As we are nearing the end of the school year, we find ourselves reflecting on not only the past few weeks but the year.

Term 4 was a frenetic term with many opportunities for the St John’s community to come together and celebrate the successes of our young men. Our most recent celebration was Junior Prize Giving. A fantastic way for our junior students to head into their summer break.  Whilst many students were recognised last Friday, I would like to recognise two students: Alfie Kuklinski is one of the top dance students in the country and has been selected by the New Zealand School of Dance for the 2025 Associate programme as a Classical student; and Jayden Joseph Nellaryil , winning the Neal Swindells Cup for Academic Excellence recognising our top academic Year 10 student.

If we consider 2023, the cyclone was the complex maze that we needed to navigate, and prior to that COVID-19. So, it was fantastic to experience a relatively ‘normal year’. For our current Leavers, 2024 was their first ‘normal’ year in their five years at St John’s College. There were many highlights throughout 2024 with successes across all aspects of the College. The Special Catholic Character Evaluation was one such example. I have mentioned it previously, but the brotherhood and that special ‘feel’ were experienced throughout the evaluation.  Student voice is powerful, so the following feedback reinforced what is so very special at St John’s College:

• We are like a family, when one fails, we all fail; if one person falls over we pick him up and help him along (a Year 10 student)
• Culture here is equal and interactive; be yourself and don’t change who you are - we are relational across all levels.

Academically we are also tracking well with above national averages across all our Common Assessment Activities (CAA), with The National Literacy rates for the CAAs 66% for Writing (vs 71%) and 70% for Reading (vs 82%). Numeracy was 55% (vs 70%). There is certainly room for improvement, and that will be a major focus of the College in 2025. We had success in many of our sports, but perhaps the highlight was Jyde Low’s achievement at the Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools Awards evening, receiving the top All-Round Athlete of the Year. It would be remiss of us to not to mention Jayden Parker who represented New Zealand at the World Canoe Slalom Championship.

In some ways I find this time of year a sad time as we have staff leaving for a variety of reasons. I do know, however, the staff who are moving on are taking a part of St John’s with them. The staff leaving are Ms Courtenay Russell who supported Junior Culinary, Mrs Roxie Aloi who has made a significant difference in the Science Department in her two terms, Mr Gary Bridle who was teaching English and coached the 1^st Xl Football team and Mr Simon Thomson who taught as a Commerce teacher and was the staff rep on the Board of Trustees. We have also recently learned that Mr Peter Connell will be moving on to another school at the beginning of next year. Our College and community will be acknowledging and recognising his significant contribution early in Term 1 next year.

There is genuine anticipation of what 2025 will bring, but not before a well-deserved break for all.  I wish all you a wonderful and relaxing Christmas break with loved ones and friends.

Until next year, take care and God bless.

George Rogers

TUMUAKI / PRINCIPAL