As we reach the end of Term 2, I would like to congratulate our staff and students on what has been a highly successful and productive term. The past few weeks have been particularly busy, and I have been consistently impressed by the way members of our school community have embraced every opportunity while continuing to uphold the values of our school community.

A particular personal highlight for me in the closing weeks of term was my participation in the selection process for our next group of Junior School captains. There were a large number of applications this year – an indicator that a positive, values driven culture of empathy, agency and service to community is alive and well in our junior secondary school. I was impressed with the leadership speeches that applicants delivered to students at our week 10 assembly and noted also the attentiveness of the audience as preparations progressed for students to engage in voting.

Finally, I had the privilege of participating in the process to interview applicants and guide them in an opportunity to tell us more about their views of leadership, the enactment of what we value and the personal character strengths that they would bring to the role. The students were self-aware and articulate. They spoke about leadership as seeking to understand the world through the eyes of others and shared their desire to make contributions that would ensure all students are comfortable, supported and feel they belong in our school.

My thanks go to Mr Josh Blakey and Ms Gouri Sharma for their work guiding and assisting the applicants and to all the staff and students for their attentiveness and active participation in the process.

As I look back and reflect upon the efforts of our staff and students across this term I am reminded of the many exciting events and outstanding achievements we have to celebrate and reflect upon as we leave school this week to relax and enjoy a well-earned break.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

In week 9, our school community came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week through a whole-school assembly and a range of activities delivered during Connect classes. These experiences provided students with opportunities to learn, reflect and celebrate the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The week concluded with a Kangaroo Sausage Sizzle fundraiser, which was enthusiastically supported by students and staff and provided a wonderful way to finish the celebrations.

Year 10 Careers Day

Our Year 10 students participated in Careers Day. Here at school students had the opportunity to explore a breadth of different industries, careers, and jobs with an eye towards their future pathways and goals. Students engaged in rotations with specialists from a number of industries such as IT, health, finance, trades, engineering and law. Many thanks to our Pathways and Performance team for organising the day and to all our specialists that attended for being so generous with their time, insights, and care.

Year 11 Camp

Our Year 11 students were away from school at camp during week 10, experiencing a range of exciting locations. Through activities such as surfing, paddling and outdoor challenges, students strengthened friendships, developed leadership skills and created lasting memories. Camps such as these play an important role in building confidence, teamwork and a strong sense of belonging as students move towards their senior year.

Year 12 – 100 Days to Go

Our Year 12 students recently celebrated the milestone of 100 Days to Go until graduation. The day included a range of activities and a BBQ on the oval, providing students with an opportunity to come together and reflect on their journey so far. It is an exciting reminder that the finish line is now in sight, and we look forward to supporting our seniors through the final stages of their schooling.

Music Success

It was fantastic to see 80 of our students from four of our wonderful music ensembles selected for the regional final of Fanfare held at the Old Museum Building this week. Congratulations to the students who proudly represented our school and performed at this very high level. Special thanks to our staff members Jeff Jarrott, Christine Elsworth, Jamie-Lee Zhang and Katrina Fawns for their dedication to the leadership of these student groups.

EVP Success

Our Elite Volleyball Program had an outstanding Term 2, achieving the highest overall placing in the state at the Intermediate Schools Cup, highlighted by gold medals in both Year 9 and Year 10 Boys Honours. We also celebrated 18 student selections in youth state training squads, with 13 progressing to shadow or travelling squads for the upcoming Australian Youth Championships. Adding to this success, five students have been selected to compete in an Australian youth squad at the Australian Junior Championships, reflecting the strength of our program and the continued identification and development of emerging young talent.

Year 7–9 Enhancement Day

On the last day of term, our Year 7, 8 and 9 students participated in Enhancement Day, a much-anticipated opportunity to celebrate the end of term while building connections and trying something new. Activities included drumming workshops, cup stacking and a variety of other engaging experiences designed to challenge, inspire and entertain.

We were privileged to welcome Seamus Evans as our special guest speaker on the day. Seamus has presented to more than 214 schools across Australia, sharing his powerful story of overcoming challenges associated with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD. His journey from struggling student to successful radio personality and television presenter is a testament to perseverance, resilience and self-belief. I know our students will take great inspiration from his message.

Looking Ahead

Term 2 has been filled with learning, achievement, service and connection. As we head into the holiday break, I encourage all students to take time to rest, recharge and enjoy time with family and friends.

Thank you to our students, staff and families for another fantastic term. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for what promises to be an exciting and rewarding second half of the year.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

Deputy Principals