YEAR 7-9 NEWS
Year 7 & 8
A message from our Year 7-8 Assistant Principal Adam Ross
A Warm Welcome (and Welcome Back) to Our Year 7 & 8 Families for 2025
It has been fantastic to start the year at Western Heights Secondary College as the Assistant Principal for Years 7 and 8. From my first day, I’ve been impressed by the warmth of our students and staff, the high expectations across the school, a strong sense of community, and the way our values—Courage, Responsibility, and Inclusion—are lived out every day.
Personally, meeting all our Year 7 and 8 students has been a highlight. Their enthusiasm for learning, commitment in class, and support for one another reflect what makes this school special. Whether it’s tackling new challenges in the classroom or showing kindness in the yard, our students are leading by example.
While I may be a Geelong local now, I must confess—I barrack for Essendon. Please don’t hold that against me… given the past 20 years, that hasn’t exactly been a source of joy!
This term, I’m particularly excited for the upcoming Open Days and Welcome Nights, along with the Year 7 Anglesea Camp—a fantastic opportunity for students to build friendships and confidence.
I also want to introduce our excellent Year 7 & 8 Engagement Team who, along with our mentor teachers, are the best point of contact through Compass for any questions or support.
| Sub-School Leading Teacher | Learning Community Leaders | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | Ms Ruwani Keyburn | Mr Jackson Ramus, Ms Marli McCarthy |
| Year 8 | Ms Lauren Marino | Mr Brent Watson, Mr Martin West |
Before joining Western Heights, I spent seven years as an Assistant Principal at Horsham College and grew up in Sunraysia, where my love of sport—especially cricket and football—began. As a dad to three daughters in primary school, I’m passionate about ensuring every child has an excellent education, no matter their background, dreams, or ambitions.
My hope for every student in Year 7 and 8 this year is to embrace opportunities—academically, socially, and through the many camps and sports on offer. By challenging themselves, I’m confident they will grow into outstanding individuals ready for success in school and beyond.
I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the year. Please reach out anytime.
Adam / Mr Ross
Assistant Principal – Years 7 & 8
Year 7's Settling In
Swimming Carnival 3/2
Year 8 Art
The Year 8 cohort has had a fantastic start to 2025! They are settling in, re-adapting to classroom expectations well, and arriving to class ready to learn.
Just a reminder that this year students will receive homework for Maths, Science, English, and Humanities every 2 weeks. Each class will be informed by their teachers of what the homework is and when it is due. If you have any queries about this, please contact your child’s teacher through Compass.