Campus Principal Report
Here we are again, the pointy end of the ‘season’. Our 12’s have had a great night at their Graduation ceremony and are deeply ensconced in their exams and finishing off all their requirements. We all, as a College, wish them well.
The end of the year brings feelings of disappointment; your classes will change, you won’t be with exactly the same students and teachers next year, the fear of the unknown year ahead. BUT, it also brings excitement and anticipation: What does 2025 hold for me? Which teachers will I have? Who is going to be in my classes? What new wonders am I going to learn about? Who is my coordinator? A new broom sweeps clean, and all these questions and more will swirl through your head but be assured the school and your teachers will support you through all and any changes.
What I can suggest is give your best right up until we finish the year. Study hard, do your exams, hand in your work, basically just stay focussed. Give yourself the best base from which to launch 2025. Make 2025 your year to shine. No one wins at anything in life without doing the preparation. One of the best mottos in life is prepare to succeed, prepare to perform at your best, train yourself, just like an athlete does to compete.
One of the highest tenets of our College is respect. It flows through everything we do, try to achieve in our daily lives. Upholding respect in our school environment is essential for creating the positive, inclusive, and productive space we have where everyone feels valued and safe. In our College respect fosters open communication, understanding, and mutual support among students, parents, and staff. What should it mean to you? It should mean valuing others' opinions, treating everyone fairly, and listening actively. When respect is prioritised, we are more likely to engage in collaborative learning, develop empathy (the greatest of human gifts), and resolve conflicts peacefully. We should all recognise each student's unique strengths and challenges, encourage constructive feedback, and address disrespectful behaviour consistently and thoughtfully. By nurturing this culture of respect, we can lay the foundation for strong relationships and a lifelong commitment to treating others with kindness and dignity. Enjoy the remainder of 2024.
Mr Richard Hastings
Banksia Campus Principal
It’s been a busy but incredibly rewarding time, and I want to take a moment to celebrate our students, staff, and families who continue to make our community so vibrant and successful.
On Friday 25th November, we celebrated the incredible achievements of our Year 12 students at the prestigious Robert Blackwood Hall at Monash University. It was a night of pride, emotion, and celebration as we marked the end of 13 years of schooling for our students. A special thank you goes to Mr Boyd, Mr Sloan, Ms Phoebe Middlemast, and Ms Rochelle Laird-Smith for their exceptional effort in organising the event. It was a flawless evening, and their hard work was evident in every detail. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff who attended, offering unwavering support and encouragement to our graduates. To all those who helped bring this event to life, including the families who joined us to mark this milestone — thank you. I’m certain this night will remain a cherished memory for our students and their loved ones. A huge shout-out also goes to our College Symphonic Band, conducted by Lauren Pennefather. They were absolutely sensational, and their performance truly elevated the evening. What a talent we have amongst us!
Our Year 12 VCE students are in the midst of their VCAA exams. I’d like to commend Ms Wilson, Ms Naganivatu, Mr Alvarado and Mr Sloan for ensuring everything has run smoothly. The orderly and calm environment they create, has set a positive tone for the exam period. Wishing our Year 12 VCE students all the best for the exam period!!
We were thrilled to welcome nearly 500 guests to our Grade 6 Information Evening On Tuesday 29th October. The gym was buzzing with excitement as our future Year 7 students and their families gathered to learn more about what’s in store for them. A huge thank you to Ms Chris Merkli, Ms Hughes, Mr Fraser, and Ms Bardwell for running such a fantastic and informative session. Your efforts are deeply appreciated!
Our Year 11 VCE-VM students have been busy completing their Barista course and obtaining their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificates. These qualifications will support them as they pursue part-time work while continuing their studies. It’s fantastic to see them gaining practical skills that will serve them well in the future. Well done VM students and thank you to the teachers for organising these great experiences.
Our Year 11 VCE Music students recently showcased their incredible musical talent with solo performances. The students performed beautifully in front of their families and friends, and it was a joy to see them shine. Thank you to Ms Beardmore for her dedication in teaching this class, and to Mr Kenneth and Mr Rizopoulos for marking the students’ performances. It was a memorable occasion for all involved!
Our Year 8 Band students recently had the opportunity to perform at Keysborough Gardens Primary School, where they completed two fantastic hour-long performances. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the professionalism they demonstrated. Congratulations to all the students involved!
Finally, a big thank you to Ms Barwell and the Year 9 staff for organising the make-up days for our City Experience, after the earlier postponement due to protests in the city. The students had a blast during their two days in the city, completing a fun race around Melbourne and enjoying ice skating in the Docklands. By all accounts, it was an absolute success, and we’re so glad our students could make the most of this experience.
As we continue to wrap up this remarkable year, I’d like to thank every member of our school community for your hard work, dedication, and support. We have so much to be proud of, and I look forward to celebrating more achievements as we move towards the end of 2024 and Head Start.
Ms Fode
Acacia Campus Principal