Campus News
Study Hall
Let’s Make It Count!
A reminder to all VCE students: the Study Hall is here to help you make the most of your spare periods and stay on top of your studies.
To keep it a productive space for everyone, please remember:
- no phones – stay focused and minimise distractions
- remain in the Study Hall – please don’t move into the library
- ask the supervising teacher if you need to leave
- use the time wisely – revise, plan, read, or get stuck into some practice questions.
These expectations are in place because we care about your success and want to support you in using your time effectively.
Claire walks the Kokoda Trail
Walking the Kokoda Trail is something you can’t fully understand until you’ve done it. It's 138 kilometres of unforgiving terrain in the mountains of Papua New Guinea - mud that swallows your boots, rain that pours without warning, and climbs so steep they seem to go on forever. But Kokoda is not just a physical challenge. For those of us who had the privilege of taking on this journey as part of a Victorian youth scholarship group, it was a powerful lesson in history, culture, resilience and connection.
We came from different parts of Victoria; strangers linked only by the opportunity to step into the unknown. What we found was more than just sore muscles and scenic views. We found purpose. We found perspective.
Along the trail, we walked in the footsteps of young Australian soldiers who, in 1942, fought with unimaginable courage in some of the harshest battlefield conditions of World War II. At places like Isurava and Brigade Hill, we paused to honour them. We read their stories - some who were the same age as many of us - who gave everything to protect our country and each other. In those quiet, emotional moments, surrounded by the thick PNG jungle, the history became real. It wasn’t just a war memorial in a textbook; it was beneath our feet and within our hearts.
Equally powerful was the connection we built with the land and the people of Papua New Guinea. Every village we passed welcomed us with warmth. The hospitality of the local communities was beyond anything we expected. Along the track they had prepared food for oncoming trekkers, handmade clothing and accessories, and offered a glimpse into a way of life that is beautifully grounded in tradition and simplicity. The children would laugh and wave as we passed, we shared smiles, music and mutual respect.
And then there were the porters - the quiet heroes of our trek. These men didn’t just carry our bags; they lifted our spirits. They steadied us through tough descents, offered a hand across slippery rocks, and always knew when someone needed encouragement. They sang while they walked, laughed together under the stars, and showed us what true leadership looks like: calm, kind, and unwavering. The trek would not have been possible without them, and it certainly wouldn’t have been the same.
We faced physical exhaustion, but also emotional growth. There were tears, laughter, quiet reflections and loud celebrations. We learned how far we could push ourselves and, more importantly, how much we need each other. The friendships we formed on the trek are some of the strongest we’ll ever have.
Kokoda challenged our bodies, but it shaped our character. It reminded us of the cost of freedom, the strength of communityn and the value of resilience. We return home changed. We are grateful, grounded, and inspired to carry forward the stories, lessons, and spirit of Kokoda.
By Claire Lindsay.
Positive Behaviour Support
You might have seen on your report something like “use time in class wisely”. What does this mean? What should you do?
Class time is for one of 3 purposes:
- to be introduced to new information/skill
- to learn the new information/skill
- to apply the information/skill to new or unfamiliar contexts
In every class, you should only be doing one of those activities. Your teachers might do these in slightly different ways, but generally:
- listen, try to understand, take notes
- answer questions, discuss the material, practise retrieval, construct mind maps, summaries etc
- answer unfamiliar questions, write essays/longer responses, past exams, other activities suggested by your teacher.
ANYTHING that distracts you from doing these 3 things WITH FIDELITY (look that up) is stopping you from being successful and is stopping you from using your time in class wisely.
Leaving School Grounds
Important Reminder for Students
Students are reminded of the procedures in place for leaving the school grounds during the day.
🔹 Leaving at Lunchtime to Go to the Shops: If you are leaving campus during lunchtime to visit the shops, you must sign in and out at the Front Office.
🔹 Arriving Late or Leaving Early (Outside of Lunchtime): For all other times (e.g., arriving late in the morning or leaving early), you are required to sign in or out at the Advocates Office, not the Front Office.
