Senior News

VCE VM STUDENTS TAKE ON A BUDDY ROLE

In Term 2, our Year 11 VCE VM Personal Development Skills (PDS) students have taken on an important leadership role by running a buddy program with our Year 7 students. This initiative has created meaningful connections across year levels and contributed positively to our whole-school community.

Buddy programs offer a wide range of benefits. Across the school, they help foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment, strengthen relationships between younger and older students, and promote mutual respect across age groups. They also provide valuable opportunities for student voice, leadership, and connection.

A key focus of PDS in Term 1 was developing emotional intelligence, and the buddy program has provided an authentic and practical way for students to apply these skills. Through their interactions with Year 7 students, our Year 11s are learning to recognise emotions in others, respond in supportive and appropriate ways, and build genuine empathy. They are also developing greater self-awareness and strengthening their communication and relationship-building skills.

This hands-on experience reinforces the core learning of PDS by allowing students to practise emotional intelligence in real-life situations. It is encouraging to see our Year 11 students step into leadership roles with confidence, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility.

The buddy program continues to be a valuable initiative, supporting both the personal growth of our senior students and the successful transition of our Year 7s into secondary school life.

MEANINGFUL LEARNING THROUGH COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

Another exciting project is a growing partnership between our VET Certificate II in Community Services students and the Ngawak Early Learning Centre.

Over recent weeks, our students have been working alongside the kinder children through a range of engaging and meaningful activities. Together they have enjoyed Bike Education sessions on the west courts, shared stories and reading time, played collaboratively in the sandpit, and explored creativity by painting leaves to create beautiful wings for Bunjil.

The partnership has provided valuable opportunities for our VET students to build communication, leadership and community engagement skills, while also creating joyful learning experiences for the Ngawak children.

Next week, the groups are looking forward to coming together again for a “musical jam” session, an exciting opportunity to sing, move and make music together!

We are proud of the kindness, patience and enthusiasm our students have shown, and look forward to continuing this wonderful community connection.

SENIOR FORMAL

Senior Formal was held at the stunning Mornington Racecourse on Friday 15th May, providing a spectacular backdrop for what proved to be an unforgettable evening.

From the moment students arrived, it was clear this would be a night to remember. Dressed to impress, they showcased not only elegant gowns and sharp suits, but also a level of maturity, respect, and positivity that truly stood out. Their attitude and behaviour throughout the evening reflected a group we, as a school community, are incredibly proud of.

The venue itself set the tone for the night, creating the perfect setting for Senior Formal. As the evening unfolded, the dance floor came alive with a carefully curated mix of music spanning both classic favourites and current hits, ensuring there was something for everyone and keeping the energy high throughout the night. A standout feature of the evening was the lolly table, which proved to be a complete hit, with students enjoying the sweet treats throughout the night.

One of the most impressive highlights of the evening was the sense of unity and engagement among the students. Not a single student chose to leave early; instead, they embraced every moment, staying right through until the end and making the most of the experience together.

The Senior Formal was more than just a night of celebration, it was a reflection of the strong culture, connection, and spirit within this cohort.

VCE VM STUDENTS ELEVATE TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP

As part of the program, students undertake an in-depth exploration of teamwork and leadership skills, with a strong emphasis on applied learning. In keeping with this hands-on approach, theoretical knowledge is consistently reinforced through real-life, practical experiences that allow students to actively develop and reflect on their capabilities.

A highlight of this learning has been the use of engaging activities such as the Marshmallow Tower challenge and Human Knot exercises. While fun and interactive, these tasks are carefully designed to reveal important insights into communication styles, problem-solving approaches, and group dynamics. Students are encouraged to step into leadership roles, collaborate under pressure, and adapt to changing situations, skills that are essential both within and beyond the classroom.

Through these experiences, students gain a deeper understanding of how teams function most effectively, recognising the value of clear communication, trust, and shared responsibility. They also develop awareness of their own leadership style, identifying strengths as well as areas for growth.

