Jeremy Mackinnon

Assistant Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

I want to acknowledge the effort of both staff and students during the term. Term 3 is always very demanding, with the challenge of completing many assessments in a relatively short period. Many staff and students also had bouts of sickness they had to contend with. Despite this, there were many highlights. Seeing so many of our students put their hands up to sit for academic competitions is always impressive. Term 3 contains them all: ICAS, Olympiads and Maths challenges! I love seeing how our students want to challenge themselves in these areas. 

There were also many individual highlights, with a few notable mentions: Raph Kempler on going to the Maccabi Snow Sports Competition and being talent-identified from the event and Graeme Delmenico for attending the Australian National Championships Inflatable Rescue Boats. It’s so important that students keep up their interests and pursuits outside of academia. Finally, in a similar vein, I would also like to acknowledge Bai Yang Pogo-Hill, who entered the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Competition. Bai Yang’s application and personal statement demonstrated his community focus and commitment to exploring Australia’s significant war and peacekeeping history, so much so that he is one of only 12 students to successfully obtain the opportunity to attend a ten-day study tour to Türkiye over the upcoming holidays. Congratulations, Bia Yang, on putting your hand up and being selected for such an incredible opportunity.

Student Leadership

At the end of Term 3 each year, the current leaders hand over the reins to the incoming leaders. This year’s student leaders have done an outstanding job and I have greatly enjoyed working with each of them. You all brought your A-game into the role, and the school is a better place because of you. I wish the outgoing leaders all the best in their continued growth and development as people and leaders.

I want to thank all the students who applied for a leadership position in 2025. The school has so many capable young people who, whether or not they have a badge in 2025, will be great leaders in their own right. Remember, a badge does not define you or disclude you from sharing your ideas, contributing and making JMSS an even better place.

Below are the Student Leaders for 2025.

School Captains:

Liam Noveloso

Kiana Pedram

Alicia Robinson

Anushka Yadav

House:

Blackburn Captains:

Roger Nguyen

Zimo Xie 

Vice 

Darren Liu

Rhea Fernandez

Doherty Captains:

Madeleine Lazzaro

Aidan Rhys Fernandes

Vice 

Valentina Huynh

Leah Vuong

Flannery Captains:

Mahta MORADIAMANI

Anul RATHNAYAKE

Vice 

Max ANQUETIL

Amelia KULIBABA

Wood Captains:

Navtej Singh

Isabella Tibos

Vice 

Brian Goh

Radha Buyya

Parliamentarians:

Year 11:

Dahamsa Molligoda

Mithuna Karthick

Rapha Kempler

Year 12:

Brendan Kang

John Ho

Gaby Ong

Portfolio

Art:

Jiana Cheruseril

Lucas Searle

Debating Captains:

Connor Russo 

Jill Xu

Music Captains:

Tom McRae

Rubette Wong-Vleeskens

Sport Captains

Clover Lazzaro

Mack O'Keeffe

Student Wellbeing Advocates:

Isabelle Goode

Winudi Wimalasekere

Jasper Francis

Prisha Singh

The end of term brings a welcome reprieve to many of our students. However, our Year 12s (and other students studying a Unit 3/4 Subject) have some work ahead as they prepare for their final exams. The holidays are a significant time to prepare for exams, which should be done logically and systematically. Students should listen to the advice given to them by their teachers first and foremost, as they know each student, as well as their strengths and areas to focus on. Students should go into the holidays with a clear plan of what they want to achieve and how they will achieve it. Students must balance this focused academic approach with appropriate downtime and enjoyable activities. Downtime helps students to recharge cognitively and makes their study time more effective and enjoyable activities are simply good for the soul. Parents/carers also play an important role over the remainder of the school year as approachable, empathetic, and observant adults. You need to gently navigate your child through this period with kindness and wisdom. Keep encouraging and supporting them. Understand what helps them be at their best and remind them they are loved… no matter what!

Finally, I wish to remind everyone of several important contacts over the holiday period. If anyone is experiencing significant distress, please contact any of the organisations below; 

I hope staff and students can enjoy a well-earned break.

Jeremy Mackinnon

Assistant Principal