Senior School Term 1 update

Rigor and Relationships sit at the heart of our Senior School focus in 2026. I am delighted to take the baton in leading Senior School this year with energy, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to supporting our outstanding VCE teachers, students, and Senior School team. 

As a VCE teacher myself, I understand that strong outcomes are built on two things: high expectations and strong relationships. Classrooms that are supportive, structured, and consistent allow students to take academic risks, grow in confidence, and ultimately succeed. This is the journey we are on, and we are excited about the growth ahead. 

I would like to formally introduce our Senior School team: 

I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside such a highly experienced and committed team, particularly Nic Rees, Arabella Thompson, Sharon O’Connell and Mel Lawson-Gilles. Their depth of knowledge, professionalism and generosity have been instrumental in allowing us to hit the ground running in the first few weeks of the year. I am also delighted to be working with Amanda as she steps into her new role as Assistant Coordinator, bringing fresh energy and valuable support to the Senior School team. 

VCE Information Evening – Thursday 16 February 

In a couple of weeks, we will be hosting our VCE Information Evening for families of students in Years 10–12. This is an important evening designed to: 

• Clarify VCE expectations and processes 

• Ensure we meet all VCAA compliance requirements 

• Support families in understanding how best to assist students at home. 

Details will be shared via Compass, and we strongly encourage families to attend. The more aligned we are, the smoother the VCE journey becomes. 

Key Reminders 

Absence from a SAC or Outcome 

• Units 1 & 2: Students will complete the SAC in the next appropriate lesson, supervised in a breakout room. 

• Units 3 & 4: Students are required to complete the SAC the very next school day in Senior School (booked during a free period). 

• A medical certificate or approved documentation is required for all missed SACs to meet VCAA requirements. 

Uniform and Bags 

• Maintaining consistent uniform standards will be a strong focus in Term 1. A mixture of items that do not meet uniform expectations has become more common, and we will be addressing this moving forward. 

• Additionally, bags are not to be brought into classrooms and must be stored in lockers. Failure to follow these expectations will result in consequences. VCE is challenging enough without tripping over backpacks. 

We look forward to a positive, productive, and successful year in Senior School, working closely with students and families to support strong VCE outcomes.