This approach ensures that learning is not only meaningful but also transferable, equipping students with the confidence and practical skills needed to succeed in a variety of real-world contexts.

YEAR 11 STUDENTS THEIR STORYBOOKS TO LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

JUST DANCE SHOWDOWN: STUDENTS STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT!

Staff vs Students Competition | Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th. The lunch hour buzz was electric this week as the corridors cleared and the dance floor filled for the much-anticipated Staff vs Students Just Dance Competition. Held across two lunchtime sessions on Monday and Tuesday, the event had students and staff alike pulling out their best moves - and the energy was nothing short of sensational.

For many competitors, Friday's Senior School Formal had served as the perfect warm-up, and it showed. Confidence was high, footwork was sharp, and the smiles? Absolutely everywhere.

Representing the staff across both days were the bold and brilliant trio of Kirsten Boxall, Miss Murphy, and Mr Carlton, who threw themselves into every routine with enthusiasm and no shortage of flair. Kirsten Boxall earned the well-deserved title of Staff MVP for her outstanding performances throughout the competition.

But if the staff came to impress, the students came to win. The student contingent brought incredible energy and skill to the floor, led by the unstoppable Emma McCleary, who was crowned Best Dancer of the entire competition. Emma was backed by a brilliant crew, including Addisyn Todd, Milla Bailey, and Kristine Harlen, among others, who collectively made it near impossible for the judges to look away.

Ultimately, the students took the win - and with it, extended their lead on the year's tally to a commanding 4–2. Bragging rights firmly in hand!

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our wonderful staff judges, who sacrificed their lunch breaks to keep the competition fair and fun: Nic McRae, Katie Bingham, Rach Vowles, and Ciara Vella - thank you! Equally deserving of a huge shout-out are the student leaders who helped organise and run the event: Charlotte Doyle, Lia Velissaris, Shreeya Prakash, and Alex Canepa. Your hard work behind the scenes made it all happen.

With the students now firmly in the lead, one question remains - can the staff mount a comeback before the year is out? Watch this space.

CAREER EXPO

On Thursday 21 May, Year 12 VCE VM students transformed the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) into a vibrant hub of creativity, knowledge, and career inspiration, as they proudly showcased their industry passions and learning.

The exhibition featured a wide range of displays, each reflecting the diverse career pathways students are exploring. From community services and hospitality to trades and business, every display highlighted not only students’ growing industry knowledge but also their personal interests and future aspirations.

Students from all year levels were invited to attend, creating a dynamic and interactive environment throughout the day. Junior and middle school students engaged enthusiastically with the displays, asking questions, participating in activities, and gaining valuable insight into different industries. The Year 12 presenters demonstrated confidence and professionalism as they shared their experiences, explained key concepts, and encouraged others to think about their own career pathways.

The event was a fantastic opportunity for peer learning, with senior students acting as role models and mentors. Their ability to communicate their knowledge in engaging and accessible ways ensured that younger students walked away with a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them.

Overall, the showcase was a great success, celebrating student voice, real-world learning, and the strong connection between education and future careers. It is hoped that all students who attended left feeling inspired and more informed about the many pathways they can pursue beyond school.

‘DRESS FOR SUCCESS’ - HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR YEAR 12 VCE VM GALS!

A select group of our Year 12 VCE VM female students have recently participated in the Dress for Success Victoria program, delivered in partnership with Bendigo Bank. This valuable initiative supports young women as they prepare to enter the workforce by providing personalised styling sessions, including professional work-appropriate outfits and accessories for interviews and employment settings, as well as professional headshots.

Over the past three weeks, students have also engaged in targeted coaching, receiving expert guidance on interview skills and techniques. 

Opportunities such as this provide a significant advantage in an increasingly competitive job market, equipping students with the confidence, presentation, and practical skills needed to successfully transition into the workforce.