Year 9–12 Campus News

Farewell Year 12!

Farewell to Year 12 Students

Last week we watched our Year 12 students complete the final stage of their exams — pens down, papers collected, and a long, deep breath released across the school hall. It’s always a remarkable moment: the quiet end of something so significant. After years of early mornings, late-night study sessions, practice essays, SAC cycles, and the steady rhythm of school life, they now step beyond the school gates as adults ready for whatever comes next.

Year 9 Transition

As the Class of 2025 exit from the school for the last time, we welcome our incoming Year 9 cohort from the Bluff Road Campus, and we are delighted to share that the transition has been exceptionally smooth. The students arrived with a sense of curiosity and maturity, quickly learning to navigate the Holloway Road campus and settling into their new routines with confidence.

Moving from Year 8 to Year 9 is a significant step — a shift into greater independence, academic challenge and personal responsibility. Our students have handled this transition with poise. They have adapted to new learning spaces, new teachers and new expectations, all while managing the bustle of a much larger campus. Watching them find their way, collaborate with peers and ask thoughtful questions has been a genuine highlight of the week.

We congratulate every student on the positive, respectful and enthusiastic way they have approached their first days at Holloway Road. Their attitude sets the foundation for a strong and successful 2026, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow into confident, capable young people.

2026 School Captain Elections

 Last week our school community took part in an important decision, the democratic election for our 2026 School Captains. Every student had the opportunity to cast their vote, adding their voice to a process that reflects the values of fairness, representation and student agency that sit at the heart of our college.

The calibre of candidates this year was exceptional. Each student who nominated demonstrated courage, integrity and a genuine desire to shape the future of our school. Their speeches were thoughtful, passionate and full of vision — a reminder that leadership grows strongest when it grows from within the student body. The results will be announced soon, and we look forward to celebrating the students who will step into these key roles for 2026. Next week, interviews begin for the remaining leadership positions across the college. These positions are vital roles in the fabric of our school, and we are excited to elect the students ready to take on these responsibilities.

Dance Showcase semester two 2025

Last weekend, our annual Dance Showcase lit up the stage with two outstanding performances. The energy and professionalism in the Theatre was electric as our students performed work of a truly professional standard, performing with confidence, artistry and incredible commitment. Their hard work and teamwork were evident in every routine, and they should be immensely proud.

These achievements were made possible by our passionate dance teaching staff, whose guidance shapes not only strong performers but strong young people of great character. At the heart of it all was our Director of Dance, Jessica Mortlock, whose vision and leadership is behind the entire standard of this production. Congratulations to every student, teacher and supporter involved . It was a truly special show. 

Theatre Air Conditioning Upgrade

The long-awaited air conditioning installation in our Theatre is finally underway, and we couldn’t be more excited. Once complete, our students and audiences will be able to enjoy performances, rehearsals and events in true comfort. It will be a welcome upgrade that will make a huge difference to everyone who uses this space. The finish line is in sight, and we can’t wait to open the doors to a much cooler, more inviting Theatre.

End-of-Year Reports

As we bring the semester to a close, end-of-year reports will soon be available for students and families. We encourage parents and students to take the time to read these reports together, not as a checklist of results, but as a conversation about growth, learning and next steps. Reports offer valuable insights into each student’s progress: the strengths that have flourished, the skills that have sharpened, and the areas where continued effort will bring even greater confidence. 

We encourage families to celebrate the improvements, no matter how small. Growth is rarely a straight line and often appears as persistence, resilience or better organisation. These moments deserve recognition just as much as the final results. We especially encourage those embarking on their final year of secondary school journey to take on the valuable feedback from their teachers to ensure they achieve the best that they can be before they too step out into the adult world at the end of 2026. 

I would like to wish all our families a rewarding end to the year, and I thank you for the partnership, support and encouragement you continue to show our students and our school community.

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal