From the Principal's Desk
We have completed Semester One on a very positive note, with the successful completion of examinations, assessment tasks and reports. These important milestones have ensured that both staff and students remained focused on learning, progress and achievement, and have provided a clear demonstration of student success throughout the semester.
We commenced Semester Two on Tuesday 9 June, with all students in Years 7–12 engaging in new content, new units and new elective classes for the final weeks of the term. This is always an exciting time as students begin fresh learning journeys and set new goals for continued improvement and success.
It has been inspiring to see our students actively engaged in their learning and benefitting from the high-quality instruction provided by our teachers. Our continued implementation of AVID instructional practices ensures that all students are developing through Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organisation and Reading (W.I.C.O.R.).
Cornell note-taking continues to play a vital role in reinforcing learning, supporting students to review, revise and consolidate knowledge into long-term memory. Likewise, AVID binders provide an essential organisational tool for student success. I thank our parents and carers for their ongoing partnership in supporting their children by encouraging completion of Cornell note questions and summaries, promoting daily reading, and ensuring students come to school organised, prepared and truly ‘ready to learn’.
Term Three Focus: Ready to Learn
In Term Three, our whole-school focus on ‘Ready to Learn’ will continue. ‘Ready to Learn’ Mondays in our AVID Centre will remain a key support, providing students with access to essential materials such as binders, books and stationery.
In Semester One, our teachers worked in Professional Learning Communities with a strong focus on strengthening reading comprehension. Building on this, Term Three will place emphasis on improving student writing as an outcome of deep reading and understanding, in preparation for students to achieve greater success in their final assessments and examinations.
Attendance Matters
Regular school attendance is essential for success. We continue to prioritise attendance across the college, supporting students to be present and engaged in their learning every day. Improving attendance and setting individual attendance goals remain a key focus, as we know that consistent attendance has a direct and significant impact on academic achievement, wellbeing and future pathways.
Engagement and Opportunities
Our broad range of programs, including our STEM Program, Enrichment Program, Spanish Immersion Program, AVID Elective and Football Development Program, continues to support student engagement, attendance and a strong sense of belonging.
In addition, our extensive co-curricular and extra-curricular offerings, including Homework Club, Collaborative Study Groups, break time clubs, excursions and incursions, student workshops, interschool and zone sports, music rehearsals, SRC conferences and forums, community projects, work experience and debating, provide valuable opportunities for growth and connection.
These programs contribute to a rich and supportive learning environment where students can thrive. Within this newsletter, you will find many highlights from Term Two, and we look forward to sharing further opportunities available in Term Three.
Semester One Reports
Reports have now been finalised and are available on Compass. Printed copies have also been sent home, along with student reflections and new learning goals.
I encourage all parents and carers to take the time to review these reports carefully with your child, celebrating achievements while identifying areas for growth and improvement. Regardless of results, I am consistently impressed by the commitment shown by both students and staff in striving towards our school motto:‘Creating a Community of High Expectations.’
Year 10 Work Experience
In the final week of Term Two, our Year 10 students will participate in Work Experience. This is a valuable opportunity for students to gain insight into the workplace, develop important employability skills, and explore potential career pathways.
We are confident that our students will represent the College with pride, demonstrating our values and expectations within their placements. We look forward to welcoming them back in Term Three, enriched with new experiences and ready to apply their learning to future studies.
School Production – The Addams Family
Our students and staff have been working tirelessly in preparation for this year’s school production, The Addams Family. Rehearsals are well underway, and we are excited for what promises to be a fantastic showcase of talent, creativity and teamwork.
Performances will take place at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, and we encourage all members of our community to support this wonderful event. Further details, including performance dates and ticket information, are available through the school.
Preparing for 2027
Planning for 2027 is already well underway. Students have begun completing their Career Action Plans (CAPs) and submitting course applications.
In Week 2 of next term, students in Years 9–11 will participate in Pathways Week, finalising their subject selections. Families are warmly invited to attend our Subject and Program Expo:
- Tuesday 21 July
- 3:30pm – 4:30pm
- College Gymnasium
As our college continues to grow, we are forecast to reach full capacity again in 2027. It is therefore important that families notify the school if their child will not be returning.
For those intending to return, please ensure that:
- Subject selections are submitted via the web link by the due date, Friday 26 July
- Families attend the compulsory pre-enrolment interviews in November and December
Serving as Acting Principal throughout Term 2 has been an extraordinary experience, and I have felt both privileged and honoured to lead our College during this time. I have been fortunate to receive the strong support of our students, staff and families, for which I am deeply grateful. This collective commitment and sense of community have ensured the continued success and positive culture of our school. I look forward to welcoming back our substantive Principal, Ms Leanne Gagatsis, at the start of Term 3, as she continues to lead the College with vision, dedication and a strong focus on student achievement and wellbeing.
As Term Two draws to a close, I wish all members of our community a safe and restful break. This is a valuable opportunity for students to recharge and return refreshed for Term Three, ready to learn and achieve their very best.
Connie Faranda - Acting Principal
Creating a Community of High Expectations
Respect, Cooperation and Excellence
