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Principal Report

Dear School Community,

 

Another big term done and dusted! Thank you so much to all of our students, parents and staff for another productive term. 

 

Before you read ahead, I wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Mr Bower for his seamless and dedicated leadership in the Inclusion Assistant Principal role. He has done an outstanding job leading the portfolio, and I really want to acknowledge the care and commitment he has shown in the role. With Ms Vass returning after the break, Mr Bower will complete a handover with her. Thank you, Mr Bower, for your wonderful leadership and for the incredible work you have done.

 

Check out the snapshot below of achievements this term!

I’ve bolded the key words to make it easier for you to scan through. It’s an extensive list!! We’ve been a busy school community!

 

Results and outcomes

  • Outstanding AToSS results, with improvement across every measure and all measures now above the state average.
  • Full NAPLAN results landed, showing improved Year 7–9 growth across almost all measures, with reduced low growth and increased high growth.
  • Many Disability Inclusion Profiles completed, strengthening access to funding for targeted support and adjustments for our students.
  • Parent Opinion Survey launched, providing families with an opportunity to share feedback and shape our ongoing improvement. Results to come in T4. 

 

Student programs and extracurricular highlights

  • A focus on student pathway planning, with Year 9–10 and Year 10–11 course counselling, STEM counselling and dozens of individual pathway conversations.
  • Study Pulse trial successfully implemented at Year 12, supporting students to respond to practice exam/sac questions with real time feedback.
  • EduTest participation significantly increased, with more Grade 6 students undertaking the assessment for entry into our KEEP program.
  • Applied Learning continued to thrive, with Community at Work projects at Keysborough PS and Spring Parks PS being finalised. They also engaged in a TAFE Taster Program.
  • Our VM students initiated a range of projects, through the Ping Pong-a-thon, Community Garden, Share the Dignity bags, VM PDS Expo and new artwork on the back wall at Acacia (just to name a few of the projects). Some also completed their First Aid training.
  • Our inaugural Primary School Debating Competition was a huge success, bringing together students from Athol Road, Keysborough Gardens and Wallarano Primary Schools.
  • Music and Performing Arts continued to flourish, with Wakakirri, the Senior School Play ‘Murder on the 518’, Victorian School Music Festival competitions and the announcement of Legally Blonde as the 2027 musical. 
  • Keysie Week was an absolute highlight, celebrating our College spirit through a huge range of activities, including Keysie’s Got Talent.
  • The VM Coffee Crew continued to shine, providing coffee services across the College and at events including the Parent Teacher Interviews and Breakfast Club. 
  • The Melbourne Victory Soccer Program continued to thrive, with students representing the College in the Victory Cup.
  • Strong sporting success, including for our Senior and Year 8 Girls Volleyball teams. All teams are going to QLD in Term 4 for a Volleyball Competition in December.
  • Literacy was celebrated through Book Week, Spelling Bees and Debating, providing engaging opportunities for students to participate and showcase their skills.
  • Girls in Science program  and Primary Science Outreach program encouraging current and future students to explore Science pathways and broaden their aspirations.
  • Community spirit continued through student-led fundraising, including the Bunnings sausage sizzle and Interact Club Bake Sale.
  • 2027 College Captain applications opened, providing students with opportunities to step forward and lead our College community next year.
  • Year 12 Formal was a highlight and thoroughly enjoy by both staff and students. 
  • VM Camp was conducted early in the term, strengthening connections within their program.
  • Initiation of the African Heritage program run through the Wellbeing Team. 
  • Alumni Presentations on Careers and Pathways. 

 

Staff; teaching and learning / wellbeing 

  • Learning Walks continued across the College, strengthening alignment to our Teaching and Learning Model.
  • Data, Numeracy and SWPBS Professional Learning sessions delivered to support our key improvement priorities.
  • Early Intervention Support Officers (EISO) appointed, strengthening our support for vulnerable students. They are employed through the Centre for Multicultural Youth and work within our Wellbeing Team.
  • A record number (20!) of Keysie staff appointed as VCAA assessors for 2026, strengthening our assessment expertise.
  • Staff wellbeing initiatives including engagement in the DE Psychosocial Health and Wellbeing Panel and walkthrough, Staff Soup Day, and our Principals Day and R U OK? Day morning teas.
  • Desktop emergency drill successfully completed, strengthening our preparedness and response processes.
  • Parent Teacher Interviews conducted- connecting with our students and their families.

 

Planning for 2027

  • 2027 planning is well underway, including subject selections, staff intentions and the advertising of leadership positions.
  • 2027 Year 7 transition planning commenced, continuing our strong transition processes with local primary schools.
  • Strengthened collaboration with local secondary schools, progressing shared VET opportunities and pathways for 2027.

 

Infrastructure

  • New Year 8 classrooms at Acacia were completed over the last break, transforming the former open space into discreet classroom environments ready for Term 3.
  • New outdoor classroom space completed at Banksia for the Vocational Centre, creating additional flexible teaching and learning spaces.
  • Shade sails installed on both ovals, providing additional shaded space for students.
  • Year 9 START studio wall constructed at Banksia creating two learning spaces. This project has commenced at Acacia and will be ready for Term 4. 

 

​Wishing everyone a safe break and looking forward to seeing you all in Term 4!

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