Principal's Report

As we come to the close of another exciting and productive term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous achievements of our staff and students over the past months. Term 3 has been filled with energy, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration that defines our Highvale culture.

A standout event this term was our Whole School Athletics Carnival, a milestone in embedding our new house structure. The carnival was not just about sporting excellence but about building community spirit and fostering healthy competition across our new house system. It was fantastic to see everyone so engaged and proud to represent their houses, solidifying the bonds and culture we’re cultivating through this initiative.

Another highlight was Highvale's Got Talent, where we witnessed an extraordinary display of talent from our students. From musicians and dancers to comedians and magicians, the breadth of talent was astounding. This event, organised and run by our outstanding student leaders, exemplifies the leadership and initiative we are so proud of at Highvale. Our students’ ability to organise and execute such a well-attended and inspiring event speaks volumes about their passion and commitment to our school.

Staff had the opportunity to further their professional growth during our curriculum day this term. Teachers collaborated to unpack the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0, focusing on identifying the big ideas and essential skills we aim to nurture in our students. These discussions are pivotal as we continue to refine our teaching and learning practices to meet the evolving needs of our learners.

We also came together for a very special cause during our Ice Bucket Challenge, raising money for MND research. Watching our brave staff take the plunge in front of cheering students was not only entertaining but a wonderful example of our collective commitment to important causes beyond the school gates.

This term, our Spring Concert was a huge success, with our talented music students performing to a packed theatre. The performances were absolutely breathtaking, and it was heartwarming to see the culmination of so much hard work and dedication from both students and staff. Music is such a vital part of our school’s culture, and this event once again showcased how exceptional our young musicians are.

Our Drama Club's performance of The Great Gatsby was another spectacular highlight. From the impressive acting to the professionalism of the set crew and the sound and lighting team, the entire production was a testament to the talent and commitment of our students. Watching them bring such an iconic story to life on stage was truly magical.

And today, we concluded the term with the thrilling culmination of the House Cup! Students competed in a variety of fun and exciting activities, earning points for their houses in the hopes of claiming the ultimate prize. The House Cup has been a great way to promote school spirit, teamwork, and a healthy sense of competition, and it’s been wonderful to see how engaged our students have been.

As Principal, the aspect I am most proud of this term is that the majority of these activities and events were student-driven. At Highvale, we strongly believe in giving our students a voice and agency in their learning, wellbeing, and school life. This term has been a shining example of how empowering students leads to extraordinary outcomes. Their leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm have been inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved together.

I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire school community—students, staff, and families—for your ongoing support, energy, and dedication. 

I look forward to seeing what Term 4 has in store for us, and I hope everyone has a restful and well-deserved break.