Principal's Report
Dear Parents/Carers,
It is not surprising to see the marketing increase significantly for everything related to Christmas. I was struck recently as I wondered through a shopping centre at the variety of Advent Calendars that are available. When you search for information on the history of these calendars, you soon learn that when they commenced in the 19th century, they were simply a way for Christians to keep a track of the days until Christmas from the first Sunday of Advent, and they were usually home-made. (Now they always seem to begin on 1 December which isn't quite accurate.) After a period of time, people would add a short prayer or a part of the Nativity story to help the reader spend some time in reflection on what Christmas was truly about. Adding chocolate seemed to begin in the 1950s, and now you can get all sorts of 'goodies' to look forward to on each of the days. I even saw one for beer!
I wonder if people who buy an Advent Calendar are aware of its original purpose. It is a hope of mine that as the user enjoys the 'treat' each day, that they also spend some time considering and reflecting on why they are 'counting down' to December 25.
Student Leaders for 2021
The next stage of electing student leaders for 2021 has concluded, and we congratulate Evangeline, Ryder, Mia, Ava, Charlotte, Tessa, Liam and Erica on being voted House Captains.
Staffing for 2021
Recently we have had to engage in some recruitment for new staff at St John's for 2021. Following this process, I am pleased to welcome Mr Anthony Nash, Miss Bianca Grasso and Miss Kirsty Pannu as classroom teachers.
It is always with mixed blessings when we bid farewell to staff at the conclusion of a year. Mr Andrew Astill will be moving to Mary Immaculate in Eagle Vale in the role of Middle Leader; Miss Elizabeth Symons is moving to Our Lady of the Rosary in Waitara; Mrs Leah Skinner will be teaching at St Thomas More, Ruse; Mrs Hayley Katon will be working closer to home at St John Vianney, Greenacre; Mrs Rita Gruning-Fankhauser is completing her work as our Art teacher at the end of this year. We thank each of them for their contributions to St John's and wish them the very best in their new venture. Also, Mrs Amy Runko will be working for 2021 at St Columbkille's, Corrimal and we look forward to her return in 2022.
Parent Survey
Each year our school collects responses from parents and carers regarding areas affecting the education of their children and the general functioning of the school. Results from this anonymous survey will assist the school in the preparation of the Annual School Report. Access to the survey is via this link here. Thank you.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable week,
Principal