Campus Principal Report

Dear Acacia Campus Community,

As we dive into the heart of Term 3, I am thrilled to share some exciting highlights and achievements that have marked a dynamic start to the term here at Keysborough College - Acacia Campus.

Hydrogen Grand Prix Triumph

Our Year 10 STEM students recently showcased their innovative prowess at the Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) program. This challenge invites young minds to design, engineer, and race hydrogen-powered cars. Our talented team excelled, securing 1st place in the presentation category and a commendable 10th place in the race itself. Their dedication and creativity were truly impressive! Big thanks to Ms Vieusseux and Mr Towndrow for their commitment in preparing the students for and taking the students to this event.

Volleyball Victory

The ‘Victorian School Cup’ Volleyball Tournament was a spectacular event, and our Year 10 Division 1 girls’ volleyball team shone brightly. Competing against over 80 teams and 1000 students, our team emerged as the champions. Their victory was remarkable, with a squad featuring two Year 8 and two Year 9 students playing alongside their Year 10 peers. A special mention to Melody Sok, who earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Our boys’ teams also delivered strong performances, with the Year 10 team finishing 5th and the Year 11 team achieving 4th place in their divisions. Heartfelt thanks to coaches Iain Campbell and Hon Van for their tireless efforts and dedication.

Year 7 Camp

Our Year 7 students embarked on their first high school camp to Camp Kangaroobie from August 5th to 7th. The fresh but lovely weather provided the perfect backdrop for them to connect with nature and each other. The camp was a resounding success, marking a memorable start to their high school journey. 

Course Counselling Success

We have successfully completed course counselling for our Year 10 students, who will soon transition to Year 11. It was an intensive three-day process filled with insightful discussions about their future pathways, including VCE and VCE-VM options. I am proud of our Year 10 students for their engagement and gratitude to all the parents and staff who contributed to these important discussions.

Stage Band Achievements

Congratulations are in order for our College Stage Band, who recently competed at the Victorian School Music Festival and earned the prestigious Platinum Award in the intermediate division. This is the highest accolade possible, and it reflects the exceptional talent and hard work of our students. Kudos to Mr. Orr for his outstanding leadership, and a big thank you to Mr. Rizopoulos and Mr. Rae for their support in ensuring a smooth and successful performance.

School Review Progress

Our School Review is well underway, with the Review Panel spending 4 days at our College so far. They have been impressed by our students' engagement and the array of extracurricular activities available. The review, which occurs every four years, will conclude on Thursday, August 15th. We look forward to receiving the panel’s feedback and continuing to enhance our school performance.

VCE-VM Community Projects

Our VCE-VM students are gearing up for their Community Projects as part of their Personal Development Skills (PDS) subject. I am delighted by the innovative ideas they have been sharing, aiming to make meaningful changes within our school and the broader community. Their enthusiasm and creativity are truly commendable.

As always, thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Here’s to a fantastic term ahead!

Warm regards,

Natalie Fode

Campus Principal - Acacia Campus

Given the amount of work going on around the Banksia Campus I thought I should give everyone an update.

The building upgrades and adjustments continue unabated at both campuses. We used the holiday time to commence the major work on turning the Banksia Year 9 open area into several separate rooms with internal entries. This has transformed the large teaching space which holds a maximum of 3 classes, being team taught, into 4 separate teaching areas, each with their own screens, projectors and sound systems. Staff and students have quickly adapted to the change and have been fully supportive of the move. It is amazing what can be created out of one space, a storage room and a small meeting room. The downstairs of the senior building has also undergone a change by extending the small room at the end to create a new very nice spacious room and the addition of retractable walls in the front half of the remainder of 308, which as the year progresses become the base for the study hall initiative.

The old dining shelter, which had been tagged for demolition for a long long time, was also removed….. well almost! Whilst they were removing the external cladding, windows and roof,  the builder stopped as he realised that the metal frame was in exceptionally good condition. He contacted me during the holidays and suggested we have a re-think about its purpose. We did this and changed plan mid-stride, It will now be turned into an outdoor (roofed) eating area for the students with a raised deck and tables fixed in place. Whilst I can see it in my head, my lack of artistic skills make it difficult for me to draw for you. We will have to wait for it to be completed, hopefully in the next few weeks. At the same time, we are trying to complete the outside of the old building between the canteen and the new Admin wing.  It is one of the few remaining areas that look dilapidated and once it is complete the entire front entry will look fantastic. Time is the only barrier to it all looking great. Rome wasn’t built in a day and Banksia won’t be finished in a week! All I ask is patience as you watch it change. In the next newsletter I will include some photos.

Across the College we are planning to develop first aid rooms at each campus as well as a ‘Doctor in Schools’ at Banksia to replicate the one at Acacia to provide consistent services to our students. Other upgrades planned for the remainder of the year include works to make the junior science/art rooms more user friendly and purposeful. 

Our aim, as always , is create the best and most purpose built facilities to enhance the learning opportunities and wellbeing of our students.  The part which always amuses me is that once the change is made, the building is up and running, the students are in new spaces, the new volleyball court is finished,  the basketball court is plexi paved etc etc etc ….. we forget what it was like a few months earlier, and that is as it should always be. The facilities change to meet our needs but ultimately our core purpose, delivering the best opportunities for our students, always remains our highest priority. 

Richard Hastings

Campus Principal - Banksia Campus