Outside the Classroom

Coburg High School: Leading the Way in Anti-Racism

Over the past two years, CHS has taken deliberate, practical steps to address racism and strengthen inclusion and the school’s work is now being recognised as a case study for other schools as promoted by the Department of Education. 

The work has evolved over time as, like in all schools, the complexities of racism in society more broadly enter the school grounds. Rather than treating these cases as isolated incidents, staff, in conjunction with school leadership, used  feedback from students and parents as an opportunity to examine the broader school culture and ask what needed to change.

The anti-racism working group was established and led by Samara Harris and the parent of a student who was concerned about some of the feedback she was hearing about race-related incidents at school. After recruiting more staff, the group undertook a whole school audit in order to identify areas of focus. In the following year, the group was supported to participate in the Refugee Education Support Program (RESP). The anti-racism working group is now led by Aisling Ringrose, and includes Brigitte Rogan, Virginia Mendoza, Kelly Harper, Vivian Than, and Shanti Petronzio. This group of staff represents a cross section of staff and is informed by best practice principles of implementation science.  

With support from the Centre for Multicultural Youth, CHS undertook an audit of its practices and identified practical changes, including multilingual signage, translated newsletters and stronger communication with families through the school website. Staff professional learning has focused on racism, religious intolerance, unconscious bias, inclusive practice, and responding effectively to racist incidents, using real school-based examples to challenge thinking and improve practice. CHS has also strengthened how it identifies and responds to racism. A dedicated “racist incident” category was introduced into Compass, allowing the school to track incidents, identify patterns and use evidence to inform its response. 

What makes the CHS approach significant is that it is not simply a policy or a one-off program. It is practical, locally driven and supported by leadership, with staff given the time, resources and autonomy to make change happen.

This is precisely the kind of school-based practice that should be shared across the Department. CHS demonstrates that anti-racism can move from policy into everyday practice when schools are supported to listen to their communities, collect meaningful data, invest in staff learning and give people the authority to act.

As a case study for other schools, the CHS experience offers a clear message: effective anti-racism does not begin with a perfect program. It begins with listening, taking concerns seriously and being prepared to change how a school operates.

If you have an interest in joining the CHS anti-racism working group and working towards a more tolerant and inclusive school, please contact Aisling Ringrose at: aisling.ringrose@coburg.vic.edu.au

Soccer

Northern Metro Region Year 7 Girls Football 

Congratulations to our Year 7 Girls Football team, who were crowned Northern Metro Region Champions, securing their place at the State Finals!

The girls were undefeated throughout the group stage, defeating Thornbury College, Charles LaTrobe College and Epping Secondary College before progressing to the final against Roxburgh College.

The team produced an excellent performance in the final to claim the regional championship. Eva P and Anika B found the back of the net to help secure the victory.

A fantastic achievement by the entire team. Congratulations to all players for their effort, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.

A special thank you to our student coaches, Greta A and Artemis P, for their time, leadership and support throughout the day.

Year 7 Girls Football - State Finals 

Our Year 7 Girls Football team represented Coburg High School at the State Finals at Darebin International Sports Centre, competing against some of the best school teams from across Victoria.

The girls had an outstanding start, winning their first two matches against Trinity College Colac and Bendigo South East College. Eva P and Anika B continued their excellent form, both finding the back of the net during the competition.

In their final match, the team faced Mentone Girls’ Secondary College and narrowly lost 2-0 in a closely contested game. Despite having to play without their goalkeeper for the final match, the girls showed incredible determination and resilience.

Finishing the State Finals with two wins from three matches is a fantastic achievement. Congratulations to all the players for their effort, teamwork and commitment throughout the competition!

A special thank you to our student coaches, Greta A and Artemis P, for their time, leadership and support throughout the competition.

Futsal 

Congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 8 Boys Futsal teams, who represented Coburg High School with fantastic performances throughout the competition.

Our Year 7 Boys had an outstanding tournament, finishing Runners-Up after a closely contested final against Ilim College, narrowly losing by just one goal.

