From the Principal Class

Dear Viewbank College Community, 

We are now deep into term 2. There continues to be many opportunities for students to be involved in sport, production, STEAM events and excursions. 

Students are deep into production rehearsals and a reminder that tickets for Mamma Mia are on sale now - please see 2025 College Production page in this newsletter for further information. 

Our Duke of Ed students just completed their overnight practice journeys and had a great time trekking through Warrandyte State Park.  

Please check out our Instagram page at 'viewbankcollege3084' for stories on all of the daily events at Viewbank. 

Next week, we begin the major exam period. Students studying a Unit 3&4 VCE subject are required to undertake the GAT on Tuesday 17th June.

Lots of information has been shared with students, but I want to reinforce that this is a really important testing process - students need to give it their best. 

It can be used by VCAA to moderate internal and external assessments. 

Please ensure your student understands the importance of the GAT. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sean Hiller (Senior School team). 

Year 9 students also have their first formal exams on Tuesday, 17th of June.

Year 10 and 11 students begin their exams on Wednesday 18th of June.

Again, the opportunity to practice under exam conditions is critical to building routines and familiarity with exam formats. 

Policy Updates: 

With the weather turning colder, a reminder of our Uniform Policy - it is tempting for students to wear hoodies. We encourage students to layer under their correct uniform, but additional layers must not be visible.  

College Council will be discussing changes to uniform policy based on the Department of Education’s proposed changes to the Student Dress Code to make uniform more affordable. The changes will mean parents and students can buy non-branded pants, shorts, skirts and socks. It does not impact tops, shirts, dresses and jackets. 

We will consult regarding this policy, but in the meantime, please ensure that your student is wearing the correct items. 

If you need support accessing jackets or other items, please contact your student’s House Leader. 

Another update to our policies is the Complaints Policy. 

This should be read in conjunction with the Communication Policy. 

We understand that at times, students and parents wish to raise concerns with the College.  

We wish to work through any concerns or complaints by listening and responding to the beliefs and perspectives of all parties in a respectful, fair and timely manner. 

Please ensure that you access these policies through our Compass portal. Head to the Community icon - School Documentation and scroll down through to Policies. 

Masterplan Strategic Meeting: 

Thanks to the parents and staff who attended our strategic planning meeting last week. We are now in the process of putting together a staged approach to improving the facilities at the College. This will be published on our website and will hopefully lead to meaningful conversations with our Local member, Banyule Council, other stakeholders and the State Government on targeted funding for the school. 

Viewbank College Building Fund

Thank you for your continued support!

The Viewbank College Building Fund is a voluntary tax-deductible contribution that plays a vital role in improving our school facilities.

The College would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank those families who have already contributed to the Building Fund this year.

How will your donation assist the College?

As per Sharon Grimes' recent post, the College community met on Wednesday 4th June, 2025, to create a new Master Plan for our building and grounds.  

Your generous donation will contribute greatly to support this plan.

In the past Building Fund donations have supported various improvements throughout the school such as the installation of heating/cooling, internal/external painting, and upgrades to learning spaces.

Recently, funds have been used to support the development of our VCE Study Centre, a purpose-built space for our Year 12 students to study, gather and collaborate during their final year at the College.

The end of financial year is fast approaching, if you would like to take the opportunity to make a taxable deduction donation to our Building Fund, 

please Click here .

All donations big or small are tax-deductible and very much appreciated!

Sharon Grimes, Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal

Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal

Penelope Cleghorn, Assistant Principal