As the first semester of 2022 comes to an end, it is a good time to pause, take stock and reflect before we take the rest that the semester break brings before the push to the end of the year. Students and staff are to be commended for their resilience and ability to adapt and adjust to change. This week the College musical High School Musical opened, which not only showcases wonderful talent, but also credits the students’ hard work and resilience. Performances were cancelled at the end of Term 1 due to restrictions, and despite fitting in exams and other commitments, the students rallied. The songs We’re all in this together and Status quo take on new own meaning for these students.

A number of new families have joined the College throughout the term, and I would like to welcome them. We hope that they have felt a sense of connection and community. A thank you to our parent groups, the Primary Parents & Friends and the College Parents and Collegians Association for continuing to work through the restrictions. Thank you to those running the parent Facebook forums who provide another way of connection. We look forward to regrouping in semester 2.

Staff changes

We bid bon voyage to the following staff who will be enjoying Long Service Leave during Term 3: Mrs Meagan Maassen, Mrs Terry Cook, Ms Heidi O’ Garr, Mrs Lisa Rogers, Mrs Angelina Ryan.

Mrs Mikala Burkett will take on the role of Acting Head of Languages while Mrs Maassen is on leave.

The following staff members will also be on leave for Term 3: Ms Chiara Vellutini, Mrs Charis Stevens, Ms Jess Ingram, and Mrs Jacquie Timms.

We sincerely thank the following staff who have undertaken Acting positions this term:

• Mr Limpie van Aswegen (Acting Dean of Administration)
• Mr Lyndon Rice (Acting Secondary Manager Learning Technologies)
• Mrs Bernadette Lhota (Acting Head of Windsor House)
• Mrs Kendall Sallery (Acting Head of Arcadia House)
• Mrs Jacquie Timms (Acting Uniform Shop Manager)

Returning from leave we will welcome back Mr Mark Downsborough, Mrs Santie Brink, Mrs Annette Haskins, Mrs Jacinta Bonner, Mrs Tarryn Henry and Mrs Natasha Cole.

Leaving us at the end of term are Mrs Elmien Masters, Mrs Carrie Thornton, Mrs Jacqueline Milton, and Mr Matthew La Spina. We are thankful to these staff who have covered temporary roles this term.

Sadly, we also say goodbye to a number of staff. Mrs Aimee Webber (Japanese teacher), Mr Steven Gooch (Grounds) has retired, Mrs Daisy Bacon (Arts Assistant), Mrs Elita Maliepaard (The Arts) and Ms Emel Cobanlar (French teacher). Our thanks, prayers and best wishes go with these much-valued staff. We thank them for their wonderful service to the students of the College in their years at LJBC.

In Term 3, we will welcome to the College the following staff:

• Mrs Sarah Berry – Secondary English Teacher
• Mrs Janika Oosthuizen – Primary Administration
• Ms Ashleigh Milne (Class of 2014) – Primary Teacher
• Mrs Natasha Cole – Primary Physical Education Teacher
• Ms Lia Roodt (Class of 2012) – Primary Teacher
• Mrs Raquel de Souza (Japanese Teacher)
• Mr Joshua Norris (Japanese Teacher)
• Mrs Annette Jones (Uniform Shop Assistant)

With so much occurring this term, it is impossible to mention everything, and everyone. A sincere thank you to staff who work so hard for all students and to parents, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the work of the College and our staff. To our students, Pre-Kindergarten through to our Year 12 class of 2022, you are the ‘vital spark’ of LJBC and we are so proud of what you have accomplished in Semester 1.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with all staff, students and parents through the Semester 1 holiday break and we pray for your safe return as we look forward to seeing all students on Tuesday 19 July 2022 for the first day of Semester 2.

Paul Sonneman-Smith

College Principal