Principal's Update 

2021 YEAR 7 SCHOLARSHIPS

In Term 4 I have had the privilege of meeting the 2021 Year 7 students who have applied for a scholarship at JFC. These students have applied for scholarships in the areas of Leadership, Academic Excellence and Sport. Following a lengthy application process, I am excited to announce the following recipients of our 2021 Year 7 Scholarships and welcome them to the College

2021 MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY PRINCIPALS' SCHOLARSHIP

It is with great pleasure that I also announce that Abraham Tsitaridis has been presented the 2021 Melbourne Principals' Scholarship from Melbourne University.

Abraham was nominated for this scholarship in recognition of his academic achievements and contribution to the school and wider community.

The Melbourne Principals' Scholarship provides a one-off allowance of $5,000 to students who gain entry to the University of Melbourne.

2020 STUDENT AWARDS AND GRADUATION

In the final weeks of 2020 we are also now able to recognise the contributions and success that our students have had in what has been a challenging year. These events took place on Friday 11 December and were available via a live stream for those who were unable to attend.

2021 SRC

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing several students who nominated for the roles of School Captains and Year Level Captains in 2021. Throughout this process, all applicants impressed the panel with their commitment to the College as well as their maturity and professionalism. As a result of this lengthy process I am very pleased to be able to announce the following students and their roles in student leadership for 2021.

Congratulations to these students – we are looking forward to working with them in 2021.

STRENGTHENING VOCATIONAL AND APPLIED LEARNING FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS 

The Victorian Government has announced a $38 million investment to create a new single Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) that will give students flexibility to combine academic and applied learning in line with their interests, strengths and career aspirations.

The new single VCE senior secondary certificate will mean students no longer have to choose between doing VCE or VCAL. This will start to be implemented from 2023.

The move to a single certificate follows a review by former Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority CEO John Firth that found the change would provide all Victorian students with the best opportunity to develop both academic and practical vocational skills.

The review found evidence of outstanding programs across the state but that more needed to be done to ensure all young people had access to the training that engages them, delivers high demand skills and leads to quality jobs. 

Our school will receive funding for a Jobs, Skills and Pathways Coordinator to support the delivery of our vocational and applied learning programs. Their job will be to provide advice and support for students choosing vocational and applied learning programs. They will also work with training providers and employers to ensure that students get the most out of their learning and training.

Our school will also have access to a Jobs, Skills and Pathways Manager to provide practical support to our school to deliver high quality vocational and applied learning programs.

Work has started and will continue in 2021 to support the introduction of a new vocational specialist pathway in the VCE. 

The integration of a vocational and applied learning pathway within the VCE will offer high-quality pathways for all students so they are better prepared for lifelong learning and can transition more smoothly through school, further education or training and work. 

Students currently completing VCAL or VET will not be affected by these changes. This includes students undertaking VET as part of their VCE. The new vocational specialist pathway, embedded within the VCE will commence in 2023, and a fully integrated certificate will commence in 2025. 

Students can continue to commence VCAL in 2021 and 2022. Transition plans will ensure all students enrolled in VCAL will be able to complete their senior secondary certificate.

Further information and advice about the transition to the new vocational specialist pathway for students will be provided to you in 2021. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

On behalf of the College Staff, I would like to thank all parents and community members for their support in 2020. It has proven to be a very productive year, with plenty of challenges, but the support of you all has assisted in completing the hard work towards our school improvement journey. Your commitment to the College is invaluable and I look forward to working with you all again in 2021 and beyond. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year, and hope that you and your families and friends have a well-deserved and enjoyable break.