Co-Curricular Facilitator Spotlight
Every Wednesday, JMSS students participate in exciting non-curriculum based studies, such as Knitting and Philosophy, Minecraft Robotics, Uni Maths and others. This Co-Curricular Program (CCR) runs from 1:30pm to 3:30pm weekly and is a valued program that offers our students a rich and diverse range of activities that open up new opportunities and experiences away from academic study. It offers students the chance to work in teams, learn new skills and develop leadership. It is a key part of the Year 10 and 11 program and helps us to develop the “whole person” at John Monash Science School (JMSS).
The CCR program matches the UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) four pillars of education (learning to: LIVE TOGETHER, KNOW, BE, and DO) with different subjects falling under one or more of these pillars. The various subjects within CCR are typically run by JMSS Alumni who have a passion for that particular subject - such as having paramedic grad students teaching Cells to Systems, thespians teaching drama sports, Chemistry Majors teaching Little Scientists, Engineering students teaching Lego Robotics, and many more.
Meet Em Howell -
In this Facilitator Spotlight we bring you an interview with Em Howells - a JMSS Alumni, Monash Student, and facilitator of two different CCR Subjects.
Tell us a little bit about why you decided to apply to JMSS when you were in School, and what you thought you wanted to do for a career at that point in time (Year 10)?
“...I have always had a passion for science since I was a little kid. I really wanted to expand this further and have access to the amazing facilities at JMSS and Monash….I really loved IT and the creative side of design. I took every single computing elective and enjoyed JMSS' computing program.”
Did your career goals change before you graduated and if they did, what did you want to do instead and did you follow through with that career path?
“My idea of what I wanted to do changed A LOT. While I enjoyed the front end of programming, I wasn't so passionate about the back end side of things, which was a major part in the IT degrees I looked at. In year 12 I was heavily debated on whether to study Politics or Psychology. I ended up going with psychology and I'm absolutely loving it! ….. I am [now] in my third year of studying a Bach of Psychology (Honours) at Monash University.”
What was your favourite part of CCR when you were a student at JMSS?
“I absolutely loved expressing my creative side and learning things I never imagined I could at JMSS through CCR. It not only helped me build skills that I carried through high school and beyond but also played a crucial role in reducing my stress levels. This experience made me feel more connected to the JMSS community and positively impacted my mental wellbeing.”
Do you feel that you developed skills through the CCR program when you participated and have you continued to use these skills since graduating? What are they?
“CCR really helped me develop a wide range of skills, from getting more confident with programming to honing in on my photography skills…. I frequently apply the reasoning skills I've developed through my philosophy studies to my assignments and coursework. Additionally, my photography skills are something I utilise regularly”
What is the most unusual/unique skill that you developed during CCR? Is it a valuable skill? If yes, how?
“When I completed the photography elective, while sometimes we were able to capture things off campus, a lot of our time was spent at JMSS. The skill I developed was finding different ways to capture JMSS throughout the semester. While I definitely don't photograph JMSS anymore, it's nice to have (so so many) photos to look back on.”
What units do you teach/have taught? And what is your favourite aspect of teaching it/them?
“...[I currently teach] Leadership and The Yearbook Committee…
For Leadership, I love exploring various aspects of leadership that students might not have been aware of, such as how as leaders we need to be mindful of our own and others' mental health and using social media to enhance your leadership. I also enjoy sharing my lived experiences as a leader, from roles at JMSS that the students can relate to and to those outside of it, including at work and university. Additionally, I find great fulfilment in helping students grow confidence in their leadership skills…
[and] for the Yearbook Committee, I love helping students create a yearbook that serves as a legacy for that year in the school's history. It's rewarding to give them the creative freedom to explore their skills while also providing hands-on learning opportunities in teamwork, organisation, and relevant software. The entire process is both fun and reflective.”
Thanks to Em for agreeing to this interview.
If you will be starting Year 10 or 11 next year and are interested in knowing more about either of the subjects Em teaches, check out the subject descriptions below:
Leadership -
Join our Leadership Program and unlock your potential to lead in today’s world. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, you’ll explore vital leadership areas such as storytelling, character strengths, emotional intelligence, mental health and problem-solving. You’ll develop teamwork skills and learn to drive community action in fields like science and social media. The program also features insights from industry speakers, providing real-world perspectives to enhance your learning. This is your chance to grow into a confident, impactful leader who will continue to make a difference in JMSS and beyond.
Yearbook Committee -
Join our Yearbook Program and help create a lasting legacy at JMSS! Collaborate with your peers to design the theme, layout, and content of the yearbook. You'll have the creative freedom to decide what goes in, ensuring it reflects your unique high school experience. Along the way, you'll develop valuable design skills, master Canva software, develop your team-working skills and gain hands-on experience in project management. This is your chance to leave a mark on our school's history while learning and having fun. Be part of something special—join the Yearbook Program!
~ Abby Goff