Principal's Report

Project Dream –

Young Leaders Program 

In the week prior to school commencing I attended the launch of Project Dream at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren. Project Dream is a leadership program facilitated by African Youth Alliance involving four ex-students from St John’s Regional College, Kalows Abdalla, Daniel Olasoji, Atem Lia and Jeremy Nyerenyere. The leadership program is aimed at young people between the ages of 16-23 and comes to life this year through the City of Casey at the Selandra Rise Community Centre. The program includes topics such as: Mental health and well-being, Physical Health and nutrition, Personal Development and Financial Literacy amongst others. These four young men are still at university and it is inspiring leadership they are demonstrating to our students in their actions  giving back to our local community. Over the course of this year they have worked with our 2020 senior student leaders in the development of their goals and skills and will return during the school year to assist our Middle School Leaders.

Student Leadership Dinner

On Thursday 20 February, the student leaders, their families and their leadership mentors gathered to celebrate their investiture and to begin their journey of servant leadership for 2020. The student leaders prepared a video for the audience outlining their goals and the values and beliefs that they hold about leadership. They were also able to hear from our special guest Ms Gabrielle Williams, the State Member for Dandenong, and the Minister for Women, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Minister for Youth.  Ms Williams spoke about the importance of community leadership and encouraged our young people to continue to be courageous and take on leadership roles when they leave school as our communities always need good leaders who are prepared to serve their communities.

I thank Mr Van Es, Ms Goodwin, Chef Van Der Laan and the Hospitality team for their preparation of the night and our staff who will act as Leadership Mentors and work closely with our Student Leaders throughout the year.

Year 7 Camp

Our Year 7 Students enjoyed a wonderful three days at Adanac Camp near Yarra Junction last week. The weather was perfect, and our students participated in several activities including archery, kayaking, volleyball and rock climbing in this beautiful bush setting amongst other activities.  I acknowledge the work of Ms Sue Keel the House Leader who organised the camp and the staff attendees who made these three days a great transition for our students into St John’s.

College Board News

I inform the College Community that the Chair of the College Board, Ms Kellie Walden resigned from the College Board for work reasons. I wish to thank Kellie for her leadership of the College Board over the last three years as Chair and five years as a Board Member. She has always been a generous supporter of the College and been instrumental in the refurbishing of school facilities, through the planning and development of the school’s masterplan. Kellie will be formally acknowledged for her contribution to St John’s Regional College at the Board and Staff Dinner in August of this year. Recommendations that Board Members, Mr Andrew Schoenmaekers and Mr Tony Biviano be appointed Chair and Deputy Chair of the College Board will be considered by the Association of Canonical Administrators next week.

Ash Wednesday

Next week students and staff will gather in House groups to mark the beginning of the 40-day Lenten period with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Concluding on Easter Sunday this is a period reflection and contemplation where we focus on the purpose and meaning of our relationship with God. On Ash Wednesday our foreheads will be marked with ashes and we hear the words “Remember you are dust and unto dust you shall return “. This reminds us that as life passes away on Earth, the gift of eternal life has already been shared with us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Lent is a period where we reflect on our life’s journey and God’s gentle but persistent call to return to Him, joining with Him for all eternity.

St John’s School Tours -

Enrolment Applications for 2021 and 2022

Our first open morning of the year took place on Thursday morning with a number of parents and new families taking the opportunity to hear from senior staff and take a tour of the student facilities with our middle school leaders.

Each term we will conduct two open mornings with a focus on 2021 and 2022 enrolment information and parents can book a place by contacting our College reception on 8793 2000 or via the try bookings link on our school website.

All enquiries are to be directed to our school Registrar Ms Symone Goodwin.

Gala Soccer Day

On 18 March, St John’s Regional College will be staging a Gala Soccer day with all of our Primary Feeders Schools participating. Facilitated by our VCAL students and The Australian Football Co, the tournament will involve both boy and girl teams on our new synthetic soccer pitch playing for the Paul Wade Trophy. Paul Wade is an ex-student of St John’s Regional College and former Captain of the Australian Soccer Roo’s. Paul has kindly accepted the invitation to present the wining teams with their trophies on the day.