Eltham High School Centenary Fete and Open Day

Our Centenary Fete and Open Day on 11 October were far more than a successful event. It was a celebration of community, connection and everything that makes Eltham High School such a special place.

From the moment the gates opened, the school was filled with a sense of joy and belonging. There were music, food, market stalls, rides, archival displays and videos showcasing our rich history. While these attractions helped create a vibrant atmosphere, it was the people who made the day truly memorable. Everywhere you looked, there were conversations, laughter, memories being shared, and new connections being formed.

Many alumni returned to reconnect with old friends and revisit the places that shaped their school years. Past and present staff, former and current parents, students and prospective families all came together to celebrate 100 years of Eltham High School. The warmth and pride that filled the school was unmistakable, reminding us that our history is not just about buildings or milestones, but about the generations of people who have been part of our story.

A particularly meaningful moment during the official proceedings was the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake. Our eldest former teacher, Hal Peck, one of our oldest alumni, Bev Ward, and our youngest Year 7 student, Ethanael Angesti, shared this honour together. Their participation beautifully reflected the connection between past, present and future generations of the Eltham High School community. We were also delighted to welcome our local State Member of Parliament, The Hon. Vicki Ward MP, who joined us for the occasion.

Another highlight was the performance of the original Eltham High School song. Alumni singers joined with our current school choir to lead the school community in a heartfelt rendition that brought generations together through a shared tradition. It was a powerful and memorable moment that captured the spirit of the day.

Events of this scale are only possible through the dedication and generosity of many people. While there are far too many individuals to thank by name, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of our centenary celebrations throughout the year. Whether you volunteered, performed, organised, attended or supported an event, you played an important part in creating something truly special.

We were pleased to recognise many of our volunteers at a thank-you lunch held on 19 October, and we particularly acknowledge Kate Scalzo and Nadia Devlin for their work in organising this occasion.

As we reflect on our centenary year, one thing is clear: the celebrations may be close to concluding, but the stories, memories, and connections created will continue long into the future.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone such a remarkable celebration of Eltham High School's past, present and future.

Final Week for the class of 2026

Our Year 12 students completed their formal education on Friday 16 October. A week of celebration preceded this final day, and students engaged in a series of activities and dress up themes that allowed them to express themselves and celebrate as a cohort.

I congratulate the Student Leaders led by our School Leaders Kate McRae and Jevon Dalton for their planning for the week and for bringing their plans to fruition.

The Year 12 students are now in Swot Vac and I take this opportunity to wish them all the very best as they prepare for and undertake their final exams.

From the start of this week to the day of the English Exam, all Year 12 teachers will be available to their students during their timetabled classes. Teachers will not be receiving replacement classes during this time. Further to this all Year 12 teachers will not be receiving any replacement classes for the five working days preceding their subject’s exam. This provides a great opportunity for the students to access their teachers as needed.

Students can also see teachers outside of this time but are advised to e-mail their teachers prior to coming into school.

I look forward to seeing the students at different time as they present for exams and then at the final Year 12 celebration, the Valedictory Night with their parents.

Centenary Art and Technology Exhibition

I extend a warm invitation to all members of our community to joins us for the Centenary Art and Technology Exhibition of student work, which will take place on Tuesday 17 November 2026. Preview from 6:00 pm Official Opening 7:00 pm.

The exceptional talents of our students will be on display and I am looking forward to the selection of the Wes Muir acquisition prize and the principal’s acquisition prize to add to the school’s art collection.

This is an exhibition that you do not want to miss, and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Mobile Phones and Personal Electronic Devices – Student Use

On Tuesday 20 October, a ministerial order was released which covers what schools must include in their local policy to comply with new legislation restricting personal electronic devices in schools.

The Victorian Parliament this year made changes to the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 to restrict personal electronic devices in all school sectors.

The changes build on the ministerial policy introduced in 2020 to ban student mobile phone use in Victorian public schools, with limited exceptions.

Under changes to the Act, all schools in Victoria, not just public schools, must have a policy restricting student use of personal electronic devices whilst the students are at school. This extends to smart glasses and wearable devices such as smart watches and headphones. This will become a minimum standard for school registration.

By the start of Term 1, 2027 (Thursday 28 January) schools must have in place a local policy restricting student use of electronic personal devices whilst students are at school.

I am alerting you to these changes now so that you can begin a conversation with your children at home.

We will begin to work on our new policy during this term in time for it to come into play by the start of the 2027 school year.

I will communicate more detailed information to you as we proceed with the development of the new policy which will replace our Mobile Phone policy.

Victorian Government Schools Agreement

The Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA 2026) has now been endorsed by the Fair Work Commission. The agreement will come into effect from 23 October 2026. However, there are elements in the agreement that will not be implemented until 2027.

I am pleased that this has all been resolved. However, there is still no word on the government committing to full funding of government schools. The Victorian government has not much time left and the Premier Ben Carroll needs to sign the funding agreement prior to moving into caretaker mode.

Schools need the help of their community to get the funding agreement signed.

What can you do?

You can e-mail, call, visit your local member of state parliament to voice your discontent and urge them to encourage the Premier to sign the funding agreement prior to the government moving into caretaker mode. We may have a chance if we all work together on this and all move in the one direction.

Full funding of our government schools will provide enhanced learning opportunities for all the young people in our care. Please act now before our young people get left behind once again.

VINCENT SICARI, Principal

Eltham High School Reminders, including:

Staff Outside of Work Hours
Mobile Phone Policy
Privacy
Student Accident Insurance
Approved Student Exchange Organisations
School Drop Off and Pick Up Times

Music

Melbourne Youth Orchestras 2027 Ensemble