Friday 15th September 2017

“You are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed.” - Luke 10:41-42

Principal’s MessageWith Term 3 quickly coming to a close and the final weeks of Year 12 approaching, it is a good opportunity to reflect upon the work we do and the purpose of it. It is very easy to get caught up in everyday routines, doing the same things day in and day out. As we head towards the school holidays, it is important to remind ourselves that the actions we take every day, whether in our studies or in our work, have true value if they are directed toward an ultimate good. The daily challenges we may face when doing homework or studying for assessments are worth the struggle, and have meaning, because they lead us to the freedom which a solid education brings. This reflection on our work is not only from within, but for each student, from the teacher, in communication with parents. This outside reflection and guidance assist each young person to grow and reach their goals. So as the Term ends and Parent/Teacher Conferences occur, let us all take this opportunity to help our young people reflect on what they have done, the purpose of their doing it, and how we can help them grow and achieve even more in Term 4. May God continue to bless the College under the patronage of St John the Forerunner.

Lance Ryan Principal

The Forerunner

Junior School News

Little Bad Wolf:Student Report

The Little Bad Wolf was a play that came to our school. It was about a Little Wolf who was teased by the Three Little Pigs because he couldn’t blow their houses down. The Little Wolf learnt that he needed to be confident and persistent and not let what other people say stop him from trying. I learnt a lot about persistence and confidence by watching the play. It was very funny too.

100 Days of Prep:

Middle School News

Well done to all of the students who participated in the recent Darebin District Athletics Carnival. There were some stand-out performances including Thalia Kondilis in Year 10, who came 3rd in the 200m.Middle Years students also recently competed in Table Tennis, with our Girls’ team winning and moving on to the next round.

I was encouraged as I read through the recent results of our Year 7 and Year 9 students who sat the NAPLAN tests earlier in the year. They indicated growth in several areas and supported the hard work that students, teachers and parents are doing. Hopefully you have taken the time to go through the results with your child and have had conversations about how to continue their learning journey.

I encourage all parents in the Middle Years to contact the subject teacher if they have any questions or concerns regarding their child’s learning. The teacher will be able to give you information regarding their learning, their strengths and areas to improve. Email addresses for all teachers can be found on the College website: http://www.stjohnspreston.vic.edu.au. If your child is late to school or out of uniform, please remember to send a note along with your child to explain the reason. Students without a note may be kept in the Office to work or have alternative arrangements made with parents.

Thought of the week:Mistakes are proof that you are trying!

Junior School Leader Profile: Jamie Haramis

Senior School News

John SavopoulosHead of Senior School

Year 10 Work Experience18-22 September

All Year 10 students will take part in the Work Experience program starting next week. Please ensure that all forms are completed and returned by Friday 15 September. Enjoy the week!

Whole School Liturgy11 October

There will be a whole School Liturgy at Sts Methodius and Cyril to farewell our Year 12 students. Year 12 students are to wear full school uniform including blazer, shirt, tie, with hair neat and tidy, and no facial hair on boys. This church service is compulsory for all Year 12 students. Parents are also welcome to attend. There will be normal classes after the service.

Year 12 Rose Ceremony, Doxology and Valedictory Dinner19 October

We are pleased to invite parents and friends of our Year 12 students to the Rose Ceremony to be held at St John’s College on Thursday 19 October (8.30am) and the Year 12 Valedictory Doxology and Dinner to be held at the church of ‘The Presentation of Our Lord’, 29 Victoria St, Coburg, on Thursday 19 October (5.45pm). Students will also attend a farewell picnic at the Fairfield Boat House between 10.00 – 12.00pm. If you haven’t received documentation regarding the Year 12 Valedictory Doxology and Dinner please contact Senior Reception on 94805300. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, 19th October to celebrate your child’s achievements.

Year 12 Study Week20 - 31 October

Teachers will be available at the College to guide and support Year 12 students during Study Week; however, students must attend during the timetabled lessons for each subject and in school uniform. Year 11 students studying a Unit 3 & 4 subject will have the option of studying at home for 3 days prior to their VCE exam.

VCE Written Examinations1 November

Written Examinations commence on Wednesday, 1 November. Students should read the VCE Exams Navigator 2017 which has information regarding approved materials and equipment, examination rules and examination timetables to make sure they are aware of the exam expectations – full school uniform, appropriate materials for each subject.

Name: Jamie HaramisInterests: Soccer, Video gamesHow did you feel when you were elected a Junior School Leader? I felt very happy and very sad, also, for my brother who didn’t get chosen. What are your responsibilities as a Junior School Leader? To help others, to be responsible during school hours, to make our school better and to be a role model for the younger kids.What is great about being a Junior School Leader? It is great because you are respected and cared for.If you could achieve one thing as a Junior School Leader, what would it be? I would want to achieve higher confidence through the speeches I make.What is your favourite thing about St John’s College? That the kids are so nice and so polite and the teachers are too.

Friday September 15th 2017

Preston District Primary Schools Sports AssociationAthletics Carnival 2017

The following students from Years 5 & 6 participated in the PDPSSA Athletics Carnival on Thursday 31st August:Helen Saleh, Sarah Khoury, Angelique Fardis, Eirini Ntoulelari, Christina Kapetanea, Eleni Katsaros, Louisa Marakis, Marissa Magiris, Helena Petrou, Mia Tsalkos, Julia Khoury, Panayiotis Roussos, Pantelis Stefanidis, Angelo Souris, John Jiazoj and John Lountzis.

Everyone performed well and to the best of their ability on the day. Well done to everyone who took part and assisted with the event (Anna Dimitriadis, Faye Sardelis & Mrs Sarigianoglou).

Diary DatesWednesday 13th September...........................................................................Whole School Liturgy PA Meeting 6:30pm

Thursday 21st September...............................................................................Parent Teacher Conferences

Friday 22nd September...................................................................................Footy Day (Gold Coin Donation) Last day of Term

Monday 9th October.......................................................................................First day of Term 4