Dear Yarrabing School Community,

As we come to the end of Term 3, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a busy, productive, and rewarding term for our school community.

Term 3 has shown what we can achieve when students, staff, families, and the wider community work together. There is much to celebrate, both inside and outside the classroom.

First and foremost, I want to recognise our students.

Throughout the term, our students have continued to demonstrate commitment to learning. We have seen progress across the curriculum, with students challenging themselves, developing new skills, and taking greater responsibility for their learning.

Our teachers have provided engaging opportunities that encourage students to think critically, solve problems, collaborate, and be creative. Whether through classroom learning or the other many engaging events and activities that the College offers in all areas of study, our students have continued to show curiosity and determination.

I congratulate every student who has worked hard towards a personal goal. Achievement is not only about the highest result or receiving an award. It is also about improvement, effort, persistence, and having the courage to keep going when something is challenging.

Beyond the classroom, Term 3 has also been full of opportunities and achievements.

Our students have represented the school with pride through sport, competitions, performances, excursions, and community activities. These experiences help develop teamwork, confidence, leadership, and resilience.

I would particularly like to acknowledge our student leaders. Leadership is not simply about having a title; it is about setting a positive example, supporting others, showing responsibility, and contributing to our school community. I have been very proud to see these qualities demonstrated throughout the term.

Our school community has also continued to grow stronger.

We remain committed to creating an environment where our students feel respected, included, and supported. Positive relationships, wellbeing, and respectful behaviour continue to be at the heart of our school.

I would like to sincerely thank our staff for their dedication and care. Every day, our teachers and support staff encourage, guide, challenge, and support our students. Their commitment makes a real difference.

I also thank our families for your ongoing support. Your encouragement at home, involvement in school activities, and partnership with our staff are an important part of student success.

As we reflect on Term 3, it is worth remembering that some of our greatest accomplishments may not always be the most visible.

Success might be a student becoming more confident, improving in an area they found difficult, making a new friend, showing kindness, taking on a leadership role, or simply refusing to give up.

These moments matter.

They remind us that every student has their own journey, and every step forward is worth celebrating.

As we look towards Term 4, I encourage every student to think about what you have achieved this term, what you have learned, and what you would like to improve. Set yourself a goal and commit to doing your best.

For some students, Term 4 will bring important milestones and new challenges. For all of us, it is another opportunity to learn, grow, contribute, and make a difference.

Let us finish the year with the same enthusiasm, determination, and sense of community that we have demonstrated so far this year.

Finally, I want to say how proud I am of our entire school community.

The accomplishments we celebrate today are shared achievements. They are the result of students who are willing to learn, staff who are committed to making a difference, families who provide encouragement and support, and a community that believes in the potential of every child.

Thank you for making Term 3 such a successful term.

Congratulations to everyone on your achievements, both big and small. Enjoy a well-earned break, take time to rest and recharge, and return ready to make Term 4 a positive and successful final term.

Thank you, and well done everyone.

RUOK? Day

I thank all the staff and students for their time and effort on Thursday 10th September in helping the college run a successful RUOK? Day. It was fantastic to see our students greatly enjoying these engaging activities. Comments that have been made to me throughout the year by students and families highlight the enormous understanding, support and empathy displayed by the staff of the college towards our students and families.

On behalf of the College and School Council, I thank our college staff for their work, and our Student Support Staff in particular, for the effort and enthusiasm that they put into the RUOK? day and their attention to detail.

Finally, can I specifically thank those who were part of the organizing group led by our House Leaders and our Student Wellbeing team. We all know that 2026 continues to be a challenging year for many, and this program is very much needed.

Planning for 2027

As Term 3 ends, this is a perfect opportunity for me to begin discussing the planning for 2027. The complex process of planning for 2026 is well underway and the recruitment of staff to teach our new Year 7 cohort in 2027 continues to be at the forefront of our work. This is moving along particularly well, with many of the teaching positions now filled with experienced and dedicated educators.

Year 9 and 10 subject elective classes have now been finalized and will be communicated to students and their families early next term.

Stage 2 Building works are well on their way of being completed

The next phase of our School Building Master Plan with the construction of our Stage 2 permanent buildings is progressing very well with the final stages being completed in the new Administration and Learning Neighbourhood blocks, as well as our sporting grounds and facilities. I am very confident that this work will be completed on time for the 2027 school year and to a very high standard. We are now also waiting for the delivery of the relocatables to be connected to the new infrastructure that has already been put in place.

Credit to both our students and staff who continue to work around the challenges of the new build. We all know that it will be worth it in the end.

John Mitsinikos

Principal

Term 3 Dates
Friday 18 September	Last day of classes for Term 3

Term 4 Dates
Monday 5 October	First day of classes for Term 4
Monday 2 November	Staff Professional Practice Day
Tuesday 3 November	Melbourne Cup Public Holiday - Student Free Day
Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 December	Student Activity Program

2026 Calendar Dates