Principal Report

Catholic Education Week 2025

From Sunday, 16 March, to Sunday, 23 March, St John's Regional College joined Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne in celebrating Catholic Education Week 2025. This annual celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on our Catholic identity, our role in the local community, and the collective strength of Catholic education.

The 2025 theme, 'Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you' (Isaiah 60:1), was inspired by the Holy Year of Jubilee and the Australian Catholic Youth Festival theme—Pilgrims of Hope. It encouraged our community to embrace faith, hope, and spiritual renewal.

Throughout the week, students at St John's engaged with our Catholic heritage through short films in the library, which explored the lives and contributions of our newly named House Patrons. In addition, our senior student leaders proudly represented the College at a special Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral, joining peers from across Melbourne to honour our city's rich tradition of Catholic education.

Harmony Day 2025

On Thursday, 20 March, St John's Regional College celebrated Harmony Day under the national theme "Where everyone belongs." This important event, held during the week of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, affirmed our school's ongoing commitment to inclusivity, respect, and the inherent dignity of every person.

Our Vocational Major students, guided by Ms. Dias and her team, planned and delivered a vibrant day filled with cultural celebration and community spirit. Activities included sporting events, food stalls featuring international cuisine, a colourful cultural fashion parade, and student performances that showcased our community's diverse heritage.

The day's highlight was our school assembly at 10:00 am, which focused on Greek culture. This included an engaging and informative presentation by guest speaker Demetrius Mousaferiadis, who captivated the audience with his insights into Greek dance and culture.

Students and staff wore a wide range of colourful cultural attire, reinforcing our message of unity in diversity and the beauty of our multicultural school community.

2025 SJRC House Athletics Championship

Under beautiful skies, we held our annual Athletics Carnival this week at Casey Fields with great success! Columba claimed the Champion House Shield, while Leonis House took home the Shield for House Spirit.

I thank Sports Academy Leader Mr Ben McGee, the HPE staff, and all the students and staff for their dedication and participation. Their enthusiasm and school spirit made the day memorable for all.

Staffing Update 

I wish to advise the school community that the following staff members have recently resigned from the College to pursue new professional opportunities. I thank Mr Paul O'Loughlin and Ms Veronica Chia for their service to St John's and wish them well in the next stage of their careers. Recruitment is underway, and I welcome Ms Danielle Pais, who will replace Ms Veronica Chia at the commencement of Term 2 2025. ​

In addition, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Trung Huynh to the position of ICT Systems Administrator/Engineer. Trung will commence in his role on 1 April 2025, bringing valuable expertise and support to our IT team. He joins us with prior experience in systems administration at Monash University and International House, and we are confident he will substantially contribute to the continued development of our ICT infrastructure and services.

Long Service Leave 

I will be taking the first week of term two on Long Service Leave and Ms Kamila Bielinski will be Acting Principal in my absence.

SIS Big Night Out – A Spectacular Showcase of Performing Arts!

I invite all parents and families to join us for the SIS Big Night Out on Tuesday, 1 April, at the Drum Theatre.

This annual concert, hosted by the Southern Independent Schools Association, brings together talented students from 16 member schools to celebrate music, song, and dance.

Our own St John's School Choir and Contemporary Dance ensembles will perform alongside students from across the region in a wonderful display of creativity and collaboration.

It is always one of the most entertaining nights on the school calendar – and we would love to see you there!

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Partnering for Success

As we approach the end of Term 1, we invite all families to attend our upcoming Parent-Teacher Interviews next week. These conversations are a vital part of your child's learning journey and provide a valuable opportunity to connect with their teachers, reflect on progress, and plan for success in Term 2.

Your presence makes a difference. These interviews go beyond a simple progress update—they offer students, parents, and teachers a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate achievements, and identify specific areas for growth. Teacher feedback gathered during these sessions helps students set clear, achievable goals and stay motivated for the term ahead. I strongly encourage both parents and students to attend. 

CLC Open for Learning During School Holidays

Looking ahead to the school holidays, our Contemporary Learning Centre (CLC) will remain open from 9 am to 3:30 pm each day, providing a conducive environment for students to work on their homework or assignments for the upcoming term. This service is available to all students, offering them a supportive space to stay on top of their academic endeavours. Note that the CLC and School Office will close on the Public Holidays of Good Friday and Easter Monday. 

Wishing You a Joyous Easter Holiday

As we prepare for the Easter break, I wish all members of our school community a safe, joyful, and restful holiday. May this sacred season offer you time to reflect, reconnect with loved ones, and find renewal in the hope Easter brings. God Bless.