Dear Parents and Caregivers,

For the followers of Jesus, it was not until after his death that they were able to fully comprehend the type of service that would be required in the Kingdom of Jesus’ vision. In the upside down kingdom he described power, privilege and prestige were not the measure of success but rather living a just life of service and humility. The ability to foster love and compassion would be the true mark of greatness in the Kingdom Jesus described.  At St John’s, the students are asked to consider ways that they can demonstrate this service of others on a daily basis. In serving others we demonstrate our love for Jesus and contribute to the building of the Kingdom of God.

This term our Year 5 students have commenced their preparation for the processes that will culminate in the election of the new school leaders for 2020. This process will involve the students carefully considering what it means to be a leader, what a leadership role demands and what contributions they could personally make to our school community in a formal a leadership role.

Leadership is very simple: it is about exercising influence to support the needs of others. Hence, the most important attribute of leadership lies in enabling others to do things better and ultimately to make a difference.

Importantly, leadership is also about behaviours. Effective leaders should have much more than a kitbag of tools, techniques and strategies. Although these may help with the day-to-day aspects of managing, alone they are insufficient. Leaders should be driven by a ‘way of being’; a moral compass and an ethical framework should guide their actions. A key component of this framework is a strong commitment to trust and to be trustworthy. Effective leaders are prepared to ask for assistance, seek advice and draw on the strengths of others. Leaders are judged on what they do and how authentically they act against what they say is important. Leaders should walk their talk. They should look to receiving feedback in order to reflect and improve.

All members of the St John the Evangelist community should not only know the values which are at the heart of our school but should strive to live them daily by treating all with respect, justice, welcoming and forgiveness. Naturally, we expect our leaders to act consistently with these values in mind and to model the behaviours that we would wish to see from all.

Leadership is not salesmanship; leadership is striving to consistently act with integrity.

As I have emphasized many times with the students, leadership does not, and should not, simply reside with those who are in formal roles of leadership at our school. Everyone in the school is capable of leading. All are capable of serving. No matter what grade, what age, what position a member may hold in the school; everyone has the capacity to act as a leader. Everyone has the capacity to work to ensure that others’ lives are made better and that those in need are supported.

I encourage everyone in our community to be responsive to opportunities to be leaders and to contribute to making St John the Evangelist an even better community that serves others. We look to the example of Jesus who was a role model for inclusivity, respect and justice.

Congratulations to all our Year 5 students who will courageously take a risk and nominate for a formal 2020 student leadership position.

Parent & School Social Media Did you know that in 2020 the Catholic diocese of Wollongong will be following a new Social Media Policy? This policy offers guidance for staff, families and students in their use of social media. One of the areas addressed is social media use by parents. From the beginning of next year any social media groups which are used to publish school information or host discussions about the school e.g.; Parent Facebook groups, Instagram accounts, twitter accounts etc. will need to be shut down. The purpose of this point in the policy is to ensure that information is transparent, protect the privacy of staff, students and families and to make sure that all information published is accurate. We will be launching an official St. John’s Facebook page in Term 1 next year – so keep your eyes peeled! Further information about this Social Media Policy will be provided to parents at a workshop later this term.

CLASS FORMATION FOR 2020

This lengthy process of class formation for 2020 has now commenced in earnest this term.

This process involves the current class teachers preparing draft lists for next year’s classes. This process takes into consideration the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each individual student. Decisions are made to establish balanced, equitable class groups with the potential to work well together. As the teachers know the students within the school environment exceptionally well, the best interests of each individual student is always considered during the discernment process.

Parents are invited annually to contribute to the process of class formation by informing us in writing of any needs that may impact on class placement. Written requests could be submitted either through the class teacher or via an email to info@sjctdow.catholic.edu.au marked in the subject line – 2020 Class Formation. Parents are able to provide input during Weeks 1 - 4 in Term 4. This means that these requests need to be made by Friday 8^th November 2020.

SCHOOL CANTEEN

Our school canteen will trial opening 5 days per week this term commencing on 6 November (Week 4). Lunch orders, as usual, are to be placed online with Flexischools. Small purchases such as drinks, fruit and ice-blocks may be purchased with cash by the children during the lunch breaks.

PHOTOGRAPHY OF STUDENTS

Often at school events, assemblies, carnivals etc. parents take photos of their children. It is important to respect the fact that not all parents are comfortable with their child being photographed by other people. As such, all parents are asked to ensure that wherever possible, photos are only taken of their own child/ren.

Parents should never post photographs of students, other than their own child, without the expressed permission of each parent on any web based social media site including Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Enjoy your week ahead, walking in peace and joy.