Principal Team Report

Term 4 Report

As Term 4 gets under way, our school community moves through one of the busiest and most meaningful stretches of the year. Examinations, farewells, celebrations and fresh beginnings all arrive within a few short weeks, and we hope this overview helps families across every year level know what to expect.

The end of the year can be a tricky time for students of all ages. The weather warms, the holidays feel close and routines can start to slip. Yet Term 4 is when much of the most valuable learning is consolidated, and the habits students build now carry directly into the new year. For our Year 7 to 9 students, this is a term to finish well. Arriving on time, bringing the right equipment, completing tasks as they are set and staying engaged in class all make a lasting difference. A steady bedtime, a tidy study space and a sensible balance between screens and time outdoors help students keep their energy and concentration. We ask families to encourage these routines at home and to stay in touch with teachers if a student seems to be losing momentum. Small conversations early in the term prevent bigger concerns later.

Our Year 12 students lead the way in how to finish a long journey with purpose. Their final day of classes will be held on Friday 16 October. For many, Wheelers Hill Secondary College has been a constant for six years. They arrived as nervous Year 7s, found their feet through camps, productions and sporting carnivals, and grew into the young adults who now lead our community. On their last day, we will pause as a school to recognise that journey, and staff will have the chance to thank students individually. They have earned every moment of it.

Attention then turns to the VCE examination period, which begins on Tuesday 27 October and continues through to November. We encourage Year 12 students to use the time before their first exam with intention: working through past papers under timed conditions, revisiting the areas where their confidence is lowest and, just as importantly, building in rest. Families can help by keeping the home calm and predictable, providing nourishing meals and gently reminding students that an exam result measures one day's work rather than a person's worth. If illness or other circumstances may affect performance, please contact the school promptly. Our wellbeing team and staff remain available throughout, and asking for help is always a sign of good judgement.

Examinations are not limited to Year 12. Our Year 10 and Year 11 students will sit their exams from Wednesday 4 November through to Friday 13 November, gaining valuable experience of formal assessment conditions and a clear picture of their progress. Feedback sessions will follow on Monday 16 November and Tuesday 17 November, when teachers will return results and work with students on their next steps. We encourage families to talk about this feedback at home, as the conversations after an exam are often where the most useful learning happens.

Looking ahead, our Headstart program will begin on Wednesday 18 November and run through to Wednesday 2 December. Designed for students moving into Year 11 and Year 12 in 2027, Headstart allows them to begin their studies in their selected subjects, building momentum and easing the transition into the new year.

Not every highlight of this period involves a classroom. On Thursday 19 November, our Year 7 to 9 students will enjoy a Gala Sport Day, a chance to put the books aside, represent their teams and celebrate participation, teamwork and good humour. We thank the staff who organise these events so thoughtfully, and we encourage students to approach the day with energy and good sportsmanship.

On the subject of sport, we are delighted to congratulate Peyton Tavrou-Sougleris (Yr 10), who won the gold medal in the 16 Years Shot Put at the Eastern Metropolitan Region Track and Field Championships. This outstanding result earns Peyton a place representing the College at the School Sport Victoria State Track and Field Championships in the same event. Success at this level reflects countless hours of training, discipline and determination, and the whole school community will be cheering.

Our Year 12 cohort will be farewelled in style at the Valedictory Dinner on Friday 20 November, an evening on which students, families and staff come together to celebrate the achievements of the year and the character of the graduating class.

To our Year 12 students, you have represented this school with distinction, and your contribution to our culture of Excellence, Respect and Creativity will be remembered long after you leave. Trust the preparation you have done, because you know more than you think you do. To our younger students, watch how our graduating class finishes, and take up the same effort and kindness in your own year, because every year level contributes to the community we are proud of.

On behalf of the leadership team, we wish all of our students and families a productive, balanced and rewarding term. Take care of yourselves and of each other.

Michael Lyristis

Assistant Principal