PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Student Leader Gatherings
Our College Captains and Vice Captains have been privelleged to take part in a number of leadership gatherings over recent weeks. The Marist Leaders retreat took place from Sunday 19th November to Tuesday 21st November, and the Wollongong Diocese Bishop's retreat took place from Tuesday 5th December to Thursday 7th December. Both retreats brought together the captains from a wide range of Catholic schools to explore the concept of leadership with a Catholic lens. The programs are really quite amazing and emphasise servant leadership as demonstrated by Jesus, and provide a wonderful opportunity for our students to meet and collaborate with other student leaders. I particularly thanks Ms Pracy and Mr Robinson who spent time away from home to ensure our students could participate in these experiences.
Year 7 2024 Orientation Days
We have welcomed almost 200 new students to our community in recent weeks at our Year 7 2024 Orientation Days. Students explored the College grounds and engaged in a range of ice breaker activities and games to meet their new class mates. Our year 12 captains and year 9 peer support leaders did a wonderful job of leading the activities on these days, and modelling so wonderfully how we treat each other and support each other at John Therry.
Mobile Phone Policy 2024
We have been reviewing the use of mobile phones at John Therry, in line with the recent NSW Deaprtment of Education mobile phone ban. We will implement some tighter restrictions for 2024 to support student learning and wellbeing and seek your support in ensuring that this is effective.
There is evidence in a wide number of schools that the strict enforcement of the ban, while initially creating some tension, has resulted in a significant change in the issues revolving around mobile phones. The purpose of the ban is twofold:
1. A safe and supportive environment for learning without the distraction and issues mobile phones present.
2. An emphasis on presence and positive social connections and interactions at school.
Key features of our new policy will be that phones and earphones will be off and away at school through the entire day, with students required to hand their phone to the office if seen at all by a teacher. There will not be a warning process for students seen with their phones out. Students will collect their phones from the office at 3:10pm
Parent support - we are aware that some parents may currently be messaging and calling their children at school and this will no longer be possible. We are advising that parents can still communicate with children via their laptops if needed (email, messaging apps) but we would request this is kept to the minimum necessary. We are also adjusting our office processes to ensure there is additional support to answer calls and pass messages to their children.
Exemptions: parents will be able to apply to the Principal for an exemption in exceptional circumstances, which may include the need for the use of their phone for medical monitoring (eg: diabetes).
We will be sending a survey to parents this week to seek feedback on a few issues including the use of phones at the canteen before sharing the final policy document.
Advent
As we enter the season of Advent, a time eagerly anticipated in our Catholic Church calendar, we embark on a period of reflection and joyful anticipation. Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming," symbolises the arrival of Christ. It's a time of preparation, not only for the celebration of the birth of Jesus but also for the anticipation of His second coming. Throughout these four weeks, we focus on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, lighting candles to mark the passing of each week. We can use this special time to deepen our faith, cultivate a sense of gratitude, and share the spirit of kindness with one another. May the light of Advent illuminate our hearts, fostering a sense of unity and goodwill within our community and beyond.
End of Year Events
Please see the below details of the upcoming events as we finish off the 2023 School year. Parents are welcome to attend our awards presentations, with invitations sent to parents for our award winners.