A New Beginning - 9 to12 Campus

Welcome back to a new and exciting school year! 

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable break, filled with memorable moments. As we move forward in this academic year, we are eager to embark on a journey of learning, growth, and achievement together. This year again promises to be filled with engaging educational experiences, enriching extracurricular activities, and opportunities for personal development. 

We are excited to announce that significant improvements are underway to enhance the facilities at Holloway Road. As part of these upgrades, we have been replacing all the windows in our double-story brick building during Term One. This project has necessitated relocating some classes to alternative classrooms to minimise disruptions. We thank all of our students and staff for their patience and understanding as we work to complete these enhancements. The temporary inconveniences will lead to a more comfortable and modern learning environment for everyone. 

As our Holloway Road students approach a pivotal moment in their academic journey, we want to emphasise the critical importance of consistent attendance during these important years. Every day in the classroom reinforces essential knowledge and skills while cultivating habits of punctuality and responsibility—qualities that will benefit students long after graduating. Regular attendance not only supports academic success but also enhances the ability to engage in meaningful class discussions and group projects, laying the foundation for future challenges.  

Research and data studies have found that students who miss 10% or more of the school year—often classified as "chronically absent"—are at a much higher risk of lower academic performance. Research indicates these students can score as much as two or more full letter grades lower than their consistently attending peers, thus not reaching their full potential. Furthermore, data from the National Centre for Education Statistics show that chronic absenteeism is linked to decreased performance on standardised tests, lower overall grades, and even an increased risk of dropping out. This evidence strongly supports the importance of consistent attendance when building a solid academic foundation, which is essential for future success. 

For these reasons, we have a clear and cohesive attendance policy, in line with VCAA and DET expectations, which we strictly adhere to. We also recognise that there may be times when issues arise that could affect your student’s ability to attend school regularly. In these instances, open and proactive communication is vital. Please feel free to reach out to your Year Level Leader Team so we can work together to address any obstacles and ensure your student continues to thrive. Sandringham College strongly believes that the success of your young person is a partnership between the parent/carer, student and school. 

On February 17th, our entire school community came together for a special assembly to warmly welcome our new Year 7 cohort into the college. It was fantastic to see everyone gathered as we celebrated the beginning of their journey with us. The assembly also marked the exciting announcement of our school leaders, recognising their dedication and commitment to representing our student body. Adding to the excitement, we launched this year’s House competition, igniting school spirit and friendly rivalry among the Houses. It was a wonderful way to start the year, reinforcing our sense of belonging, pride, and enthusiasm for the year ahead. 

With already only a few weeks left of this term, I hope that all students at the Holloway Road campus are well settled into good study habits to ensure they maximise their full potential. I would like to encourage families to reach out to their Year Level Leader should they have any concerns regarding their young person. 

REMINDER: Working Bee at Holloway Road

Sunday March 16th

9.30am to 12.30pm

We need lots of families to help with lots of jobs, such as:

• Mulching
• Weeding
• Staining outdoor furniture
• Moving outdoor furniture
• Clearing stage rubbish from the theatre
• Clearing rubbish from old art precinct in preparation for demolition

If you can spare an hour or two, it would be truly appreciated. 

Vivienne McElwee 

Campus Principal