Principal's Corner
God of grace and wisdom,
You raise good people who follow Your inspiration.
Let our lives be true to all our faith teaches,
to respond to others’ needs with open and compassionate hearts,
so we grow more and more in Your likeness.
This we pray,
Amen.
“…two are better than one…” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
“Never be afraid to speak to those you feel are in need.
Always remember the power of the simple smile,
a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word.”
~ Don Ritchie, Angel of the Gap.
Dear Parents and Carers,
The statement “Every day is R U OK? Day at St John the Apostle” reflects our ongoing commitment to wellbeing. At SJA, members of our community are encouraged to regularly ask, “Are you OK?”, follow up with further questions such as “How can I help you?”, and engage in meaningful conversations about wellbeing — not just on the designated R U OK? Day.
This approach supports a culture of care and open communication throughout the year. It encourages trust and ensures that our school remains a safe and supportive environment where students and families feel comfortable sharing any concerns or challenges.
What does this look like in practice at SJA?
Daily Practice
Rather than treating R U OK? Day as a one-off event, we aim to make regular check-ins a normal part of everyday interactions and relationships within our school community.
Fostering and Supporting a Positive Culture
We aim to promote an environment where wellbeing and mental health are openly discussed. This approach helps reduce stigma and supports understanding across staff, students, and families.
The Resilience Project (TRP)
We are currently working towards the full implementation of The Resilience Project in 2026. This program is designed to teach evidence-based mental health strategies that help prevent mental ill-health and build the capacity of young people to respond to challenges.
The TRP program will be integrated into classroom learning and extended to include parents and carers through dedicated resources.
Information for Parents and Carers
Starting later this year, and continuing through 2026 and beyond, we will collaborate with The Resilience Project to enhance the wellbeing of the entire SJA community.
The program includes:
- Online presentations and weekly lessons for students
- Professional development for staff
- A Parent & Carer Hub, including digital presentations and resources
Over the coming term, we will begin to share information about the program’s key pillars: Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness.
We look forward to working together to support the wellbeing of our students, families, and staff.
Resources:
The following is a snapshot of mental health and community support services available for children, young people, families, carers and educators. If you are concerned about someone at risk of immediate harm, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services for children and young people aged 5 to 25
1800 55 1800
Online support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25
1800 650 890 (9am to 1am daily)
For webchat visit https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace
24/7 mental health support service
1300 22 46 36
24/7 support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse
1800 737 732
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services
13 11 14
24/7 crisis support and counselling service for people affected by suicide
1300 659 467
24/7 counselling service for men
1300 78 99 78
LGBTI peer support and referral
1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight daily)
Online chat 3pm to midnight daily
24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
13 92 76
Community Council Chair
Maxwell Rixe has decided to step away from the position of Community Council Chair and we are currently beginning a process to recruit and appoint a new Community Council Chair. Max will remain in the CAVE Working group so we will definitely see him around!
I would like to acknowledge Maxwell Rise for his outstanding contribution to the St John the Apostle Community Council for the past 9 months! Max has been a fabulously supportive Chair and friend to me and has enabled the Council to smoothly segway into using the new Charter. He has bought the positive ‘Vibe’ to all meetings, events and improved parent engagement in our school. Max is awarded the highest honour - School Brag Tag for his A+ Effort!!
Thankyou Max, wishing you abundant blessings.
Have a lovely week ahead.
Kind regards
Jo Reed