Need to Know 

Principal’s Update

As we move into the final weeks of the school year, there is a strong sense of both pride and anticipation across the St Helena community. Our students continue to impress us with their achievements, creativity and commitment as we draw 2025 to a close.  There are many opportunities to recognise student achievements including Graduation and Presentation Nights and many events where students will showcase their learnings.  It is also a busy time of year with students finalising assessments and teachers busy marking both assessment tasks and exams, and writing reports.  

Although the general community perceives schools as "winding down" in Term 4, the reality is far different.  I would like to thank the St Helena staff in advance for their hard work in organising all of these events, concluding units, writing reports, preparing and running Orientation classes, and preparing 2026 curriculum.  The leadership team is also planning for next year in terms of developing the timetable and ensuring it is staffed.  There are a few busy weeks ahead! 

Year 12 – Approaching the Finish Line

Our Year 12 students are now nearing the completion of their final exams. We congratulate them on their dedication throughout this challenging period and look forward to celebrating their graduation — both VCE and VM — at our Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 20 November. This will be a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their hard work, resilience and the contribution they have made to our college.

Year 10 and 11 Exams and Beyond

Our Year 10 and 11 students have commenced their end-of-year exams. We wish them all the very best as they demonstrate the knowledge and skills they’ve developed this year. Following exams, Year 10 students will head into Work Experience, gaining valuable insight into future career pathways, while both year levels will participate in Senior School Orientation the following week, preparing for the next exciting stage of their studies.

Remembrance Day

On Monday 11 November, our student leaders conducted a moving Remembrance Day ceremony, honouring those who have served and sacrificed in the defence of our nation. Their maturity, respect and leadership were deeply appreciated by all who attended.

Year 9 Captains Jess and Josh also represented St Helena at the Plenty Historical Society service at the Plenty War Memorial, while Year 11 Captains Fraja, Thomas and Madi led the service at school.  

Art and Technology Exhibition

This term we also held our Annual Art and Technology Exhibition, an inspiring showcase of student creativity and innovation. Each year, the Principal selects a piece from the graduating class that best encapsulates both talent and originality that is purchased from the artist as the "Principal Acquisition".   This tradition has continued over 30+ years, and the College is full of remarkable pieces of student art that have been acquired throughout the years.  This year, the Principal’s Aquisition Award was presented to Hannah Fraser for her remarkable interpretation of the St Helena College uniform — a work that beautifully reflects both creativity and skill of execution.  It is a great homage to previous iterations of our uniform.  Hannah says her piece is a Vivienne Westood inspired dress constructed entirely of recycled school uniforms.  

Performing Arts – Celebrating Excellence

Our End of Year Dance Concert and Music Concert were also recent highlights, offering audiences two wonderful evenings of performance that truly embodied our motto of “Dare to be Excellent.” Congratulations to all students and staff involved for their energy, creativity and professionalism.

Final Weeks – Attendance and Commitment

As we approach the end of term, it remains vital that students maintain high levels of attendance and continue to meet our expectations around effort, uniform and behaviour. St Helena’s tradition is to celebrate the school year with The Big Day Out for Years 7–9 — we do not hold separate class “parties” or “videos.”  Normal classes will run right up until the Big Day Out.  Students who have outstanding work requirements will be expected to attend during the Redemption Period to complete sufficient work to successfully finish the year.

Canteen Enquiries

A reminder to families that any queries regarding canteen orders should be directed to Bocca Foods via email at support@boccaonline.com.au. Please note that the Canteen Manager is not always on site to answer phone calls.

Free Public Transport

From 1 January 2026, people aged under 18 can travel free on all Victorian public transport services using a new youth myki card. This includes trams, trains, buses and coach services.

To access free travel, they must tap the myki card on and off each time they travel. For areas that do not use myki cards, they must show their myki card to travel free.

More information about the youth myki card will be available later in Term 4, 2025 – refer to the myki types webpage on the Transport Victoria website.

For more information about other travel options to school, and support for eligible students, refer to the Travelling to school webpage on the Victorian Government website.

Staff Merits 

Please use this link:  Staff Merit  – Fill out form