Campus Principal Report

I can’t believe that we are half way through Term 2 already and we are heading towards our mid semester exams and reports. It's important to take time to reflect on the achievements and milestones our students have reached. Our students have continued to excel academically, demonstrating their commitment to learning and their eagerness to explore new concepts. From mastering mathematical equations to crafting compelling essays, their hard work has not gone unnoticed.

Term 2 has been a time for creativity to flourish, whether through art, music, drama, or other forms of expression, our students have showcased their talents and passions, inspiring others with their innovative ideas and performances. Beyond the classroom, our students have actively participated in community service projects, demonstrating compassion and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world around them. We encourage all students to get involved and make the most of the opportunities they are offered.

Some of the events that have occurred since our last newsletter include;

Youth Leadership Conference
Open Night & Parent Teacher Evening
ANZAC Ceremony at the Noble Park RSL
NAPLAN Testing
Year 8 Allambee Camp
VCE Careers Expo
Yr. 9 Morrisby Interviews
Senior School Drama Production
Volleyball State Finals

There are some significant events that are coming up this term, so please note that students in Junior and Senior School will have exams in Week 8, The GAT ( General Achievement Test) will be on Tuesday 18th June and the Senior School Information Evening for Year 10 students and their families will be held in the last week of the term – Tuesday 25th June at Banksia as a combined campus event.

I wish to extend my gratitude to our teachers, staff, parents, and caregivers for their ongoing support and encouragement. It is through your dedication and partnership that our students continue to thrive. As we prepare to embark on the final weeks of Term 2, let’s continue to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and together, we will continue to inspire, learn, and grow as a vibrant school community.

Robyn Hughes

Acacia Campus Principal

On the weekend I travelled down to the very end of Phillip Island to ‘The Nobbies’. What a beautiful place, one that leads you to contemplate some of the bigger questions of life. Having done this I can highly recommend the reward for time spent. It’s calming, beautiful and nature at it’s best. Looking out to sea often symbolises a longing for something beyond the present moment. The endless expanse of water stretching out to the horizon represents boundless opportunities and untapped potential. It encourages us to dream, aspire, and envision the possibilities that lie ahead. The sea, with its ever-changing moods and tides, reminds us that life, too, is full of fluctuations and uncertainties. It also gives pause to reflect on what we have done, choices we have made and our own place in the bigger picture.

On that note, I had the wonderful experience in running into an ex-student when I was shopping at Parkmore recently. He was very proud of his time at Keysborough and told me what he had done since. He is halfway through a PhD in Chemistry. He is working on his thesis but was so complimentary of what the school had done and the education and advice he had received whilst a student with us. He told me that something I had said in one of my assemblies had resonated throughout the rest of his life, that “you can be anything you want to be” and he applied that to his life. He also told me he hadn’t done as well in year 12 because he had some external personal issues. This made me sad. He hadn’t shared them with anyone at school, we could have helped more, we could have counselled him through the difficulties. Every student every day deserves the best we have to offer, we try to make sure every kid gets the support they deserve. That is our role and for teachers and support staff our goal.

I walked away from the encounter with a real spring in my step, proud of what the College can do and reminded that simple words can have such a profound and far-reaching effect. I stand by what I said on that day: YOU can be anything you want! The world is wide open to you and we are here to support you on your journey. The path mightn’t always be easy but passion and drive enable you to succeed. Make use of every aspect of the school to better your chances of being successful. His parting words were that a lot of people say they are going to try to change the world but I am going to! That is commitment, that is belief! In the world of chemistry and in particular his area of research, that is a possibility. However, in our everyday life perhaps we can take away this philosophy but reimagine it as “I can change my world”. Always strive for success, always support others in their quest, be the one lifting people up not dragging them down. The world will be a better place.

Richard Hastings

Banksia Campus Principal