Dear St John the Apostle community,

The very busy start to the term keeps going!

This week we held our Swimming Carnival for the first time in several years. I would like to offer a big thank you to our Coordinator Mrs Bree Dess and our PE Teacher, Mrs Lauren Hudson, who were the primary organisers of the event. They were assisted by the Year 3 and 4 teachers. Thank you also to the parents who attended and helped with timing, marshalling and record keeping. We couldn't have done it without you. It was a very well organised event and every student was continuously engaged and had fun. Well done! You can find plenty of photos on our facebook page.

New Community Council 2023

On Wednesday 15 February we held our Community Council AGM. Some of our Community Council members stepped down from the Community Council while others also stepped in.

I would like to thank Carly Bonny, Anne O'Donoghue and Dan Payne for their time in Executive roles on the Community Council. They were a great support to the school during COVID's challenging times. They continuously sought ways to keep families and their needs at the centre of the Community Council's work. Thank you also to John Nott, Belinda Duke and Jose Vinoles for their time and contribution to the Community Council during recent years. Of particular note I would like to thank Belinda for her support in helping organise fundraising. Belinda will continue to support those valuable services to the community, that also act as small fundraisers, such as the Family Photos.

Welcome to Sally Walsh (mum of Desmond in Kindergarten) and Jen Sheppard (mum of Emily in Kindergarten) who have joined the Community Council. We look forward to their support for our families and community.

Congratulations to Katie Matthews (mum of Austin in Year 2 and Evie in Year 4) in being re-elected as Chair of the Community Council. Congratulations to Tegan Campbell (mum of Logan in Year 2 and Ethan in Year 5) who will be the Deputy Chair, Kellie Bradbury (mum of Henry in Kindergarten, Alex in Year 1 and Edith in Year 3) as the Treasurer and to Lisa Zaretsky (mum of Liam in Year 1 and Ethan in Year 4) who will be the Secretary.

Opening Mass & Presentation of Leaders

Today the whole school celebrated Mass for the opening of the school year. We talked about our theme of 'Walking Together' and listened to scripture about two friends walking on the road to Emmaus when Jesus comes and walks with them. Our focus this year will be on walking together, recognising Jesus among us and being Jesus for each other.

We also presented our Year 6 students with their leadership badges. Every Year 6 student at St John the Apostle is a student leader. They all have a special responsibility to care for their fellow students.

Congratulations again to our School Captains Jessie Akkidasari, Matilda Menzel and Uasi Tuipeatau.

Congratulations also to sixteen other Year 6 students who have been selected for the following leadership responsibilities:

We've had such a positive start to the school year. We look forward to celebrating and walking together.

Have a great weekend.

Matthew Garton

Principal