Principal's Report 

The passing of Br Gerard Rummery 10.2.2024

We ask for your prayers for the eternal rest of Br. Gerard Rummery who passed away last Saturday .

Br. Gerard was widely known for his deep knowledge and admiration of John Baptist de La Salle, the founder's historical context and his works. He was also greatly respected for his engaging communication style, through which he conveyed not only his knowledge but also his strong commitment to the education of young people with Christian values.

Brother Gerard's long and fruitful life in ministry as a Brother and Lasallian researcher shined as an extraordinary teacher on the global Lasallian stage. He was a great storyteller and his passion for making stories that speak to today's generation has left a lasting impact on the future of the Lasallian Mission.

May Br Gerard rest in peace.

Ash Wednesday Liturgy February 22 

On Wednesday, our students and staff gathered in House groups to commemorate the beginning of the 40-day Lenten journey with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Within our Catholic community, this season invites us to reflect on the person that God wants us to be. Embracing that we are human, we acknowledge our imperfections and the inevitability of mistakes. 

Through this period of reflection and prayer, we recognise the need for God's intervention to nurture love, justice, compassion and forgiveness within us, steering us away from self-interest, resentment or greed. As we embark on this Lenten journey, let us remember that God's love is not conditional but empowers us to strive for our best selves, motivating a genuine change of heart in the upcoming 40 days.

Opening School Mass

I extend my gratitude to Bishop Tony Ireland, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, for warmly embracing our Year 7 students and their families during our annual Year 7 Welcome Mass. It served as a remarkable initiation for newcomers to immerse themselves in our liturgical practices, central to our faith community. Additionally, I appreciate our House Leaders and Learning Mentors for their pivotal role in extending a warm welcome to our new families as they embark on the journey of forging strong learning partnerships. These connections will nurture the growth of our students into young adults over the next six years.

Opening College Assembly 

During last week's Opening College Assembly, our 2024 student leaders were presented with their leadership badges, marking the beginning of their important roles. We offered prayers for them, discussed our expectations, and publicly affirmed our support. Leading our student body in the spirit of our Lasallian and Presentation Charisms is a significant responsibility, but we trust in the capabilities of these young leaders to uphold and enhance the legacy of student leadership at our school. 

Another highlight of the assembly was recognising the High Performers from the Class of 2023 and hearing from our 2023 St John’s College Dux, Tameka Hagget. Tameka's achievement reflects our school motto, "Virtus In Astra Tendit" - courage reaches for the stars. We commend her dedication, perseverance and self-discipline, acknowledging her as an exemplary role model for our students.

Year 7 Camp

This week, our Year 7 students relished three fantastic days at Adanac Camp near Yarra Junction. Amidst the picturesque bush backdrop, they engaged in a myriad of activities, from archery and kayaking to volleyball and rock climbing. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the dedicated staff, led by camp organisers, Ms Angelique Phillip-Kemp and Mr Mark Alexander, for orchestrating an outstanding start to the year for our students.

Valentine’s Day Fundraising

The annual St Valentine's Day fundraising event proved to be a resounding success. Leading up to Valentine's Day, there was palpable excitement among our students, with several Student Leaders from each House actively participated in fundraising activities for Caritas through the sale of flowers and chocolates. We're delighted to announce that the proceeds amounted to $320, all of which will be directed towards Caritas, an organisation committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our society. Caritas works tirelessly alongside those whose lack of power often renders them marginalised in decision-making processes that impact their lives. This term, our fundraising efforts are dedicated to Caritas, beginning with Project Compassion on Ash Wednesday. A heartfelt thank you to Ms Kintzel, along with all the House Leaders and Student Leaders, for their dedication to this fundraising initiative.

St John’s Football Program 2024

The St John’s Football Program is embarking on its third year of operation in collaboration with Football Technique Australia and Dandenong City Soccer Club. This year, we're thrilled to announce an expansion of opportunities within the program, now open to students from Year 7 to 12, offering a pathway that includes our Certificate 2 in Vet Sport & Recreation. Participants can anticipate a comprehensive experience, with multiple training sessions per week encompassing strength and conditioning, on-field practice, and classroom learning. Spearheaded by Ljuban Palinic, Director of Football Technique Australia, Sports Assistant, Mr Justin Chungue and Senior Physical Education Teacher, Ms Ash Fraraccio, we're enthusiastic about the diverse career pathways this program will unlock in the sports industry for our students. Families interested in joining the soccer program can find more information through the link below or by contacting Ms Ash Fraraccio at the College.

https://www.sjrc.vic.edu.au/community/st-johns-football-program/

Join Our School Advisory Council

In 2021, the Board of the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), our governing body, established the School Advisory Council to offer support to the Principal, Parish Priest, and school leadership team.

We're inviting interested members of our community to join the St John’s Regional College Advisory Council on 2024, chaired by Mr Tony Biviano. While no specific expertise is required, we're seeking individuals with diverse skill sets who share a common goal of providing the best possible education for our students. Areas of ongoing focus for the Council include Finance, Parents and Friends, Marketing and Master Planning.

A balanced membership, including parent representation, will ensure that the Council can effectively advise the Principal on matters crucial to the school's mission and student success. We prioritise diversity in gender, cultural background and skill sets among our members.

For further details about the School Advisory Council, please visit the relevant section on our website at School Advisory Council - St John's Regional College Dandenong (sjrc.vic.edu.au).

As we kick off the school year, we invite you to express your interest in joining the School Advisory Council. If you're a member of the parish or have children at the school and wish to contribute to this vital advisory role, please submit your application in writing to Tim Hogan, Principal of St. John’s Regional College, by Friday, March 1. Email applications can be sent to principal@sjrc.vic.edu.au.

We look forward to welcoming enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of our school community.