Senior School Update

Assistant Principal's Update

Laura Higgins

As we come to the close of another remarkable year at Western Port Secondary College, we want to begin by celebrating our extraordinary Year 12 cohort. Our students have demonstrated resilience, maturity and dedication throughout their VCE journey, and we congratulate them wholeheartedly on completing their secondary schooling. 

A special acknowledgement goes to all our Year 12 students across VCE, VCE VM and VPC. Each pathway demands commitment, resilience, and maturity, and every student has demonstrated these qualities throughout the year. For those who completed VCE exams, we extend an extra congratulations for the sustained focus and discipline required during the examination period. For our VM and VPC students, your applied learning projects, workplace experiences, and community contributions have been outstanding and reflect the real-world skills that will carry you into your next chapter. No matter the pathway, every student in the Class of 2025 has contributed to the High-Performance Learning Culture of our Senior School and should feel incredibly proud. 

We also extend a huge thank you to our incredible exam team particularly Josh Hughes, Andrew McDonald and Raelene Craig. Their professionalism and care ensured a smooth examination period across the school. In particular, we recognise external Chief Examiner and ex WPSC Teacher, Tracy Hall, who has now retired from WPSC for the second time! Tracy’s contribution to the school’s exam processes across the years is deeply appreciated, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter. 

As we eagerly await the release of results, we want all students to remember this: Your results do not define your worth, nor do they mark the end of your learning journey. Each of our Year 12s has strived to do their best, and we are proud of who they have become. 

Students will receive their results via the official VCAA release portal and through SMS. As always, our Senior School and Careers team – including Bec and Nat – will be available for support with university preferences, change-of-preference windows, and course offers. No student navigates this alone; we’re here every step of the way. 

Year 12 Celebration Day 

Our Year 12 Celebration Day was a wonderful morning of joy, laughter and community spirit. Students arrived bright and early, dressed in vibrant costumes, ready for one final memorable moment together. 

Andrew McDonald fired up the BBQ, cooking an amazing spread of bacon and egg rolls for everyone to enjoy. Students then took part in friendly competitions led by Lily Cook, bringing out the best of their teamwork and sense of fun. 

We ended the morning with a heartfelt affirmation circle, where students listened to messages from their Year 12 teachers acknowledging their strengths, growth and unique contributions. It was a beautiful final farewell before they officially signed off for the year. 

Valedictory Dinner – Class of 2025 

With classes completed and exams behind them, we came together to formally recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. 

Our Valedictory Evening honoured this milestone with a two-course dinner, student and staff speeches, and the presentation of subject, community and leadership awards. The atmosphere was filled with pride, joy, and celebration. We wish our graduates every success as they take their next momentous steps into adulthood.  

Good luck and farewell – you will always be part of the WPSC community. 

Jumpstart Success – Leaning into Growth 

Our Jumpstart Program was another huge success this year, with students making a strong transition into their 2025 year levels. We were proud to see students embracing the expectations, challenge and culture of Senior School. The program sets the tone for learning, organisation and attitudes for the year ahead – and our students stepped up beautifully. 

On 27 November, we held our official Year 11 and 12 Launch – a powerful moment marking the beginning of the final stage of our students’ secondary education. 

The day opened with a moving Welcome to Country from Uncle Shane Gittens (Bunurong Land Council). Students later heard Uncle Shane speak about life, the value of education, and the opportunities it creates to shape the future you want. 

We were also treated to beautiful musical performances by John Vincent Juan and  Rhieal Armstrong-Berninidini, supported by Ms Kirkpatrick, creating a reflective and uplifting atmosphere. 

During the ceremony, each student received their Senior School badge, and our incoming Year 12s proudly received their 2025 jackets. A motivational speaker encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, reminding them that growth and achievement come from stretching ourselves. 

Leaders and past students shared their reflections on their VCE, VCE VM and VPC journeys, offering honest insights into the challenges, lessons and triumphs that shaped their final years of school. 

Term 4 Highlights Across Senior School 

VCE VM Mock Interviews 

Our VCE VM students completed the year with professional mock interviews. Students selected a job, prepared an application, dressed in workplace attire, and participated in an interview with staff and community members. Their confidence, communication and employability skills were outstanding. 

ABCN Emerging Leaders Program – FujiFilm 

A group of our Year 10 students participated in the ABCN Emerging Leaders Program at FujiFilm – a transformative experience focused on self-belief, communication, leadership and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. The program was relevant and engaging for our Year 10 students. Students demonstrated high engagement throughout in a safe environment with many great conversations. 

Student Reflections – In Their Own Words 

“You can be a quiet leader.” 

“You never stop developing skills.” 

“Fear shouldn’t stop you from doing something.” 

“It’s important to listen and take on people’s advice.” 

“Anyone can be a leader.” 

“It was epic.” 

“The activities helped us connect.” 

“Asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed of.” 

As We Finish the Year… 

We are so proud of the academic, personal and social growth our Senior School students have shown in 2024. Thank you to our families for your constant support, encouragement and trust. 

To our graduates – congratulations and best wishes. To our returning students – we can’t wait to see you continue your journey as leaders, learners and active contributors to our school community in 2026.