Our Year 8 Boys also performed strongly, finishing 3rd overall after a competitive tournament.

A fantastic effort from both teams, demonstrating teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout the day.

A special thank you to our student coaches, Year 12 student Tristan P and Year 11 student Jackson M, for their time, leadership and support of both teams throughout the competition.

Congratulations to all players on their achievements! 

Ryan Burns

STEM Excursion

A day of curiosity, courage, creativity, and confidence! Recently some of our Year 8 STEM got the chance to explore the world of Engineering at the RMIT STEM City Experience. Students took part in engineering-themed workshops, toured the campus, and participated in an interview panel where they asked questions of RMIT STEM Ambassadors who are currently studying in the fields of Software, Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering.

Shane Nash

Year 10 VCD Students Respond to EMERGENCE[Y]

On Thursday 30 July, our Year 10 Visual Communication Design students travelled to the Science Centre of Excellence (SCoE) to participate in the Visualise It! workshop, where they explored the exciting intersection between art, science, technology and design.

As part of the workshop, students engaged with EMERGENCE[Y], the 2026 exhibition at Science Gallery Melbourne. Running from 6 June to 5 December, the exhibition brings together artists, scientists, technologists and collaborators from around the world to explore how we can adapt to a rapidly changing world.

The exhibition examines some of the major challenges and possibilities facing society, including ecological change, technological acceleration, social upheaval, sustainability, biotechnology, resilience and the future of life on Earth. Rather than simply presenting these issues as problems, EMERGENCE[Y] encourages visitors to consider how creativity, collaboration and adaptation might help us imagine and build different futures.

Students encountered a diverse range of artworks and installations exploring these ideas. Exhibits include a vertical city farm, experimental fungal fashion, regenerative coral soundscapes, investigations into stem cell science, climate-related works and explorations of First Nations knowledge of the Birrarung. The exhibition even extends from the microscopic world of cells and biotechnology to the planetary scale, including an artwork responding to the movement of winds on Mars.

One of the exhibition highlights is Australian artist Patricia Piccinini’s Still Life with Stem Cells, which considers the implications of advances in biotechnology and the possibilities for future generations. The exhibition also features a major new commission developed through Piccinini’s residency with Science Gallery Melbourne and researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Following their exploration of the exhibition, students were challenged to respond to EMERGENCE[Y] through visual communication. Working as designers, they developed their own poster concepts based on ideas that captured their attention. Students considered how imagery, typography, colour, composition and visual hierarchy could be used to communicate complex ideas and provoke a response from an audience.

The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for students to apply their VCD knowledge in an authentic setting. They were encouraged to move beyond simply observing the exhibition and instead interpret, question and communicate ideas through design.

The experience demonstrated how visual communication can play an important role in communicating issues that affect our future. It also highlighted the exciting possibilities that emerge when art, science and design come together.

The Year 10 students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, producing a diverse range of thoughtful and visually engaging poster responses. Their work demonstrated the creativity, critical thinking and design skills that are at the heart of Visual Communication Design.

Sandra Middleton

Vox Pop

Year 11 VCE VM Literacy students have been at it again!

Earlier in the year, our students completed a Live FM program, interviewing people connected with CHS, Coburg and the broader community.

This term, Year 11 VM Literacy has been learning all about persuasion - which, according to some parents, is a skill that a few of them clearly mastered much earlier in life!

Putting their interviewing skills into practice, our students hit the streets of Coburg to discuss a range of hot-button topics, including the cost of living, the upcoming election and youth crime.

While some students found it easy to approach and interview complete strangers, others had to overcome some significant nerves before mastering the art of the approach. It was fantastic to see them step outside their comfort zones and give it a go.

Check out the preview of their interviews. Once again, our students have impressed us with their enthusiasm, confidence, attitude and conduct!

Gary Vella

Netball

On Friday the 21st of August the Year 8 Girls Netball Team played in the Regional Round Robin Tournament at Latrobe Stadium. The team was coached once again by Salma, with Wilson supporting the team as the assistant coach. Whilst we did not advance to State, the girls continued to develop their skills and team play, being encouraged every step of the way by their wonderful coaches… It was a pleasure to manage this team, we will be back there again next year!

