Newsletter - 27th June 2025
- Principal's Address
- What's on this Fortnight
- P & F Constitution Adoption
- Celebrating Our 2025–2026 Student Leaders
- School Arrival (Prep to Year Six)
- Reporting Information for Parents
- 2026 Prep and Year 7 Enrolments Now Open!
- Uniform Shop Opening Hours
- School Holiday Program - ROMA
- School Crossing Supervisors Wanted
- Reunion Invitation - St Catherine's Sacred Heart Cunnamulla
As we reach the end of Term 2, it’s fair to say we’re limping, tired students, tired staff, and a community in need of a good rest. Reflecting on the term, it’s no wonder we’re all feeling it. The sheer number of events, opportunities, and activities that have taken place is remarkable.
This term alone, students at St John’s have taken part in:
- Year 12 Formal
- ANZAC Day March
- Roma Show Performance and Display
- Mercy Shield (Rugby League and Netball)
- Careers and Employment Expo
- School Musical
- Confirmation
- Queensland Symphony Orchestra Workshops and Performance
- Volleyball All Schools Cup
- Arthur Beetson Cup
- Winter Ball
- Enrichment Night
- H2GP Competition
- CBSQ Basketball
- Athletics Carnivals
- Under 8s Day
- School Disco
- Numerous R&D and SW sporting competitions
And the commitment continues during the holidays, as our senior Rugby League and Netball teams head to Rockhampton and Bundaberg for the Confraternity and QISSN carnivals.
Each of these events represents a considerable amount of behind-the-scenes work by staff, on top of their core business of teaching and learning. These opportunities don’t just happen. They rely on teachers and support staff giving up time, energy, and often personal commitments to ensure our students can enjoy rich, varied experiences beyond the classroom. These moments are the heartbeat of St John’s.
What’s been disheartening for me this week, however, is the level of criticism directed at some of these events; criticism that often comes without any acknowledgment of the effort behind them. Whether it's about communication, logistics, timing or the finer details, the feedback sometimes forgets a fundamental truth. These events are run by people doing their best, often on top of very full plates.
We’re always open to feedback; truly. But I encourage all members of our community to begin with gratitude. Please recognise the time and commitment a teacher or staff member has given, then clearly outline the issue you’ve observed and, if possible, offer a constructive suggestion for improvement. That’s how we grow.
The reality is that many of these events are coordinated by the same staff members. And some are starting to pull back, not because they don’t believe in the value of these activities, but because the work can feel thankless. Let’s not let that happen.
Teaching and learning will always be our core business. But it’s the extras, the excursions, the carnivals, the performances, the late nights and early mornings that make St John’s such a vibrant, memorable place for our young people.
I also want to acknowledge the generous contributions of our volunteer parents. Whether it's coaching a team, helping out at events, or supporting P&F initiatives, your willingness to give your time and energy makes a real difference. These acts of service play a vital role in our community. Your commitment is deeply appreciated.
So, thank you sincerely to the staff, students, and families who make it all happen. I hope your children enjoy a well-earned break, and we look forward to welcoming them back refreshed and ready for Term 3.
Cheers,
Mark
On Wednesday 25th June, St John’s School proudly celebrated the induction of our new student leaders at our Leadership Mass.
As we bid farewell to our outgoing student leaders, we thank them for their tireless effort and inspiring commitment to our school. They have left an indelible mark on St John’s and we are so grateful for their service.
As we welcome our new 2025/2026 student leaders, we are so excited for their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless enthusiasm.
Our newly commissioned student leaders:
School Captains: Milla Lawson and Lachlan Anderson
Theresian House Prefects: Riley Stevenson and Finn Bauer
Xaverian House Prefects: Tristan Bruggemann and Micah Forrest
Marian House Prefects: Maeve Moloney and Spencer Henricks
We are incredibly proud of you and how you represent our school with excellence, compassion, justice and respect. Join us in congratulating our new student leaders!
Teacher supervision begins at 8:10 a.m. each morning. We prefer that students arrive after 8:10 a.m. If you arrive before 8:10 a.m., please enrol your child in OSHC or supervise them in the Quad area.
We understand that some bus services arrive before 8:10 a.m., and students on those buses should remain seated in the Quad area until supervision begins.
Report Cards
- Teachers of classes/subject areas assess student work based on evidence of their learning. At St John’s School, parents/legal guardians are provided with the following reports:
*Please note there will be no Term Three Interim Reports in 2025. These will be replaced with an opportunity for a parent-teacher interview early in Term Four).
- Teachers provide a judgement against the relevant Achievement Standard in the Australian Curriculum using the five-point A-E achievement scale for all Prep to Year Ten students based on evidence collected during the reporting period.
Key to Achievement Rating Scales:
Other key scales:
- Teachers provide a formal report of student progress and achievement in Years 11 and 12 that meets the requirements set by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).
- Teachers provide a general/pastoral comment for each student within the Semester reports.
- Teachers provide a judgement on each student’s effort towards learning. This rating scale is used for Social Learnings in Years Prep to Six and Academic Effort/Behaviour/Homework in Years 7 to 12.
- Semester reports will provide information on students’ attendance at school.
- All reports are uploaded to the Sentral Parent App. Please ensure you download this app to your computer or phone. Please contact the school office for further information.
Parent Teacher Interviews
St John’s School provides two formal opportunities for parents to discuss their child’s learning with their teachers. Parent/Teacher Interviews occur in Week Two, Term Two and Week Three, Term Four (Please note the change from Term Three to Term Four in 2025)
If you have any further questions regarding reporting, please contact Melissa Irwin (Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning) through the school office.
We are excited to announce that enrolments for Prep and Year 7 in 2026 at St John's School are now open!
Due to a significant increase in applications, Prep and Year 7 enrolments will be closed by COB Monday, 14 July.
We invite you to submit your application using the QR Code or the following link: ENROL HERE
Early applications are encouraged as places are limited.
For more information, please contact our office on (07) 4622 1842 or roma@twb.catholic.edu.au or visit our school website www.roma.catholic.edu.au to learn more.
Uniform Shop Hours:
Monday 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Online:
https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-johns-catholic-school
Please note that the uniform shop is only open during the school term and closed on school holidays.
