Middle School
End of Year News
by Ms Eleanor Smith, Head of Middle School
End of Year Celebrations
As we reach the end of 2025, we would like to congratulate all our Middle School students on a successful and productive Semester 2. It has been a busy term filled with learning, achievement, transition, and celebration.
Year 9 students completed their first set of exams in Science and Mathematics. These assessments are designed to help students practice preparing for an exam environment and to build confidence for future assessment expectations. Their effort and engagement throughout the process have been impressive.
Year 9 students took part in a special alternative program across their final week of school. This included activities organised by the Class Captains, a visit to Luna Park and Gumbuya World, Domain based activities and a Positive education day. It was a great way to finish off the year together.
Our Year 10 students recently completed their Semester 2 exams. This exam period plays an important role in preparing students for the demands of VCE. Through revision, building effective study routines, and applying their knowledge under timed conditions, students have strengthened key skills that support success in senior classes. We are proud of the mature and focused approach they demonstrated during this period.
During Week 8, all Year 10 students, and Year 9 students who are undertaking a Year 11 subject in 2026, participated in the VCE Jumpstart Program. This program provides an early introduction to VCE courses, allowing students to meet their teachers, understand course expectations, and begin their first learning activities. Jumpstart helps students transition smoothly into VCE by establishing routines early and becoming familiar with key content. Holiday homework has been set to support students in beginning VCE with confidence and readiness.
Our Year 10 students celebrated the end of their Middle School journey with a full week of engaging activities. Our Careers team organised visits to Swinburne and Deakin Universities, where students gained an insight into various pathway options and what life at Uni looks like. They also participated in a scavenger hunt around the city, went off to various recreation activities for their Momentum class and had a final celebration day at school, where they participated in fun activities and a pizza lunch.
We congratulate our Year 10 students on their growth over the past two years. They have developed strong learning habits, built resilience through the challenges of Year 9, and shown increasing focus and independence throughout Year 10. We wish them all the very best as they transition into Senior School in 2026.
Respect Fundraiser
The year 9 RESPECT classes ran a fundraising event for Mullum Mullum Aboriginal Gathering Place and raised $1067! Students worked in their classes to sell items or experiences to raise money.
Mullum Mullum Aboriginal Gathering Place (MMAGP) provides a culturally safe and inclusive space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to come together to feel connected and empowered. MMAGP supports and facilitates a variety of cultural activities and programs which incorporate art, music, language, and storytelling.
Middle School Team Changes for 2026
As we prepare for the new school year, we would like to share some staffing updates within the Middle School team for 2026.
We extend our warm thanks to Mr Dobson for his dedication and support of our Year 9 students over the past two years. He has played an important role in guiding students academically and pastorally. Mr Dobson will be moving into a new role next year, and we wish him all the best in this next chapter.
Ms Ghanem will be joining the Senior School team as Assistant Coordinator. We are grateful for her significant contributions in organising programs, overseeing exams, and supporting both our staff and students throughout Middle School.
We are pleased to share that Ms Chesterton will continue in her role as Year 10 Coordinator in 2026, providing consistency and ongoing support for our students.
We also welcome Ms Kertes into the Middle School leadership team as she moves up with her current cohort to become the Year 9 Coordinator next year.
Kylie McCall will be continuing Middle School as our Middle School Administrator, supporting students, families, and staff across daily operations.
Finally, I will be moving into a new role next year. It has been a privilege working with our Middle School students over the past three years, and I look forward to seeing the incredible things they will go on to achieve. Mia Withers will step into the role of Head of Middle School for 2026, and we are confident she will bring strong leadership and a student-focused approach to the team.
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for your ongoing support throughout the year. We are proud of everything our Middle School students have achieved and look forward to celebrating a strong finish to 2025.
We wish all students and families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break.
