Principal's Report

END OF SEMESTER REFLECTION

As we conclude Term 2, I want to take a moment to celebrate the effort, commitment and resilience our students have demonstrated throughout this term. From balancing study with ongoing learning expectations, to supporting their peers, to stepping up during examination periods – our students have shown what it means to embrace high expectations and meet them with determination and grace.

To our families: thank you for your continued support, encouragement and partnership in our students' learning. Your involvement matters deeply.

THE 1% DIFFERENCE

Throughout 2026, we have been guided by the theme of "The 1% Difference" – a reminder that small, consistent actions, repeated over time, create significant improvement. This term has been a powerful example of that principle in action.

STRENGTHENING TEACHING & LEARNING

This term, our focus has been on deepening the quality of teaching and learning across the College. We have been implementing the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0), with a particular emphasis on two instructional strategies: Chunking (breaking complex ideas into manageable parts) and Checking for Understanding (ensuring all students can demonstrate their learning before moving forward).

Alongside this, every classroom is incorporating the first four strategies of our Positive Classroom Management System (PCMS) and using the 5Cs – a behaviour framework that helps us address student behaviour with clarity, consistency, and care.

A highlight this term was the completion of a full cycle of classroom observations and demonstration lessons. Every member of our teaching staff has had the opportunity to observe a member of the Principal Team or an exemplary classroom practitioner in action, with a focus on spotlighting excellence in VTLM 2.0 and PCMS implementation. This collaborative work has strengthened professional dialogue around teaching practice and reinforced our commitment to consistent, high-quality learning environments.

The College also conducted the first of our termly Student Voice Forums. These forums give students a direct channel to discuss school improvement priorities and help us understand the real-world experience behind our data. The insights gathered are already informing our short, medium and long-term improvement planning – because improvement that lasts is improvement that involves student voice.

SEMESTER EXAMS, ASSESSMENT & FEEDBACK

Semester 1 examinations have been well underway, and we are delighted with the attendance and engagement our students have demonstrated. Year 12 Practice Exams were conducted earlier in the term, followed by Year 10 and Year 11 examinations. Attendance on the first day of Year 10 and Year 11 exams exceeded 90%, with strong participation continuing throughout the examination period. This is a true reflection of the positive attitude our students have towards their learning and their willingness to meet the high expectations we set together.

One of the most impressive demonstrations of our students' growth came during the Year 12 examination period, when we temporarily removed the bells for two weeks. Instead of relying on the traditional bell system, students showed remarkable independence and responsibility – managing their time, arriving punctually to classes and examinations, and maintaining their focus without the usual routine structure. This is exactly the kind of self-management and maturity we want to see our young adults developing.

Assessment doesn't end with the exam. Year 10 students will participate in structured feedback sessions during Week 10, reflecting on their performance and identifying next steps. Year 11 and Year 12 students will use their examination feedback to inform their learning as they commence Unit 2 and Unit 4 studies. Feedback and reflection are at the heart of how we support continuous improvement in student learning.

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

During the final week of Term 2, approximately 150 Year 10 students will participate in work experience placements across a diverse range of industries and career pathways. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to explore real-world work environments, develop professional skills, and test their pathway thinking.

The Careers Team has worked extensively with employers and students to secure placements and support students through every stage of the process. For students who did not secure a work experience placement, the College has developed a structured alternative program focused on virtual work experience opportunities, career education activities, guest speakers from industry, and examination feedback and reflection activities. This ensures all Year 10 students continue to engage in meaningful pathways and career development learning throughout the week.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS TELL US: AToSS & STUDENT VOICE

We recently completed the 2026 Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS), achieving an excellent response rate of 83% – the highest participation rate recorded by the College in recent years. This tells us our students are willing to share their voice, and we are listening.

The survey results demonstrate improvement across the majority of areas, with particularly strong growth in several longstanding priorities:

• School Stage Transitions: +5.2 – Students feel better supported as they move between year levels
• Teacher Concern: +3.7 – Students increasingly feel that teachers know them and care about their progress
• Perseverance: +3.3 – Students are developing greater resilience and determination
• Student Voice & Agency: +2.9 – Students feel their opinions are valued and they have a say in decisions
• Sense of Connectedness: +2.5 – Students feel more connected to the College community

We also saw improvements in Effective Teaching Time, Classroom Behaviour, Respect for Diversity, High Expectations for Success, and Managing Bullying.

These improvements reflect the work we are doing together – through initiatives like Beyond the Books (our student mentoring and support program), student leadership opportunities, transition programs, and broader student voice initiatives. Student connectedness and wellbeing are improving because students feel known, valued, and heard. 

ATTENDANCE & LEARNING CULTURE

Student attendance is currently sitting at 85% – representing an increase of approximately 2 percentage points compared to the same time last year. This is a genuine achievement that reflects both student commitment and family support. Thank you to our community for your partnership in reinforcing the importance of regular attendance.

A key focus throughout Semester 1 has been strengthening expectations around attendance, punctuality, and engagement in learning. Particular attention has been given to reducing truancy and improving on-time arrival to classes, especially within Year 10. The message is clear: every student, every class, every day matters. The positive learning culture being developed across the College is evident in how students have responded to these expectations – with attendance during exams being particularly strong. We thank students and families for their continued support.

LOOKING AHEAD TO TERM 3

As we plan for the 2027 school year, there are several important dates to note:

Year 10 into Year 11 Information Evening: Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Year 9 into Year 10 Information Evening: Wednesday, 29 July 2026

These evenings are designed to help students and families make informed pathway decisions. Year 10 and 11 students will have the opportunity to explore subject offerings, hear from subject specialists, and begin course counselling conversations.

Course counselling and pathway planning will be a major focus throughout Term 3. The College is working closely with Tarneit P–9 College to support successful transitions into Year 10, with staff from both schools collaborating on transition processes, information sharing, and pathway planning.

The College is also commencing its Uniform Review, which will be undertaken throughout Semester 2. This is an opportunity for students, staff and families to contribute feedback on the current uniform and discuss potential additions, removals, or amendments to uniform items. Consultation will occur through focus groups and feedback opportunities during Term 3. As the School Uniform Policy is determined by School Council, we value a broad range of stakeholder perspectives. Further details about how to participate will be shared soon.

2025 ANNUAL REPORT & PUBLIC PRESENTATION

The 2025 Annual Report to the School Community has now been approved and published on the College website. The report provides an overview of our performance and improvement work across student outcomes, engagement, wellbeing, workforce, and financial performance.

In accordance with Department requirements, the first School Council meeting of Term 3 will include the public presentation of the Annual Report to the broader school community. Members of the public and all community members are welcome to attend this section of the meeting.

Date: Tuesday, 12 August 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: School Staffroom

It is an excellent opportunity to hear about the College's progress and strategic direction. We hope to see many of you there.

A CLOSING WORD

This term has demonstrated what we can achieve when we work together – when teachers refine their craft, when students step up to meet high expectations, and when families support their young people's learning and growth.

The 1% Difference is real. Small, consistent actions – better lessons, earlier interventions, clearer feedback, student voice heard – create meaningful change.

Thank you for being part of Tarneit Senior College. I wish you a restful and well-deserved break, and I look forward to Term 3.

-Shane Cole-Hayhow 

Principal