Principal's Report

Primary School Orientation Visit

Over the last few weeks, students from Year 7 and 9 have been returning to their primary schools to assist in the induction of our new Year 7 2019 students. Given the responsibility of explaining daily life at St John’s, our students shared their experiences with the audience of Grade 5 and 6 students with great confidence. I thank them for their willingness to serve our school and compliment them on the excellent leadership skills they are developing along the way.

St John’s student’s catch up with their former Principal Ms Anni Miers and staff from St Kevin’s at their recent orientation visit.

VCE Induction 

Next week we begin our Induction Program where all students from Year 10 and 11 will move up into the next year level and effectively start their 2019 curriculum program. This week is an important as it assists all of our VCE students in getting a head start and becoming familiar with what is required for their 2019 studies.

I wish to acknowledge and thank the Teaching and Administrative staff who have worked diligently over the last few months to ensure that timetables and programs are in place to maximise the learning of our students over the last few weeks of the school year.

Community Garden Underway

The construction of our Community Garden is underway with our aim to have all works finished by the end of term1, 2019. The Garden will provide fresh produce for our Restaurant, College Café and Food Technology classes next year and assist students in the development of their understanding of health, nutrition and sustainable agriculture. My thanks to the maintenance team for their professional work on this important school project.

Masterplan Update

The renovation of the De La Salle Building into an administration space is taking shape with an expected finish date of April 2019.  Newpol constructions have removed all classroom facilities from the first floor and are now constructing the framework for the design, which will include office space for administration and finance, a new Student Wellbeing Centre for counselling staff, sickbay and a staff lounge.

The De La Salle Building will continue to be the home of Delphinus and Phoenix House with student classes taking place on the Ground floor and second floor.

Cambodian Immersion

Next week we have seven senior students and two past students who are flying out to Cambodia alongside teachers Mr John Rhynehart  and Mr David Graham as part of our Immersion Program.  The group will run English classes for primary students in a De La Salle run school in the village of Poh Thom, outside Phnom Penh during their ten day stay.  The travelling team will also donate to the school the funds raised through the Trivia Night, car washes and many other activities in the second half of this year.

I thank our students and staff for the powerful example of how we can make a difference in our world. We pray for their safe journey and return in ten days time.

2018 Awards Night and Art and Technology Exhibition

I thank all those families, students and staff members who attended our 2018 Awards Night. It was the first time we incorporated the Arts and Technology Exhibition into the Awards evening and it  was pleasing to have so many families tour the outstanding student exhibits prior to the Awards Evening. 

I congratulate all those students who were acknowledged with awards, performed on the night or honoured with Student Leadership positions for next year. They are high achievers and deserve recognition for the consistent hard work they applying to their endeavours. There is a small but dedicated team who bring our Story of excellence to life at the awards evening  so I particularly wish to acknowledge, Mr Tim Lee, Ms Symone Goodwin, Mr Greg Van Es, Ms Janine Biggin, Mr Jonh Rhynehart and Mr Michael Perryman alongside our Arts & Technology team of  Ms Tania Robinson, Mr Aaron Bailey and Ms Anne Aldis.

SIS Art and Technology Exhibition

The Southern Independent Schools Association held the opening night of the annual Arts and Technology exhibition at the Cube Theatre in Frankston last Monday evening. Work from students across the entire member schools of the association were on display including work from some of our own very talented students.

I thank staff members Ms Tania Robinson, Ms Anne Aldis and Mr Aaron Bailey for their support and encouragement of our Arts and Technology students.

Fr Stephen - Our Guest

On Thursday of last week Fr Stephen, a Parish Priest from Brisbane who is visiting St Mary’s Parish,  came to St John’s to talk to a number of our Religious Education students. He shared some of the experiences from his own life, which have helped him to understand that a successful life is often built on the foundations of determination and hard work.

Fr Stephen’s enthusiasm and life lessons were well received by our students who appreciated taking time from his busy schedule to encourage them to strive for the stars.

Staffing News

I welcome new staff member to St John’s Regional College, Mr Brad Heeps. Brad will take on the administration role of Daily Organisation of the College. Formerly he was been involved in Sports Management with the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and prior to that over a decade of experience in Education, including eight years as Daily Organiser in a number of Secondary Schools across Gippsland. 

Baby News

I congratulate Mr Justin Summons and his wife Kate on the arrival of their beautiful baby daughter Isla Tallulah Summons. Weighing in at 3.9kg , Isla was born on the 28th of October and all are doing well.

Closing of Lasallian Foundation

To this newsletter I have attached a letter from Br David Hawke and the Chair of the Lasallian Mission Council , Mr Wayne Bull announcing the closure of the Lasallian Foundation. The Lasallian Foundation Board in light of the inability of the Foundation to secure sustainable funding to support its ongoing operations into 2019 and beyond has sadly reached this decision.