From the Principal's Desk

A Message from Ms Mackin

As the first term draws to a close, I would like to offer my own thanks to everyone who has made it such a success. The combined efforts of our staff - teaching, educational support and leadership - and our students, we have begun the year with both enthusiasm and productive engagement.

Some of you are already aware that I am going to be on Long Service Leave during Term 2. While I am looking forward to my first extended break since I started teaching, I am also of course rather disappointed about missing the many wonderful things that tend to happen during Term 2. Much of the planning for Term 2 is of course already underway, and I wish those who are doing that work (and those looking forward to the events themselves with anticipation) all the best.

In my absence, I am very pleased to announce that the school will be cared for by Ms Fiona de Zylva, who will be acting in my place throughout the term. She will be supported by Assistant Principal Ffion Bowles and by our newly appointed Acting Assistant Principal Mr Rian LaBrooy. 

Many of you will know Mr LaBrooy through is role as Director of Year 9 & 10. While he is taking on the role of Assistant Principal, his usual role will be fulfilled by Acting Director of Year 9 & 10 Mr Daniel Tommasini who will in turn be aided in his work by Ms Jane Denman. Ms Denman's role as Year 9 & 10 Coordinator will be expanded in scope while I am so as to ensure that those programs remain appropriately supported. 

Finally, the needs of the various classes affected by these changes will be expertly attended to by Ms Anita Punnoos, who will adjust her teaching load for this purpose, and by Ms Catherine Loel, a highly regarded educator who worked with Nossal High School for many years and to whom we are pleased to extend a hearty "Welcome back!" for the term.

 Every large-scale event is a demonstration of the fact that our school's success springs from our collective efficacy. This willingness of everyone to band together for the greater good of all is one of the most valuable elements of our school's culture; it is because I am secure in the knowledge that "this is how we do it" that I can confidently bid the school farewell for a short time. 

I wish you all the best in the coming months and look forward to hearing many stories of fruitful failurea and joyful learning upon my return.

Tracey Mackin

Principal

A Message from Ms Bowles

Term 1 Reflections

Term 1 is always an exciting and busy time, and I would like to thank our entire community for the ongoing support of learning at Nossal High School. A special acknowledgment must go to our incredible staff, who consistently provide an exemplary model of community, responsibility and excellence for our students. Their dedication and care are central to the success of our school.

Camps and Pathways Week

Camps and Pathways Week was a wonderful example of our community working together to ensure students experienced rich and meaningful learning opportunities. A personal highlight was the Year 11 Pathways Panel, where alumni and special guests spoke with students about planning pathways aligned with their values, embracing failure as a valuable form of learning, and expecting the unexpected. Further details can be found in the last edition of the newsletter.

Cross Country

Despite the challenges presented by roadworks and damp ground conditions, the annual Cross Country event was a success. Congratulations to all students who participated and thank you to our dedicated Physical Education team for their flexibility and commitment in delivering a well‑run event.

Year 12 Mentors

The Year 12 Mentor Barbecue marked the launch of our 2026 Mentor Program. Each Year 12 student is paired with a staff mentor who provides guidance and support throughout this important year. We sincerely thank our staff for offering this invaluable support to our senior students.

Reports and Parent Student Teacher Interviews

Student reports will be released on Thursday 2 April, with bookings for Parent Student Teacher Interviews opening on the same day via Compass. These interviews are a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school.

Interviews will be held in Week 1 of Term 2:

• Thursday 23 April, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm (School will conclude at 12:40 pm to allow teachers time to prepare)
• Friday 24 April, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

New School Council

The Nossal High School Council is our peak decision-making body and represents another strong example of community collaboration in support of student learning. On behalf of the Nossal community, I thank the outgoing 2025 Council members, acknowledge those continuing their service, and warmly welcome new members to the 2026 Council. We thank all members for their dedication and service.

The 2026 Nossal School Council consists of the following members:

• Ms Tracey Mackin (Executive Officer – Principal)
  • Ms Sivanthi Gurumothy (President)
  • Mr Knowles Tivendale (Vice President)
  • Mr Anoop Mathew (Treasurer)
  • Ms Ashley Gao (Parent Representative)
  • Mr Ishrath Batcha (Parent Representative)
  • Mr Mani Meenatchi Sundaram (Parent Representative)
  • Ms Tashi Mallawa (School Captain Representative – Co-opted)
  • Mr Darshawin Tan (School Captain Representative – Co-opted)
  • Mr Rishi Kumar (Student Representative – Elected)
  • Mr Kevin Hewavitharana (Student Representative – Elected)
  • Associated Professor Maria Gindidis (Monash Representative – Nominated)
  • Mr Andrew Somers (Rotary Representative – Co-opted)
  • Ms Lydia Sayer (Business Manager – Minute Taker)
  • Ms Ffion Bowles (Assistant Principal)
  • Ms Fiona de Zylva (DE Representative)
  • Mr Chris Sacco (DE Representative)
  • Mr John Baxter (DE Representative)

Sayonara to the 2026 Japanese Trip

Over the holidays, 17 students will commence their tour of Japan, visiting Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto. Students will experience daily life through homestays and attend classes at our sister school, Chosei Senior High School. These opportunities are made possible through the leadership of Ms Sumiyo Kamimura, supported by Ms Fiona Vanstan and Mr Ian Pegram. We wish everyone safe travels and look forward to sharing their experiences upon their return in Term 2.

Looking Ahead: Term 2

ANZAC Day Assembly

Term 2 will begin with one of the most significant assemblies of the year: the ANZAC Day Assembly. This will be held during Period 1 on Monday 20 April, the first day of term. It is an important occasion for reflection, and it is essential that all students arrive on time to be seated.

Winter Uniform

Families are reminded that we will transition to the Winter Uniform from the start of Term 2. As it has been some time since students last wore this uniform, some adjustments or tailoring may be required. If students are unable to wear the full winter uniform, a note from parents or guardians is required in line with the Uniform Policy.

The Parents and Friends Association second-hand uniform shop will be open before school on Tuesday 21 April, and then on the first Monday of each month for the remainder of the term.

Final Note

On behalf of the Nossal High School community, I would like to wish Principal Ms Tracey Mackin all the very best for her well-deserved long service leave in Term 2. I look forward to supporting Ms Fiona De Zylva in her role as Acting Principal next term.

I wish all members of our school community a safe and restful holiday break I and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Nossal on Monday 20 April.