Principal's report

Celebrating Autumn days at Box Hill High

The school has had an exciting start to Term 2 with some big events: the House Athletics Carnival, Parent teacher student conferences, and the amazing School Production, The Drowsy Chaperone! 

These events have been followed by a number of student camps – The Duke of Ed Camp to Cathedral Ranges, the Year 9 Night in Naarm, and two music camps. 

Behind the scenes we also had our 4-year Minimum Standards Assessment, and Re-accreditation of the SEAL (GAPP) Program.

This year’s Athletics Carnival was surely the warmest on record – and we all enjoyed being out of the classroom and part of a whole school activity. There was a great level of student participation this year which was great to see!  

Well done to Drew Howlett and other helpers for ensuring the day was well-organised. Special thanks to SRC for their BBQ on the day too.

I cannot rave enough about this year’s student production of the musical The Drowsy Chaperone! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and found myself laughing along the whole time. 

It was so inspiring to watch our talented students perform, and their ability to memorise and deliver their lines so convincingly, to sing, to tap dance and to entertain throughout was impressive. One of my favourite productions ever - and we broke the record for the most tickets sold for a production! 

A huge thank you to Amy Longden (Director), Amy, Leah Anderson and Grace DeBlasio (Producers), Leah (Choreography), Vocal Director (Grace), Musical Director (Thomas Williams), Berni Sweeney, Tobias Wilkins and Grace (Tech Crew) and Kylie Pearson and Amy for those amazing costume and props. 

There were also a number of other staff who supported the production with front of house guided by Emily Wilkinson and Sarah Weyenberg organising all our superb SRC student leaders at the refreshments counter.

Term 2 Morning Tea for Year 7-9 Parents

On Wednesday 3 June we will be hosting a parent morning tea for Year 7 to Year 9 parents and carers on the theme of “Teen Self-Regulation in the Age of AI”. 

Some of our school leaders in Teaching and Learning and Student Wellbeing and Engagement will facilitate a presentation and discussion with parents about what the school is doing to equip students with necessary learning skills and share our approach around the use of AI based on our policy and student resources.

Numbers are restricted to the first 80 parents, please book by Wednesday 27 May (please note, bookings may close sooner if numbers are reached before this date). 

Please book via this Trybooking link.

School Review – Minimum Standards (and Child Safe Standards) Compliance Assessment

Every four years as part of the School Review, an assessment is undertaken to ensure that schools are meeting their obligations. 

We undertook our assessment this term and we were found to be compliant across all requirements. 

Our reviewer made special note of the evidence of cultural inclusion and our promotion and provision of student wellbeing.

The minimum standards provide a foundation for quality schools through:

• good governance

• strong financial management

• effective curriculum

• sound teaching practices

• safe environments for children.

Our School Review is scheduled for Term 4 this year.

TAASS Re-Accreditation of the SEAL Program (GAPP)

On Monday 11 May, we also undertook the re-accreditation assessment of our SEAL program (GAPP) to ensure we are meeting the quality criteria of a select entry and accelerated program as a member of TAASS (The Academy of Accredited SEAL Schools).

Our reviewers were the Principals of Balwyn High School and Mill Park Secondary College. 

We passed with flying colours, and special acknowledgement of Dr. Bernadette Sheedy needs to be made for her outstanding advocacy for high ability education. 

Thank-you also to our current GAPP students who were part of the panel and who provided valuable feedback. 

Welcome to some new staff at Box Hill High School

Welcome to Mr. Eric Xu our new VCE Psychology teacher (pictured right).

Spotlight on student achievement

Special mention this term goes to Fatima A for her scholarship to The Women Deliver 2026 Conference this term in Melbourne – the lineup of speakers was impressive and very inspiring for emerging leaders. 

We will also actively promote this in future for other student leaders, for more information please visit Scholarships – Women Deliver.

Annual Report to the Community

The 2025 Annual Report can know be found on the school website.

A public School Council meeting to share the report will be held in Term 3 on 12 August. More information will be provided to parents and carers. 

I am on Long Service Leave for the last three weeks of Term 2, and Shareen Bottrell will be Acting Principal in my absence. Michael Oaten will also be on LSL for the last week of term. The Acting Assistant Principal is still to be confirmed.