Principal Report

Acknowledgement of Presentation Day – 21 November 2025

Presentation Day this year carries special significance as we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Presentation Congregation by Venerable Nano Nagle in 1775.

Nano's legacy continues to inspire us at St John's. Her life reminds us to look beyond ourselves, to recognise God in the ordinary moments of life, and to bring light to those most in need.

As we honour Presentation Day, we give thanks for Nano, the Presentation Sisters, and all who continue her mission today. May her spirit guide our community to live with faith, courage, and generosity.

Launch of Our New House Names

This week, our College community gathered for a significant and historic moment—the official launch of our new House names. Under the thoughtful direction of our Director of Faith and Mission, Mr John Rhynehart, we celebrated a beautiful ritual that honoured our past and looked toward our future with hope.

The ceremony gently and respectfully retired our former House names, acknowledging the stories and traditions that have shaped generations of St John's students. We then welcomed our six new Houses, each inspired by extraordinary individuals whose lives were defined by a courageous commitment to Christ and recognised through sainthood or significant service within the Catholic tradition.

Through prayer, reflection, symbols, and storytelling, students were introduced to these remarkable figures—people whose lives now become touchstones for our own community. Their witness invites our young people to reflect on what it means to live out the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives, and to consider how faith, compassion, courage, and justice can guide their journey.

These new House patrons will serve as spiritual companions and role models for generations of St John's students, inspiring them to contemplate how they too can bring Christ's love into the world.

Our New House Names

• Acutis House – inspired by Blessed Carlo Acutis
• Assisi House – inspired by St Francis of Assisi
• Bakhita House – inspired by St Josephine Bakhita
• Chisholm House – inspired by Caroline Chisholm
• MacKillop House – inspired by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
• Romero House – inspired by St Oscar Romero

We look forward to Semester 1, 2026, when our students will step into these new House identities and continue writing the next chapter of our rich Catholic story.

Year 12 Graduation – Class of 2025

I congratulate the Class of 2025, who gathered with their families and teachers for a  memorable Graduation Mass and Dinner. Our celebration began at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where Fr. Luke Bulley led us in a beautiful Mass centred on gratitude for the 13-year journey of learning, growth, challenge, and support that has brought our young people to this milestone.

In his homily, Fr. Luke encouraged our graduates to never lose sight of the "why" in their lives—to take the time to understand what truly matters, what grounds them, and what gives their life purpose. He reminded them that discovering their "why" will provide the focus, energy, and motivation they need to live life to the full, especially as they step into adulthood with new freedoms, responsibilities, and opportunities.

Throughout the evening, many parents expressed their deep appreciation for the way our staff have partnered with them over the years—walking alongside their children, believing in their potential, and helping them to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Following the Mass, our community came together at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a joyful dinner to honour the achievements and character of the class of 2025.

My sincere thanks go to Mr John Rhynehart, Mr Nigel Adkin, Ms Ash Fraraccio, Deputy Principals Mr Greg Van Es and Ms Kamila Bielinski, and all of our House Leaders for their detailed and thoughtful preparation in shaping such a memorable celebration for our graduates and their families.

We wish the Class of 2025 every blessing as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. May they continue to walk with courage, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose.

Cambodian Immersion 2025

Early on Saturday morning, a group of our senior students—accompanied by the Director of Faith & Mission, Mr John Rhynehart, House Leader, Mr Nathan Yap, and the Junior Programs Leader, Ms Maria Nasoulias—departed for Cambodia to begin their two-week immersion experience.

During the immersion, our students will work alongside the staff and young people of La Salle Pouthum, a Lasallian school in Phnom Penh. This immersion offers our students not only the chance to encounter another culture but also an excellent opportunity to live out our Lasallian and Presentation charisms and to understand more deeply what it means to respond with compassion and generosity.

