Principal's Message

Hello everyone,

While the year is not yet over, it’s clear that the pace is picking up as we move toward the final weeks of term. It can be easy to get caught up in the buzz of end-of-year functions, out-of-school activities winding down, and the appearance of Santa’s house in the main street, but it’s important that our College continues to focus on supporting our students’ wellbeing and learning. This ensures we set our students up for success as they begin the Headstart program.

Please take a moment to check out the Dates to Remember and Events pages to make sure you’re across all the upcoming activities.

College Captains 2026

This week we proudly announced the appointment of our 2026 College Captains. Firstly, I want to thank all the students who applied for this very important role within our College. The applicants this year were of an exceptionally high standard, making the process of interviews, shortlisting, and voting both rewarding and challenging.

To those students who were not successful in their application, please be proud of yourselves for having the courage to put your hand up. It’s a challenging process that takes you outside your comfort zone, and I encourage you to see this experience not as a moment of disappointment, but as an opportunity for growth and reflection.

A huge congratulations to our newly appointed 2026 College Captains:

Saul, Ayla, Kane, Mackenzy, Cody and Emily.

This is a wonderful achievement that reflects your dedication, leadership, and commitment to our College values. We are excited to see the enthusiasm, initiative, and passion you will bring to your roles as you lead and inspire our community in the year ahead.

Headstart

A reminder that in the coming weeks, students will begin the Headstart Program for 2026. During this time, our Year 7 students will move into Year 8, Year 8 into Year 9, and so on. For many students, this is an exciting step forward, while for others it may bring a few nerves as they prepare for new subjects, teachers, and routines.

Please remember that these feelings are completely normal, and our staff are here to support every student through the transition. If you have any questions or concerns about Headstart for your child, please don’t hesitate to contact your relevant Year Level Hub.

Remembrance Day

On Tuesday 11th November, we held our Remembrance Day Ceremony. It was a beautiful and heartfelt event that provided our staff and students with the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served in war and peacekeeping operations.

A huge thank you to David Lewien from the RSL, Anthony from Victoria Police, and to the students at our College who are members of the 313 Bairnsdale Army Cadet Unit who attended and participated in our service. 

Our Admin Office the next day received a call from a lady who was deeply moved to see our Cadets walking into school in their Cadet uniforms. She had lost her father in WWI, and seeing the Cadets brought back many memories for her. It was an incredibly emotional moment.

Well done to our Cadets for making such a meaningful impression and honouring the legacy of those who served.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Japan Study Tour

This edition of our e-newsletter is packed with wonderful achievements and exciting activities our students have been participating in, including a page dedicated to the 2025 Japan Study Tour. The 13 students and 3 staff who have returned from this nearly two-week adventure have many exciting stories to share.

A huge congratulations to the students who participated in this tour! You showed amazing courage and resilience from the moment you boarded the plane, to meeting your host families, engaging with the students at Yaei High School, and exploring Tokyo.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the staff who travelled with the students — Emily, Josie, and Thomas. Travelling with 13 students in a foreign country is no easy task, and the feedback from our students about the support you provided has been overwhelmingly positive. You made the trip both rewarding and fun for everyone involved.

Please head to the Japan Study Tour page for more information and photos from this incredible experience.

Thank you for taking the time to catch up with all the wonderful happenings at our College. I’m constantly inspired by the dedication, courage, and enthusiasm of our students and staff, and I hope you enjoy sharing in their achievements as much as we do.

Sincerely,

Tony Roberts

Principal