Principal Update

As all families will know, now all year levels have returned to learning at School. It has been very exciting to see students back, learning in classrooms, connecting with each other and their teachers. The planning that has gone into ensuring a smooth transition back to school has been rewarding, and the engagement of all students should be commended. Whilst in many respects, it is like they never left – we know that there are many new routines they are having to engage with including wearing face masks.

All students now in Years 7 to 10 have completed formal assessments which provides their teachers with important data on where their learning is at since earlier in the year and also assists the College to ensure that the learning program designed for the balance of 2020 is achievable and engaging. 

Class of 2020

In the past weeks since our last newsletter, our Class of 2020 completed their last day at JFC before exams on Friday 27 October. This final day saw all students dress up and having a parade through the school grounds in Session 1 as other year levels acknowledged them and said good bye. The Year 12 students had a breakfast with staff, followed by some activities and morning tea with awards presented to students. Our students should be congratulated on how they engaged positively in this day and a big thank you to Elana Lilla for her work organising the day.

We now look forward to supporting VCE students with their final exams, and working with VCAL students to ensure successful pathway destinations into work and further education.

It is important during this time to take the opportunity to reflect and recognize this moment. All students, parents and teachers should be very proud of their successes and recognize the achievements they have made.

Equally it is important for students to recognize that the hard work is not yet over as you continue to study for upcoming final exams or prepare for the world of work, apprenticeships, study or university. During this period, the school is available for any support you feel necessary and will be checking in with each student and family from time to time to offer this support. 

All students need to ensure they continue to try their best. For those sitting exams – that is all anyone can ask. Your results are a direct indication of your own personal effort, and regardless of the result you achieve in the end, you can always look back and be proud of putting in 100% effort.

It is also important to note that your academic success in Year 12 is not the only indication of success or future opportunity. Many of our students, especially our VCAL students can be proud of their growth and development and some may need to be reminded that as long as they have put in 100% effort – that is all anyone can ask. Sometimes it is worth remembering that effort can be just as important as the result.

On behalf of our school community, I would like to wish the Year 12 cohort good health and academic success, both in the approaching exams and in their future studies and careers. I am proud to be associated with the college and am confident that all of our Year 12 students have the capacity to make a positive difference in their own lives and to society.

2021 School Captains

Currently we are organising interviews for our 2020 SRC nominations for each year level and the successful candidates will be announced in the coming weeks and will have the opportunity to represent their year levels and college for 2021. 

In 2021 we will be providing ongoing leadership training to these students and increasing their involvement and visibility across our key events and activities.

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing several students who were nominated for the roles of School Captain and Vice-Captain 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.

End of Year Awards/Graduation

To recognise student success in 2020 as well as the graduation of our Year 12 students the College is planning a live streamed event which will be held on Friday 11 December. This will provide the opportunity for us to farewell, celebrate and recognise the achievements of our Year 12 students as well as distribute awards to students in Years 7 to 11.

A formal invitation will be sent to all families and students with the timing of each event. As well as being live streamed, this will also be recorded for families to watch at a later date.

2021 Subject Confirmation

We now also start looking towards 2021, and in the coming days and weeks all families will start receiving confirmation of their subjects and course options for 2021. We ask that you take some time to review these documents and speak with the school if you have any questions about them.

Families will also note that booklists are now available for 2021 and can be found on the School Website and on Compass.

Capital Works and School Maintenance

During 2020, the College has continued to maintain and upgrade facilities. There are many works now occurring across the school that once complete will provide improved learning spaces for our students. These current works are occurring in all classrooms and science laboratories as well as student toilets.