Secondary News

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have now passed the halfway point of the term, and it has certainly been a busy and productive few weeks in the Secondary School.

Checkpoint reports were released last week, providing students and families with valuable feedback on progress so far. These reports are an important opportunity for reflection and adjustment, ensuring that every student is supported in their learning journey across the remainder of the term. Several students have also taken part in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) program that recognises and rewards students' academic skills in subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Digital Technologies, Spelling, and Writing. 

Our senior school students are buzzing with excitement for our annual Senior Formal scheduled for Saturday 30th August.  Our seniors are looking forward to dressing up and dancing the night away at the stunning event rooms at Gumbuya World with their peers. For our Year 12 students, this will be their last school formal as the countdown is very real, with only around seven weeks of school remaining before they conclude their secondary education. Staff continue to work closely with them to ensure they are well prepared for their final assessments and the transition beyond school.

Camps have also been a highlight of the term. Our Year 10 students enjoyed a fantastic experience at Snow Camp, building resilience, teamwork, and plenty of memorable moments on the slopes. We still look forward to the Year 7 Camp, which promises to be an equally exciting and formative time for our youngest secondary students.

On the sporting front, our Intermediate basketball teams achieved great success, displaying both skill and determination. Their achievements are a credit to their commitment and team spirit, and we congratulate all involved.  A special mention must go to our Boys A team, victorious on the day placing first in the division competition and progressing through to the next round of competition. 

Last week our College celebrated Book Week.  The 2025 theme was ‘Book an Adventure’- encouraging children and young people to see reading as a journey of discovery, exploring new worlds, meeting characters, and unlocking their imaginations. It was wonderful to see so many secondary students again this year embrace the Book Week celebrations and dress up as their favourite book character or author and take part in the parade attended by the entire College. 

Finally, while much of our attention is focused on the busy term at hand, planning for 2026 is already underway. This forward-thinking process ensures our programs, curriculum, and opportunities remain strong and continue to meet the needs of our students into the future.

Thank you to all students, families, and staff for your ongoing support and partnership this term.

Key Dates for Term 3

Friday 29th August - ICAS Maths P1&2

Saturday 30th August - Senior School Formal

Monday 1st September to Friday 5th September - Year 7 Camp - The Summit

Thursday 4th September - Secondary Division Athletics

Friday 5th September - Father’s Day Breakfast

Sunday 7th September - Father’s Day

Tuesday 9th September - Whole Cast Musical Rehearsal

Wednesday 10th September - Whole Cast Musical Rehearsal

Thursday 11th September - School Musical 7 pm

Friday 12th September - School Musical 7 pm

Saturday 13th September - School Musical 11 am

Tuesday 16th September - German Day Yr 7 & 8

Friday 19th September - Last Day of Term 3

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Joanne Rothwell                                                                                          Mrs Amanda Trewin

Head of Middle School                                                                                      Head of Senior School

Snow Camp Adventure – Year 10s Conquer Mt Baw Baw

In Week 5, our intrepid Year 10 students swapped their classrooms for snow covered peaks as they embarked on their much anticipated alpine adventure to Mt Baw Baw. It was inspiring to see our newest members of the senior school go from strength to strength as they challenged themselves on the ski slopes for the first time.

From the moment they arrived, our Year 10s embraced the experience with energy and enthusiasm. For many, it was their first time tackling the ski slopes, a daunting yet exciting prospect. It was truly inspiring to watch them mastering new skills and pushing their limits each day. Their determination and resilience were on full display.

We were fortunate to enjoy ideal alpine conditions throughout the week. With clear skies and fresh snow underfoot, the natural beauty of Mt Baw Baw provided the perfect backdrop for outdoor learning and adventure. Alongside skiing and snowboarding, students had the chance to try their hand at tobogganing which was a fun highlight for all.

Another memorable moment came when the group met Mt Baw Baw’s resident alpine dingoes, gaining a deeper appreciation for native wildlife and the important role these animals play in the local ecosystem. On the final evening, students took part in a twilight hike, where they explored the alpine environment and learned more about the fragile and unique ecosystem that surrounds them.

By Friday afternoon, our amazing - yet very tired group returned to the College. While they may have come back with sore legs and sleepy eyes, they also returned with newfound confidence, stronger friendships and a host of incredible memories.

This year’s snow camp was more than just a physical challenge – it was a journey of growth, independence and personal achievement. We are immensely proud of our Year 10s for their positivity, resilience and the way they supported one another throughout the week. They have set the tone for their senior school years, and we can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.