Andrew Chisholm
Principal
Dear Parents and Students,
The end of term 2 has seen the conclusion of a typically dynamic period of learning, immersions, events and activities that have characterised the second half of the term. Since the last newsletter this has included the mid-year assessment period that finished last week, including the GAT with 440 students sitting, and test and exam-based assessments in all subjects. The feedback from these assessments will be included in mid-year reports being published at the end of term 2 and also on Canvas.
The second half of term 2 has seen many highlights, Michael Tikhanov journeyed to Canberra to be presented with his Australian blazer after being selected for the Australian Physics Olympiad team. Michael competed in the Asian Physics Olympiad in Busan where he received a silver medal. Michaels is second student from the right in the photo below.
Darren Liu, Jacob Poon and Ryan Wee (pictured below) received distinctions in the Singapore International Maths and Computational Challenge (SIMC), placing them just behind the winners: the Korean Science Academy from South Korea. Ryan Wee is also about to fly to Zurich as part of the Australian Team in the International Young Physicists competition (IYPT).
All of our Year 10 students were also fortunate to experience a range of practical laboratory activities within the biomedicine faculty at Monash University last week. These activities included exercises related to cancer identification, vaccine development and human physiology that are unique to JMSS and exemplify the strong relationships existing with faculties within the University. Later this year all Year 11 students will do immersions into the Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science Faculties at the University.
Looking to Term 3
Term three begins on Monday July 13th and is a 10-week term. Harmony Day is on day 2 of Term 3 on Tuesday July 14th. This day once again will be a whole school celebration of all of the cultures that make up the JMSS community. On Thursday 16th July all year 10 students have an immersion into the Science faculty. Students have selected the schools in the faculty that they will attend and the events will soon be on compass.
Jeremy Mackinnon will be on Long Service Leave in Term 3 and at the start of Term 4 and Chris Mann will step into Jeremy’s role as Assistant Principal in charge of student empowerment and wellbeing for this period. Replacing Chris as Head of Humanities will be Judith Cohen.
The first few weeks of Term three sees information nights for students and parents of all year levels as we look towards course selection and Tertiary pathways for 2027.
Communication
Unfortunately for many families, there have been circumstances in term 2, such as illness, caring responsibilities, and bereavements, that have impacted a student’s ability to sit assessments at the scheduled time or perform to their best. For students in year 11 and 12 VCAA rules are very strict around the evidence required for assessments to be moved, however if there are circumstances that might negatively impact a students performance in these assessments it is important that the VCE team, House leaders and Assistant Principal Dr Denney are aware of these circumstances as schools do have the discretion to make some adjustments to the testing regime or final assessment calculations. Giving the VCE team and House Leaders early warning about an event or set of circumstances where possible will allow us to better support your student.
REx
The last week of Term has seen 20 students from 20 different regional schools across the state base themselves at JMSS to complete an intensive week of science-based activities at JMSS, Monash Tech School and in the University. These students from schools such as Rainbow P-12, Kaniva SC, Wedderburn P-12, Yarrawonga P-12, Irymple SC, Kerang Tech/High, Mirboo Nth, St Arnaud SC, Edenhope P-12, Cobram SC, Myrtleford P-12, Ballarat High, Maffra SC, Alexandra SC, Mansfield SC, and Bairnsdale SC. These students have been supported by some excellent JMSS buddies in John Wang, Manasvi Vasipalli, Anesha Narwal, Andy Zeng, Neha Ravi Shankar and Sanaa Chopra.
Tax Time
With the end of the financial year approaching a quick reminder that donations to the JMSS Building Fund and the JMSS Library Fund are tax deductible. These two funds have allowed many important projects to be completed including wellbeing spaces, outdoor kitchen and a canteen upgrade. Notices have been put on compass about how to make contributions and also how to access contribution receipts.
VCAA Survey: 2026 Have your say on VCE Studies consultation survey
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority is asking for feedback about VCE study designs and assessment. There is a letter from Dr Sean Butler from VCAA and a link to the survey in this newsletter. The survey closes on August 10th.
To ensure we maintain rigorous standards and a coherent, student-centred approach, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is seeking feedback from key stakeholders through the 2026 Have your say on VCE Studies consultation survey.
We value the input from diverse voices across the education sector and encourage students, teachers, parents and carers, education providers, subject associations, industry representatives, community groups and other interested stakeholders to complete the survey. The survey takes approximately 5 - 10 minutes to complete and invites feedback on the VCE study designs as part of our ongoing monitoring and evaluation of VCE studies.
Feedback gathered through the survey will form part of the evidence base for any future review of VCE studies.
The survey is anonymous and will close on Monday 10 August.
The survey can be accessed at Consultation survey: 2026 Have your say on VCE Studies.
Letter from Dr Sean Butler from VCAA:
I am looking forward to seeing all of our students back at JMSS on Monday July 21st refreshed and ready to hit Term 3 with enthusiasm.
Have a great break
Kind Regards,
Andrew Chisholm
Principal