Need to Know 

Over the past few weeks, our college community has been incredibly busy, and I must begin with an apology for missing our last newsletter edition. I spent the first week of term unwell with COVID and, like many people, found that recovery has taken longer than expected. Ironically, I tested positive on the very day I was due to receive my COVID vaccination. It was certainly not a pleasant illness and I am still experiencing some of the lingering after-effects.

It has been a timely reminder of the importance of staying up to date with both COVID and flu vaccinations, particularly as we head into winter. We also ask families to please keep students home when they are unwell. While we understand the pressures on families, preventing the spread of illness helps protect the wellbeing of both students and staff and ensures our classrooms remain productive learning environments.

Unfortunately, my illness meant I missed our annual ANZAC Day Service at the college. By all reports, it was an exceptionally moving and respectful occasion. I would particularly like to thank our College Captains for the leadership they showed in organising and conducting the event. I am always deeply impressed by the solemnity and maturity with which our students participate in ANZAC commemorations, both at school and at local community services where our student leaders represent the college with pride and dignity.

As the weather cools, a reminder that it is now very much “hoodie season” — however, hoodies are not permitted at school. For safety and security reasons, hoodies cannot be worn on campus, even with a parent note. Any hoodies brought to school will be confiscated and retained until the end of term unless collected earlier by a parent or carer. We appreciate families supporting us in maintaining consistent expectations around uniform.

I would also like to remind families not to park in, or use, the St Helena Kindergarten car park for drop-off or pick-up purposes. This creates significant difficulties for families attending the kindergarten, many of whom are managing babies and very young children. We appreciate your cooperation and consideration for our neighbours in the community.

A further reminder to carefully read all details included in Compass approvals for excursions and interschool sport events, particularly the listed return times. In many cases, these times differ from the normal school dismissal time. Where students return earlier than the end of the school day, supervision will be provided at school until normal dismissal. However, for events returning later than usual, families may need to make alternative arrangements for transport home. Please note that separate notifications will not be sent regarding scheduled late return times, as this information is provided within the Compass event approval details. Of course, if an event expected to return by normal dismissal time is delayed unexpectedly, families will be contacted directly.

Finally, I would like to remind students and families that participation in excursions and interschool sport is a privilege, not an automatic right. Students whose behaviour or attendance does not meet school expectations may be withdrawn from sporting events or other extracurricular opportunities. When students represent our college in the broader community, we must be confident that they do so in a manner that reflects our college values, standards and behavioural expectations.

Dare to be Excellent 

Liam Holmes

Congratulations to  Liam Holmes for his recognition in The Age newspaper for designing a Reforestation Rover in his Systems Engineering class. The affordable, remote-controlled rover digs, plants, and covers seeds to assist in reforestation efforts. He is showcasing this work at the Top Designs exhibition at Melbourne Museum.   This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Liam was a Year 11 student undertaking a Year 12 Systems Engineering when he completed this project.  

• Project: Reforestation Rover
• Study: VCE Systems Engineering (Units 3 & 4), 2025–2026
• Recognition: Selected for Top Designs at Melbourne Museum.

This achievement highlights his work alongside his teacher, Stewart Kneeshaw. 

Alex Nikolov

Well done to Alex Nikolov whose art work was recently featured in the  City of Whittlesea's 'Belong' art exhibition.   What a beautiful representation of one our iconic Australian creatures.  

Aimee Retief

Aimee recently competed in the u16 Hockey Nationals representing Victoria.  She had a great tournament. The incredible achievement is that she has now been nationally identified and has been selected in the Australian u16 Hockey Squad. At this level it is extremely competetive and Aimee is to be commended for her commitment and effort to her sport. 

Stay well this winter

There is an increased risk of respiratory illness during the winter months.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others. The earlier you and your school community get vaccinated, the better your protection heading into winter.

How to reduce the spread of respiratory illness

• wash or sanitise hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face
• cough or sneeze into your elbow
• stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed
• stay up to date with your influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations.

Face masks are available in our First Aid centre if students wish to wear them.  Some of our staff are doing so. 

Flu and RSV vaccinations

The flu can be serious, especially for children. Everyone aged 6 months and older should get the annual flu vaccine. 

RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing on antibodies. This reduces the risk of severe RSV illness in infants aged under 6 months by about 70%.  

The vaccine can safely be given at the same time as other vaccines recommended in pregnancy. These include flu, whooping cough, and COVID-19 vaccines. 

School community members can speak with their usual healthcare provider to see if this is right for them.

Find out more

For more information, refer to the Better Health Channel:

• Don’t risk the flu campaign, including information about flu and other vaccines. This information is available in different languages
• Be a Soapy Hero! – resources to help teach children about how to wash their hands properly.

If anyone has concerns about their health, they can:

• speak to their GP or pharmacist
• phone Nurse-on-Call: 1800 60 60 24.

For further enquiries, contact the Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division by email: health.advice@education.vic.gov.au

Support for Families 

Our school cares about the safety and wellbeing of our students and their families.   

Sometimes things at home or in a relationship are not OK or families can be worried about the wellbeing of their children or young people. 

The Orange Door can help you to get the support you need, quickly and easily. It’s free and you don’t need a referral. 

The Orange Door can help families. They provide support for concerns with parenting, relationships, and family violence. 

The Orange Door is a free intake and assessment service for: 

• families requiring support for their child or young person’s wellbeing or development  
• families needing parenting support  
• young, isolated, or unsupported families 
• individuals and families experiencing family violence 
• adults using family violence 

• young people using violence in the home.  

   

If you contact The Orange Door, they can help by: 

• working with you to identify the help and support you need 
• supporting you with the wellbeing and development of your child or young person 
• helping you make a safety plan if someone is making you feel unsafe 
• connecting you to services that can help like counselling, accommodation, mental health and drug and alcohol services, parenting support groups, services for children, financial help, or legal assistance 
• supporting you to access funding for basic living expenses and some other costs 

• supporting you to change abusive or controlling behaviour. 

   

Each Orange Door location across Victoria has their own phone number and email. Students and their families can also visit their local Orange Door in person for support, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm for support. No appointment is needed. 

To find your local service, see: The Orange Door – Support near you. 

Staff Merits 

Please use this link:  Staff Merit  – Fill out form