From the Principal 

Welcome back! I hope all students, staff and families enjoyed a restful break and are returning refreshed for another busy and rewarding term. Term 3 is always one of our busiest, with a wide range of learning opportunities, performances, camps and community events already underway. 

A fantastic way to begin the term has been our 2026 School Production, Back to the 80s. Congratulations to the more than 200 students, staff and volunteers who have brought this production to life. From the performers on stage to the musicians, backstage crew, costume and set designers, and technical team, the commitment and talent displayed has been outstanding. It has been wonderful to see the school community come together to support another highly successful production. 

Our Outdoor Education program has also continued to provide outstanding experiences for students. The Unit 3/4 OES Bogong Camp challenged students both physically and personally, while our Unit 1/2 Outdoor Education students recently undertook their hiking, paddling and kayaking expeditions with another camp coming up later this Term. These experiences continue to develop resilience, teamwork and a strong appreciation for the natural environment. 

This term also marks an exciting milestone in our Centenary year as we prepare to welcome our sister school from Huaibei No. 1 High School in China. Their visit will provide wonderful opportunities for cultural exchange, strengthen our long-standing international partnership, and celebrate the global connections that have become such an important part of Northcote High School. 

Last Friday, we were also delighted to celebrate our Centenary with a special staff event. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication and contribution of both current and past staff, reflect on the rich history of our school, and acknowledge the important role staff have played in shaping Northcote High School over the past 100 years. 

We are also pleased to share that the Central Park Project has now been approved for progression by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA). In addition, the Front of School update, as part of our Centenary project, has also received approval. We look forward to beginning these works and enhancing our school environment for current and future students. 

Finally, thank you to our Friends of Northcote parent group for their continued support of our school community. We look forward to seeing many families at the upcoming Comedy Night later this term as we continue to strengthen the connections that make Northcote High School such a supportive and inclusive place. 

Our Year 9 and 10 students are also beginning their new Northcote Model subjects for Semester 2. These courses provide valuable opportunities for students to deepen their learning, develop independence, and experience the expectations of senior studies. We look forward to seeing students engage with these subjects and continue to build the skills and confidence that will support their future pathways. 

I look forward to another exciting term and wish all students every success in their learning over the weeks ahead. 

Chris Jones 

Principal, Northcote High School