The Forerunner Monday, 19 August 2019

Co-Acting Principals’ Message Dear Parents and Guardians,

What a terrific and moving day for the College as His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia visited and gave us his blessings. From the moment he arrived, His Eminence embraced our students and the College community with love and affection. He truly is an inspirational leader who will continue to give strength and wisdom to all of us. As a leader of the College, I could not have been prouder of our students as they showed His Eminence the true spirit of St John’s through their warmth and talents. Our students shined! From the Robotics demonstration to the musical performances and speeches during the Special Assembly. His Eminence was truly moved. As he stated in his speech, “The College has a bright future”, and with the support from our parents, teachers and the wider College community, we will continue to grow and provide the best outcomes for our students.

On a sad note, we acknowledge and farewell our Principal, Mr Lance Ryan who made the difficult decision to leave due to personal and family reasons. Please be assured that the good work started by Mr Ryan in many areas of the College, will form the foundation for us to continue building St John’s College.

Derek Sherwood Co-Acting Principal

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear St John’s College Community,

Following on from the visit to our College by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, I wish to thank the Organising Committee for a wonderful, as well as highly organised day. I was moved by our amazing students, staff, parents and guardians who made a positive impression showcasing St John’s College.

The College will continue to build on the great work and legacy of our former Principal, Mr Lance Ryan, who had instigated a number of positive initiatives, in key areas of the College.

The positive message from His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and our Archdiocese, was encouraging to hear. However, the hard work now begins to continue to build the College and embrace the community spirit that it offers.

I would like to thank the College Board, Parents’ Association, students, staff, parents and the wider College community who were involved with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios’ visit.

John Bourikas Co-Acting Principal

A brother asked Abba Poemen, "If I see my brother sin, is it right to say nothing about it?" The old man replied, “Whenever we cover our brother's sin, God will cover ours; whenever we tell people about our brother's guilt, God will do the same about ours."

Abba Poemen

Welcome back to Term 3! “By taking time to reflect, we create stepping stones to bigger and better accomplishments” – Anonymous. I hope everyone had a fantastic mid-year break and took the time to appreciate all the wonderful achievements of Semester One. We had a great start to the year, and we are just getting started with another exciting term ahead! It can often be hard for students to settle back into school after the holiday break, so it is important for parents to re-set good routines to ensure that their children are prepared for school each day. This begins with students resting their minds and bodies with the right amount of sleep! Six to nine-year-old students need approximately 10 to 11 hours of sleep, whilst ten to twelve-year-old students need an average 9 to 10 hours sleep. Ensuring your child sticks to their bedtime will keep them energised at school during the day. More and more studies are showing how important nutrition is for growing bodies. Ensuring that your child’s diet is full of fresh fruit, vegetables and protein is a great way to keep their bodies healthy, to continue developing and to help fight off any bugs that might be passing through the classroom. Finally, encouraging learning, both at school and home, is a great way to build a positive learning environment. This includes nightly reading, home learning tasks and sharing stories from your child’s day. There are a lot of exciting things planned for the next nine weeks of school and I can’t wait to get started! Mrs H Vlahos Acting Director of Students Years F-6

Morning Assembly Morning Assembly starts at 8.30am and students are expected to arrive at school by at least 8.25am. Late comers must report to Senior School Office, with their diary, and sign in. It is important that all students are punctual to school and classes.

Uniform All students are expected to wear the correct school uniform. Please support the College by ensuring that your child shows pride in the College by wearing the College uniform correctly. Uniform details are published in the Student Planner.

Junior School News

Senior School News

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to everyone. I hope you had a pleasant and relaxing break. It is important for our students and teachers to reflect on the teaching and learning programs from Semester One and develop strategies to improve outcomes during Semester Two.

Guidelines for using Mobile Phones at St John’s College • Mobile phones are not to be used for any purpose on school premises, grounds or during off-site activities i.e. camps, excursions; unless prior permission is granted. • Students are required to hand in their mobile phone to the Senior School Office for safe keeping and, at the student’s request, it will be returned to them at the end of the day.

• Parents and carers may contact children, if required, by leaving a message with the Senior School Office. • If a student requires the use of a telephone in the case of an emergency, they are required to use the phone in the Senior School Office. Consequence of students using digital and electronic devices Where a student is found to have a digital or an electronic device, it will be confiscated for collection by the parent/carer at the end of the school day.

Debating On Thursday 28 July, our Senior College Debating team consisting of Tia Triantafillou (Year 8), Paul Ketikidis (Year 8) and Sotirios Mastrogiannopoulos (Year 9), competed in the fifth round of the DAV 2019 D Grade (Year 9) debating competition against Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar. The topic was ‘Refugees should have full access to Australia’s welfare system’ and we were the negative team. This debate would determine which team would progress to the final. After an entertaining and high-quality debate, the debate was awarded to Ivanhoe. Congratulations to Ivanhoe and we wish them well in the final. Also, a huge thank you and congratulations to our students. They ended the season with an 80% winning record. They demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and collegiality throughout the debates. Well done to all team members and thank you to their parents for supporting them throughout the year.

