Principal's Report

Student Achievement

Eltham High School Recognised at the School Sport Victoria Annual Awards

Eltham High School was proudly represented at the School Sport Victoria (SSV) Annual Awards, with three members of our community recognised for their outstanding contributions and achievements in school sport - Volleyball.

James Beddoe (Year 10, Everard House) was awarded a Sporting Blue for Volleyball, recognising his exceptional performances representing Victoria and Australia, and his continued excellence in the sport. The Sporting Blue is awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding ability and commitment at the highest levels of school sport.

Mr Anthony Young was presented with the Outstanding Teacher Contribution Award, acknowledging his significant impact on the development of school volleyball and his ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for students to participate and excel in the sport. Under his guidance, the Eltham High School volleyball program has continued to grow and achieve strong results across multiple competitions.

In a particularly historic moment, Alisa Kayukov (Year 12, Skipper House)  received the Lindsay Gaze Sports Leadership Award, the most prestigious honour presented at the SSV Annual Awards. This award recognises exceptional leadership, character and contribution to school sport. Alisa has made history as the first volleyball player to receive this award, a remarkable achievement and a testament to her leadership both on and off the court.

These awards highlight the strength of the Eltham High School sporting community and the values of leadership, dedication and excellence demonstrated by our students and staff. Congratulations to James, Alisa and Mr Young on these outstanding achievements. We are very proud of them.

International Women’s Day – Pauline Toner Prize 2026

The Pauline Toner Prizre was created by our local member of state parliament the Hon. Vicki Ward MP in 2015 in recognition of the Hon. Pauline Toner. The prize also celebrates the achievements of local young women active in the areas of social justice, the environment and gender equality. These were policy areas important to Pauline Toner, who was the first woman to represent our community in local government, our first female mayor, first female MP and Victoria’s first government minister. At Eltham High School we recognise Pauline Toner’s commitment and hard work for this community by naming one of our school houses, Toner House.

The Pauline Toner Prize is available to young women in Years 9 and above who live and/or study in the Eltham electorate.

Eltham High School’s nominee for the 2026 prize was Zoe Buttigieg (Year 12, Toner House). Zoe is an exemplary young leader who shows dedication, resilience and maturity in all she faces.

As a young member of the community at Nillumbik Force Netball Association, Zoe has been involved in the sport as a player, captain, and coach. Zoe competed at a representative level, leading by example through her effort, sportsmanship and positive attitude. Since 2020, Zoe has also volunteered her time helping to run the NetSetGo program, supporting younger players as they begin their netball journey.

Through her long involvement in netball, Zoe has created inclusive spaces for young girls to grow, learn and feel supported, modelling gender equality and showing how leadership can be grounded in kindness and respect. She approaches every challenge with perseverance, encourages others to believe in themselves and contributes to her community with humility and purpose.

Zoe is an outstanding ambassador for our school and an outstanding representative of all young women in in our community. Whilst Zoe was not awarded the Pauline Toner Prize, we could not be more proud of her work and presence within the Eltham Community. Congratulations Zoe. 

Eltham High School – French Study Tour 2026 Update

Students and staff are excited and looking forward to our departure date of Tuesday 7 April for our French Study Tour to Paris and surrounds.

A change of carrier resulting in traveling through Hong Kong rather than the Middle East has allowed the trip to proceed. All the necessary approvals have been received, and we are now set for a wonderful experience in France.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the amazing work of Catherine Considine (Teacher of French and Tour Organiser) for her preparation and negotiations for the trip. Furthermore, I do want to thank Emmily Goodman from GET, our travel organiser who worked beyond the call of duty to ensure that this trip proceeded as close to what was originally planned as possible. 

I have to say that I am impressed with what has taken place. The organisation behind this trip will ensure its success. I will report on the trip on our return.

Open Night /Information Evening 2026-2027

We had a very successful Open evening/Information Night last Monday 30 March. The school was in full swing and prospective student sand parents enjoyed the opportunity to see the school in action and to hear about our school from our students who are our greatest ambassadors.

I congratulate all the staff and in particular the Junior School Team under the leadership of Kathryn Boysen. I also acknowledge the work of the Education support staff for her hard work in preparing for the night.

I remind families that school tours will continue to be available into Term 2 up to the date of submission of enrolment applications to the primary schools. You can contact the General office on 9430 511 to book in for a school tour.

ANZAC DAY Commemorative Ceremony

As we are moving into a holiday break and we do not return to school until Monday 20 April, I wish to inform you that our ANZAC Day Commemorative Ceremony will take place on Friday 24 April starting at around 10:30 am. For any member of our community who would like to attend please contact Kate Scalzo at Kate.Scalzo@education.vic.gov.au to express your interest.

End of Term 1

Regardless of the fact that Term 1 was a 10 week term, time has just passed us by. However, on reflection, a great deal has happened. Students have engaged in their learning in a very positive way. We have conducted a number of student progress interviews. We have had our two Sports Carnivals. We have completed and opened our new STEAM Centre (official opening will take palce on 29 April) and we ran our Open Night/Information evening for prospective 2027 students and parents, to name a few.

Whilst we began the year fully staffed, we will be farewelling a highly regarded member of staff Suzy Oates (Learning Specialist – Numeracy and Mathematics teacher) who will be joining her husband overseas as he takes up a very important post in the UK. We will also be farewelling Miles Munn (English teacher) who will be taking up a position in another school.  We wish both Suzy and Miles all the very best as they embrace these new opportunities. 

I am pleased to say that we have managed to fill at least the first teaching allotment, and we are in the process of filling the second hopefully for the start of Term 2 or very close to this time. 

I feel that we end Term 1 in a good position.

I take this opportunity to wish all students and staff a wonderful, restful and relaxing break and I wish all of you a very happy Easter.

As is customary, on the last day of term this year being Thursday 2 April, school will finish at 2:30 pm. I ask that parent/carers arrange safe travel home for all students.

Term 2 begins on Monday 20 April.

Eltham High School Reminders

VINCENT SICARI, Principal