Principal Team Report

As Term 3 draws to a close, we have the opportunity to reflect on a huge term of highlights. At the top of the list in our 2026 College Production, closely followed by Year 10 Camp and The Year 11 Formal. I am able to say that we have secured our Production for 2027. Very confidential. Catlin Irwin will lead the 2027 team. Auditions will be held in Term 4. Stayed tuned for announcements.

We had a highly successful Information Evening for our incoming Year 7 Families. thank you to the team. In building relationships with our primaries, we have sent enrolment flyers to all our feeder schools and our annual Art and Technology Exhibition in October is a wonderful opportunity for our community to celebrate student creativity and excellence.

Congratulation to Milan Stevanovic who represented WHSC at the recent Norman A. Smith Scholarship Presentation Evening. In Milan’s own words:

In presence was the NASS Chairman & committee, President of the Waverley RSL Sub-branch with other RSL members, Mayor of the City of Monash, senior scholars, teachers & families of the finalists. Each finalist had the chance to introduce themselves before the audience with a short speech about themselves, before they were presented with a certificate and book on the Shrine of Remembrance by the Chairman & Mayor.

Huntingtower School, Melbourne High School, South Oakleigh College & Wheelers Hill Secondary College were represented that evening, and the 2026 scholar was Saina Mirpuri of

Huntingtower School. I have attached a picture of us in front of the NASS ‘birthday cake’, as the scholarship’s 40th anniversary was also celebrated.

As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, a presentation was held on the history of the RSL alongside the history of Glen Waverley, and cake was ceremonially cut by the 2026 & 1992 scholars. Senior scholars also spoke about their current careers and experiences when they were in year 10.

It was a great opportunity to connect with like-minded people, as well as meet distinguished members in the community, and learn more about what I have been participating in. I would sincerely like to thank you for nominating me for the Norman A. Smith Scholarship, as it has been an excellent way to expand my knowledge and engage in the community as a Wheelers Hill student.

I had the pleasure last week of being invited to lunch at Waverley Meadows Primary School along with David Gill to celebrate their Stephanie Alexander Garden Project. The primary school is an absolutely beautiful child centered learning environment. The work done to provide wonderful spaces for students to learn and play is absolute credit to the staff and their families. We enjoyed a delicious lunch of homegrown vegetables and egg noodles, followed by Apple Crumble. Like Wheelers Hill, Waverley Meadows also deals with the reality of smaller numbers compared to some of the larger primaries and secondaries in our Network. Principal, Meredith Thorton, shared some excellent advice about their recent toilet upgrade. In a world where the truly important purpose of educating our young people to be active and empathetic citizens was indeed very special to part of the wonder and delight of primary school children. We have offered use of our facilities to Waverley Meadows in Term 4 for any specialist programs they would like to run, subject to availability.

Judith Walsh and I met with the appointed architects for the E Block Toilet upgrade. Very positive and exciting. We will keep the community informed as the plans evolve.

Just a note that I am overseas over the holidays and return to school on October 15. Jeremy Woods will be Acting Principal for Week 1 before undertaking his new position. Dr Michael Lyristis will be Acting Principal in Week 2. Yeneo Pousoulis will be stepping into Judy’s shoes while she is on LSL and Fei Hu and Laura McClure will be Acting Assistant Principals in Week 2.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Jeremy Woods and his growing family all the best for his promotional Assistant Principal position at Patterson River. Jeremy has led with care and conviction.

I have attached information about E Scooters. The more we can build community awareness for the actual rules and regulations about these devices, the better. We want all young people to be safe. We also know that these vehicles can be a genuine hazard on our roads.

Our new Strategic Plan, 2026-20230, is still in the approval chain with the Department but it will appear on our website as soon as possible.

Stop press News on our participation in the Wakakirri Competition. We have won the State Award, which is just amazing!

We also received Show Awards in the following categories:

Storytelling Award for a Great Story
Ensemble Award for Choreography
Ensemble Award for Dance Performance
Production award for Editing
Production award for Cinematography
Spirit of Wakakirri Award

And this is the feedback we received from the judges:

"Incredible teamwork goes into protecting the planet & incredible teamwork also went into the performance! Filming in the forest gave this piece a beautiful natural setting, supported by strong camera work and editing. The choreography was well performed, and I loved how the naturalistic production design blended into the world of the story. A special shoutout to Year 12 student Charlotte for leading so much of the creative process - an impressive achievement and a great example of student leadership."

Another fantastic showcase of the Excellence, Respect and Creativity of Wheelers Hill Students.

On behalf of the leadership, we wish everyone a restful and safe break. To our families, thank you for supporting our school, we deeply appreciate your commitment and trust. Please take time to read the Progress Reports with your young people.

Take care and hope to see you at The Art and Technology Exhibition Opening Night on October 19.

Fern Brisbane

Principal