2019 VTAC Applications Current Year 12 students can start their course applications from 5 August 2019 through VTAC. The website is: http://www.vtac.edu.au/ This is for students applying in 2019 for courses commencing in 2020. The deadline for timely applications is 5.00pm 30 September 2019. Year 11 students may find it useful to familiarise themselves with the process.

Application deadlines and processing fees VTAC opens for applications at 9am on 5 August 2019. The cost of the application processing fee depends on when you submit your application. While you need to apply by these deadlines, you don’t have to pay your fee straight away - see vtac.edu.au/dates for more information. There are no additional fees for submitting a SEAS or scholarships application (deadline 11 October 5.00pm), or for changing your preferences. Timely applications Fee $39 for current Year 12 students Deadline 30 September 2019 (5.00 pm) Late applications Fee $113 Deadline 1 November 2019 (5.00 pm) Very late applications Fee $148 Deadline 6 December 2019 (5.00 pm) Post main-round applications Applications for a limited range of courses will be accepted after the main round of selection has been completed. For more information check the VTAC website in early January 2020.

Refund policy VTAC does not issue refunds on course application processing fees (except as required by law). You remain liable for the fee even if you withdraw your course application. Please check out the following resources that may help you with your VTAC application: VTAC Publications and Factsheets: http://www.vtac.edu.au/publications/ Download the VTAC app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vtac.app.coursesearch&hl=en https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/vtac/id1119361879?mt=8 VTAC videos from previous years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omthIvIIaJc VTAC demonstrations: http://www.vtac.edu.au/applying/demos

VCE Pathways There are several early entry programs on offer from tertiary institutions. Listed below are some programs our VCE students have successfully applied for in recent years.

A. ASPIRE Program At La Trobe University The Aspire Program is for students who’ve made a positive impact on their community – whether it’s through volunteering, leadership or community engagement. As a successful Aspire applicant, they will receive an early conditional offer into their chosen course well before they receive their ATAR. The benefits: The Aspire program rewards students for their community engagement and leadership experience by giving them: · an early conditional offer into their chosen course at La Trobe · minimum entry conditions · access to the Enrichment Program. What's included? As a successful Aspire student, they will be invited to take part in an Enrichment Program designed to support them through the final stages of high school and prepare them for life at La Trobe. The Enrichment Program offers: · VCE/HSC revision lectures to be held in the September school holidays (Year 12 students) · access to the La Trobe Library on all campuses · invitation to a 'Welcome to La Trobe' event. Students interested in applying may do so online at www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire or see Mr. Savopoulos for further information. Applications close on Friday 31 August.

B. RMIT – Schools Network Access Program (SNAP) The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools by giving them priority access to RMIT’s certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree programs.

C. Victoria University – Early Entry Offer Program (EEOP) The Early Entry Offer Program (EEOP) is an alternative entry program for current Year 12 students. Students can receive a guaranteed place at Victoria University by fulfilling one of these categories: · leadership · educational disadvantage · eligible school in the west. The EEOP is about recognising students as individuals, not as a number. Students can apply for an early entry offer if they meet the criteria for one of the below categories. 1. Leadership Students can demonstrate formal or informal leadership through their actions. They will need to be endorsed as someone who has proven their ability to: a. apply themselves and build on their strengths b. nurture or lead others c. have made an ethical or social impact at school or in the broader community. 2. Educational disadvantage Students who have not been able to reach their academic potential at school due to external factors in their life for which they have no control. 3. All VU courses offered through VTAC are part of the EEOP. To be eligible for admission for an early entry offer, students must: · currently study VCE at a Victorian Secondary School · be studying any required VCE subjects for selected course · meet the EEOP application categories criteria · show potential to succeed at University. To be eligible for entry into an EEOP listed degree course, students must obtain the minimum EEOP ATAR for that course, as well as any tertiary entrance requirements and course requirements, such as prerequisites. Please see Mrs Sarigianoglou or Mr Savopoulos if you require further information.

Senior School Carpark

Every driver needs to adopt responsible and good driver behaviour in and around our College. Drivers are also reminded of their requirement to comply with road user legislation. Drivers who continually ignore parking regulations at our College will be reported to the relevant authorities. Finally, please do not leave children in cars unsupervised, particularly on a warm day. The inside of a car is much hotter than the ambient temperature of the day outside and can heat up very quickly, causing dehydration. Let us all work together as a community to ensure the safety of each child in our school zone. NO STOPPING - a vehicle must not stop in a No Stopping zone NO PARKING - a vehicle must not stop in a No Parking zone BUS ZONE - a vehicle must not stop in a Bus Zone CLEARWAY - a vehicle must not stop along a sign posted Clearway DOUBLE PARK – a vehicle must not double park Under no circumstances must a vehicle enter or leave the carpark illegally.

Reminder - Victorian smoking bans From 13 April 2015, smoking is banned within four metres of an entrance to all primary and secondary schools in Victoria, and within the school grounds, under an amendment to the Tobacco Act 1987. The aim is to protect the community from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and to de-

normalise smoking in the community and support people who have quit or are trying to quit smoking. Please note that penalties do apply under the Tobacco Act.

