Melanie Denney
Assistant Principal
Dear Students and Families,
It’s a busy time at JMSS as students across all year levels dive into their exams. This period not only allows students to showcase their learning but also offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on their growth and celebrate the progress they’ve made throughout the year. We particularly wish all the best to students completing their final Unit 3 and 4 exams at this time.
We’re thrilled to share that JMSS students achieved outstanding results in the 2025 Victorian Young ICT Explorers competition. Our students took out first and second place in the Year 9–10 division, and impressively swept the Year 11–12 division with first, second, and third place. You can read more about this incredible achievement in Dr Albrecht’s article featured in this newsletter.
Term 4 is packed with exciting events and milestones. We’ve already begun celebrating the JMSS Class of 2025, with their final General and House Assemblies held earlier this term. The Year 12-run final assembly was a highlight, showcasing the creativity, talent, thoughtfulness, and humour of our graduating students. We now look forward to their Graduation Celebration in the coming weeks.
For our Year 10 and 11 students, Course Confirmation is coming up from 17–19 November. All Year 10 students will be allocated an interview time. Year 11 students must respond to the Google Form sent by Mr Anderson by Tuesday, 11 November, to confirm their course selections or request an interview if changes are needed.
In the lead-up to the 2026 Orientation Program, students will take part in a dynamic alternative program. Highlights include:
- Year 10 UN Day
- Year 11 Global Challenges
- Year 10/11 Personal Development Day
- Intensive introduction to Year 12 2026 English (all English subjects)
- Year 12 2026 Mathematical Methods preparation
We’re especially excited about the Australian Science Fair, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. This year, we’ll welcome guests from regional Victoria, interstate, and Ritsumeikan High School in Japan. Students can look forward to a wide range of STEM activities, presentations, Engineering and Pharmaceutical Immersion Days (for Year 11), and an exhibition night. Please note: attendance is expected on all program days.
The Orientation Program, running from 1–9 December (or 10 December for students undertaking Year 12 Chemistry in 2026), marks the beginning of 2026 classes. Students will begin coursework immediately, so it’s important they come prepared to learn. While course placements will be set, class lists and teacher allocations may still be subject to change.
Melanie Denney
Assistant Principal