From the Principal's Desk

It’s hard to believe we’re already in Week 7 and nearing the end of Term 4! This time of year, is always busy, but it’s also an opportunity to pause and remind ourselves of the importance of looking after our wellbeing. Please take a moment to breathe, recharge, and support one another as we wrap up the year.
VCAA Exams
A huge congratulations to all our students who have completed their Unit 3 and 4 exams. You have worked incredibly hard, and we are proud of each and every one of you. Remember, the ATAR is just one pathway—there are many ways to reach your goals. If you need advice or reassurance, our Careers Practitioner and school services are here to help.
School Examinations
Our Years 9–11 students are now in their exam period, which finishes on 21 November. Students only need to attend for scheduled exams, but you are welcome to use school spaces for study if that helps you feel prepared.
Speech Night
One of the highlights of our year is coming up—Speech Night on 24 November at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University, at 7:00pm. This is a special evening where we celebrate excellence, leadership, and the spirit of our community. Most students will need to arrive by 5:30pm for roll marking (some earlier, as communicated via Compass). Because it is a late night, students will start school at 11:00am the next day.
Commencement and Exam Feedback
Looking ahead, our Commencement Program runs from 25–27 November, giving students a chance to connect with their classes for next year and receive important information about learning and assessment. Exam feedback will take place on 28 November and 1 December, which will be the final day for Year 10 and 11 students.
Valedictorian Dinner
On 2 December, we will gather at the Pullman, Albert Park for the Valedictorian Dinner—a beautiful celebration of our Year 12 students as they complete their Nossal journey. It is always a memorable evening full of pride and joy.
Year 9 Program
Our Year 9 students have had an exciting year exploring big questions through the Nossal Extended Research & Discovery (NERD) Project: “What should a cohesive society look like in Australia? How do we build community in a divided world?”
Their presentations will showcase creativity and deep thinking—we can’t wait to see them!
Other highlights include:
- Terry Bennett Cup with Suzanne Cory on 5 December—a day of fun and friendly competition.
- Year 9 Big Day Out on 8 December to celebrate their first year at Nossal.
Other Events & Reminders
The second-hand book sale will be held on Saturday 29 November, 9:00am–11:30am in the Gym. Please note that items to sell fast!
Rotary Charity Collection
For the last five years, the Berwick Rotary Club have asked the Nossal community to assist them in providing food and Christmas Gifts for local families in need. This year, they are seeing much greater demand than ever in the number of people needing support in our community. Every item we place into the collection basket is delivered directly to needy local families
Please donate non-perishable food items, toys or gifts, or any helpful item or product (new, unused) and place it in the basket opposite the canteen near 1.4.
Donations of School Uniform
As the year is quickly wrapping up, parents of Year 12 students are advised to please consider donating their school uniform (especially ties!) to the school. Once Speech Night is completed most students will not need their uniform, and it would be a good opportunity to donate them to us.
These donations allow us to support students who need them and restock our uniform cupboard (which we are sure many students have raided from time to time). There is a large yellow bin outside the Communications office near the Canteen or it could be left in the front office.
As we head into these final weeks, let’s celebrate our achievements, support each other, and finish the year on a high note. Thank you for being part of this incredible community—I look forward to seeing many of you at Speech Night and other end-of-year events.

