Student Agency & Growth
Year 10 English - Uncle Charles Pakana Visit
Recently, our Year 10 English Elective, Indigenous Voices, had the very special opportunity to have Uncle Charles Pakana visit us and speak in front of our class. It was a very interesting and inspiring experience for everyone.
During his talk, Uncle Charles shared stories about his childhood growing up as a disconnected Aboriginal man and described his personal life journey. He explained to us that when he was growing up, he didn’t know where he came from or fully understand his identity as an Aboriginal person. As he grew older, he began learning more about his culture and background, which has helped him better understand who he is.
Uncle Charles also spoke about how he started a podcast to help share and spread the word about Aboriginal people in Victoria, aiming to help others understand their stories and gain more knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Overall, the visit was very meaningful and helpful for our class. We learned a lot to further our studies, and it inspired our class to learn more stories around the local Indigenous community and around Victoria.
Written by Jack B, Patrick T
Wear The Colours - Fly The Flag
On 4 March, we celebrated the first Red & Yellow Day, a nationwide celebration to recognise the thousands of Surf Life Saving volunteers who dedicate their time to keep our beaches safe.
Miss Turner and some of our actively patrolling students facilitated a first aid course at lunchtime, teaching students how to conduct a primary patient assessment and CPR. Thanks to Maddy and Charlotte Smith (Year 11, Everard House) and Sam Corbett (Year 11, Everard House), for their voluntary service and keeping us safe on Inverloch beach. And thanks to the students who chose to spend their lunchtime learning such valuables skills.
The Value of Morning Involve
In 2024, we introduced Morning Involve to our curriculum program across Years 7-10. Morning Involve is an extension of our fortnightly Involve sessions which are aimed at promoting the development of our young people’s social-emotional learning and personal growth through a range of focus areas. In the morning sessions, students focus on preparedness for learning, class connection, global citizenship and agency in learning. Morning Involve runs Tuesday-Friday, from 8:52 to 9:04am. As part of the planning for Involve, careful consideration is given to aligning students Involve teachers with either their core classes or teacher expertise in a particular year level. This is intended to enhance the student experience of this program.
Our 2025 Student Attitude to School Survey data indicates, quite positively, students across Years 7-10 are experiencing increased connectedness to school, including with staff and peers, as well as increased skills in self-regulation. In order for students to continue experiencing success in these crucial areas, it is essential that students are on time, present and engaged with Morning Involve each day. Attendance is an important determination student success in schooling and this includes attendance across all Involve sessions, Morning and Monday (fortnightly sessions).
Across the course of the year, both the sub-school teams and myself, will be monitoring engagement with the Involve program, and working with our young people to support them get the most out of the program’s offering. We look forward to your support of this crucial program; having a conversation with your young person/s about the importance of being present and fully engaged is a great way to start and build on their academic and wellbeing outcomes in 2026.
If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact Nadia Devlin (Student Agency and Growth Leader).
Respectful Relationships at Eltham High School
Respectful Relationships Education is a key part of the Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to Year 12. At Eltham High School, students participate in Respectful Relationships learning throughout their time with us, building skills in empathy, inclusion, equality and positive relationships.
This program supports our commitment to a safe and respectful school community for all. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Alice Mackinnon: Alice.mackinnon@education.vic.edu.au or
Nadia Devlin: Nadia.Devlin@education.vic.gov.au
Student Learning Goals
As part of our Start of Year Program, all students in Year 8-12 have set goals for learning and growth in Semester 1. These goals are now available for parents/carers to read via Compass Insights. There is a dedicated space for parents and carers to leave their young person a comment of support and recognition.
Setting SMART goals is a great way for our young people to set achievable targets for themselves, and be supported by the school to achieve these goals. These goals will be revisited as part of the Involve program multiple times throughout the semester.
If you have any questions about your child's goals, or require support to access these, please contact your child's Involve teacher via email, or Nadia Devlin (Student Agency and Growth Leader), nadia.devlin@education.vic.gov.au.
The 2026 Student Voice and Leadership Team
Congratulations to all students who have been appointed to a position for this year. We look forward to seeing all you achieve in 2026.
Applications for Junior Leaders will open this term. We encourage all students in Years 7 - 9 to consider joining our team.
Nadia Devlin, Student Agency & Growth Leader