Jeremy Mackinnon

Assistant Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

Well… how time flies. This term has been action-packed and absolutely spectacular. Our outgoing Year 12 Students finished with class and grace and embraced each farewell event they were involved in: a whole-school assembly, house assemblies and the Year 12-led final assembly. This is the first cohort I have seen through as JMSS Assistant Principal, and they hold a special place in my heart. I will always remember them for their dedication to their studies, their contribution to school culture and events and their delightful, and often cheeky, personalities. I am very much looking forward to celebrating them at the upcoming Presentation Night and Graduation Celebration. I hope most of our community will attend the significant event (please book a ticket via the Compass newsfeeds I have sent).

Immediately after the Year 12 farewells, we moved into the end-of-year exam period. I want to congratulate all students for their efforts and hard work. I would also like to convey the importance of post-exam reflection. All Year 10 & 11 students should reflect on their preparation for each exam and overall study habits. Like most things, exam improvement will occur more rapidly if reflection focuses on process rather than performance. Students must also have an open mind to hear and learn from feedback and critically analyse errors, with a specific focus on the underlying reason for the error to have occurred. Students then develop skills and strategies to overcome and improve the underlying cause. 

Since the exams, we moved through course confirmation and straight into the Alternative Program. This year, the program included five engaging days for both Year 10 & 11 students. My highlight during this period was our Science Fair Evening. This year, I was particularly impressed with our Year 10 students' ability to present their research to members of the public. What impressed me was our students' versatility in communicating their research to a broad cross-section of the community - from Monash Academics to primary school students. They communicated clearly and showed outstanding passion, interest and pride in their research. 

The Orientation Period is now upon us and is a fantastic opportunity for students to throw themselves into the start of the new academic year with systems and structures in place to continue growing and developing to perform at their best. We always encourage balance, and now is the perfect time to think about and start a new hobby that provides a non-academic outlet. As a person with many various hobbies and interests, I cannot express how important it is to do things that bring you joy and build positive relationships with others.

I hope everyone enjoys what the rest of the JMSS year brings.

Jeremy Mackinnon

Assistant Principal