We recognise that parents and families play a crucial role in supporting their child's education, and at John Pirie Secondary School, we are committed to actively building strong relationships with the parents and caregivers of our students. Research has shown that when schools and families work together, children do better, stay in school longer, are more engaged with their school work, go to school more regularly, behave better, and have better social skills.

Ensuring that there are strong school-family relationships, characterised by open lines of communication and a common understanding and vision for the education of our young people, is critical to maximising educational and wellbeing outcomes.

For these reasons, it was important that the end of term reports and Parent-Teacher interviews that were delayed at the end of Term 1 were rescheduled to take place as early in this term as possible. The Traffic Light data published on Tuesday of this week provides an overview of each student’s academic achievement across Term 1. Parent-Teacher interviews provide a forum for teachers, students and their families to discuss progress made this year, identify goals for improvement and plan strategies to achieve learning goals set.

A further opportunity for parents and caregivers to be involved in their child’s education is to be a part of the JPSS Governing Council. Attending the Annual General Meeting, to be held next Monday evening (16^th May) at 7.00pm in the Resource Centre, provides an opportunity to hear about the school’s direction and performance over the previous 12 months and become a member of the 2022 Governing Council.

I encourage all parents and caregivers to consider attending the AGM, as well as nominating to be on the Governing Council for 2022. The role of the governing council is to:

• focus on improving student learning outcomes in collaboration with the principal and staff
• develop a cooperative working relationship between the governing council and the principal and staff
• represent the whole school community in understanding local educational needs
• set general directions for the school
• monitor and report on achievements

Even if you do not wish to be a member of Governing Council, your attendance at the AGM is still encouraged and appreciated.

Michael Gaunt

Principal

Governing Council is a key decision making group in our school, which brings together staff, student and parent voices to manage some local policies and influence big picture improvement directions. 

Our council has 17 representatives, which include: 

• 9 parents (generally elected for a 2 year term)
• 2 community representatives (elected for a 1 year term)
• 2 school captains representing student voice
• 3 staff (nominated for a one year term)
• the Principal

This year we have 3 parents and 2 community representatives who are up for re-election and nominations from those interested can be accessed by contacting Maria Sgherza at reception. 

As a school leader, I find this forum incredibly valuable, the group are supportive, but also willing to voice concerns and help shape where we are heading in the future. 

If you’re keen to contribute to our school please consider nominating for GC, you can do that by contacting Maria in reception, completing a nomination form and attending the AGM in the Resource Centre from 7:00 - 7:40pm on Monday 16th May 2022.

Michael Gaunt

Principal

Vice Captains Simon McGowan and Rosie Todd represented JPSS at Port Pirie Dawn Service to commemorate Anzac Day.

At the end of Term 1 we made the decision to pause a number of non-essential activities, which included end of term reports and Parent Teacher interviews.

Traffic Light Reports have now been published on DAYMAP. 

Parent Teacher interviews will run from 3-6pm on Tuesday 17th May. The Interviews will be conducted via phone with child's teacher ringing you at your scheduled time.

Please follow the instructions below to make a booking.

Thank you again for your support and understanding throughout Term 1.

If you require any assistance with the above arrangement please contact the school on 86 32 0400

NEVE ADAMS – STATE SOFTBALL STAR

Neve Adams will be representing South Australia in Softball at the U18 National Championships which being held in Sydney. Neve has been named as one of the co-captains for the South Australian team.

Neve has also been selected in the U23 and Open Women’s teams who will be competing in the National Championships which will be held in Adelaide later this month.

TIMEKA COX – U18 STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Timeka has recently been selected to play for North Adelaide Women’s Reserve side, her good form on footy field has led to her being selected for the U18 South Australian Women’s Team competing in the NAB AFLW National Championship which will be held next week.

We wish both girls all the best in their upcoming competitions.

On Monday the South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) presented the Road Awareness Program to our Year 11 and 12 students today, discussing;

Good attitudes, smart decision making and safe behaviours.
The dangers of excessive speeds, distractions and driving under the influence.
Being a responsible passenger and pedestrian.
Becoming a responsible driver.
First-hand experience of the trauma suffered by all parties involved in both fatal and non-fatal road crashes.

The program gives students the opportunity to explore the emotional impact of their actions and confront how the aftermath would affect their life plans.

After completing RAP, students gain a broader understanding of how their choices impact others, and how they can support each other to make better decisions.

JPSS and the Port Pirie RSL wish to congratulate Peyton Peter for winning the Port Pirie RSL Education Bursary – Year 12 Award for 2022.

This award was open to students in the public and private sector in Port Pirie.

Peyton will use this award and funding to support her academic endeavour, complete her schooling and follow her future pathway.

Thank you to the RSL for developing the award and completing interviews with all the applicants.