College Principal Message

Welcome back to our College newsletter

I am delighted to present the second edition of our newsletter of this year, providing you with a glimpse into the vibrant activities and accomplishments that have enriched the learning of our students during Term One. It has been a very busy and productive term so far, as students, teachers, and staff engage in a myriad of activities aimed at fostering holistic development and creating memorable learning experiences.

As the College Principal, I celebrate with students, staff, parents and the wider community, a Term of Growth and Engagement!

Highlights of this Term so far…

It has been a very busy and highly productive term across Copperfield College, as students, teachers and staff have engaged in a wide range of activities designed to foster holistic development and create meaningful and memorable learning experiences.

As the proud Principal of this remarkable College, I am delighted to celebrate with our wider community a term of growth, engagement and connection across all three campuses. Each day I see firsthand the enthusiasm of our students, the dedication of our staff and the strong support of our families. Together, we continue to strengthen the culture that defines Copperfield College, “One College, Three Sites, One Family.”

Our whole campus assemblies have once again provided important opportunities for celebration, reflection and community building. These gatherings allow us to recognise student achievements, showcase talents and reinforce the high expectations we hold for every member of our College community. Assemblies also give me the opportunity to speak directly with students across all campuses, celebrating successes while reinforcing the shared message of our values and expectations. This consistency is vital in strengthening our collective identity and ensuring that every student understands what it means to belong to the Copperfield College community.

One of the great privileges of being Principal is the opportunity to connect with students across the College. As I walk around the campuses before school, during breaks and often after school, I meet many outstanding young people. I am continually impressed by their character, their aspirations and the pride they show in their school.

I would like to thank the many students who have taken the time to stop and talk with me, sharing their ideas, concerns and ambitions for the future. These conversations remind me every day of the enormous potential within our College and reinforce why the work we do together is so important.

Sporting Adventures

Sport and physical activity remain an integral part of student life at Copperfield College. Participation in sport not only promotes health and wellbeing but also strengthens teamwork, resilience and school pride. This term our students have participated in a range of sporting events including swimming, outdoor and physical education activities. The Year 7 and Year 8 Swimming Carnival was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the term. It was wonderful to see students from both Junior Campuses come together in a spirit of friendly competition, encouragement and celebration. Students proudly wore their House colours, demonstrating tremendous enthusiasm and school spirit. Events such as these bring our community together and showcase the positive culture that exists across our College.

Our Year 12 Study Camp was another significant milestone early in the term. This important experience helped set the tone for our senior students as they begin their final year of schooling. The camp provided opportunities for students to focus on their goals, strengthen their study habits and develop the mindset required for success.

Whether their pathway leads to university, TAFE, apprenticeships or sustainable employment, we are committed to ensuring that every student leaves Copperfield College with the skills, confidence and direction to succeed.

Outdoor education more broadly continues to play a vital role in our programs, providing students with opportunities for experiential learning, personal growth and teamwork beyond the classroom.

Curriculum and Enrichment Experiences

Learning at Copperfield College extends well beyond the classroom. Throughout the term our students have participated in a range of curriculum-related excursions and enrichment experiences designed to deepen their understanding and connect classroom learning with real-world contexts.

Programs such as our Junior Campuses’ Challenge Day continues to thrive, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new opportunities and develop resilience, independence and confidence. These experiences are invaluable in supporting the personal development of our young people.

Student Leadership and Community Engagement

This term has also provided many opportunities for our student leaders to represent the College with pride. Whether assisting at assemblies, supporting College events or welcoming prospective families at our Discovery Nights, our student leaders have demonstrated maturity, confidence and a strong commitment to our values.

They continue to serve as outstanding role models by promoting the Copperfield College values of Respect, Responsibility, Relationships and Excellence. Their leadership reflects the positive culture we are building across the College and the strong sense of pride students have in their school.

Strengthening Partnerships with Families

Our Meet and Greet evenings early in the term were another important opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school. These evenings allowed parents and carers to connect with teachers, discuss learning expectations and begin the year with a shared commitment to supporting every student’s success.

Strong partnerships with families are essential to ensuring the best outcomes for our students, and we greatly appreciate the ongoing support of our parent community.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to the remainder of the year, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the many opportunities that lie ahead for our students. We remain deeply committed to providing a safe, inclusive and inspiring learning environment where every young person is supported to achieve their full potential.

