Principal's Report

Leigh HUNTER

Acting Principal

The end of term 2

As we get to the mid-year break and I reflect on the last few weeks of term, a lot has been happening. Our students have shown great resilience to finish off the term and semester strongly, undertaking their mid-year exams and striving to achieve their personal level of excellence. I have greatly enjoyed my time as the Acting Principal. As we head into the holidays, I encourage all students, staff and families to enjoy the break and time to recharge for the second half of the year. 

Careers Expo

Our annual Careers expo was held on Wednesday 19th June in the community centre. This year saw over 30 different tertiary pathway exhibitors attend the evening for students and families to talk about future pathways. These exhibitors were accompanied by representatives from each learning area who were available to discuss the pathways and subjects’ choices available to students at the College. As in the last couple of years we have had strong attendance numbers of families engaging in and supporting their children’s pathway through and beyond Highvale.  Events like this not only give students the opportunity to gain valuable support in their subject and pathway choices, but also an opportunity for our community to come together. Our Vocational Major students put on a BBQ and representatives from the music program played tunes in the foyer to welcome our families. Thank you to our Careers team, Felicia Giles and Kellie Egan for their work putting the evening together and to the staff who attended the evening to provide their expertise in courses.

Winter Concert

On Thursday, June 20th, the College hosted its Winter Concert for the music program. This year, the concert was divided into two sessions to ensure that as many families as possible could attend and enjoy their child’s performance.

The concert was also live streamed for those unable to attend in person. Each time I have to opportunity to hear our students play, I am consistently amazed and impressed by the growth and development they demonstrate. The junior bands are pulling together really well, and the performances came together really nicely. These were a great prelude to the senior ensembles which really showcase the talents of the students. The time and commitment the student and their families dedicate to the music program is exemplary. Thank you for your commitment. Also, a huge thank you to the music team for the work they put into our music program at the College. The standard of performance is outstanding.

Year 12 PJ Day and Trivia and Movie night

On Thursday June 27th, our year 12 students participated in their annual PJ Day. They arrived at school dressed in their pyjamas and later enjoyed a trivia and movie night. As they navigate the pressures of their final year of high school, events such as this offer them a chance to unwind, cultivate deeper connections with each other, and establish a support system for the upcoming challenges in the latter part of the year.

Exams and Reports

Student exams concluded on Monday 17th June. While the exam process can be stressful for some students, it provides a valuable opportunity to gain experience in taking exams under controlled conditions. This experience has proven highly beneficial for our students as they transition into their VCE years, becoming accustomed to the process.

The exam results are incorporated into their mid-semester reports, which families can now access via Compass.

Retirements and Staff Leaving

On Friday 28th June, we had the opportunity to farewell Jackson Turner who is leaving mid-year to move to the country. Jackson has been with the College for the last 3 years. I would like to formally acknowledge the work he has done in that time, particularly his dedication to the Robotics program on top of his teaching load. On behalf of the college community, we thank you.

We also had a morning team to recognise the formal retirement of Carole Wood. Carole has been working at the College since 1981. Carole has contributed across a wide variety of areas during her time at the College. It is not often in this climate that we see a staff member so dedicated to the students and school for such an extended perio time. Over 40 years of continued commitment to the best outcomes for students is a testament to Caroles work ethic and professionalism. On behalf of college council, the staff, students and families that you have supported over those years, we thank you.