Senior School Principal

GPA Reports and Parent/Teacher/ Student Conferences

On Wednesday 16 September, families attended Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences and reviewed student results from the most recent GPA reporting cycle. These conversations provided valuable insight into each student's academic performance, engagement and learning habits.

I hope students used this time to reflect on their achievements, identify areas for improvement, and engage in meaningful discussions with their parents/carers and teachers about their learning. Recognising strengths, identifying areas for improvement and setting goals can help students continue to make progress in their learning.

Thank you to the families and staff for their active involvement in these conversations. I strongly encourage our Senior students to continue working collaboratively with their teachers to make the most of the feedback and guidance provided.

Year 12 Commemorative Tree

On Thursday 17 September, our College Captains planted a commemorative tree on behalf of the graduating Year 12 cohort. This school tradition, which began in 2017, recognises the contribution of each graduating class and their connection to the college. We thank Bunnings Ringwood for their generous donation of a magnolia tree, which helps us continue this tradition.

Congratulations to the graduating class. The tree will serve as a lasting reminder of your time at the college.

Year 10 Gala Ball

The Year 10 Gala Ball was held at Alencia Receptions on Thursday 17 September, marking the first year the event has been hosted at this venue. The evening was a celebratory occasion for our students, their families and special guests.

After months of preparation and rehearsals, our Year 10 debutantes took to the dance floor to perform a series of choreographed dances alongside their partners. Their commitment, teamwork and dedication were evident throughout the night.

A particular highlight from the evening was the special person's dance, where students shared a dance with an important person in their life. This was a valued part of the event for students and their families.

The ball represented a significant milestone for our Year 10 students. We thank the families, friends and staff who supported students throughout the preparation process and attended on the night, and we also congratulate our students on the way they conducted themselves and contributed to the success of the event.

A special thank you to Mr Rod Mitchell (Head of Year 10) and Miss Maddy Sweeney (Year 10 Coordinator) for organising and supporting the Gala Ball, ensuring the evening ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all in attendance.

Year 12 - VCE Vocational Major

Today marks an important milestone for our Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students as they conclude their time at school and prepare for the next stage of their journey. As they officially finish their secondary education, we would like to acknowledge their hard work, perseverance and the positive contributions they have made to our school community throughout the year.

One of the highlights of recent weeks was the VCE VM Mock Interviews, held on Friday 4 September. These interviews provided students with a valuable opportunity to discuss their personal and professional goals while gaining experience in a formal interview setting. It was incredibly pleasing to see the confidence, professionalism and maturity with which students approached the process. Their preparation was evident not only in their thoughtful responses and presentation, but also in their ability to reflect on their aspirations, articulate their strengths and engage positively with interview panel members.

The interviews showcased just how far our students have come throughout their VCE Vocational Major journey. It was a pleasure to witness the growth they have demonstrated across the program, developing the skills, confidence and self-awareness that will serve them well as they transition into employment, apprenticeships, traineeships and further study.

Our students have also continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting others. Their involvement in the Backpacks 4 VIC Kids fundraiser highlighted their generosity, compassion and understanding of the importance of giving back to the community. The enthusiasm they brought to this initiative reflected the values we strive to foster in all members of our school community.

We are extremely proud of all that our VCE VM students have achieved. They have embraced the opportunities presented through the VCE Vocational Major pathway, building practical skills, workplace readiness and resilience that will support them well into the future. We thank them for the positive way they have represented themselves and our school and we are excited to see the impact that they will make in the years ahead. 

Year 12 - Exam Preparation

As our Year 12 students move closer to their final VCE examinations, they are entering an important phase of their preparation. During the second week of the Term 3 holidays, students will participate in practice exams for each of their subjects, providing an invaluable opportunity to experience examination conditions and further develop their exam technique.

These practice examinations allow students to strengthen their time management skills, build confidence, and identify areas requiring additional focus. In several subjects, practice exams will be marked by VCAA External Assessors, giving students access to expert feedback that can help guide their revision and maximise their performance.

While dedicated preparation is important at this stage, maintaining a healthy balance between study, rest, and wellbeing remains essential. I encourage students to continue looking after themselves as they work towards achieving their personal best in the weeks ahead.

Preparing for Schoolies

Many students are looking forward to celebrating the end of secondary school with their friends at schoolies celebrations. 

In Victoria, schoolies will run from Saturday 28 November to Saturday 12 December. Schoolies celebrations can go beyond these dates across Australia and overseas.  

We encourage parents and carers to speak early and openly with their child about their plans for schoolies. This includes any travel plans. 

This can help them to think ahead, make safer choices and know what to do if something goes wrong. It may help to talk about alcohol and other drug use, sex and consent, personal safety, and what to do in an emergency.  

You may talk with your child about other risks and staying safe while travelling overseas. The deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, 2 Victorian teenagers who died from methanol poisoning while travelling in Laos in 2024, are a tragic reminder of why this is important. 

Useful resources for families and young people 

We encourage you to talk about and share these resources with your child: 

• Raising Children Network, for advice on how to help students plan for and stay safe during schoolies  

• Better Health Channel, for advice on partying safely at schoolies 

• Alcohol and Drug Foundation, for advice on staying safe at schoolies and information on potential alcohol and drug harms when travelling 

• Victoria Police, for advice on staying safe at school leaver celebrations. The page includes videos about sexual assault, illegal drugs and road safety 

• Red Frogs Australia, a volunteer group that helps young people stay safe and seek help at events like schoolies, with tips and advice for students and families including a 24/7 hotline during schoolies 

• Smartraveller, for advice on overseas travel for school leavers and partying safely 

• Doctors without Borders, for information on methanol poisoning for travellers 

• MethaKnow methanol awareness Instagram page, to help raise awareness about methanol poisoning.

Now that we have reached the end of the term, I would like to thank our students, families and staff for their efforts and contributions throughout what has been a busy and productive period.

I hope the upcoming holiday break provides an opportunity for everyone to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming students back next term and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday.