College Principal Message

Welcome to Term 3, 2026

Welcome back to another exciting term at Copperfield College!

I hope you and your families enjoyed a safe, restful and rejuvenating break. As we commence Term 3 we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our achievements so far, reset our goals and look forward with renewed energy and purpose to the remainder of the year.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate all our students on their dedication, resilience, effort and achievements throughout Term One and Two. Your commitment to learning, participation in College life and contribution to our community are important parts of what makes Copperfield College such a special place.

I trust that parents and carers have accessed their child’s Semester One report through the Compass Parent Portal, taken the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and discussed areas for continued growth. If you have experienced any difficulty accessing your child’s report, please contact the College and we will be very happy to assist.

A new Term provides every student with the opportunity to build on their successes, learn from challenges and strive for their personal best. While academic achievement is an important part of secondary education, school is also about developing the knowledge, skills, confidence and character that will prepare you for life beyond Copperfield College.

I encourage every student this term to:

Set clear and achievable goals for your learning and personal development.
Challenge yourself by stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new.
Explore your interests and passions, both inside and outside the classroom.
Get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, sporting opportunities, performances and College events.
Take on leadership opportunities and use your voice to make a positive difference.
Build positive relationships with your peers and teachers.
Look after your wellbeing and seek support when you need it.
Celebrate the successes of others and contribute to a culture where everyone feels valued and included.

One of the strengths of Copperfield College is the many opportunities students have to contribute beyond the classroom. Our student leadership programs and initiatives, including Be Bold Be Heard (BBBH), provide important opportunities for students to have their voices heard, develop leadership capabilities and contribute meaningfully to our College community.

I am particularly proud of the work being led by Campus Principal, Dr Gruis, Student Engagement Leaders; Ms Katie Byrne and Rhiannon Hatton and our female student leaders through the Be Bold Be Heard Community of Practice. Their willingness to come together, share ideas, support one another and advocate for positive change demonstrates the confidence, courage and leadership we want to foster in every Copperfield student. Their leadership reminds us that student voice is not simply about being heard, it is about having the confidence to speak up, listen to others and take action that makes a difference.

As we move through Term 3, let us continue to strengthen the positive, inclusive and respectful culture across our three campuses.

Our College values of Respect, Responsibility, Relationships and Excellence should be evident in the way we learn, communicate and interact with one another every day.

Our College motto, “One College – Three Sites – One Family,” is more than a statement. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that every student and every member of our College community feels that they belong, are respected and have the opportunity to thrive.

I encourage all students to show kindness, demonstrate respect, embrace diversity and look out for one another. Small acts of kindness and inclusion can have a significant impact on someone’s day and contribute to creating a school environment where everyone feels safe, valued and supported.

As your College Principal, my message to students this term is simple: set goals, work hard, seek support and believe in your ability to grow.

Whether your goal is to improve your academic results, develop stronger study habits, improve your attendance, manage your time more effectively, strengthen your friendships, participate in a new activity or take on a leadership role, make a commitment to yourself and take positive steps towards achieving it.

You do not have to achieve everything at once. Progress comes through consistent effort, persistence and a willingness to learn from both success and setbacks. Remember that you are not on this journey alone. Your teachers, Education Support staff, wellbeing teams, campus leaders, Principals and I are here to support you. If you need help, ask for it. If you have an idea, share it. If you see an opportunity, take it.

I have great confidence in the ability of our students to excel, not only academically, but also as compassionate, courageous, responsible and active members of our community.

Term 3 is full of opportunities to learn, lead, connect, grow and make a difference. I encourage every student to make the most of those opportunities and to approach the semester with optimism, determination and a positive mindset.

I look forward to seeing the many wonderful achievements, contributions and successes of our students throughout the term.

Welcome back, Copperfield College. Let’s make Term 3 a term of growth, achievement and positive impact.

Wishing all students, families and staff a successful, rewarding and positive Term 3!

Vale Anastasia Subala Aguilar

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our much-loved Year 9 student, Anastasia Subala Aguilar (9T2) from the Kings Park Campus, who peacefully passed away on the morning of 30 July 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Anastasia was an extraordinary young person whose strength, resilience and determination inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Despite the many challenges she faced throughout her illness and the considerable time she spent in hospital, Anastasia never lost her love of learning, her enthusiasm for school or her positive outlook on life.

