Deputy Principal

Times of the Day Survey

Over the past two weeks, we have engaged students, staff, and parents in a survey to determine whether our recent changes to lunchtime have been supportive of our boys and their learning.

It was wonderful to see the positive response from all corners of our community, with many eager to share their thoughts on these changes and the impact they have had on our students. I would like to thank all members of our community who took the time to complete the survey.

Across both survey groups, the results were similar, showing a clear preference for the original timetable (with lunch at 1:42pm). The summary question and responses are shown below:

Parent and Staff Feedback – Times of the Day Survey (277 Responses)

Student Feedback - Times of the Day Survey (714 Reponses)

With this in mind, during Head Start, which takes place in the last two weeks of Term 4 (24 November – 5 December 2025), we will revert to the original timetable, with recess at 11:16am and lunch at 1:42pm.

It was a very positive experience to be able to provide our community with a collective voice around changes that impact our staff and students. This not only provided us with practical, actionable feedback, it was a powerful reminder to our students that their voices matter, and that their opinion is important and will make a difference. 

Purton Oratory Competition and Performing Arts Showcase

Last week saw the annual Purton Oratory Competition take place; it was truly a joy to see our debaters and public speakers in action, to witness the articulate and passionate way they engaged with the different topics. 

The sense of history embedded in this competition is something that we hold dear as a College; in that context, I would like to thank and congratulate all students and staff who were involved in the day. 

Additionally, this week our College community came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students in the Performing Arts. It was a privilege to acknowledge the talent, courage, and creativity shown by our students.

From our Newsies and Aladdin Jr musicals, to Symphonic Winds, Stage Band, Contemporary Band, public speaking and debating, these opportunities enrich the lives of our boys and make our schools such unique place of opportunity and possibility – a place where every student can discover their voice and their passion.

The Performing Arts embody our College Pillar of Joy. They engage mind, body, heart, and soul. Whether watching professional theatre productions, stepping onto the stage in a school musical, performing in a showcase or debating a hot topic, these experiences remind us of the ways music, performance, and the spoken word bring people together.

We are immensely proud of all our Performing Arts students and orators. Every rehearsal, every performance, and every moment of courage contributes to the richness of our College community.

A warm thanks and congratulations must also go to our Performing Arts staff, whose passion, energy, and tireless commitment create these opportunities and inspire students to strive for excellence.

To all our students, the invitation is clear: take every opportunity. Step onto the stage. Pick up an instrument. Sing in the choir. Speak with confidence. These experiences – the triumphs, the friendships, and even the unexpected lessons – stay with you forever and remind us that when we create together, we are always stronger.

Unit 4 Practice Exam Week

Next week, our VCE Unit 4 students will be sitting their practice exams as part of their preparation for the upcoming final exams. In terms of readiness, this really is the gold standard – nothing prepares students better than actively engaging in practice exam week.

These exams are run under formal VCE conditions, giving our boys valuable insight into what to expect in their final assessments. This experience not only helps to ease nerves but also enables them to feel more confident and settled when the real exams arrive. Importantly, it also provides teachers with the opportunity to give targeted feedback to each student, guiding their final stages of preparation.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our VCE Unit 4 students every success in their practice exams and in the important weeks of preparation ahead of their final Term 4 exams.

Year 10 Work Experience 2025 and Beyond

I mentioned to our staff last week how inspiring it is to see the breadth of opportunities we continue to offer our boys. Many of our Year 10 students are about to embark on Work Experience during the upcoming break. 

Work Experience can often have a profound impact on students. It gives our boys the chance to step into a workplace, see what a career is really like, and test whether it matches their interests and aspirations. Sometimes it confirms a pathway they are excited to pursue, and other times it reveals that a particular field may not be the right fit. Both outcomes are valuable, as they help shape future choices and give students greater clarity about where their strengths and passions might lead them. 

In that context, I am grateful for the work that Dr Kim Pappaluca is doing with our Year 10’s in partnership with industries and families; I know it will assist our boys greatly in navigating their own pathways, something which is so important at this stage of their lives.  

Next year, we are introducing a compulsory Work Experience program for all 2026 Year 10’s, which they’ll complete in the last week of Term 2. This will lead directly into our Term 3 Subject Selection process, which will not only enrich the learning experiences of our boys, but will mean our boys are able to make a more fully informed choice about their future pathway.

Work Experience is a valuable and formative opportunity, and I would like to wish every Year 10 student undertaking it a positive and enjoyable experience.