How quickly time goes ............ 

On returning from Long Service Leave where I discovered the cultural joys of Japan, I stepped back onto campus realizing that we are already on “the other side “ of the year with our young people and it’s hard to believe how quickly time is passing. It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming our young people back to school, and now we’re already seeing them tackle semester two assessments and projects with increasing determination. Time moves swiftly, and before we know it, we’ll be preparing for end of year exams and celebrating the end of another academic year.

This rapid pace is a reminder of how important it is for our students to stay focused on their goals and keep their eyes on the finish line. Just ask any Year 12 student—they’re now entering the final semester of their secondary school journey, and I’m sure they’ll tell you how quickly the years have flown by. Each day, week, and month brings your children closer to their aspirations, making it essential that they remain motivated and committed to what they want to achieve.

I hope your children have taken the time to reflect on their mid-year reports and used them as an opportunity to reset and establish new goals for the remainder of the year. Setting fresh objectives after reflection can be a powerful way to reignite their motivation and guide them through the challenges ahead.

We understand that staying motivated can be challenging at times, especially as the demands of the school year increase. There may be moments when your children feel overwhelmed or unsure of their ability to reach their goals. It’s during these times that encouragement and support from both home and school become even more crucial.

We encourage our students to regularly assess their progress and think about what they want to accomplish by the end of the school year. Whether it’s improving their grades, mastering a new skill, or contributing more to their community, having clear objectives helps them stay on track and gives them a sense of purpose.

As parents, your support is invaluable in helping your children maintain their focus. Encourage them to set realistic goals, break them down into manageable steps, and celebrate their achievements along the way, including any green posts or SWPB postcards sent home as they appear. Remind them that while the year may feel like it’s flying by, each day offers an opportunity to move closer to their dreams, or to make new ones. And please remember the importance of regular attendance. This is a crucial element for success.

Let’s work together to ensure that our students remain positive, resilient, and forward-looking as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With your support and their hard work, we’re confident that they’ll finish the year strong and proud of what they’ve accomplished.

It has been a delight to return and be part of the amazing work being produced by the Performing Arts team and our students in the College Production of Mary Poppins. It is always a mammoth task and this one is certainly an example of this. Of course, we couldn't do it without the help of so many incredible volunteers, made up of alumni, parents, parents of alumni and staff. We thank you all for your support of this show. Please refer to the Performing Arts tab for information regarding tickets and shows. 

You know you're in the second half of the year when the 2025 tryouts are in full swing. We’ve already held auditions for our Dance Academy, conducted tryouts for the Sport Academy, and soon, we’ll be hosting workshops for prospective students interested in our Art Academy for 2025. The level of interest in these select entry programs at Sandringham College has been truly impressive.

For those who may not initially gain entry into these programs, please rest assured that we keep a watchful eye throughout the terms for students who show potential. After discussions with program leaders, we often offer late enrolment opportunities, provided space is available.

On Monday, August 12th, we had the privilege of hosting members of the Medical Research faculty from Monash University, who visited our SEAL students as part of Science Week. These doctors and PhD students, led by Professor Stuart Hooper, shared their cutting-edge research on foetal lung development. It was an incredible experience for our students, and we are deeply grateful to Professor Hooper and his team for taking the time to share their expertise with our students. Also in celebration of National Science Week, we will be hosting a variety of workshops and screenings featuring exciting science activities. All students can look forward to having the opportunity to be involved in slime-making sessions, explorations of climate change and our "hostile planet," and fascinating marine biology exhibitions.

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal