Principal's report

Academic Assembly 

The College community will gather on Thursday, 6 August to recognise and celebrate the academic achievements and learning growth demonstrated by our students throughout Semester 1. This assembly is an important occasion, highlighting the value we place on excellence, personal growth, and meaningful engagement with the core purpose of the College: teaching and learning.

During the assembly, we will acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our students in Unit 3 VCE subjects and present the prestigious Chris Nolan Awards to those boys who have achieved results placing them within the top 10 per cent of their year level across all subjects. In addition, the Academic Endeavour Awards will recognise students who have demonstrated significant commitment to their learning through sustained engagement, improvement, and growth.

I look forward to celebrating these accomplishments and presenting awards to our deserving students and to welcome parents, carers, and extended family members who might join us for this special occasion. It is always a source of great pride to witness families sharing in the recognition of their sons’ academic progress, dedication, and success.

Parent Involvement in the Academic Journey

Parent-teacher interviews commenced this week and will continue over the coming weeks, as scheduled in the College calendar. These meetings provide an invaluable opportunity for parents, teachers and students to work together in support of each boy's academic progress. Through open and constructive conversations, parents gain meaningful insights into their son's learning, celebrate achievements, identify areas for growth, and develop shared strategies to maximise his success.

In the coming weeks, Year 10 students and their parents will also participate in subject selection interviews to discuss pathways for next year and beyond. These conversations are a significant milestone in each student's educational journey, helping boys make informed decisions about their VCE studies and future aspirations. Careful subject selection can have a lasting impact on future opportunities, and the guidance provided through these meetings is invaluable. I thank our parents and staff for their commitment to these important discussions and strongly encourage all families to participate fully.

Mr Miller, Head of Senior School, will also host an information evening for Year 12 students and their parents on Tuesday, 11 August to outline the VTAC application process for students intending to pursue tertiary study. This session will provide practical guidance on university applications, key timelines and admission requirements, ensuring that students and families are well informed as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey. I encourage all Year 12 families to attend this important event.

Beyond these formal opportunities, parents play a vital role in fostering academic engagement through everyday conversations at home. Taking the time to ask your son about what he is learning, discussing topics that interest and challenge him, encouraging consistent study habits, monitoring homework, and providing a supportive environment for learning all contribute significantly to his academic growth. These simple yet powerful actions reinforce the value of education and demonstrate that learning is a shared priority between home and school. When students know that their parents are genuinely interested in their learning, they are more likely to engage positively with their studies, develop confidence in their abilities, and strive to achieve their personal best as they prepare for life beyond the College.

Student Leadership Process

I spoke with all Year 11 students recently regarding the process towards the appointment of the Student Council for 2026-27. The Student Council is the group of senior student leaders at the College, consisting of the College Captain, Vice Captains, Captain of Boarding and Vice Captain of Boarding, the First Nations’ Student Leader, two House Captains for each of the College’s four Houses, and Touchstone Leaders. 

Year 11 students are asked to consider applying for one or more of these leadership roles and to submit a letter of application and, if shortlisted, attend an interview to discuss this further with relevant staff. All staff will be asked to provide feedback on those students who have applied and students in the Senior School (Years 10-12) will be asked to vote for these leadership roles in the weeks ahead. 

All students in Year 11 are eligible to apply for the Student Council leadership roles, regardless of how long they have attended the College. I look forward to meeting with those who apply in the weeks ahead to discuss their interest and how they see they would fulfill these leadership roles and contribute to the College community. 

The College will acknowledge and thank this year’s Student Council, led by College Captain George Charles and Vice Captains Cam Belleville and Taj Bobrowski at the Student Leadership Assembly on the last day of this term, Friday, 11 September. At this assembly, the new Student Council will be inducted into their roles and welcomed by the College.