Principal Report

A Busy End to the Term

Our senior students have now completed not only their final assessments and exams, but a full week of VCE Transition. Congratulations to all senior students on your hard work and commitment to doing your best work. It is now time to have a well-deserved break. 

Next week Year 9 students commence their exam period, after a busy end to their term. The inter-generational program was a resounding success, culminating with a very special High Tea. There were 50 invited guests from Warrandyte Gardens and Chirnside Park Views in attendance, plus staff from these organisations, Year 9 students, Mullum PS students, Sue Brophy as College Council President and John Roberts, representing the Department of Education. 

It was indeed a proud morning watching our Year 9 students interacting so positively with the residents, greeting them, serving them a delicious morning tea and engaging in meaningful conversations. It was clear from the outset that our students have benefitted enormously from this program. It was also heart-warming to hear from the residents about their positive interactions with our students and their high praise of this initiative. So many staff have been involved in this venture, however, I would like to acknowledge Adam as the leader of this program.

We are now busy preparing to welcome our 2026 Year 7 students to the College on Tuesday 9 December for the State-wide Orientation Day. Their Mentor Teachers, in particular, are looking forward to meeting their new students and getting to know them before next year begins.

There will be one last newsletter at the end of term, to celebrate student achievement, following our Presentation Night and the release of the VCE results. 

Changes to conditions for College Council Membership

From 2026, parents, carers and community members who would like to join the school council need a working with children (WWC) clearance to nominate. If you are considering nominating for school council, and don’t already have a WWCC, I encourage you to apply for a volunteer WWC check as soon as possible. This will allow for processing times, which are estimated to be from 3 to 12 weeks.

Please note that if you do not hold a WWC clearance, you will not be able to nominate for school council, so it is vital that you prepare in advance. Obtaining a WWC clearance is free for volunteers, and you can apply online at Service Victoria: https://service.vic.gov.au/services/working-with-children

When applying for your volunteer WWC check, please nominate the Department of Education as the organisation you are working for. If you already hold an employee WWC clearance, you do not need to obtain a volunteer WWC clearance to nominate for school council.

Victorian Institute of Teaching-registered teachers and school students who are interested in joining school council are not required to obtain a WWC clearance.

Current parents and community members of school council do not need to apply for a WWC check immediately. Current members only need a WWC clearance if their term ends and they wish to nominate or be co-opted again. For more information, refer to Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.