Around the Campuses
Melbourne Youth Leadership Conference
On Thursday 27th March, our Year 9 and Year 12 Captains and Vice Captains attended the Melbourne Youth Leadership Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with Ms Cho and Ms Andarahewa.
Our students were initially nervous. They arrived beautifully dressed in their school uniforms, complete with blazers, proud to represent VUSC but unsure if they truly belonged. One student asked “Why are we here with all these private school kids?” Their teachers reassured them that they belonged on any platform—that their voices mattered. They emphasised that students from VUSC had every right to stand alongside students from all schools.
As the day progressed, our students began to settle in. They networked, took notes on leadership, listened intently, and participated enthusiastically in the activities. They even had dance-offs with students from other schools, and their teachers had the honour of watching their confidence grow.
At the end of the conference the presenters announced a program offering a $2,000 grant for students to tackle a "big issue" at their school. Both the junior and senior Captains were already planning and identifying the issues they wanted to address. Seeing them take immediate action and feel empowered was phenomenal!
During the conference Minister for Youth, Hon. Natalie Suleyman, took the stage. She began by asking if any schools from the west—particularly from St Albans, where she had grown up—were present. Only our hands went up, and she gave a special shout-out to "the Westies." At that moment, our students truly felt a sense of belonging. The same student who had initially felt nervous turned to me and said, “All the presenters looked like they came from privileged backgrounds, but the top leader speaking here today was one of us.”
This moment was pivotal. It showed our students that leadership is not determined by where you come from or your privileges; it’s about stepping up, using your voice, and making a difference.
A reflection from Charlotte Katoanga, College Captain:
Personally, the Melbourne Secondary Youth Leadership Conference was an incredibly inspiring and revolutionary experience. While attending with other students who were selected by their schools to participate in the program, we learnt valuable information that pushed us to approach situations critically while being mindful of others.
The program delved into the deeper aspects of leadership, showing how—even though we may wear badges—they do not define us. A label does not make you a leader, but rather the values you choose to bring to the role and the actions you take to help your community. One of the university student speakers mentioned that “If nothing changes, then nothing changes,” meaning that if we don’t take that first step to create change in our school communities, then the problem won’t change either.
It was so heartwarming to hear Noah Yang, the founder of ‘We Are Mobilised’, talk about his story and how he reminded us that everyone is human. Being a leader means more than just focusing on ourselves—it means helping those around us. The event was filled with many valuable speakers who shared what it means to be a good leader and provided us with interactive sessions that I will never forget (the dance battles being one 😉).
It was a lovely experience, and I would recommend this to schools looking to guide their students on how to be leaders!
Well done to our Captains and Vice Captains for being amazing ambassadors of our school!
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Athletics Carnival Gallery
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Year 7 Camp
In Week 3 this term, Year 7 students spent three days in picturesque Anglesea where they enjoyed participating in a number of outdoor activities, including surfing, kayaking, zip lining, bushwalking and high ropes courses. The students had an amazing time in great weather, making lasting memories and strengthening new friendships!
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Debating Program
On the evening of Tuesday 8th May, the VUSC Year 9 Debating team went to Williamstown Secondary College, Bayside Campus to compete in their second DAV interschool debate. The team included Paige Pamintuan as first speaker, Evana Tanielu as second speaker and Zack Dado as final speaker, ably supported in their preparation by Hao Hoang, Jackie Tran and Navi Bhasin.
The students argued on the affirmative side for the topic “That Australia should implement a substantial tourist tax” debating against Bacchus Marsh Grammar School.
Debating in public takes a lot of courage and all of these students did a fantastic job, preparing thoroughly, speaking confidently and behaving professionally at all times. Well done to all of you on a fabulous effort! Thank you for being such great representatives of our school.
Ms Howard
Debating Coordinator
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Sports Update
We have had big few weeks of inter-school sport! Congratulations to all these students for demonstrating all of our school values through sport:
- Volleyball: Both the Intermediate Boys and Girls teams are Keilor Division Champions! At the Western Metro Region finals, the Intermediate Boys came Runners up, with the Girls Intermediate team just missing out on the final.
- Soccer: Year 7 boys team made it to the GRAND FINAL however unfortunately lost to TLSC. The girls finished 3rd! Huge effort by both teams.
- Soccer: Intermediate boys and girls unfortunately missed out on a win but had a great day and showed fantastic sportsmanship.
- Basketball: A big congratulations to our Senior Girls Basketball team, who are Keilor Division Champions! Also congratulations to our Boys team who played really well and missed out playing finals by only a couple of points. The students had a fun day and great sportsmanship was shown throughout the day.
Well done to all of our sporting students for demonstrating all three of our school values and being terrific ambassadors of our College!
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ANZAC Day Commemoration
Seb DAVID - Year 8
On Thursday 24 April 2025, VUSC honoured ANZAC Day. Our first lesson of the day focused on the history of ANZAC Day. We learnt about the battle that took place at Gallipoli and how brave Australians and New Zealanders risked their lives for the future of others. This session was very helpful in educating us about the sacrifices these brave soldiers made to protect us and Australia as a nation. It made us more attuned to and grateful for the sacrifices the ANZACs made for our country.
After the lesson, we attended an assembly to commemorate those who have risked their lives or passed while protecting our nation. During the assembly, we sang both the New Zealand and Australian national anthems together. The Last Post was then played, followed by a minute of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the war. It was heartwarming to know that those who had passed would not be forgotten. They live on through their memories, sacrifices, and the impact they made on our current lives. At the end of the one-minute silence, we repeated the phrase “Lest We Forget.” On that day, VUSC as a school paid our respects to the people who helped make Australia the great country it is today.
