Year Advisors
Year 7
Year 7 have enjoyed another busy and productive term, continuing to grow in confidence and settle into secondary school life. Throughout Term 3, students have been encouraged to reflect on their academic progress, develop positive learning habits and take greater responsibility for their attendance, punctuality, organisation and engagement in class.
Wellbeing has also remained an important focus through Year Meetings and Berry Street lessons, where students have explored positive relationships, resilience, respectful behaviour and strategies for managing challenges. Students have also had opportunities to participate in school events and leadership activities, including the Athletics Carnival, Music Night and SRC elections, allowing them to build confidence, demonstrate school spirit and become more involved in the wider school community.
As we move into Term 4, Year 7 are encouraged to continue building on the progress they have made throughout their first year of high school. Congratulations to all students for their efforts this term, and thank you to our families, teachers and support staff for their continued support. We look forward to seeing Year 7 finish the year strongly.
Mr. Taouk
Year 8
Mentor Programs, Gala Days, and Leadership Opportunities
Yet another term is behind us, as we round the corner into the final quarter of the year. For Term 3, Year 8 have had their plates full, with enriching programs to develop confidence, identity, and resilience, days dedicated to sport and interaction with other schools in the local area, and the opportunity to put their names forward to become members of the school’s SRC.
RAISE Mentoring began this year in Week 2 of Term 2, and concluded in Week 9 of Term 3. The program was designed to significantly improve youth wellbeing by connecting young people with trained, trusted adult volunteer mentors. There were 14 students selected to take part in this program, where they were taught how to face challenges like anxiety, seek help or assistance when required, create safe connections, and look out for each other. The RAISE students then had the opportunity to engage in an excursion to Sydney Airport, where they got exclusive behind the scenes access to Australia’s busiest airport, learning about how the airport operates, and the management and organisation required for such an enormous piece of transportation infrastructure to function. The RAISE students officially graduated from the program on Thursday 17 September in Week 9, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
Week 7 of Term 3 saw Year 8 engage in a Gala Day of epic proportions. Our football (soccer) and netball teams played hard against teams from Sydney Girls High School, South Sydney High School, Rosebay High School, Randwick High School, Alexandria Park High School, Inner Sydney High School, and Central Sydney Intensive English High School. We had some mixed results, with some strong wins, some tight draws, and awesome narrow losses. A great day out was had by all!
Finally, Friday of Week 8 saw six Year 8 students put themselves forward to the members of the 2027 SRC. Alicia, Ava, Marvin, Sami, Tiffany, and Yesugen stood up in front of their peers and delivered speeches expressing why they would be excellent inclusions in our school’s leadership team. To get up and speak in front of your fellow students is not an easy thing to do, and I couldn’t be more proud of them for putting themselves out there and demonstrating a commitment to the school’s values. Well done to all of you.
That’s it for another exciting term. Hard to believe how quickly this year has gone, and it has been a pleasure to see how far all of Year 8 have developed over the course of the year. Can’t wait to see what Term 4 brings us.
Mr. Pitt
Year 9
Year 9 Cohort Shines in Big Picture Learning and Bayside Council Event
The Year 9 cohort has had an exciting and rewarding semester filled with engaging learning opportunities and memorable experiences. Many students took part in the Big Picture Learning sessions, which provided a unique and personalised approach to education. These sessions encouraged students to explore their interests deeply, develop real-world skills, and take ownership of their learning journey.
In addition to their achievements in the classroom, several Year 9 students had the incredible opportunity to perform at a recent Bayside Council event. Their performances were met with enthusiasm and applause from the community, showcasing not only their talents but also their confidence and dedication.
I am immensely proud of the Year 9 students for their active participation and the positive spirit they bring to both learning and community events. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the coming semester!
Mr. Truss
Year 10
As we wrap up Term 3, it’s been a busy and rewarding few months for our Year 10 students. One of the highlights was the Love Bites workshop, where students engaged with maturity and respect in discussions about healthy relationships. A big thank you to The Shack and the presenters for delivering such an impactful session. Subject selection for Year 11 is now complete, and it’s exciting to see students starting to look forward to the challenges and opportunities of Stage 6 next year. With their subject choices made, we encourage all students to begin thinking about their goals and how they want to shape their senior years. Looking ahead to next term, work experience will be a key focus. This is a fantastic chance for students to explore potential career paths and gain valuable real-world skills. We encourage students to start thinking big about the opportunities they want to pursue during the program. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and involvement. Here’s to a successful Term 4!
