Preston Life
Find out what's happening around our school
Year 10s take a walk on the wild side
by Charlotte Hopper, Sam Heffernan & Maryse Giarratana
This term the Year 10 Geography classes took a trip to the You Yangs, just outside of Geelong. We tackled the East to West walk, which goes around Flinders Peak. The walk was about 4 km and included learning about different kinds of flora and fauna, as well as the management of the landscape.
The excursion was part of a fieldwork case study which prepares us for Year 11 and 12 VCE Geography. Everyone created and explored a question related to the You Yangs Parkland. We got to visit different viewpoints, as well as collect data about wind speeds, temperature and wind direction. This overall helped us to collate an understanding of the different climate and how it affects the biodiversity of the park. It was a great day!
Chess club celebrates their endgame
by Luna Scenna, Acacia House
For Preston High, chess has been an exciting year, full of team effort and camaraderie (not to mention the wins!). Our chess club has worked hard to improve, each of us attending afterschool chess lessons with Fide Master Chris Wallis, where we have worked out strategies and ways to get better.
This was evident in our performance at multiple competitions where Preston High School won in front of other prestigious private schools, such as Xavier College and Alphington Grammar. Moreover, our team won a Regionals event, securing four players into qualifying for state – the top four per cent.
Then on Thursday, we had four girls qualify for the Girls’ State Final, of which Preston High came fourth, with Saya coming second for the Year 9 and 10s category and Luna winning the tournament.
We are all very grateful for a supportive year of chess and all the teachers who have watched us improve and helped us along the way.
Ending violence against women can be a piece of cake
The Ged Kearney Scholars are holding a bake sale on Wednesday, 25 November, in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25).
All money raised will go to Juno, a local organisation that supports women, trans and gender-diverse people and their children across Melbourne’s northern suburbs with access to safe accommodation, long-term housing and specialist family violence help as they work towards greater safety, stability and independence.
Women and gender-diverse people can face distinct pathways into homelessness, including family violence, financial insecurity, caring responsibilities and limited access to safe, affordable housing. Family violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and gender-diverse people, often forcing them to leave their homes to seek safety.
In Week 8, we will host a Bake Sale to raise funds for the work Juno does in our local area. Through this initiative, we hope to raise awareness and contribute to Juno’s important work in supporting people to rebuild their lives. Families are invited to bake items for the sale - more details to follow closer to the date!
Join the 2027 Victorian State Schools Spectacular
The 2027 Victorian State Schools Spectacular is inviting students to participate in the program that starts in February and culminates in a live performance at John Cain Arena on Saturday 28 August 2027!
Students can perform on stage or gain hands-on experience behind the scenes across all creative disciplines, under the guidance of industry professionals. The show provides a rare experience to perform in a world-class arena and for a television broadcast.
To register an expression of interest, and for more information on how to audition or take part, refer to the Victorian State Schools Spectacular – ways to get involved page. Complete the online form by Friday 13 November 2026.
Students are encouraged to register their interest in roles including:
• musicians, dancers and singers
• acrobats, cheerleaders or circus performers (specialty acts)
• audio, lighting vision or stage management crew.
For information, refer to the Victorian State Schools Spectacular webpage.