Acting Assistant Principal Report 

Christopher Mann and Melanie Denney

Dear Parents and Students,

The conclusion of the school year has been both busy and rewarding for our dedicated staff and students. Following the Australian Science Fair on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of November, our Year 10 students enthusiastically participated in the annual Model United Nations Conference. This event saw all 200 students stepping into the roles of representatives from various Member States and Non-Governmental Organisations, engaging in spirited debates over a draft resolution concerning the protection and conservation of Antarctica. To facilitate the caucus sessions, a team of Year 12 students, including Tameem Alkhlawi, Mia Fenton, and Caitlin Carpenter, served as Secretary Generals for our Year 10 students.

Simultaneously, our Year 11 students embarked on the first-ever JMSS Moonshot Immersion Day. This immersive experience guided students through the intricacies of building a sustainable lunar base and navigating the challenges of lunar governance. Organised into groups representing National Space Agencies or Private Space Industries, students took on unique roles with special abilities and Lunar Objectives. The full-day program featured five distinct phases, requiring students to collaborate on selecting a lunar base location, building their base, drafting a Moon Constitution, ratifying it, and facing a simulated lunar emergency that demanded collective problem-solving skills.

Two groups of Year 11 students experienced different outcomes on this day. Under the guidance of Lunar Directors Luke Bohn and David Albrecht, one group navigated the complex relationship between private industry groups and National Space Agencies, capitalising on lunar resources. Unfortunately, the other group, under the guidance of Lunar Directors Chris Mann, Tom Bourke-Finn, and Judith Cohen, opted for a free-for-all approach to lunar resource access, leading to a catastrophic chemical reaction and an extinction-level event explosion. This immersive experience provided valuable insights into lunar exploration, emphasising the significance of cooperation, resource management, and the governance of our celestial neighbour.

Following these enriching experiences, all Year 10 and Year 11 students commenced the 2023 to 2024 Orientation Program. This program marked the beginning of their 2024 courses, showcasing the students' dedication and commitment to their studies even in the concluding weeks of the school year. JMSS was abuzz with learning and teaching, reflecting the positive atmosphere created by both students and staff.

During this period, while students were actively engaged in programs and orientation classes, our devoted staff were diligently preparing their final presentations for the Staff Development Plan goals. On Friday the 8th of December, these presentations were shared within faculty groups. Throughout the year, staff members collaborated in teams to enhance their teaching practices, with a continuous focus on improving student learning outcomes. The process of sharing strategies and insights proved highly successful and beneficial for all staff involved.

We extend our appreciation to both students and staff for their hard work and commitment throughout the year, making these programs and initiatives truly rewarding for the entire JMSS community. We look forward to the continued success and growth of our students and staff in the upcoming year.

Christopher Mann

Acting Assistant Principal