I would like to thank our dedicated staff, supportive families and outstanding students for making this term such a success. Together, we continue to build a vibrant learning community that inspires excellence, celebrates diversity and prepares our students for the future.

2026 School Council Elections

This year, the following vacancies were available:

6 x Parent Member positions (2-year term: 2026–2027)
1x Community Member positions (2-year term: 2026–2027)
1 x DoE Employee Member positions (2-year term: 2026–2027)
1 x Student Member position (2-year term: 2026–2027)

At the close of the call for nominations in the Parent Category for School Council there were 6 nominees for the 6 vacancies.

The following parent was therefore, elected for a two-year term.

Ms Mandy El Ali
Mr Jacques de la Porte
Ms Marcella Esposito
Ms Vera Mijakoski
Ms Renee Pavlovic
Ms Rachel Bouroutzis

At the close of the call for nominations in the Community member Category for School Council there were no nominees for the one vacancy.

Copperfield College is now seeking a Community member for its council. The community member can also be a parent.

At the close of the call for nominations in the Department of Education Category of School Council there was one nominees for one vacancy.

The following DoE member was therefore, elected for a two-year term.

Shaik Ahamed Mohideen

At the close of the call for nominations in the Student Category of School Council there was 1 nominee for 1 vacancy. The following student, therefore, was elected for a two-year term.

Jasmine Lazos

Congratulations to the parents, community and student members who have joined our School Council and thank you to all for showing interest in school governance. Working together makes a huge difference in improved student outcomes and students’ future.

On behalf of the school community, I sincerely thank the outgoing council members parents, student & staff: Ms Marianne Gualtieri, Ms Sheena Pettigrew, Ms Julie Young and Mr Dylan Paluch-Vinh

Their contribution has been paramount to the life of our College Community.

Annual Report 2025

Annual reporting is an important tool for effective governance within schools and across the government school system. Reporting to the school community adds value in several ways:

Keeping the school community informed: The annual report provides a means for the school council to inform the community of what has been achieved and how the school is performing. Providing information about schools helps the community hold schools, the system and government accountable for improving student outcomes.

Contributing to system accountability and meeting legislative requirements: Public accountability for improving student outcomes and for the use of public money is mandated in the Education and Training Reform Act (2006), where school councils are required to prepare and publish an annual report.

Relationship between the planning and annual reporting processes: The development of the annual report is an opportunity to reflect on the school’s achievements and use this as a basis for future planning.

The 2025 Annual Report was presented to the school community at the Annual General School Council Meeting (AGM) on Monday March 24. The Annual Report will also be published on the school website following its endorsement from the Department.

Please take time to read through and familiarise yourselves with the Annual Report. A copy of the annual report will be published on the school’s website: copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au.

2026 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

The 2026 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) represents the first year of implementation of the College’s 2025–2029 School Strategic Plan and sets a clear direction for our improvement work across the year. It reflects our commitment to continuous school improvement, ensuring that every initiative and action taken supports enhanced learning, wellbeing, and engagement outcomes for our students.

The AIP translates the strategic priorities outlined in the School Strategic Plan into a focused set of actions, milestones, and success measures for 2026. It provides a structured framework to guide the College’s work, ensuring that improvement strategies are implemented effectively, progress is regularly monitored, and outcomes are evaluated to inform future planning.

The AIP supports the College to:

clearly articulate and communicate its improvement priorities and actions for the year ahead, and how these contribute to achieving the goals and targets identified in the School Strategic Plan
ensure the strategic and effective allocation of resources to support the successful implementation of key initiatives
systematically monitor progress throughout the year and evaluate the impact of improvement strategies on student learning, wellbeing, and engagement outcomes.

Through the implementation of the 2026 AIP, the College will continue to strengthen its focus on high-quality teaching and learning, student wellbeing, and building a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement across all campuses.

The 2026 AIP is also published on the school’s website: Copperfield-College-8799-2026-AIP-final.pdf

International Women’s Day Celebration, 8th March 2026

On Sunday 8 March 2026, the annual celebration of International Women’s Day acknowledged the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe.

This year’s theme, ‘Balance the scales’, highlighted the need to ensure girls and women are safe, treated with respect, and have access to opportunities, regardless of background and identity.

