Melanie Denney

Assistant Principal

Dear JMSS Parents, Carers and Students,

This week marks the end of busy Term 1, and I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of JMSS students and staff. The holidays provide a valuable opportunity for students to rest and recharge, which is essential to reducing mental fatigue and ensuring students return to school refreshed and ready for a productive Term 2. To help support this, teachers have been asked not to set any specific holiday homework. Some students may need to set aside a small amount of time to catch up on missed classwork, while others may want to reflect on their progress so far or prepare for the upcoming term. It is important that this is done with clear intention and in well-defined time frames, leaving space for relaxation and a break from the high cognitive load of term time. Staff will also be taking a break for the holidays, and will not be expected to respond to emails.

We were fortunate to have Dean of Health Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences at Monash University, Prof Wayne Hodgson, as our guest speaker at the most recent General Assembly. He gave insight into his pathway and shared some of his research areas in toxinology. 

I am handing over the reins of the next assembly to JMSS School Captains and Student Parliament. It will be a great opportunity to build community and for students to learn more about how to get involved in the range of student-led opportunities across the school. I know that they will do a fantastic job and will be well supported by staff and their peers.

On Monday, 16th March, I had the pleasure of attending the first String Soiree of the year. The audience was treated to a range of group and solo performances spanning a variety of musical genres. The JMSS music program is as strong as it has ever been, and I encourage everyone to get along to at least one of the music events over the year.

It was exciting to see one of our Year 10 students, Ethan, featured on the Australian Science Innovation Instagram feed. In 2025, Ethan attended the Junior Science Olympiad Spring School, an invitation extended to students who have excelled in the Big Science Competition and Junior Science Olympiad. We are proud to now have Ethan with us here at JMSS. 

Finally, I’d like to encourage parents and carers to attend the JMSS Parent/Carer event “Climate, Conversation and Community”, which will take place early in Term 2. It is the initiative of a few of our parents, and it would be wonderful to see it be embraced by our parent/carer community. You will need to get in quick, though. There are only 200 spaces available, and they are already filling fast! Please look for more information on Compass, and elsewhere in this Newsletter.

Wishing everyone a restful break filled with time to unwind, recharge, and reconnect.

Melanie Denney

Assistant Principal