Western Heights College Newsletter

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Principals Report End of Term 2, 2025
End of Term 2, 2025

 

As we close out Term 2, I’d like to express my sincere thanks to all members of our college community for your continued commitment, support, and partnership in learning.

This term has been filled with meaningful learning, student growth, and a range of opportunities that highlight the strength of our college culture and values. I’m incredibly proud of how our students have engaged both in and beyond the classroom, demonstrating respect, responsibility, and resilience in everything they do.

 

GAT Assessment – Tuesday 17 June

All students undertaking a VCE Unit 3–4 subject, including those in the VCE Vocational Major, complete the General Achievement Test (GAT) last Tuesday 17 June. We commend them for the way in which they approached this test.

 

Good luck Ben Pocock

Good luck to Ben Pocock who this Sunday jets off to China and the Westlake University Pre-College program for students interested in science and engineering. This program provides a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research and engage with the university's academic community. 

 

Key features of the Westlake Pre-College Program include:

  • Daily Lab Work:
  • Scientific Frontier Lectures:
  • Company Visits and Field Investigations:
  • Cultural Experiences:
  • Interdisciplinary Opportunities:
  • Research Opportunities:

Students participate in hands-on laboratory work across five academic tracks: Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics. 

Well-known professors from Westlake University deliver lectures on scientific frontiers and skills, offering insights into cutting-edge disciplines. 

Students visit research institutions, companies, and start-ups to gain real-world perspectives on various fields. 

 

The program includes activities like visits to historical sites and cultural performances, fostering cultural exchange between China and other countries. 

The program emphasizes computational skills, scientific writing, and interdisciplinary collaboration with other schools within Westlake University. 

Students can participate in independent laboratory research under the guidance of faculty members, utilizing technologies like genomics and biomolecule design. 

 

Ben is the only Australian student to receive this offer with 20 other students from around the world. Well done, Ben.

 

New Zealand Netball High Performance Tour

Congratulations to our students and staff who have during the past week represented our college with distinction in New Zealand in our first ever Netball High performance Camp. The girls have been undefeated and learnt so much about NZ culture, history and netball. We thank Susan, Ainsley and Renee for their leadership and guidance during the tour.

 

College Uniform

As winter settles in, a reminder to students and families of the importance of wearing correct school uniform, including appropriate warm layers. The College uniform is an important part of our shared identity, and we appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring it is worn with pride.

 

End of Term and Start of Term 3

  • Term 2 will conclude on Friday 4 July with an early dismissal at 2:30pm.
  • Term 3 will begin with a Staff Professional Development Day on Monday 21 July – students are not required to attend on this day.
  • All students return to Semester 2 classes on Tuesday 22
    • Our Year 8 Girls Netball Team advanced to the regional finals after an undefeated season.
    • The Senior Boys and Girls AFL Team demonstrated great teamwork and sportsmanship winning through to the final stages of the SSV Premier League Competition.
    • Several WHC students represented the Barwon Region in cross-country, 

Semester Reports

Semester 1 reports will be released to parents and carers on Friday 4th July. I encourage you to download this report from compass and discuss the reports with your child.

 

Sporting Success:

These are just a few of the many successes that reflect the talent, effort, and growth of our students this term.

 

NAIDOC Week 2025

NAIDOC Week (Sunday 6 July- Sunday 13 July) marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors. 

 

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate not just a milestone but a movement that endures, grows, and evolves—driven by the unwavering strength of our communities, the shared vision of our people, and the enduring legacy we pass on to those who will shape our future. Next week our students will acknowledge and reflect on NAIDOC week in their classrooms.

 

 

Looking Ahead

Term 3 brings key events including:

  • Subject selection and pathways planning for Years 9–11
  • Year 10 and 11 course counselling
  • Parent-student-teacher conferences

We’re excited about what lies ahead and are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure every student continues to thrive.

 

On behalf of the Western Heights College staff, I wish all families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to seeing everyone back and ready for a positive Term 3.

 

Warm regards,

Fiona Taylor- Principal

Western Heights College

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child Safety at WHC

Western Heights College is a child safe organisation committed to protecting students from all forms of abuse. Our College has stringent protocols in place and endeavours at all times to be fully compliant with the Child Safe Standards set out under Ministerial Order 870.

 

Our College has the following documents and policies in place to achieve compliance with the Standards. All of these documents are available for downloading on our website.

  1. Commitment to Child Safety

  2. Child Safety Policy

  3. Child Safety Code of Conduct

  4. Child Protection Policy and Procedures

Annual Privacy Policy Reminder for 2025

Our school collects, uses, discloses, and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy (found on the college's webpage).

 

Please take time to remind yourself of our school’s collection notice, found on our website. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents and carers on the webpage. This information is also available in nine community languages:

 

          * Amharic

          * Arabic

          * Dari

          * Gujarati

          * Mandarin

          * Somali

          * Sudanese

          * Turkish

          * Urdu

          * Vietnamese