From the Principal's Desk

Educational Support Week

Next week, from Monday 18 to Friday 22 May, Nossal High School proudly celebrates Education Support Week. This is an opportunity to recognise and thank the remarkable ES staff who are an integral part of our organisation. 

From our first aid and attendance officers, psychologists and wellbeing staff, careers and pathways staff, administrative and communications staff, IT, Food and Laboratory support team, maintenance team and instrumental music staff, every member of our education support community brings expertise, dedication, and genuine care to their role.

Some of our dedicated Education Support staff as shown below:

These professionals are the backbone of our school, quietly and consistently ensuring that Nossal is a safe, inclusive, and effective place to learn and grow. Their contributions may not always be visible to the wider community, but they are felt every single day by students, families, and teaching staff alike. To our entire ES team: thank you. We are so grateful for all that you do. 

Professional Learning Day

Our whole-school Professional Development session on Monday 11 May focused on cognitive science, agency, and how the Nossal Learning Model reflects our commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. Our Professional Learning and Pedagogy team, led by myself and Mr Clark (Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy), were joined again by guest speaker Dr Ryan Dunn.

Dr Dunn, a lecturer at the University of Melbourne, specialises in teacher professional learning, educational leadership, practitioner research, and design thinking.

The practical strategies discussed during the morning supported our teachers’ ongoing improvement work in Professional Learning Communities. Through this learning, staff continue to strengthen the conditions for learning so more students can think deeply and take greater ownership of their progress. It is inspiring to see our staff so engaged in honing their practice—we are a community where the value of learning is embedded in all that we do.

Nossal Has Talent

I have had the privilege of seeing our students perform twice so far this term. On Saturday 2 May, I was very impressed by the joint Nossal High School and Casey Concert Band Autumn Afternoon Concert. It was a joy to watch our students perform alongside seasoned professionals, and a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community. 

The following Wednesday, I attended the fantastic student-led production of 12 Angry Jurors by our senior Theatre Studies students. There are many opportunities coming up to celebrate our students, including our Autumn Concert on 27 May and our school production of Twelfth Night on 4, 5 and 6 June. Tickets are available via Compass. I look forward to coming together with our wider community to support our talented students.

Morrisby career interviews

As part of our ongoing careers education program, Year 9 students and their families were invited to attend a one-on-one interview with an external careers consultant to discuss the results of the profiling assessment completed earlier this year, and to explore possible pathways. The Morrisby tool supports students to make informed choices for senior secondary school and beyond by helping them identify strengths, interests, and career opportunities. A small number of interviews are still outstanding, and we are currently making alternative arrangements with families.

Nossal events coming up 

Nossal Week commences Friday 15 May and runs to Friday 22 May

Nossal Week began today, with the Student Representative Council, School Leaders, and the many clubs and societies coming together to celebrate all things Nossal. 

The week will feature a full range of Nossal-y activities—from a student-led assembly, to impressive musical performances, as well as stalls and games run by a wide range of clubs.

We are very proud of our Student Leaders, who have been deeply involved in the planning and preparation for the week. We hope the months of work will culminate in a fantastic week for our whole school community.

Attitudes to School Survey 

Last week, you received an email informing you about the upcoming Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS). This is an annual student survey administered by the Department of Education to assist schools to gain an understanding of students' perceptions and experience of school. 

Students will be asked about their thoughts and feelings in relation to their school, their learning, peer relationships, resilience, bullying, health and wellbeing, physical activity, and life in general. 

This year, the AtoSS will be conducted at school on Wednesday 20 May during Nossal Time.

Participation in this survey is voluntary. If you do not wish for your student to participate, please opt out by emailing me at Ffion.Bowles@nossalhs.vic.edu.au by Monday 18 May. Please include your student’s name and year level.

If we do not receive an opt-out email before the survey date above, we will assume you consent to your student’s participation in the 2026 Attitudes to School Survey.

Reminder – Keeping up to date through Compass

Important school information for parents and students is published on Compass. News items and payments due (such as for excursions) are published in the News feed on the Compass homepage. 

Parents are urged to check their Compass account at least twice a week and to contact the school 03 8762 4600 for any issues with their access. 

A gentle reminder about winter uniform

This is a gentle reminder that all students are required to wear winter uniform during Term Two. Please familiarise yourself with the relevant sections of the Student Handbook and ensure your student wears the winter uniform appropriately this term.

Ties and blazers are now compulsory. Winter academic uniform (Terms 2 and 3):

Students select from: 

• Nossal winter skirt/shorts, worn at a length of at most one visualised horizontal hand above the knee 
• Nossal grey trousers 
• Long or short-sleeved Nossal shirt (either ecru or striped) - must be worn tucked in 
• Nossal tie (compulsory) 
• Nossal jumper 
• Nossal blazer (compulsory) 
• Plain black anklet or knee-high socks or opaque black tights. 
• Plain black leather lace up school shoes (no T-bars or slipper-style shoes). 

Students may wear layers and long-sleeved tops under their school uniform for additional warmth, provided these garments are not visible. Shirts are to be fully buttoned, with the tie neatly and correctly positioned.

Long-sleeved dresses can be purchased from PSW. If your student wears an additional layer, please ensure it is not visible.

We appreciate parents and carers reinforcing the importance of wearing the uniform with pride. If a student is missing an item, they should bring a note. The Wellbeing Team is also available to support students who need assistance with uniforms.