LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dear students, parents and guardians,

We hope our families enjoyed the long weekend and had a welcome opportunity to rest, relax and recharge. As we head into the second half of Term 4, we know this is always a busy and exciting time of year, with plenty happening across our College community. The term is certainly flying by, and perhaps no group is feeling this more than our Year 12 students as they approach their final days of secondary school.

Our school community came together on Thursday, 22 October for the Year 12 Farewell Assembly to celebrate our Year 12 graduating class, wishing them all the very best for their examinations and the exciting next chapter ahead. While formal classes have finished, many of our Year 12 students are still on campus completing their final examinations.

It has been wonderful to see students making the most of their revision time by connecting with their teachers, seeking support and working their way through numerous practice exam questions. We are incredibly proud of the commitment, determination and resilience they have demonstrated throughout this examination period. Equally pleasing has been the way this group has supported and encouraged one another along the way. The genuine friendships, camaraderie and care they have shown towards each other have been a real highlight and something they should be very proud of. We certainly are! 

We are also looking forward to sharing this important milestone with our Year 12 students and their families at the Year 12 Graduation Dinner on Tuesday, 17 November. It will be a wonderful opportunity to come together for a relaxed evening of reflection and celebration, looking back on the many memories, friendships and achievements that have shaped their journey at our school. This cohort's secondary school journey began in particularly challenging and uncertain circumstances, with the disruptions of COVID lockdowns and remote learning shaping their early years of secondary education. It makes reaching this milestone all the more special, and we are incredibly proud of the resilience, adaptability and determination they have shown along the way. As we reflect on how far they have come, we will also take the opportunity to look ahead to the exciting opportunities and adventures that await them. It will be a special evening to celebrate all they have accomplished and wish them every success as they take their next steps beyond school. 

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our VCE teachers for the care, commitment and support they have provided to our Year 12 students throughout the year. Your guidance, encouragement and dedication have played an important role in supporting students through their final year of schooling. We would also like to make special mention of Liam Pain (Check-in Teacher), Laura Caruana (Year Level Co-ordinator] and Amy Wilson (Senior School Leader) for their additional care, leadership and support throughout this important journey. Your collective efforts are greatly appreciated and have made a lasting difference to our students.

Our Year 11 and Year 10 students will commence their exams in Weeks 7 and 8 respectively. This examination period provides a valuable opportunity for students to develop effective study habits, strengthen their revision strategies and become familiar with formal examination routines as they prepare for the challenges and expectations of the year ahead, particularly those transitioning into Year 12. 

We encourage all students to approach this period with a positive attitude, undertake thorough revision and preparation, and give their very best effort. Further information regarding exam expectations and the exam timetable will be shared with families via Compass.

We are delighted to announce Matilda Wilson and Lily Saunders as our College Captains for 2027. Both students have already made many valuable contributions to our college community, and we look forward to seeing Matilda and Lily embrace the opportunities and responsibilities that come with these positions, leading with enthusiasm, pride and a genuine commitment to our College. We are confident they will continue to make wonderful contributions to our school community throughout 2027.

Our highly regarded Get Reddy Transition Program is set to commence on Monday, 16 November, and we are very excited to begin welcoming our 2027 Year 7 students to the College. This program provides Grade 6 students with a series of weekly 'come and try' sessions in the lead-up to their formal Orientation Day in December. Students will have the opportunity to explore our school facilities, participate in engaging introductory activities across a range of subjects and begin building connections with their new teachers and peers. The Get Reddy program plays an important role in supporting a positive transition to secondary school, helping our newest students feel welcomed, connected and confident as they prepare for this exciting next chapter of their education. Families are warmly encouraged to contact Tina Binding (Junior School Education Leader) with any enquiries relating to the transition program.

As we continue our planning for the 2027 school year, we would like to confirm that Lilydale Books will remain our official booklist supplier. Families will shortly receive further information outlining how to access and order their 2027 booklists through Lilydale Books, along with details of available second-hand purchasing opportunities. We encourage families to keep an eye out for this information as they begin preparing for the year ahead.

There is still plenty happening across the College as we move towards the end of the school year. Upcoming events and activities include our VCE Headstart Program, Year 9 SuniTAFE and La Trobe field trip, Year 9 Work Experience and our Junior School Pool Day. With so much to look forward to, we encourage families to regularly check our social media pages and Compass for the latest news, updates and event information.

Finally, please save the date for our College Awards Night on Wednesday, 16 December. This is an important occasion in our College calendar, providing an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of our students throughout the year. Families of award recipients will be notified via Compass approximately one week prior to the event, with further information regarding attendance and arrangements for the evening.

Thank you to our students, staff and families for your continued support, commitment and contribution. We look forward to finishing the term on a positive note and celebrating the many achievements and successes, both big and small, along the way.

Jennifer Chatfield

Assistant Principal