne Ford

Principal