Senior School Update

It has been a busy start to the year for Year 12 and students have adjusted well to the challenges and routines of life as the most senior students. They have approached their classes with grit, passion, and sustained persistence. This has also translated to areas outside of the classroom, with students eagerly involving themselves in swimming sports, athletics, interschool sports, and the College’s production of ‘Spamalot’. We are constantly impressed with our students’ wide and varying skills. 

The term started with the Year 12 Retreat, a fantastic opportunity to prepare for the year ahead with seminars on study skills, nutrition, yoga for mindfulness, consent, and careers pathways. We had talks from ex-Box Hill students who have gone on to many different pathways, (owning their own business, being a paramedic, a lawyer, a nurse), who all had different VCE experiences and the students asked really interesting questions about life at school and beyond. It was also a fun chance to experience living in university dorms – everyone seemed to love the unlimited coffee machine!

We also congratulate Belle White who has been accepted to perform in 'Top Acts' at the Arts Centre after an outstanding score of a perfect 50 in Year 12 Drama last year. We wish her luck with her solo performance!

Year 12 students were also strong contenders for best dressed at the school Swimming Sports with several group dress up efforts – particularly committed were Mateo and Hendrix in full fishing gear who spent an enjoyable afternoon with rods and boots, trying to catch other students.

Our Prefect team was also busy, organizing a baked treats stall for Valentine’s Day and decorating the Senior Study Centre. They have also organized a year-level mural which all students have painted their names on to be hung in the Study Centre as a memento for them all.

Coming up next term, we have the Year 12 Formal to look forward to in May and the Production, ‘Spamalot’ which involves a large number of talented Year 12 students. We hope to see our school community show up to support this event!  Please refer to "The Arts" page for more details.

Introducing the Senior Team 

The Senior School Team is here to support all students during their final years of secondary schooling. Please feel welcome to get in contact with any of the below staff if you have questions or concerns.  

Year Level Focuses  

Year 12 - As we enter this year, we want our students to focus on what they can achieve. This does not have to be academic; they can achieve great things by being a compassionate peer and friend, a role model to younger students, a leader for their year level. We want them to consider what attitude they will have and believe that they can do hard things and great things. This year will not be easy but they can absolutely do it if they take the attitude of “how can I do this?” rather than “I can’t do this.” 

Year 11 – As students begin their VCE studies, it is important to consider their purpose and strengths. This year they will have the opportunity to tour different universities, discuss future pathways, and consider life beyond school. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in workshops which will improve their ability to study, their understanding of vital concepts (such as consent), and their capacity to build effective relationships. 

Year 10 – This year, teachers are aiming to regularly include mindfulness into their lessons. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that supports students in calming themselves, focusing their attention, and interacting effectively with others, all critical skills for functioning well in school and in life. Incorporating mindfulness into education has been linked to improving academic, social, and emotional learning. Also, mindfulness strengthens some underlying development processes—such as focus and resilience.