Principal's Report 

Graduate Teachers Mass 

Our graduate teachers for 2024 were involved in a special Commissioning Mass celebrated by Archbishop Comensoli on Tuesday 20 February at St Patrick's Cathedral. New teachers to the profession from both Primary and Secondary Schools attended this event from across the Archdiocese followed by a Professional Learning Day held at the Catholic Leadership Centre. As part of the Mass our graduates were given this special blessing as they begin their careers in this wonderful vocation:

Lord our God, 

in your wisdom and love

you surround us with the mysteries of the universe.

In times long past, you sent us your prophets to teach your ways and to bear witness to your undying Love.

You sent us your Son to teach us by your Word and witness that true wisdom comes from you alone.

Send your Spirit today upon these graduate teachers who are beginning their vocation in our Catholic Schools. Fill them with your holy light, that they might teach their students with passion, understanding and care and so, play their part in forming lives of faith, hope and love in the light of Jesus Christ.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, the greatest of teachers.

Amen

Parent Forum 20 February 

Last Tuesday evening, Deputy Principal Mr. Greg Van Es and School Advisory Committee representative Ms Cathy Pascal hosted our first parent forum of 2024. We were delighted to welcome over 30 families, especially those new to our school community. These forums, held once per term, provide an invaluable opportunity for parents to gain insights into the school's operations, upcoming programs and initiatives. They also serve as a platform for parents to share their questions, ideas and suggestions for enhancing our school environment. I extend my appreciation to Mr Van Es and to all who attended. Your participation enriches our discussions and strengthens our school community. We warmly encourage more parents to join us for our next forum in Term 2.

Staffing 

I thank and extend our best wishes to Ms Margaret MacKenzie in our administration team who is taking up a new role with St Francis Xavier's College in late March. I also welcome Ms Vinessa Li​ who will be taking on a role in accounts as we farewell Mr Dominic Vytilingham​ who is looking to return to the corporate sector.

Bereavement 

We extend our sympathies to former staff member Mrs Ollie Armstrong whose husband Robert passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday 14 February.  Robert's memorial service was held at Holy Savior Parish Church, where Ollie was surrounded by family and friends.

We pray:             

Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine on him.  May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.  Master of the Universe, hear our prayers, we make them in confidence forever and ever.  Amen.

Ramadan Iftar

The Presentation Inspired Wellsprings for women group in Dandenong will be holding its annual Ramadan Iftar at our Graduates' Restaurant on 19 March and all are invited to attend. The Wellsprings Centre has been providing education and hospitality courses for migrant and refugee women in the Dandenong area for several years now and this is another example of their support of our local community.

SJRC Aquatics Carnival 2024

In a picturesque setting at Doveton Swimming Pool, our students gathered last week for the highly anticipated 2024 SJRC Aquatics Carnival. With the sun shining and spirits high, participants showcased great enthusiasm and a fierce competitive edge throughout a diverse array of races and novelty events. Congratulations are in order for Delphinus House in claiming the prestigious House Swimming Shield, and to Phoenix House for earning recognition with the Shield for House Spirit. I extend my sincere gratitude to all students for their participation and attendance, as well as to Sports Coordinator, Mr Alexander, the PE staff, and all staff for their exceptional organisation and execution of the carnival, ensuring its success and enjoyment for all.

HPE Week

This week, our Health and Physical Education staff have orchestrated a diverse range of activities aimed at promoting wellbeing and fostering enjoyment through active participation. From the adrenaline-inducing thrill of handball to the collaborative spirit of volleyball, the nimble agility required in soccer, the precision of badminton and the invigorating challenge of fitness testing, there has been something to captivate every participant. Additionally, complimentary fresh fruit has been offered to supplement dietary needs. Engaging in physical exercise not only fortifies our bodies but also enhances mental well-being, offering enduring benefits when incorporated into our daily routines. I extend my appreciation to the HPE team, led by Ms Yates, for orchestrating an outstanding week of fun and fitness for our students.

