It is hard to believe that we are already well into Semester Two and that the academic year is more than half over.

The first semester of 2018 was very busy for the students and the College and we wanted to take this opportunity to brief you on some of the news, activities and events.

In an historic move the St John’s College Students Club has passed a special resolution to enable the election of male and female House Presidents, commencing with elections for the 2019 House Committee.

This decision brings the leadership of our House Committee into alignment with the gender diversity of St John’s College and provides greater opportunities for all students.

“This is something we’ve been working toward all year and it’s great to see the House respond so positively to the change. We’re confident that going forward, this system will create better opportunities for all students and better outcomes for the College community,” said House President, Amos Potter.

The Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Belinda Hutchinson, and Vice-Chancellor, Michael Spence, sent a letter of congratulations saying “This is good news not only for young women who will have equal leadership opportunities at St John’s, but for the future generations of men and women who will benefit from a richer, more diverse and inclusive community.”

The decision to enable election of tmale and female House Presidents is another step in the ongoing work at St John’s to strengthen diversity and inclusiveness and follows the recent proclamation of the new Saint John’s College Act 2018.

Rector Adrian Diethelm said,“This is indeed an historic event and I should like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of the House Executive, Amos, Lachlan and Matt on this issue. They have been supported by a number of other truly exceptional students in St John’s this year, and on behalf of the College I congratulate all for working to achieve this result.”

Click here to read more.

And on the same day, 160 years later, the new St John’s College Act 2018 commenced. This marks another significant step forward for the College with improvements in our governance that will underpin and strengthen our future as we head towards our bicentenary.

The College’s website has had a makeover providing a contemporary, modern look for the College.

It contains a wide range of information and services for students, alumni and the St John’s Community.

Explore it now.

St John’s is raising money for Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale campaign to help our farmers who are doing it tough in these harsh, dry conditions.

We are encouraging members of the John’s Community to dig deep and spare whatever they can to this worthy cause.

St John’s College was originally established as a home away from home for rural students studying at the Univeristy of Sydney and many farmers are part of the John’s Community.

Click here or on the image above if you would like to donate.

Thank you for any contribution you can make.

This annual event which is now in its 10th year celebrates a unique and cherished Alumnus of St John’s Matt Laffan.

Matt was a talented lawyer with the Department of Public Prosecutions, tireless campaigner for those with disabilities, Sydney Lord Mayor aspirant and a proud and loyal Johnsman. He lived his 38 years with a severe disability called diastrophic displasia. While Matt was confined to a wheelchair he never let his disabilities get in his way. St John’s College provided many unique and enriching experiences for Matt where he made countless lifelong friends.