In my role as College Principal, I have seen first-hand the importance of this theme. And for all the progress we have made in our schools, there is more work to do to balance the scales. At Copperfield College, we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, to balance the scales and forge a better world.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Copperfield College hosted a morning tea on each Campus, on Friday 6 March, for all female staff members and all student Captains. School Captains on each campus spoke about the significance and the meaning of the day. We also had special guests/alumni, who attended the International Women’s Day Morning Tea events, one at each campus.

These alums have been chosen for their outstanding successes in their field, and they were welcome additions to the celebrations.

KINGS PARK Campus

Anne-Maree Kliman

Executive Principal, Parkville College

Class of 1984

SYDENHAM Campus

Kuba Turan

Specialist Family Violence Practitioner at GenWest

Class of 2012

DELAHEY Campus

Irene Chrisopoulidis

Principal Lawyer, Chrisopoulidis & Associates

Class of 2005

Student Appearance

All students at Copperfield College are expected to take pride in their personal appearance. Jewellery, make-up, hair colour and style must be discreet as per the school expectations and policies. Earrings must consist only of sleepers or studs in the ears. Male students must be clean shaven as per our uniform policy.

It is the school’s preferred position that students do not have facial piercing ie. any facial piercing other than the ears. However, for students who already have facial piercing they have the following options: (i) the facial piercings are removed during the school day, to and from school. (ii) the facial piercing is discreet and clear plastic and (iii) a band aide is applied on the piercing during the school day, including to and from school.

Under no circumstances will metal facial piercings be accepted.

Therefore, new facial piercings cannot be obtained during the year due to the healing time which requires the piercing to be metal.

Personal Property brought to school

Personal property is often brought to school by students and visitors. This can include mobile phones, electronic games, calculators, toys, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. I wish to remind you that, DE does not hold insurance (excluding the school’s iPad program) for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property. Students that choose to bring their mobile phones to school must store them safely in their lockers during the school day as per the Department’s rule.

I wish to discourage students and visitors from bringing any personal property in particular

valuable items to school and if you choose to do so it is entirely at your own risk.

Principals must inform parents/carers and students at the time of enrolment, and annually, that parents/carers are responsible for all medical expenses, On this page:

Policy Guidance

Resources including ambulance costs if they are incurred by a student at school.

Principals must inform parents/carers that the principal may not contact them if, in the principal’s opinion, an ambulance is required without delay. Principals should encourage parents/carers to have up-to-date ambulance cover for their child. Parents/carers are liable for student medical expenses, including ambulance costs, unless the injury or medical incident resulted from a negligent act or omission on behalf of the Department.

Details Damage to students’ personal items/property Principals must inform parents/carers and students at the time of enrolment, and remind them annually, that any personal item/property that is brought to school by a student is the responsibility of the student and is not the responsibility of the school, and is not covered by school insurance.

Refer to the Personal Property page on the School Policy Templates Portal (staff login needed) for sample newsletter content. Students are responsible for personal items/property they bring to school. Neither the Department nor the school is responsible if any student’s personal item/property is lost, stolen or damaged. School property damage A parent/carer is not legally responsible for damage caused by a student at school unless it can be shown that the student was: acting as the agent or employee of the parent/carer acting with the authority of the parent/carer, or the damage was caused by a dangerous article that was given to the student by a parent/carer (e.g a knife brought to school with a parent’s knowledge) In cases of wilful damage caused by a student which destroys or significantly damages school property, principals may choose to report the matter to the police. Student medical expenses Parents/carers are liable for all medical expenses incurred as a result of a student’s injury or medical need, including transport costs such as ambulance costs (this may include an air ambulance should that be considered necessary). This applies unless the injury occurs as a result of a negligent act or omission on the part of the Department, its employees, servants or agents, in which case the Department will consider whether it is liable to reimburse the parents for expenses reasonably incurred. Principals must inform parents on enrolment, and annually (for example in school policy or newsletters), that parents/carers are responsible for any medical expenses (including ambulance costs) incurred if their child is injured or requires medical treatment or an ambulance while at school, or participating in a school activity. Principals must inform parents/carers that they may not be called if an ambulance is required, until after an ambulance is called, depending on the situation. Principals must use their judgment as to what action to take in cases of a student’s accident or sudden illness. Principals may encourage parents/carers to have up-to-date ambulance cover and medical insurance.

Disputes regarding medical and ambulance expenses costs Principals must forward any request for reimbursement of expenses, including ambulance expenses, to Legal Division by email to legal.services@education.vic.gov.au .