Ms. Jessop
Year 11
As we approach the conclusion of Term 3, I want to commend our Year 11 students on the maturity and dedication they have demonstrated throughout their Preliminary Examinations. Sitting their first formal examination block in the school hall is a significant milestone, and the cohort’s conduct, organisation, and mutual support have been exemplary.
Academic Reflection and Feedback
When marked examination papers and task feedback are returned early next term, students are strongly encouraged to treat their results diagnostically. The transition from Stage 5 to Stage 6 demands a significant shift in depth of syllabus understanding and sustained examination writing stamina. Students should take time to consult directly with their classroom teachers to unpack marking criteria, address knowledge gaps, and refine their study habits before new coursework begins.
bstreetsmart Excursion
Earlier this term, the entire Year 11 cohort attended the annual bstreetsmart Youth and Road Trauma Forum at Sydney Olympic Park, joining thousands of senior students from across New South Wales. With many in the year group having recently acquired their Learner driver licences or working towards their Provisional P1 plates, the excursion delivered a timely and sobering message about the responsibilities that come with being on the road.
Through live crash simulations, interactions with emergency services personnel, and firsthand accounts from trauma survivors, students gained a deeper understanding of risk awareness, the consequences of distraction, and their role in keeping themselves and their peers safe - both as drivers and as passengers. Our cohort represented the school with outstanding respect and maturity throughout what was an emotionally powerful day.
Stepping into Year 12: Term 4 Commencement
A critical reminder to students and families that the Higher School Certificate (HSC) course officially commences on Day 1 of Term 4. From this point forward, all formal assessment tasks contribute directly to students' cumulative school assessment marks submitted to NESA.
Patterns of Study: While students were required to complete at least 12 units during the Preliminary pattern of study, the HSC course requires a minimum of 10 units. Any student considering dropping an elective or non-examinable unit must first seek counsel from their subject teachers, Head Teachers, the Careers Adviser, and the Deputy Principal before submitting a change-of-course form signed by a parent or carer.
Senior Leadership & Commemorative Jerseys: Congratulations to all students who participated in the election of the Student Leadership Team. Speeches and voting concluded last week in Week 8, and our newly elected leadership team will be announced shortly. Furthermore, for students who placed an order following the arrival of the initial batch, the final wave of senior jerseys is scheduled to arrive in Week 1 of Term 4 for collection.
Rest and Wellbeing for the Spring Holidays
The upcoming two-week break should be prioritised as a period of genuine rest and recharge. The HSC is an academic marathon; entering Term 4 refreshed in body and mind is essential. I advise students to step back from study during the first week, using the second week for light organisation, reviewing their subject folders, and planning their Term 4 home study timetables.
Thank you to all parents, carers, and teaching staff for your ongoing partnership and guidance throughout Year 11. We look forward to welcoming the cohort back at the start of Term 4, dressed proudly in full senior uniform and prepared to begin their final year of schooling.
Mr. Nguyen
Year 12
It has been an absolute privilege to be the Year Adviser for this cohort over the last five years and to watch them grow into the young people they are today. A special mention to Ms Begg for advising them during their first year of high school - a crucial time and we couldn’t have made it here without her initial care and consideration.
Over the years, there have been plenty of achievements to celebrate, challenges to work through, countless laughs and so many moments that I know I will look back on fondly. They are a genuinely wonderful group of young people, and I am incredibly proud of them.
Our Graduation Ceremony gave students, staff and families the opportunity to celebrate everything this cohort has achieved throughout their time at JJCMHS, before we came together again for the Year 12 Formal which put a perfect bow at the end of this chapter.
Of course, there is still one final hurdle ahead. With the HSC examinations approaching, I encourage Year 12 to band together - study together, support each other and give it your absolute all. Take on the feedback your teachers have given you, ask for help when you need it and make use of the people and resources around you. Most importantly, remember that your teachers are still here and ready to support you right through to the end.
Year 12, I hope you are incredibly proud of how far you have come. It has been such a joy to share these years with you, and I am very excited for everything that comes next for you.
Goodbye, farewell, and good luck.
Ms. Evans