Kylie Saccone

Today we took the Year 8 Girls Netball Team to Regionals. Although we did not get the results we had hoped for, all of the girls gave it their best effort and we are so proud of them! Most importantly, everyone showed exceptional sportsmanship and had a great time. Overall, it was a great day, and we are very proud of the whole team…

Salma and Wilson

Coach & Assistant Coach

Athletics

Well done to all of the students who made it through to Regional Athletics, you all did an amazing job, and brought home so many medals!

Good luck to Wilson, Melmo, Will, Esme and Juliet who are through to States, we are cheering you on!

Brooke Wilson

Legal Studies

Year 11 VCE Legal Studies visits the Supreme Court

On a recent visit to the Supreme Court students got to speak to Justice Incerti who spoke about her career in law and the challenges she’s faced. We then watched a murder trial where the elements and defences to murder were being discussed. 

We then witnessed a civil trial, where the Judge was frustrated with one of the parties for not submitting some important documents earlier in the trial. She had to make a decision about how the costs of the trial would be allocated. 

Finally, the students got to browse the Law Library where many didn’t want to leave!

There are more visits planned next term for our other VCE classes. 

Elisa Smith

STEM

Neurodiverse STEM Enrichment Excursion – GTAC Curious Minds Program

In Week 10, a group of our Year 7–8 students had the opportunity to take part in a STEM Enrichment Program run by GTAC, supported by the Victorian Challenge Enrichment Series (VCES). Designed as a welcoming and interactive space for students to explore the life sciences, the day gave students the chance to rotate through four hands-on workshops featuring science and digital technologies not typically available in the classroom.

Guided by GTAC's STEM coaches - many of whom are practising scientists, and several of whom identify as neurodivergent themselves - students were able to choose the depth and breadth of their own learning journey, diving into open-ended tasks at their own pace. The learning focused on evolutionary biology, neuroscience, the role of design thinking in engineering, and genetics. 

Some students shared their highlights at the end of the day:

"My favourite part was the braille writing and being able to translate Yellow Submarine."

"I enjoyed the Tinkercad Lego building, where you built Lego on design software."

"I really enjoyed learning about the different kinds of STEM and the people who work in STEM fields. I liked the interactive stations and learning about how we can help animals through science."

"I loved learning about how researchers are working to find cures for diseases and more effective treatments by learning about how cells behave."

"I enjoyed being able to interact and learn with people that have a similar way of thinking to me."

Well done to the students who took part - it was wonderful to see them stepping out if their comfort zones, following their curiosity, and supporting one another on the day. 

Brigitte Rogan

Basketball 

Senior Boys Regional:

Our Senior Boys Basketball team headed out to Regionals recently, and honestly, I couldn't be more proud of how the boys played.

Even though we dropped all our games, every single matchup came right down to the wire, we lost each game by just 3 points. The effort and defense on display were unbelievable, proving we belong right up there with the best teams in the region.

A huge shoutout to Jontee and Hoth. Both were sidelined with injuries, but instead of just watching from the stands, they stepped up to the plate and coached the team from the sidelines. That kind of leadership and team-first mindset says everything about our squad. 

Another big shoutout about Javane's masterclass in our final game. Playing his final year in high school interschool sports, Javane left it all out there on the floor. He went red hot from deep, shooting 5 for 6 from 3pt land and keeping us right in the fight until the final buzzer. 

A valiant effort from our boys, looking forward to another opportunity next year.

Coaching/Scoring Team: Hoth B, Jontee W, and Jacob P 

Playing Squad:

• Roman B S
• Dan M
• Hash H
• Brendan M
• Archie O
• Grayson T
• Elliot W

Intermediate Boys Division:

Coburg High entered two squads into the Division tournament, and both the A and B teams put on an absolute clinic, finishing 2nd in their respective pools. 

Each team pulled off a solid 2-1 win loss record in the round robin, with every single loss coming down to a heart stopping 2pt margin.

Because of how the tournament played out, the two squads actually ended up facing off against each other in the finals, with the B team pulling through to claim the bragging rights this time around!

While the A team fell just two points short of advancing further in their pool, there’s zero reason for anyone to hang their heads. We went out there, competed with intensity, and sent a loud and clear message to every other school in the division that Coburg High will be right back next year. Scorers: Jack W and Josh H

A Team:

• Jack A
• Joshua B
• Archer B
• Louis C
• Angus D
• Jacob H
• Noah L
• Massimo P

B Team:

• James A
• Ollie A
• Will C
• Lennox H
• Seth R
• Isaac T
• Seb W
• Eli W
• Emmett W

Junior Boys (Year 7) Division: 

What a day for our Year 7 Boys Basketball teams!

Both teams came out with incredible energy, supported each other non stop, and brought absolute vibes from the first whistle to the final buzzer.

Our A Team went completely undefeated, capping off a dominant run by taking out the Division Flag with a massive 24-4 win over Ilim in the Grand Final. Despite the loudness of the crowd and the pressure, our boys pushed through with their selfless ball movement, lethal 3pt shooting, pickpocketing defence, and sheer mental toughness that set the standard all day long.

Not to be outdone, our B Team brought unmatched energy to the court and had easily the loudest bench at Mill Park. They fought for every possession, hit tough buckets down low in the interior, and while they ended up with one win out of three, their two losses were by thin 3 point margins.

The A Team now advances to Regionals next term. It’s going to be a tough step up, but they move forward with full belief and one mindset: "the only easy day was yesterday."

Coaching Team:

• Josh B
• Eli W

A Team:

• Oscar D
• George D
• Jarvis G
• Doron H
• Isaac J
• William J
• Henry M
• Reuben M-P
• Aidan W

B Team:

• Jem A
• Reuben B
• Benjamin H
• Remy L-H
• Griffin O
• Logan T
• Coen T
• Pippin W
• Arlo W

Chris Sanding

Year 8 Boys Basketball

On Monday the 14th of September, our Year 8A and 8B Boys Basketball Teams competed in the Divisional Round Robin Tournament at Mill Park Basketball Stadium.

The 8B team came very close to securing a win in several of their games, however they just could not get across the line. The boys played with grit and enthusiasm and the level of sportsmanship was outstanding.

The 8A team won each of their games throughout the round robin tournament and made their way to the final play off against Ilim College. The team won the final in a nail biter that went down to the wire, 19-17! The 8A team will now progress to the Regionals in Term 4…

Special thanks to our brilliant coaches Archer and Emmett for all of their hard work and dedication to the boys, throughout each of the trials, training sessions and especially on game day…

Kylie Saccone

Badminton

Last term, our Year 7 girls' badminton team (Penny C., Sonia L., Molly T., Matilda F., Eve W., Louisa K.) travelled to Glenroy College to compete in the Merri bek division tournament. The girls played well and emerged victorious as the Division Champions. After progressing to the Regional tournament at Darebin Community Sports Stadium, the girls placed 3rd in their pool, despite some close games. Although they did not progress further, they represented  Coburg High School well, and should be proud of their efforts.

Liam McMahon

Year 11 Gallery Talks

Recently Year 11 Art Making & Exhibiting students attended gallery talks at Daine Singer Gallery, Counihan Gallery, and Blak Dot Gallery.

Belinda Pringle

On the excursion we went to the Counihan Gallery, a public gallery run by Merri-bek City Council. We were able to see three different exhibitions in the space, there was from within the infinite flow, Ama Algorithmus and Ecologies of attention. Each explored the interconnected nature between technology, humans and the natural world. All three were very interesting to view and I would highly recommend going to visit.

With the excursion we were able to talk to a worker at the gallery who is responsible for curating each show. She shared valuable information about the process of curation, how ideas are formed and developed and how curators and artists work closely together to ensure that both of their visions are able to be shown. She was also able to tell us about the path that she took to become a curator and about her own art making practices which was very inspirational. 

Lu C