Need to Know
As we move through the final weeks of term, I continue to be struck by the extraordinary breadth of opportunities available to our students and the passion with which our staff and students embrace them.
Our recent school production of The Taming of the Shrew was nothing short of outstanding. Shakespeare's classic was boldly reimagined through a contemporary feminist lens, transforming a challenging and often controversial text into a powerful, relevant and engaging performance. The talent displayed on stage was exceptional, but just as impressive was the dedication of the many students, staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. The production was a triumph of creativity, collaboration and courage, and I congratulate everyone involved on delivering a truly memorable theatrical experience.
We were also proud to celebrate National Reconciliation Week with a range of meaningful activities across the College. Students engaged with displays, music, learning activities and discussions that encouraged reflection on our shared history and our collective responsibility to contribute to reconciliation. Thank you to the staff and students, particularly Koorie Club Leader Rachel Aden, who helped bring these celebrations to life and deepen our understanding of the theme, Bridging Now to Next.
Our Excel Engagement Program is wrapping up for the semester, and I would like to acknowledge the students who participated so thoughtfully throughout the program under the leadership of teacher Kevin Lugg. Their commitment to personal growth, engagement and connection has been wonderful to see, and you can read more about their achievements later in this newsletter.
At the same time, Community Engagement Leading Teacher Caitlin Fecondo has completed a series of student focus groups involving students from across the College. These discussions have provided valuable insights into the experiences, priorities and aspirations of our students. Student voice is a critical part of school improvement, and we are grateful to the many students who shared their perspectives so openly. Their feedback will help shape future decisions and ensure that our school continues to evolve in ways that best support our young people.
One of the most moving events of the term was the inaugural Ryley Ziebell Memorial Basketball Game. Organised by Ryley's friends, the event was a heartfelt tribute to a young man who remains deeply missed by our community. The respect, sportsmanship and sense of connection on display throughout the game reflected the impact Ryley had on those around him. We were especially grateful to welcome members of Ryley's family, whose presence made the occasion even more meaningful. It is fitting that this event will become an annual fixture, ensuring that Ryley's memory continues to bring our community together in a positive and lasting way.
On a personal note, I was recently honoured to receive a Certificate of Recognition acknowledging 40 years of service to Victorian Government Education. Looking back, education has changed enormously during those four decades. I began teaching in a world without internet, email, mobile phones or interactive technology. Since then, we have navigated extraordinary social, technological and cultural change. Schools today face increasingly complex challenges, including supporting student wellbeing, responding to rapid technological advancement and preparing young people for careers that may not yet exist.
Yet despite all the changes, some things remain constant. Great schools are still built on strong relationships, high expectations, dedicated staff and a genuine belief in the potential of every young person. I feel incredibly privileged to have worked with generations of students and, in many cases, later taught their children. To have played even a small part in so many educational journeys has been one of the great honours of my life. I remain as optimistic about the future of education as I was when I entered the profession four decades ago.
Finally, we are delighted to announce the 2027 Performing Arts Tour to London's West End and EuroDisney in Paris. The response from students and families has been overwhelming, with expressions of interest pouring in since the announcement. We are excited to move forward with planning what promises to be an unforgettable educational and cultural experience. Opportunities such as these broaden horizons, build confidence and create memories that last a lifetime, and we look forward to sharing further details as planning progresses.
UNREGULATED PEPTIDE USE IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Health care professionals have recently highlighted a concerning trend regarding injectable peptide use among adolescents. Peptides are short chains of amino acids which are building blocks of proteins. Some types of peptides occur naturally in the body, while others are approved and regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and prescribed in medicinal products for diabetes management (for example, Ozempic). However, a number of unregulated peptide products have recently flooded the online market and are being promoted to young people. The craze has gone viral on social media as influencers claim that these products have enhanced their health and looks, particularly weight loss and muscle growth.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is concerned about the potential safety risks associated with these products. They note that the “long-term effects of peptide use are largely unknown and the lack of evidence, especially in young people, is a cause for concern.” Furthermore, the products being advertised and sold to young people are often supplied in injectable form which also raises a number of further health risks.
