THE SJFC STORY

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE

St John Fisher College welcomed its first students in 1981. Inspired by St John Fisher's academic passion and social justice work, the school's founders envisioned a place where young women could learn about the world and their special places in it through a flexible and evolving curriculum. This learning would be supported and reflected in spiritual growth through Christian values in the Catholic tradition.

The College had its foundations in the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy. In 1981, students in Years Eight to Twelve at Sacred Heart College at Sandgate were relocated to the Bracken Ridge site to establish St John Fisher College. There were 240 students enrolled in the College on the first day and this has grown to a current enrolment of approximately 530 students. The Principal at that time was Mr Patrick Condon who was the first lay Principal of Sacred Heart College. Several Sisters of Mercy continued to work at the College in its early days including Sr Trea Brewer, Sr Theresa Shannon and Sr Patricia Blundell. The College retains many aspects of its Mercy charism.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
The St John Fisher Community is inspired by God's spirit and the Catholic faith tradition to live, to love and to learn

with respect for truth, the courage to seek justice, the gift of peace and the grace to forgive as we respond with equal

dynamism to society’s challenges today and tomorrow.

The Sisters of Mercy were founded by Catherine McAuley in 1831 to provide justice and compassion to those in need through education, health, aged care, social services or whatever was needed. In particular, they wanted to provide for the poor and those who were oppressed or powerless. They have maintained a strong commitment to social justice issues throughout their history and to the education of young women. We remain committed to these same principles today at St John Fisher College.

OUR VALUES

RESPECT - We value the dignity of each individual and show respect towards ourselves, others and the environment.

CARE - We care and support others through acts of kindness and we show compassion and understanding towards them.

INTEGRITY - We uphold the truth and act with integrity in all our dealings.
SERVICE - We show our love for one another through service and making a positive contribution to the community.

EXCELLENCE - We strive to do our very best in all that we do.

INCLUSIVENESS - We show a tolerant attitude towards others and include them in activities.

MISSION STATEMENT

The St John Fisher College Community

is inspired by God’s Spirit and

the Catholic faith tradition

to live, to love and to learn

with respect for truth,

the courage to

seek justice,

the gift of peace

and the grace to forgive

as we respond with equal dynamism

to society’s challenges today and tomorrow.

COLLEGE MOTTO AND BADGE

The College Motto is: Goodness, Knowledge, Discipline

SHIELD AND CROSS
In the days of the crusades and knights in shining armour, the shield with a cross on it signified a soldier fighting

for Christianity. Today, this symbol represents a willingness to stand up for Christian values in our lives.

DOVE
God’s Spirit living in, guiding and giving life to the community has traditionally been represented by the Dove.

The Spirit moves us all toward fulfilment of the gifts that God has given us.

DOLPHIN
The dolphin reminds us of our location by the sea and symbolises wisdom, grace and friendship.

HANDS
The hands symbolise the presence of God in our lives as a loving parent holding us in.

THE JOHN FISHER WAY
At St John Fisher College, a tradition exists of expressing the College vision using the language of “the John Fisher Way”.

This is a way of acting, speaking and behaving as a member of our community. In practice, the John Fisher Way may be demonstrated by:

thanking others graciously
treating others with kindness and respect
having respect for yourself
behaving with dignity
sharing your unique gifts and talents with the school community
becoming involved in extracurricular activities
showing respect and courtesy towards others
showing respect for the property of others
caring for the environment
being responsible and accountable for one's actions
showing acceptance and tolerance of others
being inclusive of others
having pride in your appearance and your uniform
taking risks and having a go
having confidence in yourself
being resilient when faced with hurdles
telling the truth