Flag Raising
St. Johns' flagraising ceremony has marked the start of each school day since 1953. Led by the headmaster and student council president, this morning tradition is a time for daily announcements and recognitions -- from sports victories to academic accolades and college acceptances.
My Senior
Each first grader is paired with a senior who becomes “my senior” as they celebrate events together during the year. There is a very special relationship that grows between the first grader, just beginning his elementary school education, and the senior, who is completing his years at St. Johns. Special activities include lunches, yearbook signings, and a spring trip to the Jacksonville Zoo.
Cookouts
At various times throughout the year cookouts are held by all level Student Councils. Parent and faculty volunteers help by setting up, cooking, and serving at the cookout. These cookouts provide an opportunity for student, and faculty to mingle and socialize among one another in a relaxed backyard barbeque like atmosphere.
Chapel
Sponsored by a committee comprised of an interdenominational group of faculty, the monthly chapels have as their purpose to support the mission of the school. They strive to achieve this goal by helping to foster within each student an awareness of his or her own spirituality as well as an appreciation of its value and meaning in his life. In addition, chapels provide an opportunity for students and faculty of all faiths to pray together. Held one Monday morning per month, chapels focus on the virtues highlighted by the school's character development program. They begin and end in prayer and are frequently conducted by guest speakers. All students are required to attend monthly chapel. Special chapels are held in celebration of Christmas and Easter. Students who for reasons of faith do not wish to participate in these special chapels may be absent with parent permission.
Senior Presentation
This tradition was instituted by the school's founder, Dr. Edwin Heinrich, after he attended a similar service at Agnes Scott, when his daughter was there. Senior Presentation is held on the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. The purpose is to present the senior class to their peers, family and the world as an adult coming of age.
Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate is a service which honors the graduating seniors class on the day preceding Graduation and features a farewell address to the seniors by a guest speaker.
Senior Dinner
This formal dinner which typically follows Baccalaureate is an opportunity for the senior class to look back on their time at St. Johns and share memories, laughs, and plans for the future with their classmates.
Project Graduation
This all-night party is sponsored by the Parent Teacher League for seniors and their guests on the night of Graduation. Food, music, and activities are provided. Upper School parents and faculty volunteers chaperone and participate in the evening's activities.