Year Advisors
Year 7
Year 7 have made a fantastic start to their high school journey at JJ Cahill Memorial High School, recently attending their school camp at The Tops Conference Centre, where students enjoyed a fantastic experience filled with team-building activities, fun challenges, and opportunities to form new friendships. Throughout the camp, students demonstrated resilience and courage, with many stepping outside their comfort zones to take on activities such as the giant swing and Leap of Faith, an incredible achievement to witness. It was wonderful to see students support one another, build confidence, and embrace new experiences. A big thank you to all the teachers who attended for their support and dedication, and to our Year 7 students for their enthusiasm and positive attitude, making the camp such a memorable and successful start to high school.
Mr. Taouk
Year 8
Another exciting start to the year for Year 8! With a calendar that has been chock full of learning opportunities, community activities, and growth and development, Year 8 has had an excellent start to 2026.
A number of year 8 students have been selected to take part in the RAISE Mentoring program, and on March 19, these students were introduced to Deb, who acts as a liaison between the students and the mentors. At this meeting students were able to ask questions about the program, and to get a feel for what will be offered to them. JJ has been partnered with RAISE for quite a number of years, and has seen success among the students who were selected to engage in the experience. RAISE is a youth mentoring program where volunteers connect with students on a one to one basis, one day a week, for Terms 2 and 3.
Our selected students will:
Develop stronger social skills
Build confidence and self-worth
Enhance their ability to seek help and assistance when it is needed
Continue to expand the skills they will find invaluable in broader society
I’m so very excited for those participants, as I have seen the impact it has had on our older/senior students.
In addition to RAISE, Year 8 set off to Stanwell Tops and had their first high school camp experience at The Tops Conference Centre. The bus left at around 10am on Wednesday 25 March, with 61 eager Year 7 and 8 students, who were buzzing with excitement for the activities over the following three days.
There was no shortage of variety for what the Tops offered our students in terms of activities. Students were able to engage in bubble soccer, giant swings, the “Leap of Faith”, drifter carts, a high ropes course, and designed their own bottle rockets that were launched into orbit. Many of our students benefitted greatly from their experiences, forming new friendships, strengthening old friendships, developing resilience, working collectively as a team, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, and displaying comradery to encourage and support one another.
A special thanks for the camp goes out to Mr Taouk, Ms McGill, Ms Kharitos, and Ms Kelly for all of their hard work, organisation, supervision, and leadership.
I’m very much looking forward to what Term 2 has planned for us. I can’t wait to be there alongside you Year 8, as we continue to tackle 2026 head on!
Mr. Pitt
Year 9
It has been a busy and positive start to the year for our Year 9 students.
This term, students approached NAPLAN with focus and maturity, demonstrating their commitment to doing their best. We commend the cohort for the way they prepared for and conducted themselves throughout the testing period.
We have also been delighted to welcome several new students into the Year 9 community. It has been wonderful to see how warmly they have been received, with many students going out of their way to offer support and friendship, helping them settle in quickly.
Another exciting milestone this term has been the commencement of elective classes. Students have embraced the opportunity to explore their interests, engage in new learning experiences, and begin shaping their individual learning pathways.
What has stood out most this term is the strong sense of community within Year 9. Students have consistently demonstrated kindness, inclusivity, and a genuine willingness to support one another. This positive culture has contributed to a welcoming and respectful environment where everyone feels they belong.
We look forward to seeing this momentum continue throughout the year.
Mr. Truss
Year 10
As we move through the term, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible ways our Year 10 students have embraced the school value of Opportunity. It’s inspiring to see so many of you actively participating in a wide range of initiatives, whether that’s joining knockout sporting teams, attending excursions, or getting involved in the numerous clubs running throughout the school. Your enthusiasm and commitment truly bring our school community to life.
I would also like to specially commend those students who have volunteered to present at our year meetings. Taking the chance to speak in front of your peers is a valuable skill, and your courage and dedication to developing these skills have not gone unnoticed.
Looking ahead to the upcoming holidays, I encourage all students to continue embracing opportunity by exploring the programs offered by Bayside Council. There are a variety of exciting activities and workshops available, and further details can be found on Google Classroom. This is a great chance to learn new skills, meet new people, and make the most of your break.
Keep seizing the opportunities around you!
Ms. Jessop
Year 11
This term has been a fantastic start to Year 11, with a remarkable growth in focus and dedication to learning in the cohort. School attendance has seen an improvement, and overall the cohort is seen to be embracing the new senior study journey together with positivity.
With Term 2 fast approaching, there have been some conversations about workload, expectations and continued commitment to learning. I highly recommend families to conduct conversations with their child regarding these themes, and in addition - developing goals together that are achievable and measurable. I wholeheartedly recommend families to work with our school’s Career Advisor Mr Pastore to create these goals that will provide every student in the year group a tailored goal that will best direct students to their future pathways.
I want to specifically thank the Year 11 students who have taken an active lead in the year group - both in being positive role models and also as voices representatives of the cohort. I formally highlight Ryan and Steven in their positive contributions to the school community and representing their peers in many aspects of schooling. Their leadership is apparent, visible and inclusive; and I am very proud to have Ryan and Steven to be the leaders of the cohort. In addition, many other students have taken leadership in their own ways, and participate in many opportunities at school out of their own initiative. This community leadership will further bolster the strength of the connections of the cohort, and uplift everyone together towards their journey in senior high school.
Mr. Nguyen
Year 12
Year 12 Leading the Way
It has been a fantastic start to the year for our Year 12 cohort, who are already demonstrating strong leadership, initiative, and a growing focus on preparing for university and life beyond school.
Students recently led their first fundraising event, taking ownership from start to finish and setting a positive tone for the year ahead. They also showed great initiative in creating our Harmony Day video, producing a final piece that celebrates the diversity and inclusivity of our school community.
Special Mentions
Mele, Aylin, and Sienna led our International Women’s Day assembly with grace, confidence, and poise.
Gabriel has shown great commitment through his involvement in both volleyball and soccer, while Myriam’s dedication across two volleyball teams is an impressive effort.
A number of Year 12 students have also been leading the charge in sport, guiding their teams through knockout competitions with determination and leadership.
Allira, Kian, Joyce, and Tevita have been making a meaningful impact working with students from Mascot Public School, sharing culture, movement, and connection. This is a fantastic example of leadership beyond our own school.
A further shoutout to Tom, who continues to represent the school across a wide range of sporting opportunities, demonstrating dedication and versatility.
It has been wonderful to see so many students stepping up across a range of areas, balancing their commitments while also beginning to focus on their futures beyond school.
I am excited to see what the rest of the year brings—and cannot wait for the final school photos to arrive!
Ms. Evans