From the Principal

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 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 Right Reverend Jeremy James tssf, Assistant Bishop of Perth. As we have come to expect, the Head Prefects, Taylor Asmus and Matthew Ford 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, Nadia Tin and Primary Head Boy, Ethan Henderson who delivered the Primary School Goodbye at the morning service. Head of Senior School Anne Harris delivered the farewell address from the staff. It was an outstanding speech, delivered in the style of a children's Golden Book narrative, which included the name of every Year 12 student. Clever and full of humour, it was very well received.

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 the entire cohort of  (I've Had) The Time of My Life. Ashleigh Bydder and Jordan Mazzola sang Ashleigh's original composition Home. For the first time, supper was held in a marquee.  Fine food, entertainment and a lovely atmosphere made for a very special occasion.

We introduced a sporting flavour into Valedictory Week this year, a staff versus students netball game. The students were keen to seek a re -match with staff following their loss on the volleyball court on Founders' Day. In a close contest, the staff prevailed by two points to win the Valedictory Mug.

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 six boys and eight girls who 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 for supporting the events of this important week; your sons and daughters, the staff and I greatly appreciate your involvement. The Class of 2020 has left with our best wishes for the future.

With good wishes. 

Anne Ford

Principal