Principal Report

 All Students return at last!

St John’s Regional College returned to normal on Wednesday when all year levels commenced face-to-face teaching for the first time since July 15 in Term 3.  Our students, with the support of their teachers, quickly adjusted back to old routines, reconnected with friends, and got down to work.

We are understanding that our students will have a range of emotions as they come back to school full-time.  Some will be excited to be here, others overwhelmed about catching the COVID-19 virus or anxious at being around large numbers of people after long periods of remote learning.  We have encouraged all students to talk about any concerns they may have with their Learning Mentors, House Leaders, teachers, and Wellbeing staff.  We are also fortunate to have numeracy and literacy to tutors on staff in Mr Fong and Ms Mallia who will be able to assist any students with their learning.  I encourage any parents who are concerned with their child’s learning to contact the relevant House Leader so we can put in place steps to assist their learning.  I also encourage our students to take advantage of our large school grounds and spacious library during recess and lunchtime as places to catch-up with friends all the while being co-conscious of our COVID protocols that are designed to keep us all safe.

Term 4 Calendar 

As we navigate the return to face-to-face teaching and the easing of restrictions, I advise of the following Key dates for the remainder of Term 4:

Year 7-9 Classes as Normal Until Step-up Program Commences (Nov 16)

November 8-11: 

• Year 10: a combination of regular classes and some exams in week 6  (Year 10 students onsite each day)
• Year 11: all VCE and VCE VET Unit 1 and 2 subjects as per an exam timetable
• VCAL Classes for Year 11 to run until 11 November

November 12 – STEP-UP Preparation Day (Student Free Day)

November 15 – Report Writing Day (Student Free Day)

November 16 - STEP- Up Commences (2022 Curriculum Program & Timetable begins)

November 25 – 2021 Awards Evening & Art Technology Exhibition - Br Leo Scollen Stadium

This event will take place on Thursday 25 November in the Br Leo Scollen Stadium; our first opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the achievements of our students in 2021.  More details to follow.  

November 26 – Class of 2021 Graduation Mass & Ceremony – St Patrick's Cathedral & MCG

The Graduation Mass and Dinner for the Class of 2021 will take place at St Patrick's Cathedral and MCG on this date.  Further details to follow.

The Addams Family Returns – December 2 & 3 Br Leo Scollen Stadium

We are very excited to give our students and the hardworking production team the opportunity to showcase the 2021 Production of the Addams Family onsite at St John’s.  In anticipation of hitting the 90% Vaccination Rate on November 24, we look forward to welcoming the family of cast and crew and all members of our community to this fabulous production.  The brilliant production team lead by staff members Mr David Graham, Ms Tania Robinson, Mr Michael Perryman, Ms Tamara Hughes and Ms Ash Fraraccio, have the cast  back into rehearsal as they eagerly prepare for opening night on the December 2nd.  Tickets can be purchased through the Addams Family page in this newsletter.

Note: Events held at the College such as the Awards Evenings and College Production will not require St John’s students to be double vaccinated however all patrons attending over age 16 other than students of the college will be required to show proof of double vaccination upon entry.

Step Up 2022

On the 16th of November all students at St John’s will Step-up to the next Year Level and commence their 2022 curriculum program for the last three weeks of the school year. We are eager to maximise the final weeks of the school year by introducing our students to their new teachers, subjects and classmates and begin the first units of their 2022 programs. 

The end of the school year, when assessments are complete, can often be marked by a reduction in work by students, a reduction in learning opportunities, and a sense of biding time before the holidays.  Step Up programs where students get a taste of the year ahead by entering classes for the final two weeks have been common practice in many schools for several years. 

The benefits of Step-Up programs include establishment of academic rigour, improved student attendance rates, stimulated student learning opportunities, assessment of students’ abilities prior to the beginning of the next year and having a solid foundation prior to the holiday period with a purposeful holiday homework program embedded.

The beginning of the following academic school year also sees students and staff alike settled and focussed on their learning and teaching, free from the distractions often associated with the settling in phase of the new year.

The Step-up Program has been a long time in the planning and implementation, and I wish to thank Dr Janine Biggin, Ms Maria Nasioulas, IT Manager Mr Brian Griffith, Daily Organiser Mr Brad Heeps and Business Manager Ms Shelley Iles, and all our Learning Leaders and teaching staff for their work in developing and implementing this significant change to our curriculum program.

World Teachers' Day

St John’s will celebrate and thank the teaching profession on World Teachers’ Day on Friday 5th of November 2021. 

Teachers (with support from parents and carers) have ensured education continues across the country the last two years , despite the major challenges of the pandemic. It’s reinforced the significant role teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families, and communities. On Friday we will be holding a morning tea to celebrate the great work teachers do day to support and develop our young people.

On Friday you can help celebrate this remarkable profession and its bright future by saying  thank you to teachers. 

A simple thank you inserted in the attached survey link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BQLCLSG

from you, or your child will be sure to make any teacher’s day. All parent and carer commendations will form part of a thank you communication distributed to all teachers at St John’s.