Secondary School Update

As we head towards the last couple of weeks of term, there are some important events taking place to help finish the year.

Our Year 7 and 8 students are enjoying special TAS days with the Year 7 C02 Dragsters Race Day tomorrow and Year 8 Bottle Rockets Launch Day on Tuesday next week.

Year 10 students are looking forward to their Albury Day Trip on Friday 5th December to celebrate the conclusion of Year 10.

Year 9 HSIE students are visiting the Museum of the Riverina in the next couple of weeks, and Year 10 HSIE students are completing a visit to the College wetlands as part of Geography.

The Secondary School Presentation Evening is on Monday 8th December. Students who are receiving an award will be notified by the College early next week. Whilst not all secondary students are receiving an award, we do invite our secondary school families to join us in recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of students. We will also enjoy some musical performances as part of the evening.

Tuesday 9th December is the College Xmas Mufti Day – look out for more details soon.

Our committed staff have been working hard to prepare end of year reports which you will be able to access through Compass at the end of term.

Keep encouraging your children to come to school prepared (equipment, homework, uniform etc.) and keep doing their best as the end of the school year approaches.

We look forward to seeing you at the Twilight Carols on Thursday 27th November!

Geoffrey Xeros

Head of Secondary School

Coming to Grips with Leadership

Eighteen student leaders from Year 10 and 11, recently participated in a GRIP Student Leadership Conference at the Albury Entertainment Centre. Attendees came from a range of regional schools.

GRIP Leadership is an independent organisation which aims to train and develop leaders with a special focus on school students and the educational sector.

Mr Forbes-Taber, Stage 5 Coordinator, reported:

The conference was full of talks, interactive sessions and inspiring stories with a focus on student leadership strategies and insights to empower and equip students to make an impact. Our student leaders represented us well, engaging in the Q and A and showing positive pride in their school. (Throughout the conference students had to cheer whenever our College was mentioned. Our students consistently gave a rousing cheer, louder than any other school).

My takeaway: Good leaders don’t always choose what’s easy, they choose what’s necessary. When it is chaotic and busy though, most of us all revert to the easy…so manage and plan your time and priorities well.

Student Feedback

I enjoyed meeting student leaders and captains/vice captains from other schools around us and sharing ideas we have for our schools. It was an amazing opportunity for outreach and to get to know those in similar roles at different schools.

I learnt that there may already be good programs running in the school that as student leaders we could improve and build on, instead of always trying to implement new ideas from scratch.

I learnt that what may seem like the easiest solution might not always be the best. It is important to have a good balance between your personal life and leadership. The simple answer might make you feel easier, but usually you are required to do more than what you wish. This is what it takes to be a good leader.

A main idea that stuck with me was that as a student leader we need to accept the challenge and look for ways to be proactive in organising the groups we lead.

One point that resonated with me was that was when planning events, we need to ensure that there is a reason/purpose for why people should attend and participate. This can help us plan and run interesting and well-liked events at school.

Steve Forbes-Taber

Stage 5 Coordinator

Pursuing Your Dream

Our students have opportunities to pursue a range of post-school options including further education, training, employment or a combination of these. Whilst many of our students choose to complete the HSC and go on to university, our College is supportive of students who seek a different pathway.

We actively assist students in exploring post-school options through a range of vocational pathway courses, career and industry taster programs, and our successful work experience program and collaborations with TAFE NSW.

We would like to congratulate the following Year 10 students who have secured an apprenticeship or traineeship and will commence full-time employment in their dream jobs in 2026.

Charlee Wishart: Apprenticeship in Hairdressing, employed by Blush and Mane.

Max Smith: Traineeship in Information Technology Support, employed by TAFE NSW.

Moses Casanova: Apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating, employed by Proline Painting.

Olivia Mitchell: Traineeship in Early Childhood Education and Care, employed by Inspire Early Learning Centre.

Steve Forbes-Taber

Stage 5 Coordinator

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