Principal's Report

September 2026 

It is with great pride and joy that I reflect on the remarkable events and achievements our school community has experienced recently. This term has been filled with celebration, recognition, and memorable moments that highlight the vibrant spirit of Elderslie High School. 

50th Anniversary Open Day and Celebration Dinner

Our 50th Anniversary School Open Day was a tremendous success, bringing together current students, families, alumni, and local community members. The celebration dinner at Gledswood Homestead was a wonderful occasion to honour our rich history and look forward to the future. A highlight of the event was the formal announcement naming our school library the Heather Rouen OAM Library during the Open Day opening — a fitting tribute to Heather’s outstanding service and dedication to our school community. Thank you to our alumni who entertained guests with three performances from our School Musical Mama Mia at the celebration dinner. Thank you to Ms Dennis and Ms Lavorato for coordinating all of the 50th Anniversary celebrations this year. 

Education Week and Awards 

During Education Week, we held our recognition assemblies to celebrate excellence across our school with students receiving awards for academic achievement and effort. Congratulations to Mr Elphege, who received a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and to Charlotte Wheeler in Year 12, who was the recipient of the Minister’s Award for Academic Achievement.  

Year 11 CAPA Night and Dance Spectacular 

We extend our thanks to all students and staff involved in organising and participating in the Year 11 CAPA Night and the Dance Spectacular. We are especially proud of the collaboration with our four partner primary schools, which showcased the amazing talents within our wider school community. 

SASS Appreciation Week 

During SASS Appreciation Week, our school paused to acknowledge and thank our incredible School Administrative and Support Staff. Your unwavering support behind the scenes is deeply valued and essential to the smooth running of our school. 

Transition Day for Future Students 

We recently hosted our final transition day for future students from partner primary schools. These students enjoyed taster lessons and familiarised themselves with the high school environment. This year we have had 1000 students from our partner primary schools attend EHS for taster days. A special thank you to Mrs Ferris for her dedication and commitment in organising this fabulous opportunity, which greatly eases the transition to high school life. 

HPGE Challenge Cup and Science Fair 

Congratulations to Mrs Ferris coordinated the HPGE Challenge Cup, which brought together 130 students from three networks and 30 schools for a day of intellectual challenges and team-building activities. Additionally, our annual Science Fair once again provided excellent opportunities for students from across our community to extend their intellectual capacity and showcase their scientific talents. 

Department of Education Secretary Visit 

We were honoured to welcome Murat Dizdar PSM, Secretary of the Department of Education, who visited our school to congratulate the 11 students who successfully completed their Bronze Award as part of the DoE Pilot program. He applauded our teacher Ethan Sharp for leading the program to an impressive 95% completion rate. While he was at EHS Mr Elphege interviewed him so make sure you tune in to this podcast episode! 

Greater Sydney Cattle Competition 

Our Agriculture students have achieved outstanding success, placing second in the Greater Sydney Cattle Competition this year. This competition comprises of students from Independent, Catholic and private schools with only three public high schools represented. This impressive result is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and growing expertise in animal husbandry. Congratulations to Mrs Last and all of the students who participated, represented our school so well, and expertly showcased the hard work they invested in preparing for the event. We are extremely proud of their achievement and the way they continue to strengthen Elderslie High’s reputation within the agricultural community. 

Year 12 Final Weeks 

As Year 12 approaches the final weeks of their journey at Elderslie High, we look forward to a range of activities designed to create unforgettable memories — including the Lip Sync Battle, dress-up days, and the much-anticipated staff versus students games and a whole-school farewell that marks the end of this important chapter. 

Their Graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, 24th September, followed by a picnic day at Mount Annan Botanical Gardens. After a well deserved break our Year 12 students will commence their HSC Examinations in Term 4. 

Please note that the final Year 12 reports will be available digitally through the parent portal. We will no longer be issuing printed reports, so I encourage all parents and carers to ensure that you have access to the portal to receive your child’s final academic record.

Wishing every Year 12 student the very best for your future endeavours. Your hard work has laid a strong foundation for success beyond school, and we are proud of each and every one of you.

Staffing Update

This term we say farewell to Mr Elphege who was successful at gaining a Head Teacher Mathematics position at Moorebank High School. We will miss his energy and enthusiasm and of course the hosting of our EHS podcast. Mr Sambuco is also leaving us and will be Head Teacher Mathematics at Mount Annan High School. Mr Tan has transferred to Edmondson Park High School after teaching for a whopping 15 years at EHS. 

After 36 years of dedicated service at EHS, Wayne Douglas is bidding farewell to the school community. Wayne’s commitment and passion have made a lasting impact on colleagues, students, and families throughout his remarkable tenure. While we are saddened to see him leave, we are incredibly grateful for everything he has contributed over the years. As Wayne steps into new adventures beyond EHS, we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours. 

Congratulations to all of you and all the best for 2027, we will miss you. 

Thank you to every member of our community for your enthusiasm, commitment, and support throughout this busy and exciting term. Together, we continue to create a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment.

Ms Natalie Martin

Relieving Principal