Principal's Report

Evan MILLER

Principal

Parent Teacher Interviews – Wednesday 17 September

Our Parent Teacher Interviews, held on Wednesday 17 September, were a great success, providing families with valuable opportunities to discuss student progress and learning goals. The interviews were well attended, with strong engagement from parents and carers who appreciated the chance to connect directly with teachers and celebrate their child’s achievements. The smooth organisation of the event ensured conversations were productive and focused on supporting each student’s ongoing growth. We thank our staff for their professionalism and commitment to fostering these important home–school partnerships that strengthen student learning outcomes.

Ice Bucket Challenge – Wear it Blue Day

On Friday 19 September, our students hosted a highly entertaining and inspiring Ice Bucket Challenge event to raise funds and awareness for Fight MND. The event brought the whole school community together, with students enthusiastically leading the charge and many brave staff members volunteering to be drenched in icy water for a great cause. Laughter and cheers filled the air as buckets were tipped and spirits ran high, all in support of an important charity making a real difference in the fight against motor neurone disease. It was a fantastic display of student leadership, school spirit and community generosity. We raised over $1000 for MND Australia!

Year 12 Graduation Dinner and Final Day

The Year 12 Graduation Dinner was a wonderful evening of celebration, reflection, and pride as students, families, and staff came together to acknowledge the achievements of our graduating class. It was a fitting way to honour their dedication and growth throughout their years at Highvale. The following day marked the official end of their secondary school journey, with a vibrant celebration of all they have accomplished. The final assembly was a highlight, as our Year 12 students exited the hall to a guard of honour, surrounded by the clapping and cheering of staff and students—a truly memorable farewell to an exceptional group of young people. I would like to acknowledge, Richard Shelly, Andrea Weinbergs, Adrian Schmid and Clariss Lau for their support and organisation of both events.

Year 12 Exams

Our Year 12 students are now preparing to begin their final VCE examinations, starting with the English exam on Tuesday 28 October. This marks an important milestone in their secondary school journey, and we are confident that their hard work, determination, and the support of their teachers have equipped them well for success. In the lead-up to exams, students have been focused and engaged, making the most of revision sessions and feedback opportunities. We wish all our Year 12s the very best as they approach this final stage of their studies and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the year.

Student Leadership

Student leadership continues to be a strong and vibrant part of our school culture. On Friday 24 October, our Student Leadership Coordinator, Amanda Gomes, facilitated an engaging leadership session with our current and 2026 student captains. During the session, students were paired with their respective counterparts—SRC, House, and School Captains—and given the opportunity to share insights, reflect on what has worked well this year, and provide practical advice for success in 2026. This peer mentoring approach fostered valuable discussion, collaboration, and inspiration among our emerging leaders. Following these conversations, our incoming captains began planning their priorities and goals for the year ahead. The session was a remarkable success and an important step in further strengthening our student leadership program, ensuring our future leaders are well-prepared and confident to make a positive impact in 2026.

Highvale's Healthy Habitat

On Thursday 16 October, we proudly celebrated the official opening of Highvale’s Healthy Habitat — our VCE Vocational Major garden project. This inspiring, student-led initiative has been two years in the making, showcasing the creativity, teamwork, and dedication of our VCE VM students from start to finish. The Healthy Habitat features four thoughtfully designed sections: an orchard, a vegetable patch, a decking area, and a wellbeing and mindfulness space. Each element reflects the students’ commitment to sustainability, community, and wellbeing. It has been truly rewarding to witness their growth, both personally and collectively, as they transformed their vision into a lasting and meaningful addition to our school grounds.

NASA Space X-Plore Camp

Over the September school holidays, 11 Highvale students joined peers from three neighbouring schools to take part in the incredible NASA Space X-Plore Camp run by GLE. In total, 41 students embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime learning adventure across the United States.

The journey began in San Francisco, where students explored the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, stepped aboard the USS Hornet, and immersed themselves in hands-on science at the Exploratorium. From there, the group travelled to Orlando, Florida, spending three unforgettable days at the Kennedy Space Center. Here, they experienced the NASA Astronaut Training Experience and the Mars Program, learning what it takes to live and work as an astronaut.

The final leg of the trip took students to Los Angeles, where they explored the world of physics in motion through visits to Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.

Our students represented Highvale with pride and enthusiasm throughout the trip, embracing every challenge and opportunity. It was an extraordinary educational experience that inspired curiosity, teamwork, and a genuine passion for science and discovery.