Principal's Report 

A warm welcome to the 2024 school year! 

On behalf of the St John’s Regional College Community, we extend our heartfelt greetings to both our new and returning families. We trust you had a restful break and are prepared for the exciting challenges the new school year brings. It was delightful to reconnect with our new families and students as they embarked on their first day at St John’s, experiencing a mix of excitement and nerves. With encouragement and support from teachers and older students, our new students quickly found their stride in the rhythm of their new community.

Our annual theme this year is “That They May Be One…”.

This year, our annual theme is “That They May Be One…”. Chosen with care, this theme, rooted in scripture (Jn 17: 22), reflects our commitment to building a school community that celebrates diversity while promoting a profound sense of belonging and connection. It serves as a guiding light for our spiritual, moral, and community-building journey together.

Opening School Mass and Welcome Evening: Commencing the Year Together

To celebrate the commencement of the school year, a Welcome Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 8 at 6.30 pm, presided over by Bishop Tony Ireland to mark the entry of our Year 7 students and their families into our school community. Following the opening Eucharist, new members can meet their House Leaders and Learning Mentors during a Welcome Evening, symbolising the initiation of a strong partnership between home and school. This collaboration is pivotal for expressing expectations for behavior, emphasising the value of education, and instilling a consistent effort in our students' journeys towards independence and success.

Opening College Assembly – February 8: Recognising our 2023 Academic Achievers and Student Leaders for 2024

Our opening College Assembly on Thursday, February 8, at 9:10 am in the Br Leo Scollen Stadium, will highlight the acknowledgment of our High Achievers from the 2023 School Year and the investiture of our 2024 Student Leaders. All families are welcome to attend this momentous event.

Dux of the Class of 2023

It is a moment of pride as I announce the Dux of St John’s Regional College for 2023, Tameka Haggett, with an impressive score of 93.35. Tameka will pursue a degree in Bio Medical Science at Deakin University in 2024. Due to travel commitments Tameka will be unavailable to attend the opening school assembly but will present a recording of her address as the Dux of St John's for the opening assembly on 8 February.

Student Leadership 2024: A Voice for Every Student

These leaders, elected for their commitment to all aspects of school life, will work towards ensuring that the Student Representative Council becomes a forum where every student's voice is heard and influences the creation of our school environment. In anticipation I thank them for their willingness to serve their community.

College Captains and Ministry Captains:

Abigail Cachart and Royce D'Mello

Sherlyn Antony and Gloria Jada

House Captains:

Aquila: Gabby Castro and Erion Veli

Columba: Sarah Van der Veer and Claire Malin

Delphinus: Kiara Di Paolo and Christon Jeremiah

Leonis: Hannah Micallef and Prithis Bhattacharyya

Monoceros: Hannah Charles and Darren Razu

Phoenix: Cleyara Warnakulasooriya and Luke Obradovic

Staffing: Welcoming New Members

As we commence the school year, we welcome our new staff members to St John’s Regional College whose names are listed below. Each brings unique experiences and skills, and we eagerly anticipate the positive contributions they will make to student learning and wellbeing in the coming years.

Mr Nathan Goicoa - Teacher 

Delphinus House 

RE and English

Mr Daniel Papadakis - Teacher 

Aquila House 

RE, Maths and HPE

Ms Emily Blake - Teacher

Leonis House 

Physics, Science, Maths and PBL

Ms Veronica Chia -Teacher 

Columba House 

Science, Maths and PBL

Mr Justin Chung AFL Trainee 

Columba House

Miss Dona Simon - Learning Support Officer Delphinus House

Miss Kris Touogiannis - Learning Support Officer 

Leonis House

Miss Ruth Noronha - Learning Support Officer 

Aquila House

Mr Reymond Bolano Replacement for Semester 1 Teacher  

Aquila House - Music and RE

Miss Grace Stevenson Art Technician 

Leonis House

Ms Emma Bradley Admin - Daily Organiser Phoenix House

Staff Changes:

We advise you that Ms Leana Bailey will not be returning in her Careers Role in 2024. We extend our gratitude for her ten years of dedicated service and welcome back Mr Bruce Topham as her replacement.

 Additionally, Miss Caroline Low has taken up an administrative role with Mercy College, and we warmly welcome Ms Emma Bradley as her successor.

Enrolment Information: Inviting Prospective Families

Our Open mornings for prospective students and their families takes place every Thursday at 9:15 am. Parents will have the opportunity to learn about our History, Curriculum programs, and future plans for St John’s during a one-hour session that includes a tour through our facilities. Enrolments for 2025, and 2026 are now open, and parents can book a place for this tour by contacting our College reception or through the Enrolment tab on our school website.

After School Tutoring Program: Supporting Academic Growth

St John’s will continue to offer the after-school tutoring program in 2024 for all year levels. Running each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 3.30 pm to 5 pm in the Contemporary Learning Centre (CLC), and online on Monday.

This program is designed to assist students with homework tasks and develop their literacy and numeracy skills. There is no fee for the tutoring program, which will commence on Monday 12 February. Any students requiring extra assistance are encouraged to attend the CLC, where experienced tutors, all with Working with Children registration, provide support.

We look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and success for each member of our St John’s Regional College community.