Message from our School Council

Please find below the Top 5 Messages from our recent School Council Meeting, held on Tuesday, 13th October. 

A NEW CHAPTER, A BRIGHT FUTURE!

It's an exciting time for Pakenham Secondary College as we prepare to officially open our brand-new facilities this Friday! Made possible through an $11.3 million investment from the Victorian Government, announced in the 2023–24 State Budget, this major capital works project has transformed the College, delivering modern, purpose built spaces designed to enhance teaching and learning.

After years of planning, preparation and construction (and some School Council only sneak peaks), the College community is incredibly excited and proud to see this vision become a reality. More than just new buildings, these facilities represent a fresh chapter for Pakenham Secondary College, one filled with new opportunities and inspiring learning environments.

New buildings, new beginnings and a bright future ahead! The School Council looks forward to celebrating this significant milestone and wants to give a heartfelt thank you to Michelle Scheiwiller, who has lead this project in a way like no other could and with so much heart (and the occasional obsession with colour swatches).

ACROSS BORDERS, BUILDING CONNECTIONS!

Pakenham Secondary College students continue their global goals, building friendships and broadening their horizons through two exciting international school partnerships!

Our partnership with Prek Leap High School in Cambodia is giving students the opportunity to explore different cultures, share perspectives and build meaningful connections. Through creative video blogs (vlogs), interviews and cultural research, students are sharing a glimpse into everyday Australian life while learning about Cambodian traditions, school life and culture. The project will wrap up for the year in November with students sharing their final presentations and celebrating their newfound international friendships.

Meanwhile, our Sister School Program with Ridge Valley School in India is back for its second year! Eleven Year 8 Enhancement students teamed up with their Indian peers to tackle a global challenge… climate change! Focusing on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 13, students worked collaboratively across five online meetings to research how different countries are addressing climate change and where improvements could be made. The program concluded in October with students presenting their findings, having strengthened their communication, teamwork, problem-solving skills and intercultural understanding.

Two fantastic initiatives proving that learning has no borders! Here's hoping these international connections continue to grow in 2027 and beyond!

BEHIND EVERY GREAT LESSON IS A DEDICATED TEACHER!

Great teaching doesn't just happen… it takes planning, preparation and a whole lot of dedication! Pakenham Secondary College's embedding of the Victorian Teaching & Learning Model 2.0 places student growth at the heart of every lesson, providing a consistent approach through five key stages: Activate, Explicitly Teach, Guided Practice, Apply and Review. With regular checks for understanding and feedback along the way, the aim is to ensure every student is supported, challenged and given the best opportunity to succeed.

While the model provides a clear framework for teaching and learning, successfully establishing and embedding it across the College takes a shared commitment, thoughtful planning and ongoing collaboration. Our teachers are embracing this approach with professionalism and dedication, working together to refine their teaching practices, share ideas and ensure the model becomes a meaningful and consistent part of everyday classroom learning. It's a process that requires persistence, teamwork and a genuine belief in the difference great teaching can make.

School Council acknowledges and sincerely appreciates the tremendous effort our teachers are putting into this process. Their willingness to go the extra mile is what will bring the model to life and, most importantly, help deliver stronger learning experiences and better educational outcomes for our students. A big investment of time and effort, with an even bigger purpose… student success!

THE FINAL BELL, YOUR NEXT BIG ADVENTURE!

As our Year 12 students prepare to close one chapter and embark on the next, School Council would like to wish them a very fond farewell and all the very best for the exciting adventures ahead!

Whether their next steps lead them to university, a trade, straight into the workforce, travelling the world or simply taking some time to discover what comes next, we encourage them to follow their passions, chase their dreams and embrace whatever their hearts desire. There is no one size fits all pathway to success…

To those preparing for their final exams, good luck! Take a deep breath, trust in all your hard work and give it your best shot. The entire School Council is cheering you on, willing you to succeed and celebrating the many different forms that success can take.

To the Class of 2026… be proud of how far you've come, excited about where you're going and remember that your future is yours to create. You've got this!

STUDENT VOICES, LASTING IMPACT!

A big shout out and heartfelt thank you to our wonderful student representatives on School Council, who bring fresh perspectives, thoughtful ideas and an all important student voice to the table. Their willingness to give up their time, contribute to discussions and help shape the future of Pakenham Secondary College is something we truly value and appreciate.

A special thank you goes to Nur Syakila Binti Mohammad Rafique for her time, enthusiasm and valuable contributions throughout 2026, and to Noah Tsui-Po, who has dedicated an impressive 3 years to serving on School Council. Their commitment to representing their fellow students and ensuring student perspectives are heard has made a meaningful difference to our Council discussions and decisions.

School Council is incredibly grateful for their dedication and willingness to get involved. It's fantastic to see young people stepping up, speaking out and playing an active role in their school community.