Newsletter - 25th May 2023

I write to you this week from Goondiwindi, where I am engaged in a school review for St Mary’s School. All schools undertake this process every four years and St John’s undertook this process in 2021. It has been lovely to witness the St Mary’s Community in action and witness the common threads of Catholic Identity which permeate both schools. Last week whilst attending the Principals’ Forum in Charleville, I was reminded of the religious concept of thin spaces. Thin spaces describe simple moments and interactions with people where we experience God’s presence. For me, it was the simple pleasure of sitting on the banks of the Warrego River and wondering in awe at the life-giving essence of the river which has existed for First Nations people for thousands of years. Today, that very river is the liquid gold that sustains life in Charleville. I also experienced God’s presence in my Principal colleagues as we reviewed systems and processes and planned for new initiatives. As you read this newsletter, I ask that we all think about those small yet intimate moments where God’s presence exits.

I am proud to once again report that St John’s School won the Large School Section for student work at the recent Roma Show. The theme of the display was ‘Celebrating Diversity’ which was beautifully demonstrated through the vast array of curriculum, and extracurricular opportunities on offer at the school. Whilst I thank all the students and staff who created the many events shown in the display, special mention goes to Mark and Angela Brennan who along with Yenda Emery presented the display in such an engaging manner.

Well done to all the talented students who presented such magnificent and engaging displays at this week’s Enrichment Showcase Evening. This year saw the biggest display of projects ever from students across Years Three to Eight. The absolute pleasure of this evening is watching the passion and engagement of students in presenting their work by utilising creative and design skills associated with written, digital and visual literacies.

Year Eleven Unit 1 Reports will soon be available for download from the Sentral Parent Portal. Whilst many parents have the recent opportunity to speak with teachers regarding student progress, the reports present the fullest and latest results for parents and students. Student success in each subject attracts one point for the required twenty to obtain a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Where a student has not been successful, no point/s can be banked towards the qualification, which should trigger a discussion between parent, student and the relevant teacher.

Enrolment applications for 2024 are now open and interviews have begun for Prep which will be followed by Year 7 and other year levels. In 2024, there will be a maximum of three classes in every P-10 year level. The number of expressions of interest for Prep next year has been extraordinarily strong again and I would encourage current families who are yet to make applications for enrolment to do so.

As we enter the second half of the term, I wish to announce that two of our current staff members will cease in their roles. Ms Jackie Lorenz (School Officer Prep) has been a much-loved presence for many Prep students in recent years. Her care and passion for students will be sorely missed as she embarks on new opportunities, commencing next week. Ms Emma Crowley (School Officer Student Learning) recently graduated with her Bachelor of Education and will join the teaching ranks in the Maranoa region commencing Semester Two. I take this opportunity to thank each for their contributions to the St John’s and Roma Communities and wish them well with their future plans. Recruitment processes are already in place for both positions.

God Bless

Jim Brennan