The principal will then be contacted by a representative of the Department seeking further information. Principals and school staff should not indicate that the Department is responsible for, or offer, promise or pay for any medical or ambulance expenses. If a principal or other staff member, acting in good faith, calls for medical assistance or an ambulance without first consulting a parent/carer and a dispute arises as to liability for the cost of the medical care, the principal or staff member will not be required by the Department to pay for the costs of the ambulance or medical expenses.

Related policies Duty of Care First Aid for Students and Staff Police — Department Protocol on Reporting Criminal Activity Legal Claims, Subpoenas, Summonses and Other Legal Document Relevant legislation Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic)

Privacy Reminder to all Parents/Guardians

Copperfield College collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy

Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement, found on our website https://www.copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au

For more information about privacy, see: Schools’ Privacy Policy – information for parents. This information also available in a number of community languages.

Student Attendance

Attendance at Copperfield College

Every Student. Every Class. Every Day.

At Copperfield College, we strongly believe that regular attendance is essential for academic success, wellbeing and positive future pathways.

As One College – Three Sites – One Family, we have consistent attendance expectations across all campuses.

Our Expectations

Students attend every scheduled class, every day, unless there is a valid reason.
Parents/carers notify the College on the day of any absence.
All absences are recorded and monitored.
Students with attendance below 90% may receive additional support.

Even missing one day per fortnight can significantly impact learning over time.

How We Support Students

We understand that there can be genuine reasons for absence. When attendance concerns arise, we:

Contact parents/carers promptly.
Meet with students to understand any barriers.
Provide wellbeing or learning support where needed.
Develop Attendance Improvement Plans if required.

Our focus is always supportive and solution-focused.

Our Commitment

At Copperfield College we are committed to:

Creating welcoming and inclusive classrooms.
Building strong relationships with students.
Providing engaging learning programs.
Working in partnership with families.

How Families Can Help

Ensure your child attends school every day.
Notify the College on the day of absence.
Avoid extended travel during school terms where possible.
Contact us early if your child is experiencing challenges.

Working together, we can ensure every student is supported to attend, engage and achieve.

One College – Three Sites – One FamilyEmpowering every student to aspire and achieve.

For more information on Copperfield College Attendance policy, please click on the following link Attendance Policy

Click on the following link for other related school policies

https://copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au/our-school/college-policies/

School Zone Speed Limits

Just to remind parents/guardians and friends of the school community, of the importance of road safety around schools.

School Speed Zones are enforced from the commencement of the school year and parents/carers are reminded to adhere to all VicRoads School Speed Zones rules.
Also, parents/guardians are reminded to take care and obey these parking signs and observe the Road Rules when picking up or dropping off students around schools. The City of Brimbank and Information Officers monitor all supervised school crossings on a regular roster and issue infringements to drivers who stop in unsafe areas, such as “No Stopping” zones, within 20 metres of a school crossing, parallel to a yellow edge line, or if double parked, even for a moment to drop off or collect a student.

Queuing to enter a pickup/drop off zone can often lead to traffic congestion with vehicles being stationary in prohibited areas. Should the pickup/drop off zone be occupied with vehicles, to avoid the possibility of receiving an infringement it is advised to drive around the block and return when legal parking is available.
Statistics show that illegal parking around schools is greatly reduced due to an Officer’s presence and Council prefers to achieve these results though education and awareness.

Designated school speed zones: Specified times (8.00 - 9.30 am and 2.30 - 4.00 pm).
Further information in regard to VicRoads speed limits around schools can be found at: VicRoads School Speed Zones

Also, please note that the school car parks (Kings Park, Sydenham, and Delahey campuses) are out of bounds for all parents/guardians, even if the boom gates are up. The campuses’ car parks are only for staff. It is imperative that parents DO NOT enter the carparks during pick up/drop off as they are placing students and staff at grave risk.

I wish to thank all parents/guardians who always adhere to all traffic rules re: school zones and the College’s carpark rules. The safety of all children, staff and parents is paramount.

Wishing everyone Happy Easter and a safe and relaxing break.

Last Day of the Term 1

The last day of Term 1 is on Friday 3rd April. Wishing everyone Happy Easter and a relaxing and safe break.

Term 2 begins on Monday 20th April.

Nick Adamou

College Principal