Heads of Secondary Years' Report 

Dear Hazel Glen Community,

To say the last two weeks have been 'jam-packed' would be an understatement. I would like to firstly acknowledge and celebrate all staff and students involved in the College Production of 'Beauty and the Beast,' which was on show last week. As always, I am absolutely blown away by the talent and efforts of our students and dedicated staff crew.

I know for many in our community it brings a bittersweet feeling, with some of our first Hazel Glen Prep students graduating Year 12 this year, many of them forming a significant role in College Production over the years. A special mention to one of our Year 12 students who, despite enduring a sporting injury and requiring surgery the day before production, was still able to perform and participate. This is just one example of what production means to our community, and the sense of connectedness and belonging it creates.

Last week we also celebrated 'Book Week'. It is so much fun to see our staff and students get involved in activities and the dress-up. Events like this are another opportunity for positive connection, and we absolutely love seeing students get excited about reading. Stay tuned for the winner of our Creative Writing student competition to be announced shortly. We are proud that our Secondary Years staff and students still embrace and get involved in 'Book Week', despite it traditionally being more popular amongst Primary-aged students and schools.

Over the past two Monday afternoons, we have invited future Year 7 students from our local schools to participate in the Bridging the Gap program. This program has provided more opportunities for our 2027 Year 7s to build positive connections with each other, our staff and also develop a sense of familiarity in our College. Thank you to Mrs Meacham and Mr Evans for their planning of this initiative and to all of the Year Level Leaders and wider staff who have supported these students.

This week our Year 9 students headed off to Queen Victoria Market for their City experience. We repeatedly receive emails and messages of encouragement from the wider community who are commending our Year 9 students on their positive behaviour and attitude in the City. I am very proud of all of our students for the way they represent our College. 

We also celebrated Father's Day breakfast on Thursday this week. Thank you to families who came along to enjoy a meal and show their appreciation for all of the wonderful fathers and father figures that are a part of our community.  

Today our students involved in the North-Eastern Education Alliance Leadership Group participated in their second leadership workshop. We were proud to host this session at Hazel Glen and invite our colleagues and peers from local schools along to this event.

As we approach the last two weeks of the term, I'd like to remind students and families of important upcoming events. 

On Monday, we will come together as a Secondary Years for our final term assembly. The theme and focus for our assembly is Wellbeing, ahead of R U OK? Day on Thursday 10th September. 

Parent/Teacher interviews are running on Friday 11th September. You can visit Compass for booking information and details. Bookings will close on Wednesday 9th September.

Year 12 VCE students will be participating in their English trial exam on this day at school on site. We are very fortunate to have two accredited VCAA English examiners on staff, who will mark all of the practice exams and provide targeted and timely feedback to all students. This will be an invaluable support leading into their final exams in early Term 4. The upcoming holiday period will be referred to by our Year 12 staff as 'Study Break'. We expect that all Year 12 students who are completing exams are attending the College over the study break to complete practice exams. The College will facilitate these exams over the course of three days, from Wednesday 30th September to Friday 1st October.

Year 12 VCE-VM students and families are all invited to attend our inaugural VM Legacy Showcase. I'd like to thank Ms Baccini and Mr Rogneda for their planning and coordination of this event. We look forward to reflecting on the achievements of our VCE-VM students throughout their schooling journey.

I thank you again for taking the time to read our newsletter and catch up on all of the incredible things happening in our Secondary Years. 

Sincerely,

Mrs Alex Janceski

Head of Secondary Years - Teaching & Learning