From the Principal's Desk
I am thrilled to be writing my first Principal’s Report for the Nossal News! I have been so very impressed with the staff and students of Nossal, and I would like to thank the Nossal community for their warm welcome. Most notable is the culture of respect and kindness that permeates throughout the school, making this a truly unique place.
It has been a very busy term one so far, with much to celebrate!
Harmony week
An absolute highlight of my first term at Nossal has been Harmony week. The Student Representative Council did an exceptional job of organising a range of performances, displays and stalls. A standout was the African drumming workshop where students came together to join in the dancing.
The week culminated in a cultural dress day on Friday the 28th of February. It was a stunningly bright and colourful celebration of our diversity which illuminated the theme of the week “Everyone Belongs”. The sense of pride and inclusion radiated throughout the school.
Visit from MPs
Nossal had the honour of hosting the Member for Berwick and State Liberal Leader Mr Brad Battin, Ms Jess Wilson, the Member for Kew and Shadow Minister of Education and Ms Ann Marie Herman, Member for the Southeastern Metropolitan Region and Shadow Assistant Minister for Education.
Our guests received a tour of the school, met our school captains and discussed many of the complexities of education with the School Executive Team. They noted our excellent facilities and commented on the clear academic focus that is so evident at Nossal.
NAPLAN Practice
The NAPLAN practice was successfully held on the 26th of February. I would like to congratulate the leadership of Mr Rian LaBrooy, Director of Years 9 and 10, and acknowledge the support of all staff involved in the test.
The NAPLAN tests will be held on Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th of March. It is happening as we speak. Families are advised that all year nine students will need a charged laptop and headphones to sit the tests.
International Women’s Day Assembly
I also had the privilege of joining the International Women’s Day Assembly, organised by the Formation Club under the stewardship of Dr Briony Schroor. The assembly included performances by both the K-Pop and Bollywood Clubs.
The keynote speaker was former school captain, Ms Aria Sunga, of the graduating class of 2017. Ms Sunga delivered a powerful speech, reminding us, not only of the historical significance of International Women’s Day, but also it’s immediate relevance both today and to our future.
School Council
The appointment process for the 2025 School Council is now complete. I would like to thank Dr. Angavai Swaminathan, Mr Satheesh Kumar Pachippan, Mrs Fiona Vanstan, Ms Lydia Sayer and the 2024 School Captains Eesha Arun and Karthik Kalaiselvan for their time, commitment and service to the Nossal community.
I would like to welcome Mr Ishrath Batcha, Mr Shankar Ramadas, Ms Miriam Saward, Mr Chis Sacco and the 2025 School Captains Sejal Chadha and Wilbur Machado to the 2025 School Council. I would like to also welcome back Ms Sivanthi Gurumurothy to the Council. The School Council plays an invaluable role in setting the direction, and in the governance, of the school and we look forward to your insights and contributions.
PFA Annual General Meeting
There has also been a changing of the guard in the Parents and Friend’s Association. I will begin congratulating the new executive team, President Mr Sarath Purushothaman, Vice President Punita Udeshi, Secretary Aman Gill and Treasurer Daniel Lee.
I would also like to thank the 2024 Treasurer Pavitra Atre, Secretary Fu Lam and President for the past three years, Shankar Ramadas. Their leadership of the PFA has had immeasurable positive impact on the school and the community is very grateful for their service.
Student achievements
Division Swimming
- Nossal absolutely lapped the opposition at the Division Swimming Carnival! Highlights include Thomas Neylan winning all 7 of his events, Diyathi Abeysekera, who won six events and Tim Bea, who won four events. Our relay teams also dominated the pool and everyone who participated should be very proud!
Debating
- Our debating teams also did exceptionally well in their first round of competition, winning many of their rounds. I would like to congratulate all students involved.
Gearing up for Camps and Pathways week 17th – 21st of March
At Nossal, we pride ourselves on preparing our students for future success. Increasingly amongst the University sector, the ATAR is not seen as the sole indicator of this success. With an increasing amount of university courses incorporating written applications, interviews and/or portfolios, it is imperative that our students consider how they will demonstrate the required skills beyond academic success.
Camps and Pathways Week is an essential element of the Nossal program which provides students with a stepping stone towards the experiences required to demonstrate these skills. Immersive industry experiences, vocational courses, employment strategies and volunteer experiences give our students a platform on which to build upon. We expect all year 10 and 11 students to embrace these opportunities.
Should you have any questions regarding the program, please do not hesitate to contact me at ffion.bowles@nossalhs.vic.edu.au.