Principal's Report

Student Achievement: 2025 Valedictorians

Congratulations to Valedictorians Max Kerr (Skipper House) and Asher Veale (Skipper House). Max and Asher were presented with their awards at the Valedictory evening which took place on Thursday 20 November.

Max Kerr exemplifies both academic excellence and community leadership. Throughout Year 12, he excelled across diverse subjects including Biology, Chemistry, English Language, Physics, Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics, earning Book Prizes in Biology, Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics. His diligence, curiosity, and active engagement in class have inspired peers and impressed teachers alike. Max’s commitment to improvement was evident in his dedication to English Language, where he embraced extra classes and feedback with resilience and maturity. Beyond academics, he has contributed meaningfully to school and community life: volunteering with the CFA, developing leadership and teamwork skills, competing in mathematics competitions, participating in STEM Club, and representing the school in Tennis. Known for his humility, warmth, and strong interpersonal skills, Max balances achievement with generosity of spirit, making him a role model and a proud representative of the Class of 2025.

Asher Veale is equally recognised for his dedication, confidence, and determination. Excelling in a rigorous program of English Language, Physics, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, and Chemistry, he earned a Book Prize in Physics, reflecting his discipline and commitment to excellence. Beyond academics, Asher stands out for his willingness to tackle challenges publicly, offering clear explanations at the whiteboard to support his peers. His generosity of spirit, perseverance, and maturity have earned admiration from teachers and classmates alike. He has also contributed to school life as a trombone player in the Training Band and through active participation in table tennis, demonstrating teamwork and enthusiasm. Even when faced with difficulties in written expression, Asher sought feedback and worked tirelessly to improve. With ambitious plans for university, he is poised to bring intelligence, drive, and leadership to his future community.

It was an amazing night celebrating the achievements and effort of the Class of 2025. A big thank you to the Senior School Team and to the VET – Cookery Students under the guidance of Yasemin Ziada who prepared the satisfying supper.

2025 Jagajaga Resilience Award

Congratulations to Melody O’Shea (Year 11, Skipper House) as the recipient of the 2025 Jagajaga Resilience Award.

Melody was nominated in recognition of her outstanding compassion, dedication, and selflessness. She is a constant source of support for her younger sibling who has additional needs.

Melody consistently demonstrates patience, care, and leadership both at home and within the school community. Her commitment to helping others extends beyond the classroom – she is working towards becoming a paramedic and, remarkably, performed CPR on a stranger while on her way to school earlier this year, potentially saving a life.

Through every challenge, Melody has shown incredible resilience, persevering through adversity and always striving to achieve her best. She is a kind-hearted and dependable student who uplifts those around her, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Melody was presented with her award by the Hon. Kate Thwaites PM, federal member for Jagajaga at a Year level assembly. Congratulations Melody!

Eltham High School Arts & Technology Exhibition

A big thank you to all the members of the Arts/Technology Team for yet another outstanding Arts/Technology exhibition. The Opening Night was filled by a large audience and the formal part of the evening including the awards ceremony was well organised and ran very smoothly.

I congratulate Emma Shelton (Arts Key Learning Area Leader) and Kelsey Beckford (Technology Key Learning Area Coordinator) for their outstanding work and leadership of their teams. Furthermore, I congratulate Yasemin Ziada and her team of VET – Cookery Students who prepared the delicious morsels of food presented to our guests throughout the evening.

Of course, the greatest congratulations go to the students for their exceptional talent and hard work in producing the amazing pieces of art and technology that were displayed in the exhibition. Great effort and an outstanding outcome.

International Day of People with Disability

The International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) this year will be recognised on 3 December. The United Nations has announced that the theme for 2025 will be: “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability.

The 2025 theme means we all need to work together to make society fairer and respect the rights of people with disability.

As recipients of a Nillumbik Council grant aimed at celebrating IDPWD, on Thursday 4 December, we will be hosting a full day of wheelchair basketball games encouraging both our students and staff to participate and to gain an understanding of what can be achieved through equity of access in all areas of life as well as a deeper understanding and experience of what it means to be resilient.

A big thank you to the Student Leadership Team and Nadia Devlin (Student Agency and Growth Leader) for organising this event and the experience which comes with it.

Exams

The Year 10 and Year 9 exams have been completed, and Year 10 students are beginning their Year 11 Headstart Program on 1 December. Year 10 students will complete their program on Friday 5 December and this will mark the end of their academic program. Some students will be undertaking a period of work experience in the coming week. I wish them well.

STEAM Centre Update

We are all looking forward to the completion of the STEAM Centre so that we can begin to get the space ready for 2026 before the Christmas break.  We are hoping to be able to get into the building after the 12 December on the assumption that it will gain occupancy clearance by that date.

The builders have been working hard to complete it to schedule, and they believe that they will meet the deadline. Fingers crossed.

I will keep you updated.

VINCENT SICARI, Principal