It is hard to believe we have already completed four weeks of Term Two. It has been a positive and settled start, with our students involved in a wide range of learning, community, sporting and leadership opportunities.

Our ANZAC commemorations were a significant part of the beginning of term. We held a joint ANZAC Day Assembly with Rochester Primary School, which was a respectful and important occasion for our students and school community. Two of our School Captains, Eden Beaumont and Paige Simmie, also represented Rochester Secondary College at the Rochester ANZAC Day Service, where Eden spoke and both students laid a wreath on behalf of the school. We were also very proud to see Year 11 student Blake Kyne receive the ANZAC Spirit Award for his service and contribution to the community through his volunteer work with the Rochester CFA.

There has also been a strong focus on learning beyond the classroom and preparing students for future pathways. Our Outdoor Education students completed the Kooyoora hike, which provided a valuable opportunity for students to challenge themselves, work together, build confidence and meet course outcomes in an outdoor setting.

Our Year 12 students attended the Melbourne Careers Expo, while our Year 10 students travelled to Shepparton for their Careers Expo. A selection of VCE students also attended the Year 12 CHES, The Push and High Achievers Day at Bendigo Senior Secondary College. Our Year 9 students have also begun their Morrisby interviews, supporting them with career planning and future subject choices.

In addition, all Year 12 students are participating in the La Trobe Regional Pathways Program during their GROW period, with a focus on study skills, exam preparation and pathway planning. These experiences are an important part of helping students explore future options, develop confidence and make informed decisions about life beyond school.

Our VCE-VM students have also been involved in meaningful learning connected to the wider community. Year 11 VM students have begun their program with Bupa Aged Care in Echuca, where they visit residents each week to run activities, build their communication, teamwork and community connection skills, and meet key VM learning outcomes.

Year 12 VM students are also participating in a Youth Take Over event run by CCLLEN at REDHS. Students are exploring local industry needs and contributing their ideas to help REDHS consider what will be required to support and service the Rochester community over the next five to ten years. These are valuable opportunities for students to connect their learning with real-world settings, contribute beyond the school and have a voice in local planning.

Sport has also been a feature of the first four weeks. Students have represented the school in 7/8 boys football, boys and girls soccer, Campaspe Badminton and the Campaspe Cross Country. Interschool sport is an important part of school life, giving students the chance to represent the school, support one another and show pride in being part of Rochester Secondary College.

We have also had a number of other important activities taking place across the school. Our VM students supported Do It For Dolly Day with a BBQ, helping raise awareness of the importance of kindness, inclusion and standing up against bullying.

Finally, we have begun our primary school visits as we start preparing for our 2027 Year 7 students to transition into secondary school. These visits are an important part of building relationships early and helping students feel confident and supported as they begin to think about the move to Rochester Secondary College.

Thank you to the staff who continue to provide these opportunities for our students, and to the students who have represented themselves and our school so well over the first four weeks of term. It has been a strong start, and I look forward to seeing this continue across the remainder of Term Two.

Matt Koutroubas

Principal

Pictured above with Mr Koutroubas are our two new ES staff members - Blake Roulston and Catherine Kyne

Art Elements

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