Principal's Report 

Shrek the Musical

I am pleased to report that the 2024 St John's Regional College production of Shrek the Musical was an outstanding success. The production showcased the fantastic performances of our students and highlighted the immense talent and dedication within our performing arts community.

Our students worked tirelessly for four months to bring this production to life. Their hard work and commitment were evident in every performance, making the musical a memorable experience for the enthusiastic crowds that attended on Thursday and Friday nights.

The musical's success is a testament to our performing arts team's excellent leadership and direction, led by Miss Perri Espinoza, Ms. Anne Aldis, and Mr. Reymond Balano. Their expertise and guidance were crucial in nurturing the students' talents and ensuring a high-quality production.

I also extend my gratitude to the backstage crew, prop and set preparation team, and those organising ticket sales and catering. Their behind-the-scenes contributions were vital to the production's success and reflect the strong community spirit at St. John's.

Applied Learning Week

Congratulations to our Vocational Major program staff and students for their outstanding efforts in staging our first Applied Learning Week. The week was filled with engaging activities, including organised sporting competitions, a student-led talk on applied learning, a community garden project, a lively karaoke session, and the creative challenge of Flatpack Friday.

Applied learning is crucial in secondary education. It provides students with hands-on, practical experiences that enhance their understanding and application of knowledge. By participating in real-world tasks, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and a deeper connection to their learning. This approach prepares them for future careers and fosters a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

The success of Applied Learning Week is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our students and staff. I particularly want to thank Ms Emily Dias, our Vocational Major Leader, for bringing this dynamic and meaningful experience to life!

Futures Expo: Careers Advice and Subject Selection Evening

The Futures Expo, held on Wednesday 24 July, in the Br Leo Scollen Stadium, was a successful event with a good turnout of parents and students. This compulsory event for Years 8-11 provided valuable insights into subject selection and career pathways. Students engaged with experts from universities, TAFE institutions, and our teaching staff, exploring diverse fields and career options. Thanks to Careers Coordinator Mr. Bruce Topham, Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching Kamila Bielinski, VCE Programs Leader Ms. Pier Bourne, and all Learning Area Coordinators for organising this informative evening. Note the subject selection period closes on 14 August.

Year 10 Reflection Day: A Day of Service, Opportunity, and Sacrifice

Our Year 10 students recently had the invaluable opportunity to leave their busy class schedules and dedicate a day to self-reflection and building deeper connections with their peers. The theme for the day, "Service. Opportunity. Sacrifice." was a poignant reminder of the impact we can have on our community and the world around us.

Throughout the day, students explored what it means to answer the SOS call from our neighbours, friends, and fellow humans. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and De La Salle, they were encouraged to reflect on the true meaning of service, recognise the opportunities around them, and understand that every form of sacrifice, no matter how small, makes a difference.

This retreat was a powerful experience, reminding us all that through service, we can positively impact the lives of others. Thank you to Miss Simon, Mr Farrelly, Mr Papadakis, Mr Goicoa, Mr Yap, Ms Newman, Ms Bradley, and the Lasallian Retreat team for their support.

Staffing

I advise that staff member Ms Marcela Nievas has resigned from St John's and will commence a position at Cranbourne East Secondary College in early September, leading the growth of an EAL program and  Language School. I thank her for her service to St John's and wish her well in the next stage of her career.

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College Community Assembly for Academic Excellence Awards and Stella Awards (Semester 1) College Assembly  - Celebration of Excellence

It was a pleasure to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students from Semester 1 alongside many parents at Thursday's Assembly for Excellence. Throughout the semester, our students demonstrated dedication, hard work, and passion, enabling them to perform at a high level. They overcame challenges and exceeded their own expectations, embodying our school motto, "Courage Reaches for the Stars."

The assembly highlighted various successes, from academic accomplishments that reflect a solid commitment to learning to creative endeavours that showcase the breadth of their talents. It was inspiring to witness these different perspectives on learning and creativity, which reflect our students' personal growth and development.

Their achievements are a testament to their character, supported by the unwavering encouragement from their families. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our students and express deep gratitude to our parents and staff for their continuous support and guidance.