We keep the following staff and students in your prayers:

Chloe A, Elisha B, Phoebe C, Alex D, Kenny F, Alexis J, Kiara L, Ethan M, Noah R

Harley V,  Juan W, Ms Maria Nasoulias, Mr Nathan Yap and Mr John Rhynehart.

Step-Up 2026

Our Step-Up Program is now well underway, allowing all students to transition into their 2026 classes and curriculum over the final three weeks of the school year. This valuable program allows students to meet their new teachers, engage with introductory course content, and begin building the routines and expectations that will support a strong start in the new academic year.

I extend my sincere thanks to our staff for the energy, professionalism, and commitment they bring to their new classes. Their preparation and enthusiasm ensure that students experience a purposeful and engaging end to the year, setting them up for success in 2026.

Farewell to Staff – 2025

As we come to the end of another school year, we take a moment to acknowledge—with both gratitude and sadness—the staff members who will be leaving St John's Regional College. Each has made a meaningful contribution to our community, and their presence will be greatly missed.

We extend particular thanks to Ms Janine Misso (31 years), Mr Joe Sirianni (26 years), Ms Priya Cardinaletti (21 years), Ms Janine Bingham (29 years), and Deputy Principal Mr Greg Van Es (11 years). Their long-standing commitment, professionalism, and deep care for our students have left an enduring legacy at St John's.

Ms Misso, Mr Sirianni, and Ms Cardinaletti now move into a well-earned retirement after decades of dedicated service. We thank them for shaping countless young lives and for the generosity and wisdom they have shared with our community.

Mr Van Es concludes 12 years of excellent leadership and pastoral care as Deputy Principal and will take up a senior role at St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield. Ms Bingham will continue her senior teaching career at Salesian College Chadstone. We wish them every success and blessing as they embrace these new chapters.

We also express our thanks and best wishes to the following staff who will be departing at the end of 2025. Each has played an essential part in enriching the learning and wellbeing of our students:

• Mr Kevin Joshua
• Mr Gia Trinh
• Ms Shiny Pereira
• Mr Nathan Goicoa
• Miss Ruth Noronha
• Ms Sophie Farrell
• Mr Rion Morgan
• Miss Mercy Jepkosgei

We are grateful for the contributions each staff member has made to St John's, and we pray that the next stage of their professional and personal journeys is filled with fulfilment, purpose, and joy.

St John's Regional College – Awards Evening & Art and Technology Showcase

A reminder to all families that our Annual Awards Evening will be held on Wednesday, 3 December. This special night celebrates the outstanding achievements and talents of our students across academic, cultural, artistic, and sporting pursuits.

The evening begins with our Art and Technology Showcase at 5:00 PM, featuring a selection of impressive student work, including pieces displayed at the Southern Independent Schools Exhibition. The Awards Ceremony will follow at 6:30 PM, concluding with the presentation of the prestigious Br Amedy Molloy Prize for Art.

Tickets are available via our TryBooking link 

We look forward to celebrating our students' outstanding achievements with our community.

SIS Art & Technology Exhibition – November 11

Congratulations to all our talented students who proudly represented St John's at the SIS Art & Technology Exhibition on November 11 at the Cube Theatre in Frankston. The exhibition showcased an impressive range of creativity and craftsmanship, and our students' work stood out for its innovation, skill, and artistic expression.

A special congratulations to Jessica Phan, who was awarded Second Prize in the Design category of the SIS Awards—an exceptional achievement and a testament to her creativity and dedication.

My sincere thanks go to our outstanding Art and Technology team, led by Ms Anne Aldis and supported by Art Technician Grace Stevenson, for their careful preparation and commitment to presenting our students' work so beautifully.

I also extend our appreciation to our Hospitality students, who provided warm and professional service to guests throughout the evening. Their contribution greatly added to the event's success, supported by the guidance and preparation of Mr Vanderlaan and Ms Haider.

Well done to all involved for showcasing the vibrant artistic and technological talents of our College community.