Principal Report

Student Leaders for 2026

I am delighted to announce our College Captains for 2026: Alexis Jackson and Ralph Buela, along with our Faith & Mission Captains, Lena Finau and Mher Annayan. These students have already demonstrated passion, commitment, and integrity throughout their journey at St John’s, and we look forward to seeing them lead and serve our community in the year ahead.

I also wish to commend all students who applied for these leadership roles. Their willingness to step forward reflects the strong student voice we value at St John’s and their generosity in aspiring to be servant leaders in the footsteps of our founders, Venerable Nano Nagle and St John Baptist de La Salle.

On behalf of staff and students, I warmly congratulate our new leaders and look forward to the positive impact they will make as they represent their peers and embody the values of St John’s in 2026.

Staffing News

Acting Principal

I will be on Long Service Leave from 30 September to 9 October. During this time, Mr Greg Van Es, Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing, will serve as Acting Principal. Mr Nigel Adkin will step into the role of Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing. I look forward to reconnecting with staff, students, and families upon my return in the second week of Term 4.

Maternity Leave

I advise that Ms Emily Dias, has commenced maternity leave on Monday, 15 September, as she and her husband Andrew await the arrival of their third child. I wish them every blessing during this joyous time.

In Ms Dias’ absence, Ms Adele Bellizia and Ms Mel Haider will share responsibilities for term 4 , as the Vocational Major Learning Leader.

Sick Leave

Please keep Ms Newman and Ms Beus in your thoughts and prayers as they recover from extended sick leave. We look forward to welcoming them back in Term 4.

Year 7 Reflection Day

On Tuesday, our Year 7 students took part in their Reflection Day, centred on the theme Building Community. Through small-group sharing and input from the Lasallian Youth Retreat Team, students explored how each of them plays a role in shaping a community built on faith, friendship, and respect.

The day was a wonderful opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and deepen their understanding of what it means to belong to and contribute to our St John’s community.

A special thank you to Mr Joshua, Ms Farrell, Ms Fraser, Ms Kintzel, Ms Kydas, and the Lasallian team, along with our dedicated RE teachers, for guiding and supporting our students throughout the day.

First Government Primary School Taster Day

We were proud to host our very first Government Primary School Taster Day at St John’s, giving local students the chance to experience life as a secondary student in our vibrant community.

Throughout the day, students took part in a range of engaging activities, including STEM challenges, sporting sessions, and Food Technology workshops, each designed to showcase the learning, teamwork, and opportunities that make St John’s a dynamic place to grow.

This exciting initiative is part of our commitment to welcoming families from across the Dandenong region and helping students discover the pathways and experiences that await them at St John’s.

I extend my thanks to the dedicated staff who facilitated the engaging sessions ; Ms Ferreyra-Bas, Mr Colvin , Mr Bowler  , Ms Haider and Mr Vanderlaan 

I encourage any family  considering enrolment to book a College Tour or speak with our Registrar Ms Helen Phillips to learn more about the opportunities available at St John’s.

Congratulations – ACU Step Up Program

We are delighted to congratulate Year 11 student, Alvin Sem, who achieved an exceptional 94% in his Sports Science subject through the Step Up Program at Australian Catholic University (ACU).

The Step Up Program provides senior secondary students with the opportunity to complete first-year university subjects while still at school. This unique experience allows students to challenge themselves academically, gain a real sense of university learning, and even earn credits that can contribute to their future tertiary studies.

Alvin’s outstanding result is a reflection of his dedication, talent, and commitment to his studies. We are very proud of his success and look forward to seeing more St John’s students embrace this exciting opportunity with ACU in the years ahead.

Congratulations – Intermediate Soccer Team District Champions!

We are proud to celebrate the success of our Intermediate Soccer Team, who went through their tournament undefeated and claimed the District Championship with a nail-biting 1–0 penalty shootout victory over Rowville Secondary College last Thursday.

This result is not only a credit to the skill, determination, and teamwork of our students but also a great testament to the growth of our St John’s Sports Academy, which continues to nurture excellence in both football and basketball.

Congratulations to the players and coaches on this fantastic achievement — we look forward to even more success as our Sports Academy goes from strength to strength.

End of Term: Parent–Teacher Interviews

It was wonderful to see so many parents attend our Parent–Teacher Interviews alongside their children at the end of Term 3. These conversations are an important opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate growth, and consider the next steps in learning.

The feedback provided by teachers plays a vital role in helping students set clear goals for Term 4. For our Year 12 students in particular, the guidance received will be invaluable as they prepare for their final exams and the transition beyond secondary school.

We thank all parents, students, and staff for their commitment to making these interviews such a valuable part of our learning partnership at St John’s.

MACSSIS – Surveys

Thank you to the many parents who completed the MACSSIS survey over the past few weeks. I am very grateful for the time and thought you devoted to sharing your feedback, which is invaluable in strengthening our school community.

The MACSSIS surveys, designed specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne and delivered through a secure platform by ORIMA Research Pty Ltd, invited participation from students, families, and staff. This ensured that a wide range of voices contributed in a confidential and respectful manner.

The feedback we received from parents, staff, and students will now be carefully analysed and used to guide our ongoing improvement efforts. In particular, it helps us to better understand how members of our community experience learning, teaching, and school life, so that we can continue to grow and enhance the opportunities we provide at St John’s.

Year 12 – Trial Examinations

As the September break approaches, our Year 12 students will be undertaking their Trial Exams. These assessments are an important step in preparing for the VCE exams in November, providing students with the opportunity to refine their revision strategies and build confidence under exam conditions. With only six weeks remaining in their final year, now is the moment for students to consolidate their learning and maximise their preparation. The School Library will be open throughout the holidays to support senior students in their study and revision.

Holiday Blessings

As Term 3 draws to a close, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all members of our staff — both teaching and non-teaching — for their tireless efforts and commitment to supporting our students. Their dedication continues to enrich the life of our College and ensures that every student is given the opportunity to thrive.

I also wish all members of our community ,  a safe and restful holiday. Hopefully all will have the opportunity to recharge, reconnect with loved ones, and return ready for the opportunities and challenges of Term 4.

As a Lasallian and Presentation community, we are reminded that rest is not simply a pause from work, but a gift from God — a time for renewal, reflection, and gratitude. May these holidays bring peace, joy, and hope to you and your families.

Blessings to all.