Principal Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

Term 3 has been a busy and rewarding one at Rochester Secondary College, full of opportunities for learning, growth and connection across our school community.

This term has seen a wide range of opportunities for students. Senior School subject selections have been completed, and planning for 2026 is well underway. Year 9/10 and Year 12 Outdoor Education snow camps at Bogong gave students the chance to develop resilience, teamwork and a connection to the outdoors. Athletics Day was another highlight, with strong student participation. Winter sports and regional athletics also provided opportunities for students to represent the school. Wear it Purple Day, RUOK? Day and NAIDOC Week were celebrated, all promoting acceptance and inclusion.

Year 12 VCE & VCE-VM classes are now wrapping up course content, with practice exams and revision lectures scheduled for the school holidays. Year 11 students attended their Work Experience Camp in Melbourne earlier this term, gaining valuable exposure to both the workplace and city living. Next term, students will look forward to the Year 9/10 Sydney Camp, which departs on the first day of Term 4 (October 6th at 5.30 am).

Earlier this term we held a successful Curriculum Day and professional learning focused on the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) and curriculum development. Staff have been working hard on planning and documentation to ensure consistency and clarity in teaching programs. I want to acknowledge the dedication of all staff across the term in teaching, wellbeing, camps, extracurricular programs, and curriculum development. Their efforts have ensured our students continue to thrive.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Snowy River Campus at Marlo for the School for Student Leadership Camp, where four of our Year 9 students, Zac, Trinity, Archer and Brooke, have spent the term. They presented their Community Learning Plan and have grown so much as students from this opportunity. They are due back at Rochester in Term 4 and we look forward to them sharing their experiences with the school community. Current Year 8 students will have the chance to apply to attend the School for Student Leadership camp in 2026. Our school has been offered four places at the Don Valley campus for term 3, 2026. More information about this opportunity will be shared with year 8’s early next term.

As we head into Term 4, Year 12 students enter the final stretch of their secondary schooling, and we wish them all the best with their revision and preparation for final exams. I hope the school holidays provide a chance for rest, reflection and recharging. I look forward to seeing everyone back, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of Term 4.

Kind regards,

Matthew Koutroubas

Principal