She remained committed to her education, always completing her schoolwork and submitting her assignments whenever she could. Her dedication, perseverance and quiet determination were remarkable and reflected the exceptional character she displayed every day.

Beyond her academic commitment, Anastasia will be remembered for her warm smile, kind heart and genuine appreciation of those around her. She formed strong and lasting friendships, and her friends stood beside her with unwavering care, compassion and support throughout her journey. She was deeply valued by her teachers and classmates, whose lives were enriched by her positivity, courage and infectious enthusiasm.

On behalf of the entire Copperfield College community, I extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to Anastasia's family during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are also with her friends, classmates and staff who are grieving this heartbreaking loss.

Anastasia's courage in the face of adversity and her love for life will leave a lasting legacy within our College. She taught us the importance of resilience, hope and appreciating each day. While her time with us was far too short, the impact she made on our community will never be forgotten.

Anastasia will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Copperfield College community. We will miss her beautiful smile, her determination, her kindness and her unwavering enthusiasm for life.

May she rest in peace.

Farewell to Campus Principal, Lance Petherick

On behalf of the Copperfield College community, I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to Lance Petherick, who has recently been appointed to an Assistant Principal position at Dohertys Creek P–9 College.

Over the past nine years, Lance has been a valued and respected member of the Copperfield College leadership team, serving for two years as a Leading Teacher before taking on the role of Campus Principal for the past seven years.

Throughout his time at Copperfield College, Lance has made a lasting and positive impact on the lives of many students, staff and families. His calm, thoughtful and measured leadership, combined with his unwavering commitment to always acting in the best interests of students, has earned him the respect and admiration of the entire school community. Lance's dedication, professionalism and genuine care for others have helped shape a positive and supportive culture across the Kings Park campus.

Lance commenced his new role on Monday, 27 July, and while we will miss his leadership and presence at Copperfield College, we are delighted that he has the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of students and staff in his new school community.

On behalf of everyone at Copperfield College, we thank Lance for his great service and significant contribution over the past nine years. We wish him every success in this new chapter at Dohertys Creek P–9 College.

Welcome to Our New Assistant Principals

The Copperfield College community is delighted to welcome Karen Martin and Nicholas Hooper to the Principal Class team following their appointments as Acting Assistant Principals for the remainder of the 2026 school year, commencing Monday, 3 August.

Karen is a highly respected and longstanding member of the Copperfield College community who has made significant contributions to the school throughout her career. As a dedicated Leading Teacher, Karen has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Her extensive leadership experience, collaborative approach and deep understanding of our College make her a valuable addition to the Principal Team. Karen will be based at the Kings Park Campus, where she will work alongside Michael Gruis.

Joining us from Bemin Secondary College, Nicholas Hooper brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience, having served in both Leading Teacher and Assistant Principal roles. Nicholas has a strong reputation for building positive relationships, supporting staff development and fostering high expectations for student achievement. His experience and fresh perspectives will be a wonderful asset to our college community. Nicholas will be based at the Delahey Campus, working alongside Soula Dedes.

We are excited to welcome Karen and Nicholas to the Copperfield College Principal Team and look forward to the leadership, expertise and enthusiasm they will bring to their new roles. We wish them every success as they begin this exciting chapter and know they will make a significant contribution to our college community.

Parent, Caregiver & Guardian Opinion Survey

Dates: Monday 17 August – Friday 18 September 2026

Your feedback helps shape our college’s direction and improvement strategies. The survey covers:

School climate
Community engagement in learning
Teaching practices and student engagement
Attitudes toward attendance

The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training (previously known as the Parent Opinion Survey). The survey is an opportunity for schools to collect data from parent/caregivers/guardians in relation to our school community. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior and student engagement. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.

Every response is valuable – I strongly encourage all parents and caregivers to participate.

Investing in Technology to Enhance Learning, Communication and Safety

Copperfield College continues to invest in contemporary technologies that enhance teaching and learning, strengthen communication and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. Over recent months, the College has undertaken a significant upgrade of its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure across all three campuses, representing an important investment in the future of our school community.