Adverse effects recorded by the TGA and other health professionals:
severe allergic reactions
severe inflammation in the body requiring hospital management
full‑body intense itching, palpitations, pain and sweating. To people experiencing or predisposed to anxiety disorders these symptoms may also trigger panic attacks
insomnia, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, flu‑like illness, joint pain and skin sensitivity
musculoskeletal injuries
significant safety risks associated with injection-injury, including contamination, infection or local tissue damage
Unknown and adverse interactions with other medicines
You can read more about this here:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-14/peptides-craze-skincare-wellness-trend-social-media/106445624
We share this information not to alarm parents and young people but in the hopes that it creates awareness and opportunities for discussion at home. Please check in with your young people. Initiate a non-judgmental conversation about the ideas, values and products being promoted by influencers on social media and assist them to develop a critical lens to this content.
If you are concerned about your child’s attitudes and beliefs around body image, weight or shape, or are worried about a change in their presentation that might indicate possible peptide or other drug use, early intervention is key. In these instances, a visit to your family GP for further information and management is advised. You can also reach out to your child’s mini school team and explore whether a referral to our wellbeing team would be beneficial.
Jo Greig, Leading Teacher (Wellbeing)
REDEMPTION
On the day of the GAT (16/06), students are only required at school if they still have outstanding work that will result in a ‘Not Satisfactory’ outcome for any of their recent units. During this 'Redemption Day', students will be given the opportunity and support to complete the outstanding course work for their subjects in order to achieve a ‘Satisfactory’ unit completion.
The process has started with subject teachers identifying students with outstanding work. Parents will receive an email each time a teacher logs any outstanding work on Compass. The student then has a period of time, in the lead up to the Redemption period, to compLete this work. Once completed and signed off by the teacher, the student no longer needs to attend the Redemption period. Teachers will also be offering further support, such as lunchtime catch-up sessions, to assist students in their learning. Prior to the Redemption period, parents will be formally notified by the relevant Mini School if their child has not completed the identified task/s and is therefore required to attend Redemption.
St Helena Secondary College values personal best and responsibility. We want to ensure our students work to achieve their best and are supported to do so. The Redemption program ensures that students are given every opportunity to complete their course work and therefore end the semester with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
EXCEL WRAP UP
Today was the final day of the EXCEL Community Project, and what a fantastic way to finish.
Over the past few weeks, students have worked together to design and create murals and benches for the community centre. The project focused on the idea of community: what helps bring people together, how shared spaces can foster connection, and what positive messages can be communicated through public artwork.
Students learned about how community centres are funded and the important role they play as places of support, safety, belonging and connection for people facing a range of challenges.
The final outcomes are something the students should be very proud of, but even more impressive was the way they worked together to achieve them. It was a beautiful, energetic and creative group who supported one another and brought their ideas to life.
One of the most rewarding aspects for me was building genuine connections with the students, hearing about their aspirations, listening to their stories, and seeing them explore their interests through a meaningful project.
Proud to share some photos of their outstanding work. And yest they had some cake to top it off at the end !
Kevin Lugg - Outreach Coordinator
Sharing food can be dangerous ...
Recently, our school responded to an allergic reaction that required medical assistance. Thankfully, the reaction was relatively mild and the student involved is recovering well.
This incident serves as an important reminder that sharing food can have serious consequences. Many students have allergies that may not be immediately obvious to their peers. Even a small amount of an allergen can trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
Secondary school students are often keen to share snacks, celebrate birthdays, or try foods brought by friends. While these gestures are well-intentioned, we ask all students to avoid sharing food and drinks. Students should only consume food provided by their family or purchased by themselves, where they can be confident about the ingredients.
We also encourage families to discuss the risks of food sharing with their children. Anaphylaxis can occur quickly and unexpectedly, and prevention remains the best form of protection.
Our staff regularly undertake anaphylaxis training and we are grateful for the prompt actions of those involved in responding to this recent incident. By working together, we can help keep all students safe.
Dare to be Excellent
Over the Easter period Alex Halliwell and Xavier Zemancheff represented Victoria in its two teams for the U18 Lacrosse National Championships 5-day tournament in Perth. Xavier co-captained his team and he received two MVP awards. Alex’s team was undefeated all tournament and placed runners up to reigning champions South Australia in a goal for goal grand final that went overtime.
Congratulations to both for amazing achievements!
Staff Merits
Please use this link: Staff Merit – Fill out form