Student Leadership Dinner – Wednesday 6 March

On Wednesday 6 March our new Student Leaders for 2024 will  commence their leadership development program with Jeremy Nyerenyere, an ex-student leader from St John’s, who now conducts leadership courses tailored for young leaders in the City of Casey. His workshops will cover essential skills such as public speaking, leadership development, amplifying youth voice and setting achievable goals for the year ahead. Our aim is to foster a culture of student voice and empowerment within our school community and with representatives from Year 7 to Year 12 forming our Student Representative Council.  This occasion will also enable our senior students to lead by example, while offering younger students invaluable role models to emulate. I extend my thanks  to Mr Van Es, Chef Van Der Laan and the Hospitality team for their preparation of the event, as well as to our dedicated staff who will serve as Leadership Mentors, providing guidance and support to our Student Leaders throughout the year. 

Catholic Education Week  10–17 March 2023

Catholic Education Week is significant week each year where Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne unite to honour their Catholic heritage, showcase their invaluable contributions to local communities and highlight the resilience of the sector. There are 335 Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools across Melbourne, enrolling more than 150,000 students and employing approximately 17,000 staff. We are very proud of the work that Catholic schools do in providing a high-quality education in a faith-centred environment.

This year we embrace the theme, 'In the Light of Christ', inspired by the vision outlined in the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) strategic plan, MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.

Among the highlights will be a student Mass of St Patrick for Schools on Friday, March 15, along with an array of engaging activities tailored for both Primary and Secondary students. There will also be an opportunity to attend the Creative Arts Exhibition, held at the Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne. The exhibition is open for visits by families and the wider community from Tuesday, March 12 to Saturday, March 16 2024.

Primary Principals and Parish Priests' Lunch 

On Friday 16 February the Parish Priests and Primary Principals affiliated with St John's Regional College came together to mark the beginning of the school year with a celebratory luncheon hosted in our Graduates' Restaurant. These gatherings highlight the significance of the partnerships forged between our Primary schools and St John's and the mutual benefits derived from these collaborations.

As a Regional College, St John’s was established to provide Catholic Secondary Education for the parishes of St Mary’s, St Paul Apostle, Resurrection, St Anthony’s, and St Kevin’s in providing Catholic Secondary Education. Overtime the partnerships with our Primary Schools have been pivotal in fostering the holistic development of young people within our local parishes.

I extend my gratitude to Mr Terry Gardiner and Father Sebastian from St Mary's Dandenong, Mr Paul Sharp from Holy Family Doveton, Ms Erin Nagel from St Antony's Noble Park and Mr Jason Micallef from St Kevin's Hampton Park, Ms Mary Lucas from St Paul Apostle North, Ms Christine White from St Francis De Sales for their continued support of the educational programs at St John’s.

Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about collaborating with our primary schools throughout the year. We are committed to supporting their science, literacy and artistic programs, and providing access to our outstanding sporting facilities. Together we will continue to build and enrich the Catholic Educational opportunities for the students of the Dandenong Region.

Class of 2023 – Where are they now?

Reflecting on the journey of our Class of 2023, it's inspiring to witness the diverse pathways they've embarked upon. This week , I have included an update provided by Careers Advisor Mr Bruce Topham  on the array of offers our graduates have received from esteemed universities and TAFE institutions as they commence their careers in 2024. Notably, there's been a keen interest among our students in pursuing careers in Health and Business. Additionally, commendably, several students have chosen to step into the workforce or embrace gap years to deliberate on their career trajectories. 

I eagerly anticipate celebrating the achievements of our Class of 2023 at an upcoming alumni event later this year. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to their hard work and dedication.

To our current Class of 2024, I encourage you to make the most of the resources available to you. Our dedicated Careers Advisor, Mr Bruce Topham, stands ready to offer guidance, and our upcoming Careers Expo in Term 3 will provide invaluable insights as you navigate your own future pathways.