Newsletter - 27 October 2023

In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus is confronted by adversaries who attempt to trick him into conflict between the government and religious authorities of the time. Jesus places himself above the controversy by acknowledging that people should follow the law; however, he also states we are created within the image of God and that as God loves us, we are called to love our fellow man and woman. In simple terms, as followers of Christ, we are asked to make a difference in our families and communities, through acts of compassion, respect and justice. When we enact these gospel values, we ensure others feel dignity and the presence of Jesus Christ through us.

Last week, Years 9 and 10 students engaged in their annual retreats on Wednesday and Thursday. The intention of each day with facilitators and staff was to enhance student faith and spiritual formation. Retreat days are an integral part of the Religious Education Program at St John’s as they provide every student with an opportunity to learn, reflect, dialogue and pray. These skills need to be explicitly taught, practised and experienced. It is important that students are provided an opportunity where the demands of school are put aside, and they can focus on the above skills.

Our Years 9 and 10 students also engaged in the Love Bites program. This full day program engages students in identifying what the essential elements of healthy relationships are and importantly, what to do when relationships are not positive. A substantial part of these learning experiences involves dialogue between students and trainers. I was impressed with how our students participated in these important conversations. I also acknowledged the quality presentations of School Counsellor, Lee Nolan, and teacher, Matt Creeley. Both staff members attended three-day workshops earlier this year to be accredited to deliver this important workshop.

Well done to our junior secondary male and female basketball teams who travelled to Brisbane (October 13-15) to participate in the Champion Basketball of Queensland tournament. Students competed in eight games prior to finals and gained valuable experience from the quality teams they played against. Thank you to Mr Justin Wheatley, Ms Jess Morgan and Ms Bridget Bright who accompanied the teams as coaches and managers.

Congratulations to our two teams of students, who travelled to The University of Queensland recently to participate in the Opti-MIND State Final. Both teams experienced presenting to large audiences whilst students also experienced the magnificent facilities of the university. Mrs Yenda Emery was also presented with an Honorary Life Member to Opti-MINDS for her many years of service to students in Roma and South-West Queensland.

In breaking news, our Years 5/6 QAMT Mathematics Team 1 has been successful in being selected to represent rural and remote Queensland at the Queensland titles on Thursday 26^th October. Kianzie Cruz, Kevin Zhang and Kaden Lee secured their position finishing in first place. Well done to Team 2 comprising Jonty Purssell, Harry Wells and Tristan Nell who finished third in this division. Our Years 7/8 Team comprising Sam Anderson, Daniel Pienaar and Yasmin Bond finished in second place. These are wonderful achievements by the students and their teachers who have prepared them so well.

At the last Parents and Friends meeting, a decision was made to provide shade over the playground equipment on the P-6 oval. The cost of the project is expected to be in excess of $40,000 and will make the playground sun safe for our students in Years 3 to 6. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Caron and Andrew Brindley in securing grant funding and leading the planning and implementation of this project.

Congratulations to Ms Jenny Schuss and Mr Aaron Brown who were recently appointed to the Middle Leadership position of Mathematics/Technology and Pastoral Leader Xaverian House, respectively. Jenny and Matt take up these positions in January 2024. Jenny replaces Ross Penrose who will teach part time next year, whilst Aaron replaces Sam Valentine who is relocating to Caboolture with Ashleigh and son Ollie after five years at St John’s School. I am pleased to announce that 95% of our teaching staff will be onboard to commence 2024. This is a wonderful endorsement of staff satisfaction with the St John’s and Roma Community and provides continuity for the school learning and extracurricular programs.

St John’s School also welcomed Ms Kesley Hewitt to the position of Tuckshop Convenor this week. Kesley is transitioning into the role this term with the assistance of current convenor, Anita Crawford, who steps down from this position later this term. Kesley has experience with catering on properties along with bookkeeping skills. Kesley and husband Jack have their son Cody currently attending St John’s School. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work of Anita in this role which has extended far beyond tuckshop duties, into catering for sporting events, Father’s Day breakfasts, Bishop’s Inservice Days, Mercy Shield and Confraternity and QISSN.

The tendering process for the construction of the new sporting precinct has closed and evaluations have now begun and will be completed in two weeks. We are looking forward to appointing a contractor for development of a recreational and Health and Physical Education facility with additional car parking and student drop off zone. Additional toilet, shower, canteen and weights room facilities will be included in the project. The existing 7-12 drop off zone will be demolished, and fence line extended out.

Construction has commenced on a multipurpose court on the Years 6-12 oval and is scheduled for completion during the summer holidays. This facility will provide much needed hard-court space for basketball and related sports.

Year 12 students have commenced their external exams this week and I wish them every success. The exam block will continue until Tuesday 14^th November. Students may study either at home or at school when they are not undertaking exams. All Year 12 students are required to attend school for the final three days of schooling from the 15^th - 17^th November.

I remind families of the following dates, times and venues for our annual awards ceremonies:

Years 5- 12 and Perpetual Award Recipients – Tuesday 14^th November commencing 6pm at the Cultural Centre

P-4 classes – Wednesday 15^th November at 9am commencing at the school P&F Multi-Purpose Centre.

A reminder that class construction for P-7 is well underway. Parents wishing to provide any specific information to inform class construction should do so in writing no later than Friday 10^th November. I request that all correspondence is emailed to Jenny Ford (Assistant to the Principal). It is important to emphasise that requests for specific teachers will not be a consideration in construction of class lists. Staffing of classes will not occur until after class lists have been completed.

I also request that parents contact the school if your child will not be returning to St John’s in 2024. This can be done by emailing Jenny Ford (Assistant to the Principal) or informing office staff by phone. The provision of this information allows the school to efficiently plan class sizes and staffing.

The school will once again run the end of year Bush Dance to celebrate the conclusion of the school year. This event is planned for Monday 27^th November and will involve P-6 classes and interested Years 7 to 9 students performing an item. Details will be provided closer to the day.

God bless,

Jim Brennan