Assistant Principal's Report

It has been an exciting and eventful term at Princes Hill Secondary College, with students excelling both inside and outside the classroom. As two relatively new staff members at PHSC, it is always amazing for us to see our school community continue to embrace these opportunities with enthusiasm and commitment. The wide variety of opportunities provided to our students is a part of what makes this school so special.

We want to thank our highly dedicated teachers and education support staff who have worked extremely hard to support our students in their learning and wellbeing. Below is a snapshot of some of the highlights.

School Camps

Term 3 saw many successful camps run, both at our Mirrimbah campus and Mt Buller. The Year 8 and Year 10 Ski Camps provided students with a great opportunity to make the most of the snow season, be active, and try something new. The recent combined VCE PE & Environmental Studies Camp was also great success, providing our senior students with the chance to deepen their understanding of relevant key skills and knowledge from the VCE curriculum. Students engaged in hands-on learning activities, which will undoubtedly foster a deeper connection with environmental sustainability. Thank you to Baden for his dedication and hard work in ensuring all these camps went ahead and ran smoothly for students and staff.

Year 10 Course Counselling

In Week 3, all our Year 10 students had access to individual course counselling sessions, where they considered their VCE study programs and selected subjects for 2025. These course counselling sessions proved invaluable in having students reflect on their strengths and interests when considering their senior school programs. Thank you to Dani, the senior school team, and our volunteer course counsellors for making this day a great success.

Year 8 Mixed Basketball Day

Our Year 8 students showed impressive teamwork and sportsmanship at the Mixed Basketball Day. The event was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in friendly competition, develop new skills, and enjoy being active. Congratulations to all participants for their effort and enthusiasm.

VSMF Festival – Orchestra and Arnold St Band

Our school continues to shine in the performing arts, with the Orchestra and Arnold St Band delivering outstanding performances at the Victorian Schools Music Festival (VSMF). Their dedication to rehearsals and their passion for music were evident in every note played, and they represented the school with pride.

Guitar Soiree

The Guitar Soiree was another musical highlight, providing a platform for our talented guitarists to showcase their skills. The variety of performances, ranging from classical to contemporary, demonstrated the depth of musical talent at Princes Hill. Thank you to Nick Taylor and the music team for all the work they do in allowing our students to access such opportunities. A more detailed music report can be seen later in the newsletter.

Pupil-Free Day and Staff Professional Learning

Our Pupil-Free Day focused on staff professional learning, with teachers engaging in valuable sessions aimed at enhancing teaching practices across all year levels. This included sessions about stretching students with high abilities, supportive strategies for students to access learning, as well as information on the new Disability Inclusion funding model. This commitment to continuous professional development ensures that our students receive the highest quality education possible.

Junior Debating Competition

Under the care of Bec McGrath, our Junior Debating teams have been showing incredible talent in the recent competitions. The students’ ability to think critically, articulate their arguments, and respectfully engage with their peers has been remarkable. This experience will no doubt serve them well in their future academic endeavours.

Year 9 Morrisby Interviews – Pathways and Careers

Year 9 students recently participated in Morrisby Interviews as part of their pathways and careers exploration. These interviews provided invaluable insights into future career options, helping students make informed decisions about their academic and vocational pathways. Thank you to Trish who helped organise and facilitate these interviews for our Year 9s.

Regional Athletics Carnival

Our students also performed brilliantly at the Regional Athletics Carnival. They represented the school with determination and pride, achieving excellent results across various disciplines. Congratulations to Sylvie who became the regional hurdles champion and Violet who was runner up in the 1500m.

Youth Leadership Academy Incursion

The Youth Leadership Academy incursion was a fantastic opportunity for our House Captains across all year levels to develop their leadership skills. They engaged in a series of workshops focused on building confidence, communication, and leadership abilities, which will empower them as future leaders both within the school and the broader community. Thank you to Ben who organised this opportunity.

Production Performances – Little Girls Alone In The Woods

This term’s production from the VCE 1/2 Theatre Studies class, Little Girls Alone In The Woods, was an incredible showcase of our students' dramatic talents. The performances were captivating, and the cast and crew should be commended for their hard work and dedication. The level of creativity and professionalism on display was truly impressive. Thank you to Bianca Carr for organising and supporting students through these two fantastic performances.

Year 11 Uni Melb Linguistics Excursion

Our Year 11 English Language students had the opportunity to attend a linguistics excursion at the University of Melbourne. This excursion offered students an exciting glimpse into the world of linguistics, as they explored how language shapes communication and culture, with insights that will enrich their study of languages and English. Thank you to Jess Davies who facilitated this experience.

Holocaust PD for Humanities Staff

Our Humanities staff participated in a professional development session on Holocaust education, enriching their knowledge on this critical historical event. This session equips our teachers with deeper insights and teaching strategies to deliver meaningful lessons on the Holocaust, ensuring our students have a strong understanding of this significant period in history. More Humanities teachers will engage in this professional learning later in the year.

Year 7 Sport Day

Year 7 students enjoyed an energetic and fun-filled Sport Day, where they engaged in a variety of physical activities and team sports. This day allowed students to build friendships, develop new skills, and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

I would like to thank all the staff, parents, and students for their continued support and involvement in these activities. As always, the dedication and passion of our school community is what makes Princes Hill such a vibrant and successful learning environment.

As we pause for a well-deserved holiday break, we want to thank the PHSC community for their continued support of all our programs. We look forward to providing more exciting and diverse opportunities in Term 4, including our Year 9 Wilderness Week and Year 12 Graduation.

Seraya Brain and Lisa Bush