What a success it was! The day began with the Divine Liturgy with Father Leonidas and Deacon George. Presvytera Stavroula and Emmanuel Sfendourakis, from David the Psalmist choir, helped with the chanting, while the School Captains and selected students recited prayers and the Creed.

The Sisters from Geelong Monastery Panagia Gorgoepikoos (quick to listen) had a wonderful display of books for the students to purchase. Abbess Kalistheni spoke with the Years 9 and 10 students during Period Two, while the Year 7 students received a chanting lesson with the members of the Choir David the Psalmist. The Senior School Captains took part in the special luncheon organised for the Sisters while students from Year 6 helped with serving the food and assisting the Sisters. Abbess Kalistheni was very pleased with her visit to our College. In fact, she has set the date for her next year’s visit! The 12 of August 2020. A big thank you to our Canteen Manager Joanne, for preparing the food as well as to our Senior School Receptionist Christine, for all the sweets and savoury dishes she prepared. Last, but not least, we thank Mario for setting up the Sports and Arts Centre for this lovely occasion.

Mrs A Papakonstantinou Events Co-ordinator

Mr J Savopoulos

Director of Students, Years 7-12

Camp Coolamatong

What a great time the Years 7/8 students had on camp during the last week of Term 2. They undertook a range of challenging and physically demanding activities including a 6km canoe and 30-40km bike ride. They also did hiking, archery and survivor challenges in the rural/coastal area. I was very impressed with how they worked together displaying perseverance to complete tasks. It highlighted how important camps are in student learning.

Mr D Sherwood Director of Operations

Την Κυριακή 14 Ιουλίου και μέσα στα πλαίσια των εκδηλώσεων για την μαύρη επέτειο της τουρκικής εισβολής στην Κύπρο, η Συντονιστική Επιτροπή Κυπριακού Αγώνα, ΣΕΚΑ τέλεσε μνημόσυνο πεσόντων εις τον Ιερό Ναό του Αγίου Ευσταθίου. Αντιπρόσωποι του μαθητικού σώματος του Κολλεγίου Άγιος Ιωάννης, με λάβαρα και έκδηλο τον νεανικό παλμό, έδωσαν σθεναρά το παρών τους στο μνημόσυνο για τα θύματα της βάρβαρης εισβολής. Στο μνημόσυνο παρέστησαν εκ μέρους της Κύπρου, ο Επίτροπος

Προεδρίας για Ανθρωπιστικά Θέματα και Θέματα Αποδήμων, κ. Φώτης Φωτίου, η Ύπατη Αρμοστής της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας κα Μάρθα Μαυρομμάτη, ο πρόεδρος της ΠΑΣΕΚΑ κ. Κώστας Προκοπίου, η Πρόεδρος της ΣΕΚΑ κα Ελένη Ευθυμίου καθώς και εκπρόσωποι παροικιακών οργανισμών. St John’s leaders, students, parents and teachers represented the College at the memorial service for the victims of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The memorial service took place at Saint Eustathios Church on Sunday 14 July.

A big thank you goes to our parents who found the time to bring their child to this important event even though the students were still on

school holiday.

List of students who attended: Evangelia Eliades, George Simos,

Thalia Kondilis, George Kontovagios and Jamie Kondilis.

St John’s leaders with dignitaries: from right, Mrs Martha Mavrommati, High Commissioner for Cyprus, Ms Eleni Efthimiou President of SEKA, Mr Fotis Fotiou, Commissioner to the Presidency of Cyprus, Mr Kostas Prokopiou President of PASEKA and Mr Stelios Aggelodimou, President of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria.

Mrs A Papakonstantinou Events Co-ordinator

EXTEND UPDATE

Next Week's Activities

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Making Rock Art Pieces

Learn how to make mini boxes from cardboard pieces - Enrichment Program

Baking Chocolate Brownie

Making Elephant Toothpaste - Science Experiment

Making Bracelets

What’s Been Happening? Each year, the Extend-a-Hand initiative lends support to an important cause and we encourage children, families and the wider school community to help make a difference. Extend has partnered with The Pyjama Foundation’s Love Of Learning Program to support children living in foster care. As part of the initiative, children were actively involved in writing a special storybook to donate to the foundation. The story book they wrote is about a girl named Mikala!!!!! Also, children enjoyed their time in After Care and getting involved in a variety of art and craft activities.

Enrol and book now: extend.com.au Thank you Vimmy Abraham

Diary Dates

Term 3

August

Monday 19 Book Week from Monday 19 to Friday 23 August Tuesday 20 Rising Star Performance, 7.00pm Thursday 22 VCE Greek Bonegilla Excursion Thursday 22 & Friday 23 Tuesday 27 Book Week incursion, 2.00pm Saturday 31 PA Annual Dinner Dance

September

Sunday 1 Father’s Day Tuesday 3 Annual Music Concert, 6.30pm