Our History
Purpose
Catholic Schools exist to educate Catholic children in a Christian environment where, in addition to the provision of quality education, there are opportunities for the expression of the Church’s pastoral ministry. In doing so St Johns:
- Recognises that parents and teachers work in partnership for the development of their children;
- Recognises the need to develop mutual support, trust, and collaboration among students, staff, pastors and the broader education community;
- Establishes and nurtures a school climate which is faith centred.
The College supports the Parish in developing the youth of today. Students are encouraged to display their faith by being involved in the liturgies in their respective Parishes.
History
St Johns College began in 1969 as a result of the amalgamation of the Mercy School and the De La Salle College. The College catered for Catholic education for boys and girls from Year 7 to 10 and operated on the old De La Salle College site in George Street.
In 1986, the College was extended to include Year 11. Year 7 and 8 were moved to new buildings at Sheraton Road. With the first HSC in 1987, more extensions were built to accommodate Year 9 at Sheraton Road.
In June 1991, the College was amalgamated on one site at Sheraton Road. The George Street site had been sold to TAFE. Since then, the College has developed the College Music Centre (2004); opened the College Shoppe to meet student needs for uniform and school supplies (1996); constructed a range of sporting fields (1997), developed and expanded Agriculture within the school (over 1997 to 2008); constructed an up-to-date Industrial Arts Complex (1998) and constructed a Human Movement Centre containing gymnasium, dance studio, drama studio and multi purpose indoor sports facility (2002). In 2010 extensions to the College Library were commenced. These extensions provided a large Senior Study complex, a mini tiered theatre, offices and a seminar room. Access to high speed internet and computer technology was also included.
The College has also established a fully networked computer facility with high speed internet access. It includes 5 computer laboratories and access to technology that includes the electronic delivery of lessons and textbooks. The College has a network of over 800 computers in 2018.
In 2014 a Student Services Centre with a reception area to allow students to sign in/sign out was completed. The Centre also provides students with access to the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Year Coordinators, Counsellors and teachers. It includes Boys and Girls sick bays and student meeting rooms.
In March 2016 the Administration area additions and alterations were completed. The area now consists of: Principal’s Office and Interview room, Assistant Principal-Administration’s Office, Principals Personal Assistant’s office, Reception, Printing Office and Store room, Uniform Shop, Finance Team Leader’s office, Fees Payment Office, 4 interview rooms and a Boardroom.
The refurbishment of the four Science labs was completed at the beginning of 2017 ready to commence the new school year. Shade Sails have been installed in the paved area outside the labs which will give an excellent outdoor teaching facility for the Science teachers, especially for practical experiences.
Shade structures have been constructed in the Senior Student courtyard, as well as in the general Quadrangle. Artificial grass has also been laid. In the Senior courtyard, tables and chairs have been provided.
The Orana Trade Training Centre was constructed in 2013. This centre is a consortium with Dubbo Christian School, Macquarie Anglican Grammar School and St Marys Central School, Wellington. Classes in all the following Frameworks are successfully underway: VET Hospitality, Metal and Engineering and Primary Industries in both Years 11 and 12. In addition, the College offers VET Construction and VET Entertainment on site as well as a variety of TAFE VET courses taught through the TAFE College.
