Principal Report

2025 SJRC Awards Evening & Art and Technology Showcase

Last Wednesday, our College community gathered to recognise excellence across all areas of learning and College life. Families and students enjoyed the impressive Art and Technology Exhibition, highlighting outstanding creativity in Visual Arts, Technology, Media, and Design.

I congratulate our high achievers for their consistent effort, determination, and growth throughout the year. It was also inspiring to see students shine through their creative performances — from the choir, dance troupe, and band to our Piano soloist Surkhab Judge performing ‘Drowning Love’. Incredible talent and performances.

Special congratulations to all award recipients, 2026 scholarship holders, and in particular, the recipients of the Fr. Gulen Scholarship, generously offered by the Hayek family in honour of Fr Gulen’s support when they first joined St John's over 30 years ago.

This year's recipient is Athyak Beung  (St Paul Apostle North Primary School).

We also congratulate Jessica Phan (Year 12), winner of the Br Amedy Prize for Art, who has additionally received second place in the SIS Art & Technology Exhibition — a wonderful recognition of her creativity and commitment.

The Principal's Encouragement Award was presented to Julia Mrukowicz, and we celebrate her exceptional growth and perseverance.

A night of this scale depends on many dedicated hands working behind the scenes. I extend our sincere thanks to Ms Chase, Ms Bielinski, Mr Van Es,  Ms Phillips, and the outstanding Art and Technology team — Ms Aldis, Mr Diab, Ms Espinoza, Ms Cardinaletti, Mr Bailey, Mr Naidoo, Mr Williams, Miss Stevenson, and Mr Boswell — for their leadership, planning, and creativity.

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program – Melbourne University

We are delighted to announce that one of our exceptional Year 10 students has been selected for the prestigious Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. This two-year initiative immerses high-achieving students in university life, offering academic enrichment, leadership growth, and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers — all designed to support their transition from school to university.

We are incredibly proud of our successful applicant and look forward to seeing the heights she will undoubtedly reach. I congratulate Mounika Surendra Babu on being awarded the Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship.

Presentation Sisters’ Bursary

This year, Catholic schools across Victoria commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Presentation Sisters' arrival — a legacy marked by compassion, justice, and service to those most in need. To honour this milestone, the Presentation Scholarship Trust awarded a special $10,000 bursary to students who reflect these values in their learning and leadership.

St John’s was honoured to welcome Ms Anne Young, Mission Co-ordinator for the Presentation Sisters and long-time friend of our College, who attended our Awards Night to present the bursary certificate formally.

We are delighted to congratulate Year 11 student, Maryrose Amituanai, who was recognised as a recipient this year. Maryrose’s quiet strength, generosity of spirit, and commitment to community reflect the Presentation charism in action, and she is a worthy ambassador of this special award.

We congratulate Maryrose on this achievement and thank the Presentation Sisters for their continued support of young people and Catholic education in Victoria.

Condolences – Fr Michael Shadbolt

We offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Fr Michael Shadbolt, former Canonical Administrator of St John's and long-serving Parish Priest at Holy Family, Doveton. Fr Shadbolt was a wonderful supporter of our College and a faithful servant to our community.

His funeral will be held at St Gerard's in Dandenong North this Friday. We give thanks for his life of service and pray that he rest in peace.

We pray:

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Master of the Universe, hear our prayers; we make them in confidence forever and ever.

Amen.

Year 7, 2026 Orientation

Today, Tuesday, 9 December, we are welcoming our incoming Year 7 students for their 2026 Orientation Day. This important experience offers students a positive first step into secondary school life — meeting their teachers, connecting with student leaders, and becoming familiar with the learning spaces and facilities that will soon become part of their daily routine.

My thanks to our Year 7–9 Engagement Leader, Ms Fraraccio, for her planning and preparation in creating a warm and engaging welcome. We are excited to greet the newest members of St John’s and begin their journey as part of our community.

Reports

Semester 2 reports will be emailed to parents next week. I extend my appreciation to our teaching staff for providing students with detailed feedback across various assessment tasks. Summer break is a wonderful time to recharge the batteries and spend time with family and friends. It is also time to spend in preparation for 2026 by reflecting on this year's learning goals and setting new ones for next year. I encourage parents to spend time reviewing the reports with their children, discussing the feedback provided, and collaboratively identifying goals for the upcoming school year.

