Around the College 

Year 7 Orientation Day

Last December, the Year 7 2026 cohort joined us for the Year 7 Orientation Day. The day marked an exciting milestone for students as they took their first steps into secondary school life. Filled with anticipation, curiosity, and a few nervous smiles, students arrived eager to explore their new environment and begin this important chapter of their educational journey. 

Throughout the day, students were welcomed by teachers, support staff, and student leaders who helped make the transition feel positive and reassuring. Orientation activities included guided tours of the school, introductions to key staff members, and interactive sessions designed to help students understand daily routines, timetables, and expectations. 

A highlight of the day was the opportunity for students to connect with their peers. Through group activities and team-building exercises, friendships began to form, and students discovered they were not alone in feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The supportive atmosphere encouraged questions, laughter, and open conversation.

By the end of the day, many students left with smiles on their faces, a clearer sense of what lies ahead, and a growing sense of belonging. It was a successful and reassuring start to their secondary school journey.

Ms Emilia Roberts

Transition Coordinator

Piano and Strings Recital – A Wonderful Celebration of Talent

On 27 November, our school community was treated to a truly memorable Piano and Strings Recital. We were proud to feature performances by Sam Jeffery, William Nelson, Rochelle Brown, Sathila Wennawatta, Joshua Smith, Christina Koufomanolis, Lucas Ke, Alyssia Ngoma, Giuliana Artho and Shreya Annex. The evening highlighted the dedication, skill, and musical growth of our students, who performed with confidence and poise.

Each performer demonstrated a high level of responsibility in preparing for the event. Their commitment to regular practice, attention to detail, and willingness to challenge themselves were clearly reflected in their beautiful performances. From expressive solo pieces to exciting duets, the recital offered a rich variety of musical styles that delighted the audience.

A special acknowledgement goes to our outstanding Music Co-Captains, Sam Jeffery and Sophie McKinlay, whose leadership, enthusiasm, and support contributed greatly to the smooth running and warm atmosphere of the event.

Thank you to all students who participated, as well as to the families and friends who supported them throughout their musical journey. Your encouragement plays a vital role in helping our young musicians grow with confidence.

Congratulations to every performer for making the evening so inspiring and enjoyable. We look forward to many more wonderful musical moments in the future!

Ms Tatyana Derevyanko 

Piano Teacher

(and Ms Xenia Zubenko- not pictured)

City Experience 2025   

From Monday 17 to Thursday 20 November 2025, our Year 9 students took part in City Experience—a four-day program that helps students build confidence, independence, and real-world skills beyond the classroom. 

City Experience is always a highlight at Naz because it gives students the chance to grow in ways that can’t be replicated in a normal school day. Across the week, students navigated the CBD, managed their time, worked in teams, and represented our college with pride in busy public spaces. 

A week of memorable experiences 

Students enjoyed a fantastic range of learning experiences across Melbourne, including: 

• MCG Tour – a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s most iconic venues, exploring the stories and history that sit behind major events and sporting culture. 
• Street Art Walk – encouraging students to see Melbourne through a creative lens. 
• Eureka Skydeck (Eureka Tower) – an unforgettable view of Melbourne and a great opportunity for students to practise respectful conduct in shared spaces. 
• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium – a hands-on experience that sparked curiosity, conversation. 
• Queen Victoria Market – a lively setting for students to practise decision-making, communication, budgeting, and awareness in a high-traffic environment. 

What we were most proud of 

While the activities were exciting, the most important part of City Experience is the growth we see in our students. Throughout the week, we were proud to see Year 9s demonstrate: 

• independence, as they navigated unfamiliar places and took responsibility for themselves and their group 
• teamwork and leadership, supporting one another and sharing roles fairly 
• resilience and problem-solving, when plans changed or challenges arose 
• maturity, representing Nazareth College positively and respectfully in the community 

It was especially pleasing to see students step outside their comfort zones and rise to the occasion—often with quiet confidence and great encouragement of their peers. 

Safety and care 

Student wellbeing and safety were central to every day of the program. City Experience was supported through clear expectations, staff supervision, structured check-ins, and explicit teaching around safe choices in the CBD and public spaces. Our students responded positively to these expectations and showed genuine care for one another across the week. 

Thank you 

A sincere thank you to the staff who supported City Experience across the four days, and to families for ensuring students came prepared and ready to engage. Experiences like this only work when school and home work together—and we’re grateful for that partnership. 

City Experience remains a valuable part of the Year 9 journey at Nazareth College—helping students build confidence, responsibility, and a stronger connection to the world beyond the classroom. 

Mr Christopher Brown 

Year 7, 8 and 9 Studies (and City Experience) Coordinator 

VCE Visual Communication Design (Unit 1)

VCE Visual Communication Design (VCD) Unit 1 students have hit the ground running this semester with the submission of their Fast Start holiday homework drawings. They were given a range of different stimuli over the break to prepare them for the upcoming year in VCD. 

Please see below a range of the outstanding work from the Year 10’s and 11’s. They have set themselves up for a strong year in design and I have high hopes that they will achieve well.

                                                            Alexander Matulic MX4

                                                                       Chloe Loizou CH 5

                                                                    Isabella Matulic MX1

                                                                         Quinn Cozis CH1

                                                                             Tiana Tsolakis MA2

Mr Rosario Ripper

Teacher

Homework Club to resume

Homework Club start date: Tuesday 10 February

Students are invited to attend Homework Club on Tuesdays 2.30pm to 4.30pm and Thursdays 3.30pm to 5pm. 

Learning Support staff and tutors are available to assist the students. Students go to the Resource Centre on the set days with their laptops and homework.

Donation Appreciation Post

A community thank you from Nazareth Breakfast Club to Woolworths Keysborough for providing a $20 donation towards breakfast goodies. It was very much appreciated.