📝 Parental Permission is requiredto be allowed to leave campus during lunchtime. Your parent or guardian must complete the Compass Event: UN Permission to Leave the Campus 2025. Students will not be permitted to leave the school during lunch without this permission.
These measures are in place to ensure student safety and maintain accurate attendance records. Please follow the correct process at all times.
Graduation
Save the date - Wednesday 19th November 2025
After-School Study Club
Mondays & Thursdays in the Library
Looking for a quiet place to catch up on classwork, revise with friends, or get support from teachers? Join us in the Library every Monday and Thursday after school from 2:50pm onwards for our After-School Study Club.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to stay on top of their studies in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you're finishing homework, preparing for assessments, or simply want a space to focus before heading home, the Study Club is here to help.
🍕 Bonus: Food is provided on both days!
Fuel your brain and your body while you study.
We’re also excited to have two tutors available on Mondays to offer even more support:
- York – Specialist in Mathematics
- Ryan – Expert in English, English Literature, and History
Make sure to seek them out in the library if you need assistance with your work. They’re here to help you succeed. Come along, get ahead, and make the most of your time after school!.
Stay Well this Winter
This winter season, more people are getting and being hospitalised with influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others – it is never too late to vaccinate.
Keeping our school community well:
We encourage parents, carers and students to:
· wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face
· cough or sneeze into your elbow
· stay up to date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Senior Formal
Rio De Janeiro Carnival
Last Friday, our Year 11 and Year 12 students came together for an unforgettable evening at the Italian Australian Club for this year’s Senior Formal. Themed “Rio de Janeiro Carnival”, the night was bursting with colour, music, and vibrant energy, perfectly capturing the spirit of Brazil’s world-famous festival.
Students arrived dressed to impress, showcasing an array of dazzling gowns and sharp suits, complemented by bold accessories and bright colours inspired by the carnival atmosphere. The venue was transformed into a lively Rio street scene, featuring vibrant decorations, shimmering lights, and festive table settings.
The evening began with a delicious two-course meal, followed by plenty of dancing and entertainment. A professional photographer was on hand to capture the special moments, ensuring students have lasting memories of this incredible night.
The dance floor stayed full all night as students enjoyed an eclectic mix of music that kept the carnival vibes going until the very end.
The Senior Formal was not just about glamour and fun—it was also a chance for students to celebrate their journey so far, strengthen friendships, and create memories to carry into their final years of schooling.
A huge thank you to the staff and organisers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a success, and to our students for embracing the theme with such enthusiasm. It truly was a night to remember!
Sports News
Wellington District Basketball
On Monday 28th July, our Senior Basketball teams headed to the GRISS to compete in the Wellington District Round – and what an impressive day of competition it was.
Senior Girls
The senior girls faced an unconventional competition structure, versing Maffra twice in a four-quarter match-up. Despite going down in the first half and having to make up an 8-point deficit, the girls came out determined in the second term. They fought hard and gave it everything, narrowly missing progression to the next round by just 2 points. It was a gutsy performance full of heart, and the team should be extremely proud of their efforts. A special shout out to Precious for her leadership as captain, and to Leandra, who stepped onto the court for her first-ever game of basketball and wowed everyone with her natural ability and determination.
Senior Boys
The boys team had a jam-packed day with four scheduled matches. They kicked off strongly with a 35–27 win against Maffra, followed by another solid performance against Traralgon College, winning by 9 points. In their third game, they took on Sale and claimed another victory with a 27–19 result.With three wins under their belt, it all came down to the final game against the always-strong SEDA. Trailing by 12 points at half-time, the boys had a mountain to climb. For many, this was possibly their last 12 minutes of school sport – the final chapter of 13 years of school competition. And they rose to the challenge. In a second-half performance full of grit, heart and determination, they clawed their way back to a thrilling 1-point victory, earning themselves a place at the Gippsland Regional finals in the coming weeks. Special thanks to Darcy for captaining the side with calm confidence, and to every player for their incredible teamwork and camaraderie throughout the day.
Finally, a massive thank you to Rachelle, our “scorer of all scorers,” who clocked an impressive six games on the scoresheet. She, too, is well and truly ready for Districts!
Well done to all involved!