News and Excursions

Happy 2026 Principal’s Day JMSS principals

Happy 2026 Principal’s Day to Mr Chisholm, Dr Denney, and our Acting Principal, Mr Mann. A special mention to Mr MacKinnon as well. We hope you are enjoying your well-deserved long service leave.

Thank you all for your hard work and leadership. You help everyone stay in tune, support our students when they need guidance, and bring together the many talented staff who make JMSS the wonderful school community it is.

~ Yao Cheng

Stem Snippets - Tuesday 11 August

STEM Snippets was delivered by Alyssa Fjeld from the Monash School of Biological Sciences on Tuesday 11 August.

Alyssa is a PhD Candidate from the US, studying palaeobiology at Monash University. She specialises in invertebrate animals from the early Cambrian (how did ancient bugs grow their bodies?), and science communication.

The Flinders Ranges: What can we learn about animals from very old rocks?

Australia is home to some amazing fossil animals, from the very recent to the very ancient. In the heart of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, the rocks preserve the earliest history of animal life on our planet. What can these strange early "blobs, bugs and slugs" tell us about the nature of animal evolution? How do scientists learn about palaeoenvironments?  And how do we work together to protect amazing places like this?

~ James Driscoll

Recognising Community Contribution: Advik Palta

Congratulations to Advik Palta, who was nominated for the 2026 Nillumbik Young Citizen Award as part of the annual Nillumbik Community Awards.

The awards celebrate individuals and community groups whose service, leadership and commitment help strengthen the Nillumbik community. While Advik was not the recipient of this year's award, being nominated is itself meaningful recognition of the positive contribution he is making beyond school.

Advik's nomination highlighted his involvement in STEM mentoring, youth leadership and volunteer programs, as well as his efforts to help young people develop confidence and skills while encouraging cultural understanding and collaboration. His achievements across science and technology were also recognised alongside his commitment to supporting others.

We congratulate Advik on this well-deserved nomination and are pleased to see a JMSS student being recognised for using his interests, skills and leadership to make a positive contribution to the wider community.

~ Chris Mann

2026 Science Immersion Day - Biology