Isabella SCHILLINGER - Year 8
The ANZAC Day assembly and lesson were meaningful and respectful, honouring all who served in WWI. The lesson helped me develop a deeper understanding of what happened in Gallipoli and the sacrifices made during the war. As students entered the gym, everyone was quiet and respectful, creating a solemn atmosphere. The silence continued as the SRC members read heartfelt poems to honour and remember the ANZACs. It was a powerful and moving experience that reminded us of the importance of remembering those who served.
Amelia LY - Year 8
During the ANZAC Day assembly, we paid our respects to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for us. We remained silent throughout the assembly, and several poems were read in honour of the soldiers. The school band played the national anthem, and singers performed both the New Zealand and Australian anthems. A trumpet player also performed the Last Post, which was very moving.
In our first session, we learnt about the ANZACs — when the events took place, where the soldiers came from, what they did, and how we commemorate them today. During the assembly, I felt a deep sense of respect and sadness for the ANZACs. I also felt gratitude for their courage and dedication to our country.
Barleen KAUR - Year 8
The ANZAC Day assembly and lesson were both deeply moving and meaningful. Hearing the stories of the soldiers made me reflect on their bravery and the sacrifices they made for our country. The performance of the Last Post and the moment of silence helped me understand the deep respect we show to those who served. The class also gave me a clearer understanding of why ANZAC Day holds such importance and taught me more about Australia’s history. I’m grateful we took the time to honour and remember them.
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Harmony Day
June PERERA - Year 9
Entering school on Harmony Day was such an incredible experience. From learning about the cultures of my fellow classmates to understanding the significance of identity, Harmony Day enlightened me. Being able to see people dressed in traditional clothing and bringing aspects of their background to school was my favourite part of the day, as it allowed me to appreciate the diversity within our school and experience a bit of their homes and heritage.
Jessica DANG - Year 9
Celebrating Harmony Day was a meaningful and memorable experience for me. I loved seeing everyone dressed in their traditional costumes—it made me feel proud of how diverse and unique our school community is. The best part of the day was the dance performances that students participated in; they were full of energy and showcased different cultures in such a fun way. It made me happy to see everyone coming together, celebrating where we come from, and showing respect for each other.
Aurelia ALLEN - Year 9
I was thinking about how amazing Harmony Day was overall—I loved the dancing and when people went around asking which country others were from. I thought maybe next time, people could paint or draw pictures of something that represents their country or countries, like a flag or something meaningful. Then we could hang them around the school.
Zahra ALBURY - Year 7
The overall atmosphere of the whole day was really cool. All the dances (mainly the boys' haka), the traditional articles of clothing, and the fashion show were a huge success. I think everyone enjoyed it because it was a very humorous activity, especially the runway walks. I found the day to be a good way to bring the school together as one and to give the Year 7s a chance to get to know their year level a bit better. It was also really cool to be able to see the differences in clothing from other places around the world.
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Legal Studies
Year 12 Work Experience
During the Term 1 break, seven students from Mr Anderson’s Year 12 Legal Studies class were given the opportunity to undertake one week of work experience in the legal profession. Four of the students went to Allens, a large commercial law firm, and the other three students shadowed barristers Joseph Tsalanidis, Felicity Fox and Susanna Locke.
The students sat in on court cases and meetings, participated in a mock trial, learned how to write CVs and conduct themselves in interviews, and observed firsthand what lawyers do. Here’s what some of the students had to say:
The experience at Allens was enlightening. The ability to be able be part of the environment of a large law firm, even for a short while, was incredible. I was introduced to new pathways into law and shown all of the possibilities that could be waiting for me after university. – Erin 12D
I really enjoyed tasks like case law reviews and the mock trial because they were enjoyable and also challenged us. I also found writing a CV to be useful because now I can use it for job applications. We had people who actually reviewed them and helped us make them the best that we could. – Enan 12H
Pictured below: College Captains John Pakoti and Charlotte Katoanga at work experience
Year 10 Deep Learning Legal Studies excursion to the Sunshine Magistrates' Court
Towards the end of Term 1, Mr Anderson’s Year 10 Deep Learning Legal Studies class visited the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court. Magistrate Sabljak talked with the students about the court, the types of cases it dealt with, how he became a Magistrate, and the challenges and opportunities of working at the court.
Students then visited the different court rooms where they were able to observe a variety of largely criminal cases, including bail and remand applications, driving while under the influence, protection orders and sentencing hearings. This was a great opportunity for the students to see firsthand what they have been learning about in class. As Minh 10I said, “This was one of the best excursions I’ve been on. There were some really interesting cases and I liked seeing all of the different people who the magistrates had to deal with”.
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Gardening Club @ Junior Campus
Interested in gardening? Come along to the Gardening Club at lunch time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Junior Campus with Ms Grant. The Club is led by the students’ interests and will form part of a larger plan to improve the gardens of the campus.
The goal which the students have identified for 2025 is:
to improve biodiversity through restoring habitat for Victoria’s native plants and animals. This is supported with a Junior Landcare Grant and Victorian Schools Gardening Grant.
Gardening Club students recently participated in Clean Up Australia Day, picking up rubbish around the Junior Campus. Thank you to these students and staff for contributing to a cleaner environment for us all!
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Breakfast Club - All students welcome!
Come along for some toast, milk, fruit and snacks!
Junior Campus Tuesdays and Thursdays
8:15—8:55am in Room A4
Senior Campus Wednesdays and Fridays
8:15am—8:45am in the Building B kitchen
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Lunchtime Games - All welcome!
Junior Campus
Board games every Tuesday and Thursday in Room C01
Senior Campus
Console games every Friday in Room D11
Board games every Wednesday and Thursday in D15
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