Message from the Principal

Celebrating our Preston achievements

As we begin Term 4, there is a real sense of purpose, achievement and anticipation across Preston High School. The final term of the year is always a special time, providing an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, recognise growth and finish the year strongly. It is also a time when our community comes together to support students as they navigate important milestones and prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Throughout the year, our students have continued to embody our values of Excellence, Inclusion and Community, while embracing our school motto to Lead, Explore and Inspire. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through the arts, or in service to others, our students consistently demonstrate what it means to be active contributors to a thriving learning community. 

This term has already provided many reasons for celebration. A standout achievement has been the success of our chess program, with Preston High School crowned Regional Chess Champions and Luna Scenna winning the Vic Girl State Championship. This outstanding accomplishment reflects the dedication, strategic thinking and perseverance of our students and is a testament to the strength of the opportunities available through our co-curricular program. 

Our senior students have also been focused on their preparation for end-of-year assessments, with mock examinations providing valuable opportunities to build confidence, refine study strategies and prepare for the challenges ahead. We commend our students for the commitment and resilience they have shown during this important stage of their learning. 

The recent end of term Celebration Assembly provided an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the many achievements of students, but more specifically the outgoing Cohort 2026. These occasions remind us of the breadth of talent that exists within our school and the collective effort that underpins student success. 

A changing of the School Captain guard

A significant milestone was our School Captain Handover, where we officially recognised the outstanding contribution of our outgoing student leaders and welcomed the next generation of student voice leaders. 

I would like to sincerely thank our 2026 School Captains, Jesse Fesili, Otis Williamson and Iris Thomson (pictured)for their dedication, leadership and service to the school community throughout the year. 

We are equally excited to congratulate and welcome our incoming School Captains, Andy Ye, Anastasia Kocovska and Felix Griffin, and look forward to seeing them lead with integrity, courage and compassion. 

Our Family-Teacher Conferences once again highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between home and school. We thank families for their engagement and support as we work together to ensure every student continues to learn, grow and thrive. 

Year 12 graduation evening

One of the most memorable events of the year was the Cohort 2026 Graduation Evening at Melbourne Town Hall. It was a great opportunity to celebrate with students, families and staff as we recognised the achievements, growth and contributions of our graduating class. The evening was a fitting reflection of the remarkable young people who have helped shape Preston High School and who now prepare for the next chapter of their journeys. 

As we look ahead, there is still much to come. We look forward to our final celebrations with Cohort 2026, providing opportunities to acknowledge their achievements and mark the conclusion of their secondary schooling. Our very best wishes are with all students undertaking VCE examinations in the weeks ahead. We know they have worked diligently throughout the year and encourage them to approach this challenge with confidence and determination. 

Growing our sense of belonging

Later in the term, we will also recognise Anti-Bullying Week, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe, respected and included. This important focus aligns strongly with our values and our ongoing work to foster a culture of belonging across the school. 

For our younger students, the upcoming Cohort 2031 Camp promises to be an exciting opportunity to build friendships, develop independence and strengthen connections with peers and staff. Experiences such as these are an important part of creating a vibrant and connected school community. 

As always, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for the continued support, care and partnership that make Preston High School such a special place. I look forward to finishing the year strongly together and celebrating the many achievements still to come.

Mark Natoli

Principal