Principal Report

Welcome back to Term 4.

It has been my pleasure to look after the staff and students for the final week of term 3, the school holidays and the first week of term four whilst Mr Hogan has been on Long Service Leave. I hope the school holidays have been relaxing and re-energising for all community members as we move into the final months of the school year. 

I would also like to extend my gratitude to Ms Ash Fraraccio and Mr Nigel Adkin, who assumed the role of Acting Deputy Principal for Student Wellbeing, along with the leadership team and staff who continued their outstanding work in Mr Hogan's absence.

Class of 2024: Expectations for the Final Weeks of Year 12

Our Year 12 students have been completing trial exams this week before they embark on the final weeks of their secondary schooling. Below, our expectations are outlined for them to finish the year strongly.

To celebrate the conclusion of their secondary school journey, we have organised several formal celebrations that will bring together family, friends, and teachers to honour the Class of 2024. Completing VCE and VM certificates is a significant achievement, one that deserves celebration as a community. 

Our school values treating people with dignity and respect, including respect for school property, which benefits all members of our community. Therefore, our simple expectation is that individuals and property will always be respected. Should any students be found responsible for inappropriate behaviour, the school reserves the right to exclude them from participating in their final exams at St John's College, attending the Graduation Mass and Dinner, and other formal farewell functions.

Over the years, we have taken pride in our students' conduct, and I have every confidence that this year's group will maintain the high standards we set for them. They will finish the year enhancing their personal and our school's reputations.

I also want to take this opportunity to emphasise to parents the importance of supervision for any informal celebrations that may occur at family homes in the coming weeks. Year 12 celebrations often attract large numbers of young people, making adequate adult supervision necessary to ensure a safe environment for all participants. Regarding school policy, I have instructed staff not to attend any informal Year 12 celebrations. From a legal perspective, staff in such circumstances could be seen as being in a supervisory capacity, regardless of the intended arrangement.

A final College Assembly highlighting the contributions of our graduating students will be held on Tuesday, October 22, at 10:00 a.m., and all parents of the graduating class are invited to attend. A BBQ on the school grounds will follow this. The Graduation Mass for the Class of 2024 will occur at St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne, followed by a dinner at the MCG on November 22.

On Tuesday night, November 27, the Annual Awards Night will be held in Br Leo Scollen Stadium. Once again, all parents and students of the Class of 2024 are invited to attend this celebration of student achievement and excellence for the 2024 school year.

We look forward to these wonderful family celebrations, an essential time to celebrate our students' achievements in completing their schooling and to express gratitude to their families and teachers who have supported them along the way.

Mr Greg Van Es

Acting Principal