Hello, everyone.

I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Healesville High Connections’. It reinforces what we all know- our school is a vibrant and incredibly busy place. You will see, as you work your way through this publication, just how much happens each day and each week at Healesville High School.

It does appear that this past term has been especially full of activities, both in the classroom and beyond. Thank you to every member of staff for providing so many opportunities to our students, for allowing them to shine in so many ways and in so many areas. Thanks also to every student who has taken advantage of the opportunities on offer. There are so many highlights in this edition that I won’t even attempt to list them all.

Suffice to say, the wonderful work in the classrooms has continued, with students and staff members working together to achieve excellent outcomes. The events outside of the classrooms this term have been absolute highlights- of this year and of any year!

The school production of Frozen Jr. was outstanding. Sellout shows, highly entertaining, fun, and so enjoyable to witness. A huge congratulations to Shane Coady and his production team of students and staff. What an absolute triumph! I thought Shane’s first effort last year, School of Rock, was brilliant and he has followed that up with yet another magnificent show this year. These are the experiences that students will remember forever, and the opportunities are only made possible through the selfless generosity of staff members and the willingness of students to ‘take a chance’, and to throw themselves wholeheartedly into such events. We have so many remarkably talented students, both on-stage and back-stage. That talent was obvious for all to see, as was the genuine enjoyment of the cast and crew. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Whilst acknowledging outstanding achievements I must mention the Legends Band, who recently received the highest possible award at the Victorian School Music Festival. Our band, small in comparison to most school bands, received the platinum award at the festival and richly deserved that accolade. They are a dedicated and talented group of students, led capably and with passion by Amanda Morrison and her team of instrumental music teachers. What a wonderful achievement!

Congratulations also to this week’s stars – Indigo Montgomery, Erin Cottell, Kailee Short and Jadah Koh. These students exhibit all the qualities of highly achieving students. They are hard-working, generous, good humoured, and willing to be involved in all aspect of school life. They enjoy their school experiences, and they contribute to the life of the school. Keep up the great work Indigo, Erin, Kailee, and Jadah.

You will read elsewhere in this publication about the’50,000th toastie’ and I wish to offer my thanks and congratulations to the dedicated staff members who ensure the continued operation and success of the school breakfast club. Thanks to Kerry, Danny, Nella and Nat for their generosity of spirit which enables this welcome service to be offered for our students.

Year 12 students are completing their final weeks of classes before commencing their intensive study week leading into the examination period and I can state with confidence that our school community and the broader Healesville community could not be prouder of the Class of 2023. To the students of Year 12 this year –our community offers you every good wish for success throughout the upcoming period and we look forward to sharing those successes with you.

May I finish by wishing staff and students a restful, enjoyable and well-deserved holiday following the remarkable achievements of the past few months.

Best wishes everyone.

Allan Rennick

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