Senior School Principal

Now that the Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences were held yesterday, we hope that students and families were able to spend valuable time connecting with staff. These conversations are an important opportunity for students to reflect on their progress, celebrate growth, and identify areas for improvement. By discussing learning habits, strengths, and next steps together, families and teachers can support students in setting purposeful goals that will guide them through the remainder of the year.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

Earlier this month, our College Captains, Emma Campbell and Heidi Cowie, and College Principal Jackie Harris and I had the privilege of attending the Maroondah City Council International Women’s Day Breakfast. The event brought together community leaders, local organisations, and students to celebrate women’s achievements and reflect on the ongoing work toward gender equality.

This year’s International Women’s Day Breakfast welcomed Leonie Bailey as the keynote speaker. Leonie shared insights into her leadership at Dress for Success Victoria, outlining the organisation’s expanding reach across regional communities and its work with the Department of Corrections to support women in Victoria’s correctional facilities. She also spoke about the vital programs Dress for Success provides to help women prepare for employment, particularly those rebuilding their lives after family or domestic violence or settling into Australia as refugees.

Leonie’s connection to our local area added a special touch to the morning. She grew up in Croydon and attended Ringwood East Primary School, Croydon West High School (now Melba College), and later completed her matriculation at Norwood High School. She expressed her genuine pleasure at returning to the community that shaped her early years.

Aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, 'Give to Gain', I encourage you to support Dress for Success by donating new or gently used clothing or shoes. High‑quality workplace and smart‑casual attire in a range of sizes is especially helpful and directly contributes to empowering women to step confidently into new opportunities.

 We thank Maroondah City Council for hosting such a meaningful event and for providing our students with the opportunity to participate in this important community conversation.

Elevate Education: AI Foundations

On Wednesday 11 March, our Year 10 students took part in a mentoring session delivered by Elevate Education, focusing on the topic of 'AI Foundations.' This workshop introduced students to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and explored how AI is shaping learning, work, and everyday life.

Throughout the session, students were guided through practical examples of how AI tools operate, the opportunities they create, and the importance of using them responsibly. Elevate’s presenters encouraged students to think critically about the role of AI in their own study habits, including how to use technology to support learning while still developing strong independent thinking skills.

The workshop also prompted students to consider the ethical dimensions of AI, such as data privacy, digital footprints, and the importance of human judgement. Our Year 10 cohort engaged thoughtfully with the material and asked insightful questions. We look forward to building on this learning as students continue to develop the skills they need to navigate a future where AI will play an increasingly significant role.

Courts, Parliaments and Markets

On Friday 13 March, I had the pleasure of accompanying our Year 10 Courts, Parliaments and Markets class on a tour of the State Parliament House. The visit was hosted by Nick McGowan MP, who provided students with an engaging look into the workings of our state’s democratic system.

Students explored the building, learned about parliamentary procedures, and gained a clearer understanding of how laws are debated and passed. They were particularly impressive during the Q & A segment, where they posed a series of thoughtful and at times hard‑hitting, questions about decision‑making, and the responsibilities of elected officials. 

A special thank you goes to Jessica Bishop, who organised the excursion and ensured the students had such a valuable learning experience. Opportunities like this help bring Civics Education to life, and our Year 10 students represented the school with maturity and genuine interest throughout the visit.

VCE VM Leadership Games

Earlier today, our VCE VM students visited Mullum Primary School to share a range of games they designed themselves as part of their Personal Development studies. This unit of work focuses on building leadership, communication and teamwork, and the visit served as a wonderful culmination of everything the students have been learning.

As part of their preparation, the students also ran a practice session with our Year 7 and 8 students, refining their instructions, organisation, and facilitation skills.

The games proved to be both engaging and creative, with activities such as Golden Child, Footy Island, Kick Ball, Multisport, and Capture the Chicken enthusiastically received by the younger students.

Our VCE VM students represented the College exceptionally well, demonstrating confidence and collaboration. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved through this experience.

As we head into the Easter break, we wish all families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday period. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones, travelling, or simply taking a well‑earned pause, we hope the break offers a chance to recharge before we return for a busy and exciting Term 2!