Andrew Chisholm

Assistant Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

With the end of Term 1 approaching it has been pleasing to see that many normal routines and events have been able to be re-established after the Covid 19 related interruptions inherent in the previous 2 years. Thank you to all who have followed the processes and procedures to enable all of the JMSS community to be as healthy as they possibly can be in this extended pandemic.

All of our new students seem to have settled in well and are meeting the challenges thrown in front of them head on. As we reach the end of term teachers have been conducting many assessments to get an indication about how students are progressing in each of their subjects. Parent Teacher Student conferences were especially well attended and we hope that the feedback to students and parents given at this event and also on Canvas will be informative and timely and also allow students to continue to perform to the best of their ability.

It is very important that any follow up and any suggestions made by teachers as how to improve performance in terms of work habits and the application of key knowledge and skills are promptly acted upon. This may involve follow up work over the holidays and the creation of revision folders particularly at year 11 and 12 levels. This type of activity is great preparation for second term which has many assessments in all year levels scheduled in mid-term and an exam/SAC period in weeks 6 and 7 of Term 2.

University Extension 2022

Once again JMSS is the largest provider of University extension opportunities across the state in 2022. This year we have more than 20 students completing first year university subjects in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Climate Science, Anatomy and Physiology and Literature.  

Year 12 Camp

More than 220 year 12 students descended upon the Lord Somers camp at Somers on the Mornington Peninsula at the end of February for 3 days of team building, beach activities, motivational speakers and coverage of the many intricacies inherent in the year 12 year.  After the many interruptions of the past 2 years it was refreshing to complete an important program in the JMSS calendar without any Covid 19 related issues. Thanks to all the students and staff who attended the camp and made it such a success.

Reef and Rainforest Trip 2022 

Over the last two weeks we have been collaborating with DETs Covid Command to develop a Covid safe plan for our annual expedition to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, James Cook University Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. The JMSS group in 2022 is 88 staff and students.

There will be an information night in early Term 2 once the details of this Covid safe plan are confirmed. The information night will cover aspects of the itinerary, items to bring, Covid safe plans and any other preparation required. 

Monash University is also offering waterwise swimming courses for students who may want to improve their swimming prior to the trip. More details to follow.

Music Soirees

Over the last fortnight we have had 2 outstanding music performances held in the JMSS building that have been well attended by the JMSS community. The performances have showcased  VCE music students, piano students and stage band with the strings orchestra  to perform in early term 2. 

Term 2

The start of term 2 will be a busy time at JMSS. The JMSS athletics sports, Anzac Day assembly, regional exchange, JMSS Open Night (done virtually again this year) and Music camp all occur in the first 3 weeks of term. Australian Dental Health Victoria will also have their mobile dental clinic at JMSS for all of week 1.

A quick reminder for our current Year 10’s that they need to really get moving find their work experience placement for the last week of Term 2 if they have not done so already. Although work experience is not compulsory this year we would encourage students to find a science related work opportunity for the last week of Term 2. Any enquiries can be directed to Kirstine Carter our Pathways manager at school.

Have a wonderful Easter !

Andrew Chisholm

Assistant Principal