From the Principal's desk

Bochara Accident

Last term was very challenging for the school and wider community following the devastating circumstances of the Bochara Accident. Three of our students were involved and tragically two much loved students, Lucas Garzoli and Megan Fox lost their lives. These young people will not be forgotten and will live on in our memories.

Thankfully Jorja Fox survived the accident and is now back home with her family after an extended time in both the Alfred Hospital and the Royal Children's Hospital. I caught up with Jorja and her family recently and she was doing well despite the ordeal.

The support that was provided for the community, students and staff at the school was incredible and we are very grateful that so much care, understanding and expertise was available for all of us at this time. Support remains for students and staff, and will continue to be provided for as long as necessary. If your child continues to need support, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Building Updates

The school Gym refurbishments are now almost complete with only line marking, defects and clean up to follow. The change rooms, toilets, hall space and reception have been totally reimagined and will complement the new buildings and new direction of the school. We will now be looking at lighting and external surfaces to ensure it is an asset that can be accessed by the school and the wider community well into the future.

Other ongoing projects include the development of a commercial shed to the West of the HDSC to house school vehicles and vocational student projects, as well as commercial machinery for timber preparation.

Staffing Update

Claire Kilmartin departed the school at the end of last term and we thank Claire for her professionalism and commitment to Careers, English and the teaching of Humanities over the years. Thankfully in a time of staffing shortage we have been able to employ Richard Brown who lives in Hamilton and has a passion for History to take up the role. Welcome Richard.

Production

The school production of Alice in Wonderland is ramping up with increased rehearsals, set building and much excitement. Tickets will go on sale very soon for the opening night at the PAC. Don’t miss out.

Subject Selection for 2024

We had a very large turn out of students and parents to our information night during this week. This is only the start of the selection process but it is very important to read the handbook and get selections in by the due date of next Wednesday 2nd August. There will be subject counselling offered as part of the process as required.

School for Student Leadership.

Four of our Year 9 students are now at the Snowy River Camp in Far East Gippsland along with students from 7 other schools in the South West and across Melbourne. Tom Morton, Nathan Clark, Olivia Bell and Charlotte Dahl have already made contact with the school to discuss their community learning project and it sounds great. More details will follow when they return next term.