Delahey Campus 

Principal Message

Delahey Campus Term 3:

Delahey Campus: Driving Excellence and Shaping Futures

Term 3 has been a dynamic and productive period for our school community, marked by strategic planning, significant student milestones, and meaningful engagement across all campuses.

A key focus this term has been the School Review process, which provided an important opportunity to reflect on our achievements over the past four years. The leadership team has worked closely with staff, students, and families to shape the direction of our next School Strategic Plan (SSP). This plan will guide the college’s development and improvement through to 2029. We particularly commend the students who participated in various review panels. Their thoughtful, articulate contributions were deeply valued and reinforced our strong commitment to student voice as a foundation of decision-making at Copperfield College.

Our Year 11 students have continued to engage in a wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities, including the important process of selecting their subjects for Year 12 in 2026, laying the groundwork for their final years of secondary education. At the same time, our Year 12 students have entered the final semester of their schooling. We acknowledge their dedication, resilience, and determination as they approach their final assessments, submit VTAC applications, and begin to plan their post-school journeys.

This term has also seen a strengthening of our international and alumni connections. We were proud to welcome students and staff from Fuji Junior High School in Japan, enriching our school culture and fostering valuable intercultural exchange. In addition, several alumni returned to speak with senior students, offering insight into life after secondary school and sharing their personal journeys and professional experiences.

Year 11 Assembly Celebrates Semester 1 Success

The Year 11 cohort came together for a special assembly celebrating student achievement, growth, and dedication throughout Semester 1. Hosted by Student Leaders Billy Do and Charlina Trieu, with support from the student management team, the event honoured academic excellence, personal progress, and consistent effort across all subjects.

The atmosphere was one of pride and positivity. Students demonstrated outstanding behaviour, maturity, and genuine support for one another—reflecting a strong culture of respect and encouragement within the year level.

The assembly concluded with an address from Campus Principal Ms Dedes, who encouraged students to reflect on their progress and set purposeful goals for Semester 2. Reminding students that “If you do the work, you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life.” – Michael Jordan Congratulations to all award recipients, and to everyone who helped organise the event. Your dedication and hard work made this celebration possible.

Consistent Effort in 3 Subjects

Giuseppa Timpano   

General Mathematics

Psychology

Specialist Mathematics

George McFarlane 

Applied Computing

General Mathematics

Psychology

Marcus Randich 

Chemistry

Physics

Specialist Mathematics

Keira Heaviside

General Mathematics

Physics

Psychology

Consistent Effort in 4 Subjects

Audrey Chiodo

English

General Mathematics

Psychology

VET Health Services

Aden Mustafa

English

Mathematical Methods

Physics

Systems Engineering 

Academic Excellence Awards

John Nguyen 

VET Electrotechnology

Kyana Lay

VET Sports, Aquatic and Recreation

Scarlet Hadlow

VET Workplace Skills

Michaela Nel

VET Cookery

Holly Bordieri

VM Numeracy

Rihanna Bogoevski 

VM Personal Development Skills

Chala Ali

VM Work Related Skills

Dylan Paluch-Vinh

VM Literacy

Shayla Savage

VM Numeracy

Rhianna Borg                    

VM Literacy

Mason Rae

Applied Computing

Jessica Ho

Art Making

Ljiljana Cusumano

Biology

Keira Heaviside

Business Management 

Sachein Sugumar

Economics

Eden Hlawn Ceu 

English

Alice Do

English as Additional Language

Thi Giang Tien Tran

General Mathematics

Amani Al Hussaini

Health and Human Development

Marcus Randich

Mathematical Methods 

Alexander Putrino

Outdoor Environmental Studies

Tia Nguyen

Physical Education

Giuseppa Timpano 

Physics

Quan Tran

Specialist Mathematics

Angus Morgan 

Systems Engineering

Academic Excellence Awards 2 Subjects

Savion Cabanos

Accounting

Music Performance

Emilia Nedanovski

Business Management

General Mathematics

Dipita Chakraborty

Legal Studies

Psychology

Lara Tebbet

English

Food Studies

Hedra Dawood

VM Work Related Skills

VM Personal Development Skills

Kira De Silva

VM Work Related Skills

VM Personal Development Skills

Alapati Fuiava                                         

VM Numeracy                                         

VM Personal Development Skills     

Duong Luc

VM Literacy

VET Automotive

Academic Excellence Awards 3 Subjects

Cid Hy

General Mathematics

Psychology

Visual Communication Design

Jane Tran

Chemistry

Japanese

Mathematical Methods

Alanah Milley

English

Health and Human Development 

VET Health Services

Jonathan Trinh                                       

VM Work Related Skills                  

VM Literacy                                               

VM Numeracy                                          

Elizabeth Petrova

History

Legal Studies

English Language

International Student Program – Term 2 Highlights

This term, our International Student Program brought students together through two memorable events: a relaxed pizza lunch and an exciting ice skating outing. Both were filled with laughter, connection, and plenty of smiles. 

The pizza lunch offered a chance to unwind, meet new friends, and enjoy a sense of community. The ice-skating trip was a highlight, with students encouraging each other through wobbles and falls, celebrating every small victory on the ice. 

These shared experiences created lasting memories and strengthened the bonds within our international student community. We look forward to more moments like these in the future! Thank you to International Students Coordinator Mr Ha To for his work.

