As Term 2 draws to a close, I would like to say thank you to all the children, staff and families at t. Johns for another outstanding 10 weeks of learning and growth.
I feel absolutely privileged to be the Principal of St. Johns school. We continue to be held in high regard, not only in the southern region but in Catholic Education South Australia (CESA). This can only happen when we model a strong culture of high quality learning and support each other in our endeavour.
Staffing News
This term we saw Lauren Martinello start maternity leave and I’m pleased to announce the safe arrival of her beautiful baby boy, Oakley. In Lauren’s absence, Amanda Whiffen took up a full time position in the Reception class and it was noted at the recent Board meeting what a seamless transition this has been for all the students, staff and families. We welcomed Caitlin Button to our staff and she has been working in the Year 5/6 and Reception classes this term. Caitlin has been a great asset to our school community and will increase her time in the Reception class in terms 3 & 4 as Simone Mashford will welcome our Reception transition classes to St. Johns each Friday from term 3.
It is with sadness that I announce the retirement of Regina Ozhylovski from our OSHC team. Regina has worked with us for nearly 7 years and her smiling face and caring disposition will be missed. We wish Regina all the best for a fulfilling retirement.
Professional Development
In 2016/2017, the staff at St. John participated in the Trauma Sensitive Practices in School project with CESA and The Australian Childhood Foundation. We reviewed our practices and made many changes. As the needs of families and children continue to evolve, we need to keep updated with contemporary school practices that enhance the educational and wellbeing outcomes for all students. On July 4th and July 5th, our staff are joining with other Catholic Education staff across the southern regional to learn about the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM).
‘In today’s changing and complex world, many primary and secondary school students encounter daily challenges that can impact their success at school. These can range from ongoing stress and a lack of family support to a specific traumatic event. Despite best efforts and intentions, schools often require specialised strategies to address student needs for healing, growth, and achievement More information can be found at the following link:’https://learning.berrystreet.org.au/focus-areas/berry-street-education-model.
We will unpack research and how to implement strategies to use across the school to promote high quality educational outcomes for all students. The training will take place over 4 days; 2 in 2019 & 2 in 2020. I look forward to sharing our learning with you next term.
Celebrate
Student reports have gone home, Learning Conversations have taken place; it’s now time to celebrate a fantastic semester of learning
I encourage you to read each learning teams highlights of Term 2 article and celebrate the learning, enjoyment and community building that has taken place.
Wishing you all a safe and happy term break. I look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday 22nd July for coffee and a chat in the St Dominic Centre from 8:50-9:30am, when we will welcome our new midyear Reception families. Hope to see you there!