Vice Principal's Report 

This week has been one of those weeks that reminds you just how much learning happens beyond the classroom.

Our Year 8 students concluded their Interfaith Unit in PBL by participating in a range of meaningful experiences, culminating in Huntingtower hosting the inaugural Monash Schools Program: Building Bridges for Harmony. Students from schools across Monash representing Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and the Baháʼí Faith came together to share their beliefs and traditions through student led presentations and performances. While students explored the differences between religions, they also discovered the many values they share including kindness, compassion, service, respect, peace and caring for others. My sincere thanks go to our Year 8 Coordinator, Mr Wroe and the entire Year 8 PBL team for creating such a valuable learning experience.

Across the School, students have also been learning in very different ways. Our Year 10 students have spent the week undertaking Work Experience, gaining valuable insights into future careers while developing confidence and independence. It has been a pleasure visiting students in a range of workplaces and seeing how enthusiastically they have embraced this opportunity and the positive feedback received from their employers. We look forward to sharing some snapshots of their experiences later in this Bulletin. Congratulations to Mrs Howard for facilitating 100 student placements and helping the Year 10s confidently take their first steps into the workplace. 

As this Bulletin goes to print, our Year 9 students are enjoying skiing their last slopes at Mt Buller while our Year 11 students are exploring the Northern Territory as part of one of Huntingtower's special residential experiences. I look forward to hearing about their adventures when they return.

At the other end of the School, our Prep students recently celebrated 100 Days of School. Their excitement was contagious and it was wonderful to see just how much they love coming to school each day. Our Year 5s completed a Leadership program as they near their last year in the Junior School. Our Year 12 students also celebrated their 100 Days of Year 12, welcoming parents to a Gratitude Breakfast. It was a lovely opportunity to pause during what is often a busy and demanding year and simply spend time together. Afterwards, one parent wrote:

"It was one of those occasions that may seem simple on the surface, but will be remembered for a long time."

Reading those words reminded me that it is often the simplest moments that become the most memorable. Sharing breakfast, reflecting on the year so far and taking the time to express gratitude are all small moments that help strengthen our community.

Looking across all of these experiences, I was reminded that some of the most important lessons our students learn are about people. Whether understanding another religion, taking the first step into the workplace, travelling with classmates or celebrating milestones with family, each experience encourages students to appreciate different perspectives, build relationships and grow in confidence.

That was certainly evident during the Building Bridges for Harmony program. Our Year 8 students discovered that while each religion has its own beliefs and traditions, the values at their heart are remarkably similar. 

There is certainly plenty to look forward to as Semester 2 continues. Thank you to our staff for the care and commitment they show in creating these opportunities, to our parents for their ongoing support and partnership and to our students for embracing each experience with enthusiasm. 

I hope you enjoy reading about some of the many activities taking place across the School in this week’s Bulletin.

Ms Mel Beal

Vice Principal - Student Community & Development