From the Principal 

Celebrating Our Year 12 Students – The End of an Extraordinary Journey

As our Year 12 students reach the end of their secondary school journey, it’s a moment to pause and reflect on just how remarkable their path has been. For most of this cohort, their time at Cheltenham Secondary College began in 2020 as wide-eyed Year 7 students, a year that will forever be remembered for its global disruption and uncertainty.

By March 2020, classrooms across Victoria were closing, and our students were encouraged to take their books and belongings home each day, not knowing when they might return. The world was changing rapidly as the COVID-19 pandemic brought lockdowns, restrictions, and remote learning into our daily lives. It was a time when resilience, adaptability, and connection became more important than ever.

These students experienced the unique challenge of beginning their secondary schooling amid a global crisis. Yet through adversity came strength. They learned to connect virtually, to adapt quickly, and to support one another in ways that have shaped their character and perspective. What began as uncertainty evolved into courage and collaboration, a testament to the enduring spirit of this year level.

Over the years, they have grown together, forging friendships, celebrating achievements, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether through academic pursuits, creative expression, community involvement, or sport, this cohort has shown what it means to embrace opportunity and rise above challenge.

For our VCE Vocational Major (VM) students, their journey now concludes as they transition into apprenticeships, further study, and the workforce, ready to apply their skills and experiences beyond the school gates. For our VCE students, a few weeks remain as they prepare to sit their final exams, beginning with VCE English on Tuesday 28th October at 9am. We know they will approach this final stage with the same determination and commitment that they have defined their time with us.

We look forward to coming together as a community to celebrate the Class of 2025 at our Valedictory Ceremony on Wednesday 26th November, a special evening to honour their achievements, acknowledge their growth, and farewell them as proud graduates of Cheltenham Secondary College.

To our Year 12 students, thank you for your leadership, resilience, and contribution to our school community. You have left an indelible mark on our College, and we wish you every success as you take the next step into your future.

Acknowledging Our Staff – Dedication and Commitment Beyond Measure

As we celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students, it is also important to acknowledge the tireless work, dedication, and care of our teachers and staff who have guided them throughout their journey. Behind every success story stands a teacher who inspired, a mentor who encouraged, and a support staff member who quietly ensured everything ran smoothly.

From the first day of Year 7 in 2020, a year marked by remote learning, uncertainty, and change — our staff demonstrated unwavering professionalism and adaptability. They transformed lessons for online delivery, maintained meaningful connections with students through screens, and provided reassurance when the world felt unpredictable. That same commitment has continued through every subsequent year, ensuring our students not only recovered from those early disruptions but thrived.

Our VCE and VCE VM teachers, wellbeing team, careers advisors, education support staff, and leaders have worked collaboratively to prepare students for life beyond school, academically, socially, and emotionally. Their belief in every student’s potential has been the foundation of this cohort’s success.

To all our teachers and staff, thank you for your extraordinary contribution, your resilience through challenge, and your steadfast commitment to excellence. The strength, pride, and achievements of our graduating class are a reflection of your care and professionalism.

A Message to Our Year 12 Parents

To our Year 12 parents and families, thank you. Thank you for the trust you have placed in Cheltenham Secondary College and allowing us to walk this journey with you over the past six years. Your encouragement, patience, and partnership have been vital in helping our students reach this milestone.

As we reflect on their achievements, we also celebrate the families who have supported early mornings, late nights, study stresses, moments of disappointment and moments of triumph. Together, we have witnessed their growth from tentative Year 7 students in 2020 to confident young adults ready to take on the world.

We take immense pride in celebrating this moment as they now embark on the next phase of their journey, whether that be further study, work, travel, or new experiences. We wish them, and you, every success and happiness in the years ahead.

Karl Russell

Principal