Principal's Report

As we come to the end of the school year, it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and care for one another. The past few weeks have reminded us that life can be fragile, and that moments of tragedy — both close to home and beyond our immediate community — can deeply affect us all. I am incredibly proud of the way our Tarneit Senior College community has responded during this time: with compassion, respect, and genuine care for one another.

These moments call us back to what truly matters. They remind us of the importance of integrity in how we treat others, focus on what is important, and innovation in how we support and care for one another in challenging times. As we move into the holiday period, I encourage everyone to take time with family and friends, to look after themselves and each other, and to enjoy these moments safely.

Celebrating VCE Achievement – Class of 2025

I am extremely proud of the academic achievements of our Year 12 students this year. Our Dux for 2025, Udoka Okpara, achieved an outstanding ATAR of 93.15, with Lidhar Harman also achieving an ATAR in the 90s. In addition, 16 students achieved ATARs in the 80s, reflecting strong and consistent performance across the cohort.

At a school-wide level, we have seen meaningful improvement. Our average ATAR increased by approximately 3%, and our all-study average improved by 0.6, including a notable 1.3-point improvement in English. These results reflect the hard work of our students and the relentless commitment of our teachers to high expectations, strong learning environments, and consistent support.

Year 12 Graduation – A Night to Remember

Our Year 12 Graduation Ceremony, held on Thursday 27 November at Flemington Racecourse, was a wonderful culmination of 13 years of learning for approximately 350 graduating students. It was a night filled with pride, celebration, and reflection, as families, staff, and students came together to mark this significant milestone.

The evening was a true celebration of perseverance, growth, and achievement, and a fitting farewell for a cohort that has contributed so much to the life of our College.

Celebrating Excellence – Year 10 & Year 11 Awards

On Thursday 4 December, we held our Year 10 and Year 11 Awards Ceremonies, which showcased the strong culture of encouragement and peer support that exists at Tarneit Senior College. These events celebrated students who achieved top results across each subject in Year 10 and Year 11, as well as those who demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the year.

We also recognised students who achieved Honours, awarded to those with an average above 80 across all assessments. It was particularly pleasing to see students achieve Honours across four, five, and even all six subjects, highlighting the depth of academic commitment and effort across the cohorts.

The atmosphere at these events reflected what we value most — celebrating success in all its forms and recognising the effort behind achievement.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

As we close the year, I want to acknowledge the collective effort of our staff, students, and families. The improvements we have seen this year — in learning outcomes, in classroom culture, and in how students support one another — are the result of daily commitment and shared belief in what our students can achieve.

Tarneit Senior College continues to move forward with confidence, grounded in our values of Integrity, Focus, and Innovation, and guided by a strong sense of community.

I thank our families for their partnership, our staff for their dedication, and our students for the pride they bring to our College. I wish everyone a safe and restful holiday period and look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.

-Shane Cole-Hayhow

Principal