Peter Corkill

Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

It seems amazing we now find ourselves in September; the year has gone so quickly. With the onset of September Melbourne starts to wake from its winter slumber as Spring takes hold. You all know the story – footy finals grip the city, and then we are into the Spring Racing Carnival before you know it. The better weather, longer days and sunshine all have their positive effect on everyone, and it never fails to have a positive effect on schools. It is just the surge of energy we all need towards the end of a busy term. To that end I would encourage all of our students to make use of the sunshine, do some exercise and enjoy life outdoors after some bleak months. This will bring back your energy levels at a time when you most need them.

New Students to JMSS – Year 11

Term Three is probably our busiest term, and this one has certainly not failed to meet those expectations! One of the major processes undertaken is the selection of students for 2020. Here is summary of progress to date:

Around 35 students have accepted offers of a place in Year 11 next year. The three Principal Class Officers and Transition Co-ordinator Mal Anderson will meet these students and their families at an Information evening next Tuesday. Following this the students and their parents will attend Course Counselling sessions in the following week in order to select their courses, with their Orientation to JMSS beginning in Term Four with a full day in late November followed by two weeks of classes alongside our newly graduated students into Year 11 and 12 for next year.

Interstate and International Trips in Semester Two

JMSS is about to launch a number of further opportunities for trips overseas and interstate soon. My sincere congratulations to the students and staff who I am sure will represent the school with distinction:

• International Science Fair, Australian Science and Mathematics School, Adelaide, from June 18-23: Students attending are Jarrod Kiss, Zahra Mozaffari and Melika Modarresi, all from Year 10 and 11, to be accompanied by Sally Cheah-Johnson and Tom Bourke-Finn;
• Japan Super Science Fair, Ritsumeikan High School, Kyoto, Japan, from November 2–7: Students attending are being selected this week, and will be accompanied by Fiona Bui and myself;

We Betchya Didn’t Know That……Will Dunstan of Year 12 is a champion Fencer!

Fencing has been a constant staple in my life for as long as I have been alive. Both my parents began fencing over 20 years ago, so I was always surrounded by this unique and fascinating sport. I began at the age of 6 along with two other kids my age, and have now been fencing for almost 12 years.

What I love about the sport is the thrill of being in the moment. There is no sensation like being in the zone and getting the perfect hit. Fencing is anaerobic in nature, with short bursts of high intensity when engaging your opponent. It consists of 3 weapon disciplines, Foil, Epee and Sabre, each with their own rules.

My proudest achievement would be winning the Under 15 Australian Foil National Championship in 2016. I’ve also won the State Epee School’s League Championship twice for John Monash. After finishing high school I definitely intend to return to the National competitive field. It’s an incredible sport and I recommend to all!

Peter Corkill

Principal