Deputy Principals' Address
Mr. Mifsud
2025 has been an incredibly busy and rewarding year, with so much happening in and around the school.
Throughout the year, the school has continued to provide strong support for students, families, and the wider community. Our students have embraced these opportunities, challenging themselves to grow both personally and academically.
This year has seen a surge in the popularity of volleyball, beginning with the establishment of a senior boys’ team and later expanding to a junior girls’ team. As our Year 12 students graduated, younger players stepped up, committing themselves to training and skill development under the guidance of Mr Espinosa. We are extremely proud of these students for accepting the challenge, learning more about themselves, and representing the school so enthusiastically.
Our Year 11 students have also demonstrated tremendous commitment, accepting leadership nominations from their peers and teachers and continuing to develop their leadership skills. We are fortunate to have an outstanding SRC, along with dedicated captains and prefects.
Students have eagerly participated in excursions, camps, concerts, sports gala days and school carnivals, taking every opportunity to enrich their learning. We are especially proud of those who volunteer their time in the evenings and on weekends to support community and charity events throughout the year. We also value the strong connections students have built with their teachers by seeking expertise, feedback and guidance. We look forward to providing even more opportunities next year.
Academic Reports
I have read all academic reports written for students this year. Teachers have provided detailed information, meaningful feedback, and a strong evidence base to support their comments and outcomes. I encourage all parents to read these reports carefully and sit with their child to discuss their strengths and areas for improvement. It has been a pleasure to witness the educational and personal growth of our students this year.
Student academic reports will also be available on the Sentral Parent Portal for electronic access.
Preparation for School
When students arrive ready to learn, they set themselves up for success. Please ensure all required books and materials are purchased before school begins. Exercise books of approximately 200 pages are recommended for most subjects. Students should also have multiple pens and a pencil case that can hold their equipment.
Students return on Monday, 2 February and we ask families to support their child in establishing healthy sleep routines. Adequate sleep is essential for learning, focus and well-being. Too many students come to school tired, making it difficult to engage fully in morning lessons. Beginning good sleep habits the week before school returns will help students start the year strongly.
School Resumes in 2026
The 2026 school year will begin on Monday, 2 February for all students. As classes and teacher allocations are finalised based on enrolments that week, it is vital that students attend from the first day. Students who are absent may miss out on their preferred subjects. If your family will be returning late from a holiday, please notify the school in writing this year so that enrolments can be held.
I would like to thank all staff for their outstanding dedication to student learning and for the care and support they provide each day. The high quality learning that takes place across all areas of the school, from classrooms to the library and playground, reflects the trust and respect shared between teachers and students, as well as the strong support students offer one another.
Thank you to all parents, caregivers and community members for your partnership and support throughout the year.
Best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy holiday break.
SEE YOU IN 2026!
Ms. Batista De Mello
As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding year, I want to sincerely thank all staff, students, parents and carers for their commitment, passion and dedication throughout the year.
Primary School Programs
This term, we had the pleasure of welcoming our local feeder primary schools to participate in a variety of taster lessons. Building on the success of last term’s Year 5 high school experiences, we made up for any sessions that were previously missed due to weather interruptions and introduced a trial program of Year 4 tasters, which was very well received by our primary school visitors. Thank you to all staff who dedicated their time and effort to delivering engaging and meaningful lessons and activities. A special thank you also goes to our Year 11 SLR students for leading the sporting activities for the Year 4 groups. Additionally, thank you to Ms Blum for organising our Year 7 2026 Support Unit transition program and Mr Taouk and Ms Kharitos for their leadership in organising Orientation Day for our incoming Year 7 students for 2026 and to all staff who led the activities on the day. Well done to everyone involved, I am looking forward to welcoming all our new students next year.
P&C
I would also like to wholeheartedly thank the P&C for their ongoing commitment to our school, students and community. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you on numerous projects throughout the year and I look forward to many more collaborations in the year ahead. Congratulations to our President, Mr Girling Butcher, who was recently recognised as an outstanding local citizen. I offer my sincere congratulations on him receiving the Volunteer Award from the Bayside Council of NSW, presented by the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP. This well-deserved honour reflects his exceptional dedication and contribution to our community.
I am also delighted to acknowledge one of our students, Aidan, who was awarded a Community Volunteer Award. This recognition highlights Aidan’s commitment to service and the positive impact he has made within our community.
Media and Communication
Our media and communication initiatives have seen significant improvements this year, led by Ms Rosewarne and Ms Patten, with valuable support from Ms D Melia. Together, they undertook the challenging task of redesigning our communication model, launching a fresh, engaging newsletter and completely revamping our school website. I cannot thank this team enough for their dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts. We look forward to growing and enhancing our media presence even further in the coming year to promote and celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of our staff and students
Breakfast Club
What a wonderful year it has been for Breakfast Club! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported this initiative, especially Mr McLean, our regular attendees and those who dropped in occasionally. It has been a real pleasure to connect with you each Monday morning, making toasties, sharing hot chocolates and catching up on how your weekend was or what you’re looking forward to in the week ahead. I’m excited to let you know that next year, Breakfast Club will also be offered as an opportunity for Community Service and supporting the school. If this interests you, please come and see me at the start of the new school year.
Acknowledgements
I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to all staff members for their hard work, with a special mention to Mr Lim-Klumpes, who relieved this term as Deputy Principal in my absence. His outstanding support and leadership have been very much appreciated..
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations and thank you to all staff, students, parents/carers, and our wider community for the tireless work throughout the year to improve educational outcomes and foster students’ social and emotional wellbeing. I am very much looking forward to continuing this journey with you all next year as we build on our strengths and inspire every student to reach their full potential.
I hope you enjoy a well-deserved break filled with rest, reflection, goal setting, and quality time with family and friends. Take care, have a wonderful holiday, and all the very best for 2026.