Campus
Principal Report
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly been a wonderful year at Acacia Campus. First and foremost, I want to thank you all for welcoming me back from maternity leave with such warmth and support at the beginning of Semester 2. It has been a true pleasure to serve as your Campus Principal since my return, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together.
This year, I have been particularly impressed with the commitment and dedication our students showed during the exam period. Their hard work and focus have been evident, and it’s clear that they are driven to succeed. It was great to see our College value of ‘Excellence’ being lived.
In recent days, we’ve begun our Head Start program, and it has been wonderful to see our students embrace their 2025 classes so enthusiastically. They have also adjusted seamlessly to the new 5-period day, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
One of the standout events this term was the Junior Production of ‘Fight with All Your Might: The Zombies of Tonight’, which was a huge success! It was truly wonderful to see our students not only perform so well but also have so much fun in the process. The audience was entertained with plenty of laughs, and the students’ energy was infectious. A huge thank you to Kathleen Spaull, Ash Phillips, and Ash Tascone for their hard work and dedication in bringing this performance to life. The students were absolutely buzzing after their performances, and rightfully so!
On Tuesday, 26th November, we held our 7-11 Presentation Night at the Drum Theatre. This prestigious event celebrated the high-performing and dedicated students across Years 7 to 11, and it was fantastic to recognise their achievements. I am pleased to announce the Dux of each year level for 2024:
- Dux of Year 7, 2024 – Kevin Lor
- Dux of Year 8, 2024 – Menara Haupe-Gamage
- Dux of Year 9, 2024 – Sophia Marquina
- Dux of Year 10, 2024 – Teodora Smiljanic
- Dux of Year 11, 2024 – Alastair Barrow
A huge congratulations to all our Dux students! Your hard work and excellence inspire us all.
Looking ahead, on Monday, we will be holding our Campus Leadership Assembly, where we will recognise the students appointed as Captains for 2025. It will be a prestigious occasion, and I am very much looking forward to celebrating the leadership and dedication these students will bring to the Acacia Campus.
Thank you again to our students, staff, and families for making this such a remarkable year. I look forward to what the final weeks of 2024 and the new year will bring as we continue to work together in support of our students’ growth and success.
Wishing you all a fabulous festive season and holiday ahead.
Warm regards,
Natalie Fode
A Year to Celebrate at Keysborough College – Banksia Campus
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the incredible year we’ve shared at Keysborough College. From welcoming fresh faces in February to bidding farewell to our graduating Year 12s in November, this has truly been a year of growth, change, achievement, and community spirit.
In February, we opened our doors to a vibrant group of Year 7 students, each bringing their unique energy and enthusiasm to our college. These students quickly embraced the Keysborough spirit and RED values, excelling in their studies, forming new friendships, and contributing to the life and vibrancy of the school. Their transition to secondary school has been inspiring to witness, and we are proud of how they’ve adapted to new challenges with resilience and determination.
At the other end of the journey, our Year 12s departed in November to face their final exams and futures full of promise. This remarkable group has set a high bar, both academically and through contributing to the school community, they have led by example. Whether on the sports field, in leadership roles, or in creative pursuits, our Year 12s, throughout their 6 years with us, have shown that dedication and teamwork yield outstanding results. We wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their lives.
Sports have continued to be a cornerstone of our college's achievements this year. From athletics carnivals to interschool competitions, our students have displayed skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Highlights include our year 8 girls volleyball team clinching the State Schools Champion title and several teams qualifying for the state finals. These accomplishments showcase not only the talent within our college but also the commitment of our students and staff to achieving excellence.
Academically, we’ve seen exceptional results across all year levels. Students have embraced Maths competitions, science and STEM projects, excelled in the arts, and delivered captivating performances. We are particularly proud of our school-wide focus on literacy and numeracy, which has seen significant improvements, thanks to the dedication of our teachers and the hard work of our students. Our NAPLAN results indicate an excellent two years work from when the students first arrive in year 7 until they are again tested through NAPLAN in Year 9. Our growth exceeds the state average and far exceeds like schools.
Behind the scenes, our Wellbeing Team has been the backbone of our community, ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and heard. Their work has been instrumental in fostering a positive school culture, helping students navigate challenges, and creating a nurturing environment for all.
Teachers are the heart of any school, and at Keysborough College, they inspire students to dream big and achieve their best. They bring lessons to life, nurture curiosity, and provide unwavering support, shaping not just minds but also futures.
As Henry Brooks Adams aptly said, "A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops."
This year, our teachers have been exceptional role models, fostering resilience, creativity, and a love for learning. Their passion and dedication remind us all of the profound impact educators have, inspiring students to believe in themselves and their limitless potential.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to welcome another new cohort of Year 7s and continue building on our successes. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for making this year truly exceptional. Here’s to another fantastic year at Banksia!
Richard Hastings
Banksia Campus Principal