Principal's Report

Archbishop Peter Comensoli

We congratulate Bishop Peter Comensoli who will be installed as the ninth Archbishop of Melbourne on 1 August. He has been serving as the third Bishop of Broken Bay in New South Wales, and we are fortunate that he has accepted our invitation to celebrate the Mass of the Assumption at St John’s Regional College.

Parishioners who would like to join in this celebration, which will take place on Wednesday 15 August 2018 in the Bro Leo Scollen Stadium at 11.30am, should contact Ms Symone Goodwin via reception or email on sgoodwin@sjrc.vic.edu.au 

Masterplan Update

The Planning and Building Permit for our Administration refurbishment has been granted by the Dandenong City Council. This commences the tender process with construction to begin before the end of term 3.

The Stage 1 sports precinct redevelopment application is still with the City of Dandenong and we hope to begin construction of our new sports facilities in term 4 of this year.  

College Assembly

Our College Assembly held last week was a great celebration of student’s achievements over the course of semester one. Over 60 parents joined us for the celebration assembly. Our assemblies are very much student lead and provide the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and be acknowledged for a whole range of achievements including academic, sport, leadership and cultural. At this assembly, we were fortunate to have Lasallian Br Joe talk about our history as part of our 60th Year celebrations as well as several ex-students now at University talk about their journey and what St John’s had helped them to achieve.

A highlight of this assembly was the presentation by Leonis Student Leader Kuangchoi Noi. Kuangchoi spoke passionately about the way young people from South Sudan are portrayed in the media. He wholeheartedly expressed if students continued to work hard they could determine their own path in life much like former refugee Deng Thiak  Dut who is now is a defence lawyer and refugee advocate in Western Sydney. His speech was well received by both students, staff and parents.

2019/2020 New Enrolments Morning Tour - 9 August 

Our next open morning of the term will take place on Thursday 9 August. Parents will have the opportunity to hear from senior staff and take a tour of the student facilities with our middle school leaders.

At our last Enrolment Evening on the 28 June over 60 people took up the opportunity to tour St John’s with our Student Leaders climaxing with a light supper in our Graduates' Restaurant provided by our Hospitality students. 

Each term we will conduct two Open Mornings with a focus on 2019/2020 enrolment information and parents can book a place by contacting our College reception on 9791 3366.

Presentation Ball

On the Friday 10 August, a number of Year 11 students will be involved in our 2018 Presentation Ball, held at the Grand on Cathies in Wantirna South.

I thank the Parents and Friends Association for the time and effort they have put into this event for our young people. I know this will be one of the more memorable events from their time at St John's. This event presents a wonderful opportunity for students to have fun, learn how to dance and practise the social etiquette required in this more formal environment.

Parents and Friends Fundraising Goal Achieved

I would like to thank the Parents and friend’s Association on the purchase of a mini-bus for St John’s.

Over the last few years, the focus of the Parents and Friends fundraising through the Presentation Ball has been to achieve this goal and now our students and staff will have the benefit of this vehicle for a range of excursions and extra-curricular activities.

I particularly thank our president Julia Taylor and her committed team members Susan Hannan, Cathy Pascal, Renata Johnston, Vlasta Boscolo, and Linda Molinaro. I also take this opportunity to invite any parents wishing to be part of the Parents and Friends Association to come along to the next meeting which takes place on 14 August at 7.30pm in the Contemporary Learning Centre.

Futures Expo

Our Careers Advice and Subject Selection Evening  “The Futures Expo “ took place on Wednesday 1 August in the St Paul Apostle Centre.

Families and students were able to access Experts from a variety of Universities and TAFE as well as our own teaching staff on subject selection and pathways through senior school and beyond.

The evening is designed to provide students and their families with valuable information that will assist them in the selection of subjects for their future pathways. 

Tim Hogan, Principal