Western Heights College Newsletter

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Principal’s Newsletter Report: Friday 13th June 2025

As we approach the final weeks of Term 2, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all members of our school community for your continued support and engagement.

The past fortnight has been particularly busy at Western Heights College, with students and staff involved in a range of valuable learning experiences and community events. Our Year 10, 11 and 12 students are in the process of completing their mid-year exams, and we commend them for their commitment and focus during this important time. These assessments not only reflect academic progress but also help develop essential skills in time management and organisation.

State-wide Principals Conference

Last week, I attended the two-day State-wide Principals Conference in Melbourne. This year’s theme, “Excellence in Every Classroom,” was a powerful reminder of our shared mission to ensure high-quality teaching and learning across all settings.

Keynotes and workshops focused on the implementation of the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model, student wellbeing and engagement, cultural inclusion, community partnerships, and leadership. One highlight for me was the opening address by Dr Sonia Hood, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation and President of the North Melbourne Football Club. Her reflections on leadership and her journey through community-based initiatives were deeply inspiring and highly relatable.

National Reconciliation Week Breakfast

On Friday 3 June, we were proud to host a special breakfast to mark the end of National Reconciliation Week, with our First Nations students, their families, carers and supporters. The 2025 theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” encouraged us all to reflect on shared histories, cultures, and achievements, while considering how we can actively contribute to reconciliation moving forward.

It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships and engage in meaningful conversations over breakfast. A sincere thank-you to all staff and students who contributed to making the week so successful and respectful.

GAT Assessment – Tuesday 17 June

All students undertaking a VCE Unit 3–4 subject, including those in the VCE Vocational Major, will complete the General Achievement Test (GAT) next Tuesday 17 June. We wish all participating students the very best in this important assessment.

College Uniform

As winter settles in, a reminder to students and families of the importance of wearing correct school uniform, including appropriate warm layers. The College uniform is an important part of our shared identity, and we appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring it is worn with pride.

End of Term and Start of Term 3

  • Term 2 will conclude on Friday 4 July with an early dismissal at 2:30pm.
  • Term 3 will begin with a Staff Professional Development Day on Monday 21 July – students are not required to attend on this day.
  • All students return to Semester 2 classes on Tuesday 22 July.

Student Achievements

  • World Skate Games – Leo McCaughley Congratulations to Leo McCaughley, who is currently competing at the World Skate Games in Rome, Italy. Leo is a participant in our High Performance and Olympic Pathways Program, and we are incredibly proud of his dedication and achievements. We look forward to hearing more about his experience on the international stage.
  • Soccer State Team Selection huge congratulations to Mikaela Witt, Niko Didilica, Richie Mahon, Tyson Cauchi, and Evan Horvat on their recent selection to represent Victoria at the Junior National Soccer Championships. This is an outstanding accomplishment, and we are all very proud of their efforts and commitment.

With just three weeks remaining in the term, I encourage all students to continue attending regularly, remain engaged in their learning, and seek support when needed. Let’s maintain the high standards of respect, effort and inclusion that define our college community.

 

Wishing you all a safe, warm and restful weekend.

Warm Regards, 

Fiona Taylor, Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child Safety at WHC

Western Heights College is a child safe organisation committed to protecting students from all forms of abuse. Our College has stringent protocols in place and endeavours at all times to be fully compliant with the Child Safe Standards set out under Ministerial Order 870.

 

Our College has the following documents and policies in place to achieve compliance with the Standards. All of these documents are available for downloading on our website.

  1. Commitment to Child Safety

  2. Child Safety Policy

  3. Child Safety Code of Conduct

  4. Child Protection Policy and Procedures

Annual Privacy Policy Reminder for 2025

Our school collects, uses, discloses, and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy (found on the college's webpage).

 

Please take time to remind yourself of our school’s collection notice, found on our website. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents and carers on the webpage. This information is also available in nine community languages:

 

          * Amharic

          * Arabic

          * Dari

          * Gujarati

          * Mandarin

          * Somali

          * Sudanese

          * Turkish

          * Urdu

          * Vietnamese