Principal's Report
Student Achievement
Congratulations to Gabriel Jenkin Waters (Year 8, Stewart House) who on Monday evening, 27 November was elected captain of the Eltham CFA Junior Brigade. This is an amazing accolade and one to be very proud of.
I am certain that Gabriel will lead the Junior Brigade with passion and integrity. Knowing that our young people have an interest in giving back to the community and in such an admirable way demonstrates the hope that exists for a sustainable future of our planet.
It is appropriate to mention that the Eltham CFA are always looking for volunteers (junior and senior). A willingness to contribute in such an important way to our community brings its own level of satisfaction, and I know that our community is more than grateful for all that our CFA volunteers do.
Please contact the Eltham CFA if you would like more information about volunteering.
Well done Gabriel and a big thank you to the Eltham CFA for its ongoing support of our community
National Karate Championships
Congratulations to Sam Tindal (Year 7, Everard House) who on 18 November competed in the GKR National Karate Championships on the Gold Coast. Following on from the State Titles in September, Sam qualified in three events. Each event consisted of an average of five "knockout rounds" so Sam had to win each round to stay in the medals race. Sam won a National Title in his team and individual Kata events and finished a close silver medallist in Kumite (sparring).
You will remember that I wrote about Sam in a previous edition of the Newsletter when Sam had won State Titles. He is now a national champion!
I spoke with Sam late last week and he is now aiming for the World Championships. I wish Sam all the very best as he continues to chase his dream, knowing that with hard work and commitment this could become reality. Well done Sam.
2023 End of Year Program
As the end of year approaches there are a number of key dates and programs for families in Years 7-9 to be aware of. If you have any questions regarding these events please speak to the relevant sub school team leader.
Junior School (Year 7 only) - Melissa Hughes – melissa.hughes@education.vic.gov.au
Middle School (Years 8 & 9) - Ross McKinnon – ross.mckinnon@education.vic.gov.au
Classes will run as normal for all Year 7, 8 and 9 students with the exception of the special activities outlined below on key dates and for the year level(s) identified.
Key Dates
Friday 8/12 – Year 7 into Year 8 Step Up Day
Tuesday 12/12 Year 7 HJK Tech School Excursion
Wednesday 13/12 Year 7 EFG Tech School Excursion
Thursday 14/12 Year 7 ABCD Tech School Excursion
Friday 15/12: Last day of classes
Monday 18/12: Picnic and assembly
Tuesday 19/12: Alternative program and last day for students
Last Three Days Details
Friday 15/12: Classes run as normal on this day. Regular 3:05 finish.
Monday 18/12: End of year picnic and assembly run by sub schools. Regular 3:05 finish.
Tuesday 19/12: Alternative program and last day for students. End of term (2:30) finish.
Please note the canteen will be closed on the last day for students; all students are required to bring their own food. The schedule for the day is outlined below:
- P1 and 2: Classroom Pride and Conscientious Conservation – Weeding, mulching, and vegetable gardening. Classroom organisation and cleaning.
- P3 and 4: Film Screening
Year 12 Valedictory Evening
The Year 12 Valedictory Evening, which took place on Thursday 16 November was a great success and a wonderful celebration of the achievements of our VCE and VCE/VM students.
Our two school leaders Beau Duder and Alyssa Baker did an amazing job as MCs throughout the night. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of our two Valedictorians, Esther Macisaac and Beau Duder. They spoke of their experiences since starting high school and the influence that Eltham High School has had on their lives.
It was an evening of warmth, celebration and jubilation. I congratulate all our students for their hard work and effort and wish them all the very best with their future pathway.
Non-Gender Toilets
The new facilities project has been completed with hand over taking place today, 28 November. We are very happy with the new design, which will provide a greater sense of safety and belonging for all our students, but in particular the most vulnerable. There are some final touches to be done and so we envisage that the facilities will be in use from the start of the 2024 school year. A big thank you to Ben Dawes (School Maintenance) who oversaw most of this project.
Planning for 2024
It is at this time of the year when I put out a request for information from parents. Due to the high demand for places at the school, we have a number of students in Year 8-12 for 2024 waiting for a place in the school. Whilst we are mindful of managing student numbers, we do want to give students and families who want to be part of the Eltham High School Learning Community the opportunity to do so. However, we cannot offer a place until we are know that a vacancy exists.
Can I ask all parents of students currently in Year 7-11 to please communicate with us if you know that your child will definitely not be attending Eltham High School in 2024. This may be because you will be moving address, possibly moving interstate, or perhaps your child will be pursuing an enrolment in TAFE, into an apprenticeship or other pathway.
Please contact the relevant person below to provide this information only if you know that your child will not be attending Eltham High School in 2024.
Junior School (Year 7 only) - Mrs Melissa Hughes – melissa.hughes@education.vic.gov.au
Middle School (Years 8 & 9) - Mr Ross McKinnon – ross.mckinnon@education.vic.gov.au
Senior School (Years 10 & 11) - Ms Amanda Saliba – amanda.saliba@education.vic.gov.au
I thank you for your cooperation.
VINCENT SICARI, Principal