Shared Stories Anthology 2025 – "Celebrate"

This year, St John's proudly contributed to the Shared Stories Anthology alongside more than 25 Catholic schools across Melbourne. The theme "Celebrate" marked 20 years of this wonderful initiative, showcasing student creativity and voice through visual art, poetry, and short stories.

I extend my sincere thanks to Ms Anne Aldis, Mr Nathan Goicoa, Miss Grace Stevenson, and our English and Art teaching teams for supporting this project and guiding students in bringing their ideas to life. Congratulations to the following students whose work was selected for publication in the 2025 anthology:

Vicenta Mussons Moya (Year 9)                                         Charlotte O’Loughlin (Year 7)

Niral Khakurel (Year 7)                                                           Victor Abbasi (Year 8)

Amylee Taing (Year 8)                                                            Mylah Fox (Year 8)

MJ Meunier (Year 8)                                                               Emma Dawson (Year 10)

Anzelia Fernandez (Year 10)                                                Vethu Piyadigamage (Year 9)

Sithika Silva (Year 9)                                                               Hania Rezaee (Year 9)

Alana Buljubasic (Year 7)                                                      Jireh Chadwick (Year 7)

Desika Ganesan (Year 10)                                                    Matea Dujic (Year 10)

Christa Biju (Year 9)                                                                Quaratullane Ali (Year 12)

Final Christmas Mass & End-of-Year Assembly

Last Friday, our College community gathered for our final school Mass — a wonderful way to close the year and prepare for Christmas. I extend our sincere thanks to Fr Joby for celebrating with us and for his ongoing ministry at St John's. His regular Friday morning Masses offer a beautiful space for prayer and reflection, and we encourage students and staff to take up this opportunity in 2026.

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

A group of senior students recently attended the Australian Catholic Youth Festival alongside Miss Simon, Mr Joshua, Ms Bradley and Mr Sirriani. This national gathering brought together thousands of young Catholics for celebration, learning, faith, and leadership. Our senior students shared their reflections with the community at our final mass, passionately expanding on how this experience deepened their faith and inspired their journey.

African Youth Alliance – Homework Club

Throughout the year, students involved in the African Youth Alliance Homework Club have engaged in leadership and creative projects including fashion design, a student-run soccer tournament, and original song writing and performance. On Monday night, they presented their projects to a range of peers, families, and staff. Their presentations were outstanding, and we applaud their initiative and growth. The Homework Club will continue in 2026, offering more students the chance to participate in these valuable leadership opportunities.

Lasallian Cambodian Immersion

I also acknowledge our staff and students returning from the Cambodian Immersion at our partner school, La Salle Pouthum near Phnom Penh. Over the past two weeks, they have taught English, supported local students, and personally delivered the funds raised by our community. I received a moving letter of gratitude from the school's Principal, Br Joseph, which Ms Farraccio — a long-time visitor to this community — read on their behalf at our final assembly. Our patrons would be immensely proud of the way our students and staff are living out our mission and making a meaningful difference in others' lives.

Farewells and Blessings

As we conclude the year, we also farewell staff members who are retiring or moving to new chapters beyond St John's. We thank them for their service, their care for students, and the lasting contribution they have made to our College community. May they carry our gratitude with them, and may God bless them in the journey ahead.

Retiring

Ms Janine Misso — 31 years of devoted service in our College Library and the CLC

Mr Joe Sirianni — 26 years of commitment to Languages and Religious Education

Ms Priya Cardinaletti — 22 years of dedicated service in the Arts & Technology Learning Area

Moving to New Schools

Ms Janine Bingham — 28 years moving to Salesian College

Mr Greg Van Es — 12 years moving to St Francis Xavier, Beaconsfield Campus

Ms Shiny Pereira – moving to Mercy College Mount Lilydale

Ms Mercy Jepkosgei – moving to Aquinas College Ringwood

Mr Nathan Goicoa – moving to John Paul College Frankston

Mr Gia Trinh

Mr Kevin Joshua

Ms Ruth Noronha

Ms Sophie Farrell

Mr Rion Morgan

Office Hours

The College Office will close for the Christmas Holidays on 19 December at 12 noon and will reopen at 8 am on 19 January 2026.

Merry Christmas

May this Christmas season bring peace, hope, and renewal to every family in our community. We look forward to welcoming students back for an exciting 2026.