Senior School Report

Message from the 

Director of  Learning

Senior School 

Ms Helen Ifandis 

Welcome back to Term 2. My name is Helen Ifandis, I am the new Director of Learning for the Senior school. 

Having a strong background in education, proven leadership skills, and a passion for fostering growth and excellence in both students and fellow educators, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the continued success and advancement of the Westall Secondary College community.

The VCE years bring magical moments, treasured memories for life, and can be incredibly challenging. 

Our senior school educators play a crucial role in guiding, and supporting students as they prepare for their future endeavours. The expertise of our senior teachers, deliver curriculum that ensures students have a deep understanding of the subjects they are studying.

Assessments are designed to measure students’ understanding of the material and provide constructive feedback to enable growth.

Individualized support is provided to assist the VCE students who may need extra guidance, whether it’s through, tutoring, mentoring or providing resources for further study.

Career guidance assists students in exploring their career options, offering advice on course selection, college applications and career pathways.

Our expert senior teachers provide a supportive environment where students feel valued and encouraged to express themselves. They may also address social and emotional challenges student may face during their VCE years.

The senior teachers engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on the latest educational practices and trends, ensuring they can provide the best possible support to their students.

Our senior school staff play a multifaceted role in educating, and guiding students as they navigate their final year of secondary education and prepare for the next stage of their lives.

Meet our incredible Senior leadership team and staff:

(Left) Assistant Principal (Years 11-12)

Mr Jason Tickner

(Right) Assistant Principal (Vocational Major Years 9 &10)

Mr Travis McIntosh

(Left) Year 12 Coordinator

Ms Kristina Vasilakis

(Right) Year 11 Coordinator

Mr Kristian Gropel

(Left) Vocational Major Coordinator

Mr Jonathan Roberts

(Right) Senior School Education Support

Ms Vicky Karayiannis

(Left) Careers and Pathways

Ms Geraldine Borgonha

(Right) Headstart Coordinator 

Jane Jamieson

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Ms Lucy                Mr Phan                Mr Pham

Mr Tran           Mr Tugiono

VOCATIONAL MAJOR DEPARTMENT

Mr Bottomley        Mr Smith            Ms Yuan

ENGLISH / EAL DEPARTMENT

Ms Smetana         Mr Tarwarla       Ms Jarvis 

     Ms Papagianoppoulos      Ms Coeztee 

SCIENCES HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT

   Ms Buyya    Mr Chandrasegaran    Ms Nguyen

                Ms Stenning          Mr Richardson   

              Ms Rankin                     Mr Weston

TERM 2 VCE - KEY DATES

• Year 11 Exams  7th – 14 JUNE
• PUBLIC HOLIDAY – 10th JUNE KING’S BIRTHDAY
• YEAR 12 GENERAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST – 18 JUNE
• WESTALL EXPO 9am-12pm  – 30th MAY
• END OF UNITS 1 AND 3, TRANSITION TO UNITS 2 AND 3– WEEK 10, 11

Year 12 English Excursion – Immigration Museum and Ian Potter Centre

We are thrilled to share the wonderful experiences from our recent Year 12 English excursion to the Immigration Museum in Melbourne and the Ian Potter Museum. As part of their Creating Texts unit, students delved into the profound theme of 'Country', exploring its multifaceted meanings and implications within the Australian context.

Throughout the day, our students were immersed in thought-provoking exhibits that traced the rich tapestry of immigration to Australia. From the stories of those who embarked on arduous journeys seeking new beginnings to the poignant narratives of Indigenous Australians, the excursion provided a deep insight into the diverse ways in which individuals connect to the notion of 'Country'.

Students engaged with the exhibits with enthusiasm and curiosity, actively participating in discussions and reflecting on the profound questions raised by the displays. They grappled with the complexities of identity, belonging, and the enduring ties that bind people to the land.

We are immensely proud of our students for their exemplary behaviour and their eagerness to delve deep into the subject matter. Their respectful demeanour and active engagement truly exemplified their dedication to learning and their appreciation for the significance of the excursion.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mr. Peter Tarwala and Ms. Holly Parlanti for accompanying our students on this day! 

As our students continue to explore the power of words and narratives in shaping our understanding of 'Country', we look forward to witnessing the depth and insight they bring to their writing endeavours. 

Ms Helen Ifandis

Director of Learning - Senior School