From the Acting Head of Senior School

As we move into the final weeks of Term 2, the Senior School is buzzing with excitement and energy as our students prepare to take part in a number of major events and initiatives that will showcase both their talents and team spirit.

One of the most anticipated social events of the year, the Senior Formal, will take place tonight at the All Seasons. It promises to be a memorable night filled with music, dancing and friendship, giving our Year 10, 11 and 12 students an opportunity to come together and celebrate their achievements so far this year.

Meanwhile, rehearsals for the 2025 Senior School Production of Mamma Mia! are in full swing. With the curtain set to rise in the final week of Term 2, both cast and crew are committing long hours to perfecting choreography, lines, music and technical elements. Students from across the Senior School are showing outstanding dedication, and we’re excited to see their talents shine on stage.

Sporting excellence is also on display as our student athletes prepare for a competitive ICCES Winter Tour in Shepparton on 25 and 26 July. With the examination week behind them, training sessions are intensifying for students representing the school in basketball, netball, hockey and soccer, and it's been wonderful to see their commitment, spirit and growth both as individuals and as teams. 

Next week will also see all VCE Unit 3/4 students complete an important academic milestone as they sit the General Achievement Test (GAT). This pen-and-paper assessment, set by the VCAA, is compulsory for VCE students and plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the VCE system. While the GAT does not contribute directly to a student’s ATAR, it is used for several important purposes, including:

• verifying literacy and numeracy standards to ensure students meet statewide benchmarks
• providing a Derived Examination Score (DES) in cases where students are impacted by illness or significant disruption during exams
• assessing general skills and knowledge across a range of areas, including writing, maths, science, humanities and technology.

The test includes two written tasks and a series of multiple-choice questions, and we encourage students to approach the GAT with focus and confidence as an important piece of the broader VCE journey. 

As we prepare to enter Week 9, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Senior School community for a fantastic Semester 1. I look forward to an exciting end to Term 2 and a rewarding final semester ahead.

Mr Marcus Smalley

Acting Head of Senior School