Principal's Report
Eltham High School
Student Achievement: Volleyball Victoria Annual Affiliates Awards
Eltham High School has been named the Most Outstanding School of 2025 at the Volleyball Victoria Annual Affiliates Awards. The evening also saw former Eltham High School coach Mikayla Underwood recognised with the prestigious Excellence in Coaching Award.
These awards cap off an incredible year for the Eltham High School Volleyball Program, highlighted by a range of outstanding achievements, including:
- Named Champion Girls School 2025
- Winning 4 of the 8 School Sport Victoria Volleyball State Titles
- More than 20 students selected to represent Victoria across indoor and beach
- Six students selected to represent Australia
Mikayla Underwood’s coaching award was, in part, recognition of her outstanding work with Eltham High School’s Open Girls' team. The team established itself as the leading female school volleyball volleyball team in Victoria, winning both the School Sport Victoria Senior Girls' State Championship and the Volleyball Victoria Open Honours Gold Medal.
In addition to her success at school level, Mikayla also coached at both State and National level throughout 2025. The Eltham volleyball community is incredibly proud of Mikayla’s achievements and believes she is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Excellence in Coaching Award.
Congratulations to all students, coaches, staff, and families who contributed to another remarkable year for Eltham High School Volleyball. An outstanding effort!
Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking
Rostrum Australia is an association of public speaking clubs founded in 1930. The original Rostrum Club was founded in Manchester, United Kingdom, in 1923. This makes Rostrum the longest running public speaking organisation in the world. Rostrum is a not-for-profit organisation and is not affiliated with any political or religious group.
Rostrum offers public speaking skill development for primary and secondary school students through the Rostrum Voice of Youth and Primary Schools Competitions, supported by dedicated members who have been volunteering their time since the 1970s.
On Saturday 23 May, four of our year 8 students supported by Melissa Hughes, ventured forth into this experience for the very first time. They attended St Monica’s College in Epping for the event.
Our students were presented with some tough competition but did not allow this to deter them from achieving the goal to participate and be seen as upcoming determined competitors for future events. The group of Siena Midolo (Year 8, Pakana House), Ella Resciniti (Year 9, Pakana House), Indigo Maylea (Year 9, Toner House), Scarlett Walker (Year 8, Toner House), represented our school admirably. I congratulate them for their tenacity and determination. I am certain that this team will make their mark on the public speaking circuit. A big thank you to Melissa Hughes for her support of this amazing group of students.
2025 Anthology Launch
The 2025 Anthology Launch took place on Tuesday 26 May at 10:00 am in the Nalleijerring Performance Centre at Eltham High School.
Our guest presenter, Kate Mildenhall (Eltham High School Alumnus) writer of “Skylarking” and now “The Hiding Place” provided an outstanding keynote address reflecting on her time when as a student at Eltham High School she was part of the Anthology Committee referring back to the copies of past Anthologies she brought with her to the event. Kate also ran a very successful workshop with committee members and others which was well-received by all.
Kate’s new book “The Hiding Place” is currently being considered by our English staff for inclusion in our English program.
A number of students received awards for their exemplary Anthology pieces. The Eltham High School Choir led by Maeve Lappin (Year 12, Toner House) performed admirably and entertained our guests.
Another very successful The Eltham High School Anthology launch and I take this opportunity to thank the Anthology Committee, our two MCs Kate McRae (Year 12, Toner House) and Abi Johnson (Year 12, Toner House). I also wish to acknowledge the contribution of Melanie Gaylard whose consistent support of the committee allowed such a positive outcome. Congratulations to all!
Mid-Year Celebration of Music Concerts
The first Celebration of Music Concert took place on Monday 25 May with the second taking place this Wednesday 27 May. Students have been rehearsing for quite some time, and I know that their performances have been and will continue to be outstanding.
If you were not able to attend the first concert, I strongly encourage you to attend the second. You will not be disappointed. Book your seats through Trybooking.
I acknowledge the work that has taken place by our music staff to bring these concerts to fruition as well as the great work of the Friends of Music who consistently work behind the scenes to ensure the success of each performance. A big thank you to our volunteers as well as to Grace Trebley (Music Admin Support).
It is appropriate for me to inform you that at the end of Term 2, Grace Trebley will be moving on to a new position with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. This is a great opportunity for Grace and one of those opportunities that does not come around too often. I wish to thank Grace for all her work supporting our Music Department during her time here and wish her all the very best as she moves to a new environment and takes on her new position.
In addressing Grace’s departure, we have advertised the position of Music Admin support for a 12 month period and hope that through the recruitment process we will be able to appoint Grace’s replacement.
Congratulations to all the students on their commitment to their music and the program.
Protecting Against Mosquito-borne Diseases
Some areas in regional northern Victoria are experiencing a longer mosquito season this year due to recent flooding. While the overall risk is currently low, some mosquitoes may be carrying diseases that make people sick.
The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites. The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is also available for more Victorians.
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines
Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.
The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available for:
- people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria
- until Friday 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit high-risk areas in Victoria or interstate for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning or boating.
For more information:
- refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage for a list of high-risk areas
- speak to your GP or immunisation provider to check if your family is eligible for a free vaccine ahead of any planned travel during the coming months.
How to help prevent mosquito bites:
To help protect against mosquito bites, families can:
- cover up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
- apply insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when outdoors
- limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active
Vincent Sicari
Principal
Eltham High School Reminders, including:
Staff Outside of Work Hours
Mobile Phone Policy
Privacy
Student Accident Insurance
Approved Student Exchange Organisations
Camps Sport & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
School Drop Off and Pick Up Times