Maroondah Youth Awards

Last Thursday, twenty-seven Norwood students had the honour of being recognised with a Maroondah Youth Award. Presented by the Maroondah Council for Leadership, Creativity, Teamwork and Perseverance, it was great to see so many members of our school community consistently reflecting these values. Those attending got to experience a range of live performances, including some beautiful singing from our very own Alex Bennett!

Congratulations to the following students:

Creativity: Alex Bennett, Aoife Fegan, Bonnie Murray, Elana Tran, Hayley Tonkin, Kiara Thomsen, Lachlan Matheson.

Leadership: Eden Bartkus, Ella Banful, Heidi Cowie, Jasmine Freeman, Landon Beard, Bronson Aukstin, Taha Haddarah.

Perseverance: Chayce Couscouris, Indi Callaghan, Koby Rodriquez, Taj Hurrell, Della Wintle, Kye Kent.

Teamwork: Gabriella Conversano, Ruby Simpkins, Emma Campbell, Marissa Wilkie, Sarah Otten, Sienna Lomax, Sophia Allam.

- Article by Bonnie Murray

Introducing our 2026 Prefect Team

Hi I'm Emma and I'm one of the Environment Captains in 2026.

A quote worth remembering is …. “Carpe diem”, which means “seize the day”. I think this is important to remind yourself to be productive and make the most out of the day.

In 2026, I am most looking forward to …. the dress up days, especially dressing up for athletics and the swimming carnival. I am also looking forward to making an impact as environment prefect. Through this role, I am hoping to encourage other students to make a positive impact on our environment.

I'm Kara, one of the Environment Captains for next year.

The best piece of advice I have been given is... ‘stressing means you care’. It was said to me by an amazing teacher and really taught me to control and think about what I’m feeling and how I’m expressing my emotions. It's been really helpful with VCE SACs and exams and just general life in managing my stress about those events

My favourite school experience was... my three week expedition to Borneo, getting to travel and have so many new and exciting experiences all at once is something I will cherish. It was so different from anything I’ve done before, embracing new communities and cultures and getting to connect with nature and those around me during that time was so special.

Hello! I’m Bonnie and I’m so excited to be your Performing Arts Prefect for 2026!

My favourite school experience was... Year 9 City Experience. While it was a little while ago, I still remember it as being a super fun week! I loved getting to do new things every day and spending more time with my friends, but I also really enjoyed exploring more of Melbourne and seeing all the beautiful things we have in our city!

My favourite thing to do in my spare time is... read. My favourite genres would have to be fantasy, sci-fi and mystery. I also love playing music and have been learning the viola for five years through the school. I find stretching my creative muscles is a really good way to unwind after a long day!

Hi, I'm Ollie and I will be one of the Sports Prefects.

The best movie of all time would have to be …. The Waterboy.

My favourite school experience was... the Year 11 Central Australia Tour because I was able to travel with all of my best mates.

I'm Ava, one of next year's Sports Prefects.

When I finish school I hope to... attend Melbourne Uni and complete a Bachelor of Science, then go onto peruse medicine specializing in orthopedic surgery. Norwood has given me the opportunity to broaden my love for science and I want to turn that passion into a career.

My favourite school experience was... Year 10 Snow Camp. Outside of school I ski regularly at Mt Buller recreationally and competitively, Snow Camp was a chance to share my love for the snow with all my friends and create unforgettable memories.

My name is Milly, and I am really excited to be one of the Sports Prefects for 2026.

When I finish school... I hope to be a paediatric nurse, helping families and caring for children when they are unwell.

My favourite thing to do in my spare time is... playing football, I have played for North Ringwood Football Club for the past four seasons. I also love getting outside and running, this year I ran my first half marathon.

I am looking forward to being part of Norwood’s leadership team and being part of all the amazing sporting activities next year!

I’m Koby, one of the 2026 SRC prefects!

When I finish school, I hope to... go into a patisserie apprenticeship where I learn the finer details of baking. This will help me become a qualified chef which will lead to my biggest goal of opening my own bakery with the main purpose of supporting and employing people with disabilities.

A quote worth remembering is... “you can’t judge a fish on how well it can climb a tree”. This quote has helped me understand that I may not be good at particular things compared to other students but that is ok because it’s not my thing. I think it's a good sentiment to have because no one is going to be perfect at everything. We will always have our specialties and areas to improve on.

I'm Hayley, one of the SRC prefects in 2026.

A quote worth remembering is… “You miss 100% of the shots you never take”. This is my favourite quote because I think it is important to remember that it is better to try and fail than not give it a go in the first place, because you never know what you can do unless you try.

My favourite school experience is… when I was given the opportunity to perform with students of our music department and other schools students across North Eastern Victoria in the NEVR Youth concert from 2023 and 2024 which was performed at Hamer Hall and consisted of junior and senior ensembles as well as orchestras.

My name is Sophia and I am so excited for the opportunity to be a Wellbeing Prefect in 2026!

When I finish school I hope to... become a primary school teacher. I’m passionate about fun and engaging learning and am excited to work with children to help make their early learning years an exciting and memorable experience. I believe that a positive start to education can shape a child’s confidence and love of learning for life.

My favourite school experience would 100% have to be... the once in a life time opportunity of participating in the 21 day World Challenge Expedition to Borneo, Malaysia. This journey brought me new perspectives on life, the chance to give aid to less fortunate communities, make new friends and experience new cultures. It taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone.

Hi, I’m Sienna and I couldn’t be more grateful to be one of your 2026 Wellness Prefects!

The best piece of advice I have ever been given is... to look for reasons to smile, a sentiment I try to live by.

In 2026 I am most excited for... Wellness Wednesdays each week, as well as getting to know everyone better and being a friendly face around our school.

Date:	Event:
Monday 8 December 2025	Year 9 Exams
Tuesday 9 December 2025	2026 Year 7 Orientation Day
	Year 9 Study Day - Not required at school
Wednesday 10 December 2025	Year 9 Exams
Thursday 11 December 2025	Celebration Day - Funfields Years 7,8 & 9
Tuesday 16 December 2025	Presentation Night - 7pm Gym
Wednesday 28 January 2026	Term 1 Day 1 - Years 7, 10, 11, & 12
Thursday 29 January 2026	Term 1 Day 1 - Years 8 & 9

Important Dates