Principal's Report

As we reach the end of another rewarding school year, I want to take this opportunity to thank our entire school community for their support, commitment and care throughout 2025. It has been a year full of achievement, growth and connection across all year levels.

Our Year 12 students recently celebrated their graduation in a wonderful ceremony that reflected both their hard work and the strong sense of community they have built during their time here. We are proud of the way the class of 2025 have approached their studies and contributed to the life of the school. We also congratulate them on their VCE results. Once again, our school’s median study score is 30 - maintaining four consecutive years of achieving a result at or above the state average. In addition, we have again achieved an average mean ATAR above 70 for the fourth year in a row. We are proud of the range of subjects in which our students continue to excel, with fantastic performances across all domains. These outcomes affirm the strength of our teaching and learning programs and our continued focus on improvement.

For our students in years 7 to 11 End of Year Awards were held in the school’s auditorium as 90 students from years 7-11 were recognised over two ceremonies in December. End of Year awards celebrated outstanding efforts both inside and outside the classroom over the course of Semester 2. Specialist awards are presented to students who have made a significant impact to the culture of our school at each year level. 

This month we also had the pleasure of welcoming our new Year 7 students for 2026 through our Orientation Day program. The energy, curiosity and enthusiasm were on full display as students experienced a taste of a typical Thornbury High School day. We look forward to officially welcoming them and their families into our community next year.

I would like to sincerely thank all staff for their efforts and professionalism throughout 2025. Their ongoing commitment to our students’ learning, wellbeing and personal growth is what makes Thornbury High School such a vibrant and caring place. To those staff members who are moving on to new roles or adventures, we thank you for your contribution and wish you every success in the future.

A special mention must go to Christine Farmakis and Glenn Bason, two long-serving Science teachers who are retiring this year. Both have dedicated an incredible 40 years to teaching at Thornbury High School and have had a profound impact on hundreds - if not thousands - of students. Their work ethic and passion for teaching will be deeply missed, and we wish them all the very best for their well-earned retirement.

Finally, I wish all students, staff and families a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to another exciting year of learning and achievement in 2026.

Ryan Millar

Acting Principal