A highlight of this work has been the installation of the latest Commbox Smart TVs in every classroom. These state-of-the-art interactive displays provide teachers and students with enhanced opportunities for engaging, collaborative and dynamic learning experiences. The new technology supports high-quality classroom instruction while offering greater flexibility through wireless connectivity, multimedia integration and interactive teaching tools.

The Smart TV rollout has also transformed the way we communicate as a college. Through the integration of Vivi software, the College Principal, Campus Principals and the Office staff now have the capability to communicate simultaneously with every classroom across all three campuses. This innovative technology enables important announcements, celebrations and emergency communications to be delivered instantly, ensuring that our entire school community remains connected regardless of location, strengthening our slogan “One College, Three Sites, One College”.

Complementing these improvements has been a comprehensive upgrade of the College's CCTV system across all campuses. The enhanced security infrastructure provides greater coverage and improved monitoring capabilities, further strengthening our commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and supportive environment for all students, staff and visitors. This investment reflects our ongoing focus on student wellbeing and ensuring that our learning environments remain safe places in which every student can thrive.

These significant technology upgrades would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership and dedication of our ICT Leader, Shaik Ahamed, and the entire ICT Team. Their expertise, meticulous planning and tireless work behind the scenes have ensured the successful delivery of these complex projects with minimal disruption to the day-to-day operation of the College.

On behalf of the Copperfield College community, we extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to Shaik and the ICT Team for their outstanding achievement. Their commitment to innovation and excellence continues to position Copperfield College at the forefront of educational technology, benefiting students, staff and the wider school community for years to come.

Copperfield College Scholarship Program

Applications are still open for 2027 Year 7 Scholarships in:

Academic Excellence
Student Leadership
Community (Good Citizenship)
Sporting Excellence
The Arts

Applications close: Friday 14 August 2026Value: Approx. $4,500 over two years (Years 7 & 8), covering fees, full uniform, laptop, books, camps, and excursions.

What Makes Copperfield College a Unique, High-Achieving College“Empowering Every Student to Aspire and Achieve”

Copperfield College is a vibrant, multi-campus learning community dedicated to delivering the highest standards in teaching and learning, while ensuring the wellbeing of every student.

One College – Three Sites – One Family

Kings Park Junior Campus (Years 7–10)
Sydenham Junior Campus (Years 7–10)
Delahey Senior Campus (Years 11–12)

Our large, multi-campus structure offers the best of both worlds – the opportunities, resources, and subject breadth of a big school, combined with the personalised care and close-knit environment of smaller campuses.

This unique model allows us to:

Provide tailored academic support and extension opportunities for all learners.
Deliver a broad curriculum, including VCE, VCE Vocational Major, VET, and extensive electives.
Offer specialist facilities such as science laboratories, performing arts spaces, technology workshops, and fully resourced libraries on each campus.
Run a wide range of co-curricular activities – from sports teams and music ensembles to debating, leadership programs, and cultural exchanges.

At Copperfield College, we believe every student has the capacity to succeed. We are committed to:

Nurturing individual growth through goal setting, personalised learning plans, and targeted wellbeing initiatives.
Fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated and student voice is valued.
Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and develop the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive beyond school.

Our achievements are reflected not only in academic results, but also in the positive relationships, community partnerships, and pathways our students forge. Many graduates go on to excel at university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or directly in the workforce, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to make a difference.

I warmly invite current and prospective parents, guardians, and friends of our College to arrange a tour of one or all three campuses. Seeing our students in action, meeting our dedicated staff, and experiencing our facilities first-hand will show you why Copperfield College is a truly innovative and outstanding choice for your child’s education.

As Principal, I am proud and privileged to lead such a successful and inspiring school community – a place where every student is empowered to aspire, achieve, and flourish.

NAPLAN reporting

The 2026 NAPLAN results for students have been released early this term. By now all Year 7 and 9 parents should have received your children’s NAPLAN results in the mail. If for some reason parents haven’t received the NAPLAN results, please contact your Campus Principals.

NAPLAN continues to measure student achievement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and punctuation but the results will now be presented in 4 proficiency levels:

These are:

exceeding
strong
developing
needs additional support.

The results provide schools, parents and carers clearer information that details student achievement against new proficiency levels.

Students’ NAPLAN reports continue to show how they are tracking against their peers and provide an indication of their skill levels against national averages and where we would expect them to be in order to get the most out of schooling. This provides valuable information to teachers about how we can continue to support your child.

