Jeremy Mackinnon

Assistant Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

One of my highlights of the year occurs late in Term 1 each year - The Year 12 Formal. This year's event was a huge success. We tried a new venue, Merrimu Receptions, and were very impressed. But more impressive was how the students embraced the occasion. All the students dressed immaculately, and there were many (many, many) photos taken throughout the night, plus great food and great dancing. Seeing the students make the most of the opportunity to have fun is always so pleasing! I want to thank the Formal Committee, who did an excellent job organising the event.

We recently had Parent-Teach-Student Conferences in which teachers provided feedback on each student's progress. I hope students take the holidays to reflect on their progress, consider the advice they received, and think about what behaviours they need to keep doing, stop doing and start doing. I would again like to refer to a fantastic school resource, JMSS Pro Tips. This website is a school resource that JMSS staff have built to enable students to be their best academically. I want to draw your attention to the Strategies for Success page, which has fantastic resources on everything from sleep habits to study habits!

I want to encourage families with health care cards to apply for CSEF (Camps, Sports & Excursions Funding - the application link is further in the newsletter). Over time, JMSS does accrue unused CSEF, which the school uses to support families with financial difficulties. John Monash Science School understands that some families may experience financial difficulty and offers a range of support options, including:

● Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)

● State Schools Relief for school uniform

● JMSS Opportunity Fund for supporting students to access various opportunities

For a confidential discussion about finances, contact the school's Business Manager.

Finally, I wish to remind everyone of several important contacts over the holiday period. If anyone is experiencing significant distress, don't hesitate to get in touch with any of the organisations below;

Have a fantastic break, and remember to take the opportunity to do something fun! 

I look forward to seeing all the students in a couple of weeks.

Jeremy Mackinnon

Assistant Principal