Senior School Report

Message from the 

Director of  Learning 

Senior School 

Mr Denholm Pickering 

A long and busy term has seen students achieve many accomplishments: they have finished their Unit 3 subjects and moved on to Unit 4; completed many SACs in school, before school and after school: sat the GAT; completed homework; extended themselves and caught up on work missed; and they have come out the other side. I encourage students to reflect on what they have achieved so far this year, and take from this the knowledge that they now know what it takes to succeed in Term 3, having done it all before, and done it well. 

Year 12 Excursion to Rush

After completing their SACs for Unit 3 subjects and sitting the GAT, the Year 12s went on a well-earned trip to Rush HQ, an indoor adventure and trampoline park. Mercifully, there were no serious injuries, and students enjoyed the opportunity to let off some steam. 

Year 11 and 12 Awards

Year 11 and 12 students received awards for academic achievement and personal bests for each subject last week. Your teachers congratulate each of you for your outstanding commitment and achievement so far this year! 

GAT – June 17

Students were asked to attend school from 8:15am in time to sit the GAT on the 17th. We are pleased to report that the day ran smoothly, with students all arriving in good time and attempting the GAT to the best of their ability. Information about the function of the GAT is available here. 

Holiday Revision Classes

Please note that some teachers may choose to run revision classes during the holidays. Keep an eye out for a timetable which will be published later this week or early next week.

Year 12 Formal

Save the Date – put it in your diary! 

Continuing Programs

Study Without Stress

The Study Without Stress program continues this term and into Term 3 for Year 11s. We have been able to refine the program after running it with the Year 12 cohort to make it specific to the students of Westall and help support students to create structured, effective study skills.  

Mr Denholm Pickering 

Director of Learning - Senior School 

Year 12 Business Management Visit Yakult Factory

Our Year 12 VCE Business Management students recently visited the Yakult Factory in Dandenong South as part of their studies for Unit 3, Outcome 3: Operations Management.

The excursion provided a valuable real-world insight into Yakult’s entire operations process — from production and packaging to quality control. Students were highly engaged throughout the visit, asked thoughtful questions, and took detailed notes to support their upcoming assessment.

A highlight of the day was sampling fresh Yakult straight from the source at the end of the tour. Well done to all students for their excellent behaviour and participation. Also, thank you to Mr Hieu Tran for joining us on the excursion.

Year 11 & 12 Legal Studies excursion to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court 

On Wednesday 4th June, the Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies class attended the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for an excursion. Upon arrival, we were greeted by one of the Court Registrars who explained basic court etiquette. A Magistrate then spoke with the students, explaining a little about what he does in his work and answering the students’ questions. Students then attended one of the court rooms in small groups to view proceedings. 

They were lucky to see a range of different court proceedings, and to witness for themselves the knowledge that they had acquired in Legal Studies in action. At the end of the session, we again came together as a class to discuss what we had seen with a Magistrate. It was a very interesting and informative day and all students enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Ms Tickner for her amazing support on the day and to all the students for their respectful behaviour.

Fiona Bisko

Legal Studies Teacher

Year 12 VCE Study Space Excursion to Rush HQ

On Wednesday 18 June, our Year 12 VCE Study Space students celebrated a major milestone, the completion of the GAT exam and the end of Unit 3, with a much-needed wellbeing excursion to a

After weeks of intense focus and assessment, students had the best time hanging out with their friends, challenging themselves on the climbing walls, trampolines and obstacle courses, and simply enjoying a refreshing change of pace from the demands of Year 12 life. The afternoon was filled with laughter, movement, and positive energy - the perfect way to recharge before beginning Unit 4 and preparing for final exams.

A huge thank you to the Year 12 Study Space staff who supported the event, Mr Jeffrey Pham, Ms Fiona Bisko, Ms Conja Coetzee and Ms Megan Fisher.

It was fantastic to see students prioritising their wellbeing and connecting with each other outside of the classroom. Well done Year 12s - you’re halfway to the finish line!