Co-Curricular

Co-Curricular and Extra Curricular activities at St John’s College aim to enhance the academic, artistic, cultural, sporting and personal pursuits of all students.

We encourage students to explore and promote their talents, interests and natural abilities with like-minded people. Participation in these activities is an important part of any good educational program and students who take part in activities and programs outside of the boundaries of a typical classroom tend to have higher academic results, better attendance rates and fewer social and emotional problems.

St John’s College is dedicated to educating and shaping the whole person in conjunction with our focus on academic excellence. We have worked hard as a whole school to build strong and ever-changing programs that we believe meet the creative needs of today’s young people.

Language School & Culture

There are many benefits to learning Greek and developing our understanding of Greek culture. It is widely accepted that Greece is the cradle of Western civilization.

Learning the Modern Greek is a journey of discovery into the English language, and because of this, complements students’ understanding of English. Across our curriculum, students have the opportunity to learn about Greece’s history, arts, philosophy, culture, foods, customs and traditions.

We offer an international study tour to Greece for our students so that they may have the lived experience of Greek life during their secondary education. The study tour includes a visit to our Sister School in Greece.

We have an array of partnerships with outside organisations that enable us to build relationships with Greek people within Australia and in Greece. These partnerships support our students to learn about Australia’s close ties with Greece, including political, social, trade and interpersonal links.

By keeping pride in the Greek culture alive, we ensure that our rich heritage continues for future generations.

Performing Arts

We know that students develop many skills by participating in performing arts programs including confidence! We are proud to be expanding our Music Department at St John’s College. Music is a compulsory subject from Foundation to Year 8 and all students are encouraged to participate in the instrumental music program, the school choir, the dance group or school band.

All students have the opportunity to perform in concerts and showcases across each year. The benefits that are associated with learning an instrument have a positive impact on a child’s social skills and brain development.

All Primary School students at St. John’s College will be able to develop their skills within our Music Program.

Our Instrumental Music Program offers tuition in:

• Guitar,
• Saxophone,
• Piano,
• Bouzouki,
• Drum Kit,
• Voice,
• Flute,
• Clarinet,
• Violin,
• Viola,
• Cello

Instrumental Performances throughout the school year include:

• Instrumental Soirees,
• Rising Star Competition,
• Annual Music Concert,
• End-of-Year Christmas Carols

STEM

St John’s College is leading the way in science education with its new CETS science building. It is the newest addition to St John’s College and offers our students the opportunity to undertake guided scientific research in dedicated facilities that have been designed to inspire an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

This state-of-the-art building has been designed to symbolise the importance of Science and Environment, Technology and Sustainability.

Our Science program includes the three specialist science areas of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The learning spaces and laboratories are interconnected and allow for a range of teaching and learning possibilities as well as supporting our ongoing commitment to excellence in scientific teaching approaches.

The latest learning technologies are integrated into each classroom. Dedicated study studios and learning lounges are provided.

The Science programs integrate Mathematics and Digital Technologies including Robotics to ensure our students are prepared for the modern world of work.

Sport

Sport plays an essential role in school life for our students. The inter and intra school sports programs offer all students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sports and cater for students of various abilities at all year levels.

The College is an active member of the Darebin Division SSV program, and as we are a smaller school all students have the opportunity to participate.

Our students represent the school in many competitions including;

• Soccer,
• Swimming,
• Volleyball,
• Basketball,
• Netball,
• Cross Country,
• Futsal,
• Athletics,
• Table Tennis

In addition, our Secondary School students have the opportunity to compete in the annual Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia National Sports and Creative Arts Event. This annual event enables approximately 300 students and teachers from the seven Greek Orthodox Colleges of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia to participate in sporting activities and cultural events.

Our students are trained by specialist internal and external coaches who ensure students are prepared, both physically and mentally for competition.

Public Speaking

Across various year levels students participate in public speaking activities. This involves student writing and presenting on a variety of topics.

Public Speaking builds each child’s confidence as they learn how to engage and address an audience and overcome the challenges of speaking to an audience. Students have the opportunity to present in front of their peers and the school community.

Camps

Our camp programs are an extension of the classroom and are viewed as an integral part of the school curriculum. They give students and teachers the opportunity to move learning experiences into different environments. Cognitive, coping, physical and social skills are fostered in supportive and in most cases outdoor environments. Students undertake many new skills during the camps such as:

Camp program overview

Year 2	School sleepover
Year 3 & 4	Camp Manyung – Mount Eliza Campaspe Downs – Kyneton
Years 7 & 8	Camp Coolamatong – Bairnsdale Waratah Beach Camp – Waratah Bay
Mixed Year Levels – Year 5 & 6 and Secondary School	Australian Capital Territory
Secondary School	Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia National Sports and Creative Arts Event.
Mixed Year Levels – Secondary School	International Camp – Greece

External Academic Competitions

Each year a number of our students participate in a range on external academic competitions both local and national. They are a terrific opportunity to both extend and challenge our students.

Some of the competitions include:

• The Australian Mathematics Competition
• Science Talent Search
• Melbourne University Mathematics Competition
• Australian Science Innovations Big Science Competition

Additional co-curricular opportunities include the following: