Senior School Principal Report

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to Term 3! The term is already well underway, with a full schedule of activities and a continued focus on classroom learning.

For our Year 12 students, this period is particularly important as they work towards completing their final assessments and coursework. It’s a time for everyone to stay consistent, meet key deadlines, and maintain a balanced approach to study and wellbeing.

Presentation Ball Rehearsals

Rehearsals for the Year 10 Presentation Ball on Thursday 11 September are well underway. Students have completed three weeks of dance classes so far, working with experienced instructors to learn traditional styles such as the jive and cha cha. Their confidence is gradually building, and we look forward to the upcoming event.

2026 Subject Selection

Alternatives to VCE Information Evening

The subject selection process for 2026 is in full swing with the Alternatives to VCE Information Evening running on Thursday 24 July. The evening was well-attended and families had the opportunity to understand what the VCE Vocational Major and VET (Vocational Education and Training) programs entail. Thank you to Mr Paul Duncan, our Careers and Pathways Coordinator for presenting on the evening, and to Ms Annie Hearne (Head of Year 10) and Mrs Samantha Fox (VCE VM Coordinator) who supported the event. Representatives from Headstart also attended to provide information and guidance on School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs). Their presence offered valuable insights into vocational pathways and helped answer questions about how SBATs can support students in developing their skills whilst also working toward their future careers.

Senior School Information Evening

Thank you to the families who joined us online for the Senior School Information Evening on Monday 28 July. The session offered valuable insights into subject pathways, with presentations from Heads of Year Level and expert staff in English and Mathematics. Throughout the week, students have continued exploring subject-specific videos during Mentoring, helping them reflect on individual interests and options for senior studies.

Year 10 Course Counselling Interviews

On Thursday 14 August, we look forward to welcoming Year 10 families to the Norwood library for Course Confirmation interviews. These one-on-one conversations with our leadership team are designed to support students in finalising their subject choices and considering their broader VCE plans. Families are encouraged to check the Compass newsfeed for appointment details.

Attendance Procedures

Changes to Sign-in and Sign-out Procedures (Late Arrival and Early Departure) at Years 10 and 11

Starting this week, Year 10 and 11 students must sign in and out at the Senior School Office. They are no longer permitted to use the Compass kiosk. This must be done in person with Tina Danisch or a member of the leadership team. If students arrive late or need to leave early, an attendance note from a parent or carer must be entered on Compass. Students will not be allowed to leave school grounds without this note. 

VET students may continue to sign in and out as usual, since this is a pre-approved absence. 

If the Senior School Office is unattended, students should go to the Junior School Office or the General Office to sign in or out.

As this edition goes to publication, our Year 10 students are currently attending Snow Camp at Mt Buller. We look forward to sharing more about their experience and skiing adventures in the next newsletter.