VET Students Showcase Leadership at Stevensville Athletics Carnival

Our Year 11 VET Sport, Aquatic and Recreation students recently played a key role in supporting Stevensville Primary School’s annual Athletics Carnival. Now a highlight on the school calendar for the past two years, the event reflects a strong and growing partnership between our two schools.

The carnival provided our students with a valuable opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting, while building essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and community engagement. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, maturity, and professionalism they displayed throughout the day.

A sincere thank you to Mr John Lam for his dedication and support in making this collaboration possible. We look forward to continuing this meaningful and rewarding partnership with Stevensville Primary School.

Year 12 VCE-VM Excursion to the Melbourne Career Expo

Year 12 VCE-VM students recently participated in the Melbourne Career Expo, Victoria’s leading careers event featuring over 150 exhibitors representing a broad range of industries. The expo provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore diverse career and education pathways. With representation from the trades, corporate sectors, tertiary education providers, and government agencies, students were able to engage directly with industry professionals and gain informed insights into potential post-school opportunities.

This excursion marked a significant step in supporting students as they begin to plan for their futures beyond secondary education, with many inspired by the pathways available to them in 2026 and beyond. We extend our sincere thanks to the Pathways Team for their organisation and ongoing support in guiding our students through this important stage of their learning journey.

Senior VCE-VM Students Support EB Research

Senior VCE-VM students proudly presented the proceeds of their fundraising efforts to Dan Mackerman from EB Research Partnership Australia (EBRP) — the largest not-for-profit organisation dedicated to funding research to treat and ultimately cure Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and debilitating genetic skin condition.

Their contribution will help advance vital research and bring hope to those living with EB.

Curriculum Day Focus: Enhancing Professional Practice and Staff Wellbeing

On July 30th, Copperfield College came together for its second Curriculum Day of the year,  a dynamic and purposeful event dedicated to deepening professional practice, strengthening collaboration, and promoting staff wellbeing.

All staff participated in focused professional learning sessions on School Wide Positive Behaviours – Classroom Systems and ESOS training. Teaching staff also continued their work on collaborative lesson planning, aligned with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0.

Meanwhile, our Educational Support Staff engaged in specialised training on conflict resolution, building capacity for positive and effective workplace communication. The day concluded with "Spark the Fun, Lead the Way" sessions,  a variety of wellbeing activities including Journaling, Board Games, Ceramic and Art Workshops, Knitting, Reading for Relaxation Yoga, and Walking Groups. These sessions reflected our ongoing commitment to both professional growth and staff wellbeing. 

Alumni Success Stories Inspire Current Students 

Copperfield College had the honour of welcoming back Joseph Alkarra, a distinguished alumnus, accomplished engineer, Dux of his cohort, Valedictorian, and proud Western Chances Alumni. Joseph’s remarkable journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. He stands as an inspiring role model for our current students.

Joseph arrived in Melbourne during Year 10, having fled the Syrian civil war with his family. He began his education at Copperfield College's Sydenham campus, facing the dual challenges of settling into a new country and learning a new language. Despite these significant hurdles, Joseph demonstrated unwavering perseverance, a strong passion for learning, and a tireless work ethic—ultimately achieving exceptional academic success.

In his Valedictory speech, Joseph expressed heartfelt gratitude to one of his most influential mentors, his mathematics teacher Olga Polovic-Lazovic, who reminded him that “mathematics is a universal language.” Her encouragement played a pivotal role in building his confidence and shaping his academic journey.

Joseph’s return to Copperfield College was a proud and inspiring moment for our community, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of supportive educators, inclusive education, and the courage to strive for excellence against all odds.

Copperfield College also extends sincere gratitude to Ryan Merlo (Class of 2022) and Chantelle Suntovski (Class of 2022) for their invaluable contribution to last term’s Year 9 Pathways Evening.

As esteemed alumni, their shared experiences and thoughtful insights provided meaningful inspiration to our current students, helping to illuminate the diverse possibilities that lie ahead as they begin to explore their own future pathways.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all our alumni for their generosity, leadership, and enduring commitment to guiding and inspiring the next generation of learners."

Delahey Campus Welcomes Fuji Junior High: A Day of Culture, Conversation and Learning

Copperfield College was delighted to welcome students and staff from Fuji Junior High School, continuing a treasured international partnership that has flourished since 1996. Host students from across our three campuses warmly reunited with their Fuji friends, many of whom they met during the 2024 exchange program. The visit was filled with joyful cultural activities, shared laughter, and moments of genuine connection—highlighting the strong friendships and mutual respect that have grown between our schools over the years.

At the Delahey Campus, we were honoured to welcome Principal Mr Saito, along with Fuji students who joined our VCE Japanese classes. Their presence offered valuable language support and brought an authentic cultural dimension to the learning experience. Mr Saito also visited our VCE VM classes, where students eagerly shared their educational journeys and gained new insights into Japanese school life and culture.

In addition, Mr Saito spent meaningful time with Copperfield staff, engaging in rich conversations about teaching, learning, and the shared values that unite our schools.

This visit was a heartwarming reminder of the lasting impact of cultural exchange, bringing people together, opening minds, and building friendships that reach far beyond the classroom.

We extend our best wishes to all staff, students, and families for Term 3. May the weeks ahead be marked by meaningful learning, steady progress, and shared achievement across our school community.

Ms. Soula Dedes and Dr. Michael Gruis 

Campus Principals- Delahey