From the Principal 

As we move toward the end of Term 1, there is much to celebrate across the school. The past few weeks have been especially busy, with students and staff engaged in a wide range of activities that continue to build on the strong start to the year highlighted in our previous issue. Our Whole School Athletics Carnival was a highlight, with excellent participation and a strong display of House spirit across all year levels. 

This week, our Music students have headed off to their annual Music Camp from Wednesday to Friday. This camp provides a valuable opportunity for students to rehearse intensively with their ensembles, collaborate with peers, and further develop their performance skills. It is a fitting way to culminate a term of commitment and participation in the music program. 

Our senior students from Years 10 to 12 recently participated in Careers Expo and Careers Day, gaining valuable insights into future pathways and opportunities. I would like to thank the parents and community members who generously gave their time to share their experiences and support our students in exploring their aspirations. 

Thank you to our Year 7 families who attended the recent Parents as Partners evening. This was an important opportunity to strengthen the connection between home and school and to support students as they continue their transition into secondary school. 

Parent Student Teacher Conferences are taking place this week and next, both online and onsite. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for families and teachers to connect, discuss student progress, and identify ways to best support learning throughout the year. We encourage all families to take part in these important conversations. 

As we prepare for our School Open Day next week, I would like to acknowledge and thank our student leaders who continue to represent the school with pride. Their work in supporting tours and engaging with prospective families plays a vital role in showcasing our school community, particularly in this significant Centenary year. 

I would also like to thank families for their understanding and support during the recent industrial action undertaken by members of the Australian Education Union. We recognise that this may have caused some disruption, and we appreciate the cooperation of our community as we work towards a new agreement that supports and values the work of educators. 

This Thursday we will present the 2025 Annual Report to the School Community at the School Council meeting: 6pm in the School Library, followed by the Annual General Meeting where the new council will be formed. These are important opportunities to reflect on the achievements of the past year and to consider the future direction of the school. 

We were also pleased to see strong attendance at the recent Friends of Northcote TalkFest event. It was a highly engaging evening and a wonderful example of our community coming together. We look forward to further opportunities next term, including the much-anticipated Movie Night. 

This week we recognise Cultural Diversity Week, with students participating in a range of activities that celebrate the rich diversity of our school community. We thank the many students who are contributing to these celebrations. We also extend our warm wishes to families who have recently celebrated Eid, and to those preparing to celebrate Passover or Easter in the coming weeks. As the term draws to a close, these moments of celebration and reflection are a reminder of the strength and inclusivity of our community. 

As we approach the holiday break, I wish all students, staff, and families a safe and restful time. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an exciting Term 2 as our Centenary year continues. 

Chris Jones

Principal, Northcote High School