With a Heavy Heart

We, together with the whole of Australia, share in the grief that follows the appalling events at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December.

We send our condolences to the families of those who died, and our thoughts are with those injured and their families.

We express our love for any in our school community directly impacted by these events and acknowledge that we are all affected by what occurred.

We say to our Jewish families and to our whole school community that these events only strengthen our resolve to do all we can to address and eliminate any and all forms of anti-Semitism.

If you think your child would benefit from additional support, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Student Achievement: Year 12 Results 2025

The Class of 2025 has achieved outstanding success in their VCE results, which were released early on Thursday 11 December.

Students were able to access their results and ATAR ranks, and we are delighted with their performance.

Most students undertook a scored VCE, and 11 percent of them-21 students in total-achieved an ATAR above 90. Two perfect study scores of 50 were also awarded, marking an outstanding accomplishment.

We congratulate our Dux, Isabelle Cromer (Skipper House), who achieved an ATAR rank of 98.10. Isabelle will pursue studies in Arts at the University of Melbourne.

While ATAR ranks are important for university entry, the true measure of success lies in the hard work, effort, and commitment shown by every student. Whether they completed a scored or unscored VCE, or undertook VCE-VM, each student demonstrated persistence and dedication that will serve them well in their future careers.

We are proud of what these students have achieved, not only in 2025 but throughout their six years at Eltham High School.

I commended the teachers, a dedicated and hardworking group of professionals who consistently put their students first. Their tireless efforts to support learning, understanding, and exam preparation created a dynamic and collaborative environment that enabled students to succeed.

Looking ahead, the next stage of the process will be the release of tertiary offers. Several students have already received early offers into their chosen courses, and we eagerly await further announcements in the coming weeks.

A special recognition goes to Emily Dickson (Skipper House), whose art folio has been shortlisted for the prestigious Top Arts Exhibition 2025. Emily will find out in January whether her work will be included in the exhibition, an achievement that reflects her talent and dedication.

The Class of 2025 has much to be proud of, and the school community celebrates their resilience, effort, and accomplishments. Their journey through secondary school has been marked by commitment and growth, and they now stand ready to embark on the next stage of their lives with confidence and pride.

Swim Squad Christmas Giving

The Eltham High School Swim Squad has a long tradition of raising money at Christmas time to provide gifts for the many people in our community who need this support. The student swimmers have been conducting an annual Lap-a-thon for the past 21 years (missing one covid year!) Each student seeks sponsorship for continuous laps swum in one hour at this event held in October.

Earlier in the year the students chose the Nillumbik ‘The Wishing Tree’ as the charity they wish to support. With the support of our students, the Lions Club of Eltham makes up meals which along with the presents purchased by the swimmers make up big hampers for families who may otherwise miss out on a special Christmas day.

In addition to the students and their families and friends, the project could not go ahead without the dedication of teachers, Phil Boyd and Michael Nicassio.

The Swim Squad is a co-curricular activity conducted on Thursday mornings starting at 7:00am and is open to all students. Contact Phil Boyd (Philip.Boyd@education.vic.gov.au) for more details

Thank you to all members of the Swim Squad for a great effort this year.

Farewells 2025

I wish to acknowledge the work of the following staff members who will be leaving Eltham High School this year:

Staff Retiring

Simon Maurdev
Sue Pickett
Neil Robinson
Lyn Davis

Staff taking extended leave

Stephen Ford
Tim Monigatti
Rashad Seedeen
Peter Seymour

Staff on Leave during 2025 and who are not returning to EHS

Laura Geary
Matthew Hapsberg
Lauren McNally
Amanda Saliba

Staff Leaving

Mark Bowden
Luke Giblett
Joanna Karanikolopoulos
Emily Kinns
Alex Leather
Alicia McKenzie
Adam Moar
Annie Nguyen
Zak Openstein
Allison Pollard
Chelsea Powell
Jenny Smith
Jane Thomas
Andie Weetman
Anthony Window

I thank all of them for their contribution to the education of our young people and wish them all the very best in the future.

I wish all of these staff the very best during their period of extended leave.

Several new staff will be joining us at the start of the new school year. I will introduce the new staff to you early in 2026.

End of the School Year

As the year ends, reflecting on the 2025 school year I can say that it has been yet another very busy year.

I congratulate all the students, the staff and families for your concerted effort and support.

We are all looking forward to the start of the 2026 school year, a year of Centenary Celebrations.

I am so proud of the partnership that we have built with the home and look forward to continuing to build this stronger in the coming year.

The last day for Years 9, 8 and 7, is Thursday 18 December. As is the case on the last day of Term, students will be dismissed at 2:30pm. I ask parents/guardians to organise safe travel home for the students.

Season’s Greetings

As we share the final Community Newsletter of 2025, I want to wish every member of our wonderful school community a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, safe New Year.

To our students: thank you for the energy, curiosity, and commitment you bring to your learning each day.

To our parents and families: your encouragement and support are the foundation of our strong school community.

To our staff: your care, dedication, and professionalism—both in the classroom and through co‑curricular programs—make Eltham High School a place where every student can thrive.

I am also deeply grateful to the Eltham High School Council for its tireless work in supporting initiatives that enrich the lives of our students. To the Council members, thank you for your ongoing support of me in my role as Principal—it is a privilege to lead such an extraordinary school.

May this festive season bring peace, joy, and togetherness to you and your families.

I look forward to continuing our journey together in 2026, building on the spirit of community that makes Eltham High School so special.

The 2026 School Year will begin in late January.

Teachers will return on Tuesday 27 January.

Tuesday and Wednesday 27 and 28 January are student free days.

Year 7 Students and VCE Students will return on Thursday 29 January.

(Year 10 students who are undertaking an enhancement subject are expected to attend on the 29 January if they have a class on this day and only during the period of the class).

The Whole School will be in attendance on Friday 30 January.

I look forward to our work together in 2026.

VINCENT SICARI, Principal

Arts

Online Exhibition 2025