Deputy Principal Reports

I am very proud of what our students have achieved this year.

A special mention must go to our Year 7 students. It does not seem that long ago that you were walking through the school gates for the very first time, beginning your high school journey. Over the course of the year, you have settled in beautifully, formed new friendships, and grown in confidence and independence. It has been a pleasure watching you learn and develop, and you should be very proud of how far you have come. You are now well prepared to take the next step in your schooling and, in 2026, to help welcome our newest Year 7 students into the school community.

Our Year 9 students have also shown significant growth across the year. Many have demonstrated emerging leadership skills and have been involved in a wide range of academic, sporting and co-curricular activities. As you prepare to move into Year 10, you are entering an important stage of your schooling. Year 10 is a time when students begin to think more deeply about future study options and possible career pathways. We look forward to seeing you return in 2026 focused, motivated and ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Our Year 11 (2025) students are already well into their Year 12 coursework, and 2026 will no doubt pass very quickly. This final year of schooling will be both challenging and rewarding, and we are confident that our students will continue to show commitment, resilience and determination as they work towards their post-school goals.

I hope all students and their families enjoy a well-earned, restful break over the holidays. 

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year refreshed, positive and ready for another successful year together.

As Term 4 concludes, I would like to acknowledge what has been a positive and inspiring end to the year at Thomas Reddall High School.

To our Year 12 students, congratulations on reaching the final full stop of your high school journey. Completing your formal examinations and celebrating together at the Year 12 Formal marked a significant milestone, the final chapter on your High School lives, and you should be very proud of your achievements.

Our Ohana Showcase was a highlight of the term. A special acknowledgement goes to Whaea Betty for her leadership in bringing this event together, and sincere thanks for inviting the Birrung Dancers to join the Ohana students in celebrating unity within and across our communities, which share deep connections and histories.

Congratulations also to the remarkable number of students recognised at Presentation Evening and the Sports Assembly. It was inspiring to see so many acknowledged for their commitment, effort, and success across academic, cultural, sporting, and leadership areas.

I am very proud of how students have shown grit, focus, and determination to make the most of their learning and their high school experience. The social and academic growth evident in student reports reflects the hard work of our students and the staff who guide them.

I extend a heartfelt thank you to the Aboriginal Education Team, Cameron and the NASCA team, and Josh from Wambuul Cultural Education for their dedication and impact throughout the year. The opportunities for our students have been second to none and I am extremely proud of the work done in providing first class and authentic learning experiences for our school community.

I wish everyone a safe and restful holiday break. May the celebrations shared within your families bring joy and positive spirits, and I look forward to a successful and rewarding 2026.

As we wrap up Term 4, we reflect on a busy and rewarding period filled with celebration, learning, and community connection. Our students have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, and our staff and families have continued to provide outstanding support. Below is a recap of the many highlights that made this term so memorable.

This year’s Year 12 Formal was a memorable celebration marking the end of our senior students’ school journey. Students arrived in style and enjoyed an evening filled with music, dining, and dancing. It was a wonderful opportunity for the cohort to come together, reflect on their achievements, and celebrate friendships formed over the years. Staff and families were proud to witness the maturity and spirit of the graduating class.

The Ohana Showcase highlighted the diverse talents and creativity within our school community. Students from across multiple schools presented performances that reflected their passion and dedication. Families, community members, students and staff enjoyed a day celebrating the hard work of our performers and creators, with many acknowledging the strong sense of belonging and community the showcase fosters.

Our school commemorated White Ribbon Day with activities and discussions promoting respect, awareness, and the prevention of violence against women. Students engaged in workshops and presentations focused on building healthy relationships and becoming positive role models within the community. The day reinforced our commitment to fostering a safe, respectful environment for all.

The Peer Support training program continued to strengthen connections across year groups by preparing students to become effective mentors for younger peers. Throughout the structured training sessions, participating students developed skills in leadership, communication, and relationship-building. This training equips them to support new students in building resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging. The program plays a vital role in fostering a welcoming and inclusive school culture.

This term, students enthusiastically submitted their nominations to become part of our Student Representative Council (SRC). The nomination process encouraged students to reflect on their leadership qualities, their commitment to the school community, and the positive contributions they hope to make in the year ahead. We were pleased to see a strong level of interest, with many students eager to represent their peers and help shape school initiatives and events. We look forward to the election process and to celebrating the newly elected SRC members who will lead with enthusiasm, responsibility, and school spirit.

Orientation Day welcomed future year 7 students with a warm introduction to life at our school. Visitors explored the school, met teachers, and participated in sample lessons designed to ease the transition into high school. The day provided families with valuable insight into our learning environment and left students excited about beginning their next chapter with us.

Students from non-feeder primary schools were invited to experience our learning community during Non-Feeder Taster Day. Participants engaged in hands-on activities across a range of subjects, met key staff, and made new connections. The day successfully showcased the opportunities available at our school and helped students feel more confident about joining us.

Year 5 students visited our school for an engaging Taster Day designed to spark curiosity and excitement about high school. They participated in fun, interactive lessons across subjects such as science, sport, and the arts. The experience helped younger students familiarise themselves with the high school setting and build early enthusiasm for their future learning.

Our school proudly recognised the International Day of People with Disabilities by promoting awareness, inclusion, and understanding across the community. Students had the opportunity to participate in activities and discussions that highlighted the strengths, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities, while also exploring the importance of creating accessible and supportive environments for everyone. The day served as a meaningful reminder of our shared responsibility to value diversity and champion equity, ensuring that every member of our school community feels respected, included, and empowered.

This term, our school continued to emphasise the importance of strong attendance for academic success and wellbeing. Through regular communication, recognition initiatives, and support programs, we encouraged students to maintain consistent attendance. We thank families for their ongoing partnership and remind everyone that every day at school counts.

We kindly remind families to provide the school with any updated Health Support Plans, medical information, or new diagnosis details to ensure we can continue to support students’ wellbeing and safety. Accurate and current health information allows staff to respond appropriately to students’ needs and implement suitable care strategies during the school day. If your child’s health condition or medication requirements have changed, please forward the relevant documentation to the school as soon as possible. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Students throughout the year have the opportunity to engage in Work Experience, where they gain valuable insight into a range of career pathways. Those interested in participating are encouraged to connect with our Careers Adviser, who can support them in finding suitable placements. Work Experience allows students to explore different industries, develop practical skills, and build confidence in real workplace settings. This program continues to play an important role in helping students make informed decisions about their future careers.

Year 10 recently completed the All My Own Work (AMOW) program, ensuring that students understand academic integrity before beginning their senior studies. Through this course, students learned about plagiarism, correct referencing, research expectations, and the value of producing original work. The program prepares students for the rigour of Stage 6 and reinforces our commitment to ethical learning.

As Term 4 comes to a close, we extend our sincere thanks to our students, families, and staff for their dedication and partnership throughout the year. We are proud of all that has been accomplished and look forward to another successful year ahead. Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday break.

Jaclyn Thompson

Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support