Principal's Report

It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of another outstanding school year. We thank the parents, families and school council for your ongoing support of our students and school community. 

2025 has been exemplified by our strong and inclusive school culture, high expectations, and sense of community that define Blackburn High School. These foundations are fostered through our rigorous learning and teaching program, together with our House Structure and Mentor Program, which connect students across all six year levels and support their academic, social, and personal growth.

Throughout 2025, we have celebrated many notable highlights, including:

• Exceptional student achievement in NAPLAN, particularly in Numeracy 
• Continued excellence in VCE outcomes across all learning areas, including STEM and the VCE Vocational Major.
• An exceptional year for our music program, highlighted by the Senior Jazz Band’s outstanding performances in New York at the Essential Ellington Jazz Festival, where they received both individual and group recognition.
• Extraordinary participation and success in our highly regarded sports program.
• Extensive wellbeing programs that have been valued by students across all year levels.
• Strong engagement in co-curricular opportunities, including the robotics team, camps program, clubs, and House events. We are also excited to introduce House Debating in 2026.

Our senior student leaders have continued to shine as outstanding ambassadors and role models for the school. They have shared thoughtful perspectives on learning, teaching, and school life, demonstrating maturity, integrity, and a strong commitment to our school values. A special acknowledgement to our 2025 School Captains, Holly and Mitchell, for their outstanding leadership throughout the year and congratulate Nazaira and Yoyo, who are the 2026 School Captains.

At yesterday’s Awards Ceremony, we celebrated excellence in student achievement, leadership, effort, and citizenship. We were pleased to welcome a number of distinguished guests who presented awards and joined us in recognising the achievements of our students.

A highlight of the ceremony was congratulating Samantha, the 2025 Blackburn High School DUX, who achieved an outstanding ATAR of 99.25. Samantha demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and unwavering dedication to her studies throughout her time at Blackburn High School, particularly in 2025. She is a most deserving recipient of this prestigious award, and her name will be proudly recorded on the BHS Honour Board as the 2025 DUX. Samantha plans to pursue her interest in Engineering at Monash University, where she has also been awarded a scholarship.

We also congratulated the award winners from the Year 12 graduating class of 2025 for their excellent academic results. These achievements are particularly commendable given that their first two years of secondary schooling were disrupted by the challenges of COVID, making their success even more significant.

Blackburn High School continues to benefit from outstanding facilities that support student learning, growth, and wellbeing. These facilities reflect our commitment to providing every opportunity for students to thrive academically, personally, and socially. Work has already commenced on securing funding for a 400-seat Blackburn High School Performing Arts Community Auditorium, which will further enhance creative and cultural opportunities for our students. We are working closely with our local state member, Paul Hamer, to support this important aspiration.

I would like to thank the leadership team, teachers, and education support staff for their dedication, care, and belief in our students. Their commitment ensures a safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environment in which students can flourish. A special acknowledgement goes to Assistant Principal Louise Hartley, who will be moving to a new school in 2026 after ten years of outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the Blackburn High School community.

We also congratulate our much-loved teacher Ms Cheryl Angus on four decades of extraordinary service to Blackburn High School and to state education. Over her distinguished career, Ms Angus has held several leadership roles, with her most cherished being Dunlop House Mentor Teacher and Arts Leader. She has been a strong advocate for the school’s co-curricular programs, including camps, House Performing Arts, music, and drama performances. Her commitment to the holistic development of students has left an enduring legacy.

Looking ahead, 2026 marks Blackburn High School’s 70th anniversary, an important milestone that provides a wonderful opportunity to honour our proud history and celebrate our future. Planning has already commenced, and early next year we will invite feedback from our community as we work towards commemorating this special year.

To all students, families and staff, have a safe, restful and enjoyable Christmas break, and every success and happiness in 2026.

Joanna AlexanderPrincipal

Blackburn High School