Each set of NAPLAN results is an important milestone, but it is also important that students know that one result does not define them. These results are about making sure every student gets the support they need so they can continue to get the best from their learning.

Please contact the school, to speak to your Campus Principals, with any questions about these changes.

Child Safety Code of Conduct

Copperfield College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. Our school community recognises the importance of, and a responsibility for, ensuring our school is a safe, supportive, and enriching environment which respects and fosters the dignity and self-esteem of children and young people, and enables them to thrive in their learning and development.

This Code of Conduct aims to protect children and reduce any opportunities for child abuse or harm to occur. It also assists in understanding how to avoid or better manage risky behaviours and situations. It is intended to complement child protection legislation, Department policy, school policies and procedures and professional standards, codes or ethics as these apply to staff and other personnel.

The College Principal, Campus Principals and school leaders of our College support the implementation and monitoring of the Code of Conduct, and will plan, implement and monitor arrangements to provide inclusive, safe and orderly schools and other learning environments. The College Principal, Campus Principals and school leaders will also provide information and support to enable the Code of Conduct to operate effectively.

All staff, contractors, volunteers and any other member of the school community involved in child-related work are required to comply with the Code of Conduct by observing expectations for appropriate behaviour below. The Code of Conduct applies in all school situations, including school camps and in the use of digital technology and social media.

Acceptable behaviours

As staff, volunteers, contractors, and any other member of the school community involved in child-related work individually, we are responsible for supporting and promoting the safety of children by:

upholding the school’s statement of commitment to child safety at all
treating students and families in the school community with respect both within the school environment and outside the school environment as part of normal social and community activities.
listening and responding to the views and concerns of students, particularly if they are telling you that they or another child has been abused or that they are worried about their safety/the safety of another child
promoting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
promoting the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of students with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds
promoting the safety, participation and empowerment of students with a disability
reporting any allegations of child abuse or other child safety concerns to the school’s leadership
understanding and complying with all reporting or disclosure obligations (including mandatory reporting) as they relate to protecting children from harm or abuse.
if child abuse is suspected, ensuring as quickly as possible that the student(s) are safe and protected from harm.

Unacceptable behaviours

As staff, volunteers, contractors, and any other member of the school community involved in child-related work we must not:

ignore or disregard any concerns, suspicions or disclosures of child abuse
develop a relationship with any student that could be seen as favouritism or amount to ‘grooming’ behaviour (for example, offering gifts)
exhibit behaviours or engage in activities with students which may be interpreted as abusive and not justified by the educational, therapeutic, or service delivery context
ignore behaviours by other adults towards students when they appear to be overly familiar or inappropriate
discuss content of an intimate nature or use sexual innuendo with students, except where it occurs relevantly in the context of parental guidance, delivering the education curriculum or a therapeutic setting
treat a child unfavourably because of their disability, age, gender, race, culture, vulnerability, sexuality or ethnicity.
communicate directly with a student through personal or private contact channels (including by social media, email, instant messaging, texting etc) except where that communication is reasonable in all the circumstances, related to school work or extra-curricular activities or where there is a safety concern or other urgent matter
photograph or video a child in a school environment except in accordance with school policy or where required for duty of care purposes[1]
in the school environment or at other school events where students are present, consume alcohol contrary to school policy or take illicit drugs under any circumstances

IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS

Whilst we welcome and encourage parents to attend their children’s campus for a wide range of reasons, it is important that all visits to the College come through our Campus front office.

Parents, guardians and visitors to the school are not to go directly to other areas of the campuses including different wings, classrooms or the technical support office.

Our Campus Office staff will handle all parent and visitor enquiries and make the appropriate arrangements for you. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.

Student accident insurance, ambulance cover arrangements and private property brought to schools

Parents and Guardians are reminded that the DoE does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students.

Parents and guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance/ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs.

In some circumstances, medical or other expenses will be paid by the Department where it is assessed that it is likely, in all the circumstances, that the Department is liable for negligent (careless) acts or omissions of its staff/volunteers.

Student accident insurance/ambulance cover policies are available from some commercial insurers and can be obtained by school councils on a whole-of-school basis, or by parents/guardians for individual students.

Private property brought to school by students, staff or visitors is not insured and the Department does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage.

Nick Adamou

College Principal