Welcome to the second term newsletter - a bumper edition with a whole range of reports and news from across the college!

I often reflect on the changes in education and schools over the years and what we have achieved, what has impacted student learning, what has improved and how do students learn in the 21st century compared with last century. Regardless of many changes in technology and buildings, our students still look to their teachers for guidance and learning and rely on their knowledge and qualifications to enable student learning. I reflect often this year on our staff at JFC and feel immensely fortunate that we have such a terrific team of highly educated, motivated and committed teachers and support staff.

We welcomed new teachers at the beginning of this year and in term 2, we again welcome some new staff: Ms Thasmin Saldham (Maths and Science), Mr Dean Moss (Humanities, English and Leading Teacher of Learning), Mr Graham McKee, returning for the term to teach PE, and Ms Lynsey Betts (Humanities and Year 9 coordinator). Please reach out to the new teachers and make yourselves known to them.

In this issue, I include a letter from DET to families which outlines DET's policy and stance on racism. We do not tolerate racism at JFC and we act when we see evidence of racism in our school. Please read the letter carefully and please contact me if you have any concerns.

I also include a link to a short message from the Minister, Mr Ben Carroll, who emphasizes the Mobile Phone Ban and why it is so important. Again, if you have any concerns about our implementation of this DET mandate, please contact me personally.

The $14.5 million re-build of a section of the school is on everyone's mind at the moment as we watch the builders prepare for the first stage of the demolition of E wing. We hope this will start later in the term, as soon as the builders have ensured it is safe to do so, and the wiring and cabling has been rerouted out of E wing.

Melbourne Victory Soccer Club have started the partnership with John Fawkner College, and coaches are out in primary schools this term building the enthusiasm of younger students for the coming years. In semester 2 this year, we will have a pilot year 9/10 team which will showcase their skills out in the community and help to inform young people in the area of opportunities at JFC in coming years. Ms Zoe Slatter will work alongside MV to run this program and organise the selection process of these students.

School Fees:

Parents are informed about the school fees at the end of each year when we make booklists available to all families. While this is a voluntary contribution, every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us to run extra programs for students and make as many opportunities as possible available to them. Any questions regarding school fees can be directed to Ms Kim Campbell, the Business Manager.

Mr Ben Carroll

A message from the Minister for Education