Secondary News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to Term 3! We hope that you and your family enjoyed a restful and refreshing break. It has been wonderful to welcome students back to school, and we are already seeing great energy and engagement as we begin the new term.
Term 3 is often a key period in the academic year – a time of deep learning, personal growth and preparation for important milestones, particularly for our senior students. Our staff are committed to supporting every student to thrive both academically and personally, and we remain focused on maintaining high expectations and providing excellent pastoral care.
This term, students will be involved in a range of exciting opportunities including camps, excursions, sporting events, and subject selection processes for 2026. Please keep an eye on our regular communications for key dates and details, as well as ways you can partner with us in supporting your child’s journey.
Thank you to all families who attended our recent Parent-Teacher Interviews. It was a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school, with meaningful conversations focused on student progress, learning goals, and next steps for growth.
We were encouraged by the positive engagement and shared commitment to student success. These conversations are vital in supporting each young person’s academic development and overall wellbeing.
If you were unable to attend or would like to follow up on anything discussed, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers.
During our recent Parent-Teacher Interviews, one common theme that emerged was concern around student screen time – both in and outside of school hours. Many parents and teachers noted the impact that excessive device use can have on focus, sleep, wellbeing, and academic performance.
As a school, we are continuing to guide students in developing healthy digital habits, including purposeful technology use in the classroom and regular screen breaks. We encourage families to have ongoing conversations at home about screen time boundaries, device-free zones, and the importance of balance.
Together, we can support students in building a healthier relationship with technology that allows them to thrive both academically and personally.
Below is an article from SchoolTV that has some valuable strategies to support parents with starting a conversation with their child about screen time.
Key Dates for Term 3
Monday 11th August - Science Incursion Year 7 & 10
Wednesday 13th August - ICAS - English P3&4
Thursday 14th August - Intermediate Boys & Girls Basketball
Friday 15th August - Pyjama Day
Monday 18th August - Book Week, ICAS Science - Year 10 only P1&2, Year 8 Basketball
Tuesday 19th August to Friday 22nd August - Year 10 Ski Camp
Wednesday 20th August - ICAS Science P3&4
Friday 22nd August - Book Week Dress Up Day
Monday 25th August - Year 7 Basketball
Friday 29th August - ICAS Maths P1&2
Saturday 30th August - Senior School Formal
Monday 1st September to Friday 5th September - Year 7 Camp - The Summit
Thursday 4th September - Secondary Division Athletics
Friday 5th September - Father’s Day Breakfast
Sunday 7th September - Father’s Day
Tuesday 9th September - Whole Cast Musical Rehearsal
Wednesday 10th September - Whole Cast Musical Rehearsal
Thursday 11th September - School Musical 7 pm
Friday 12th September - School Musical 7 pm
Saturday 13th September - School Musical 11 am
Tuesday 16th September - German Day Year 7 & 8
Friday 19th September - Last Day of Term 3
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Joanne Rothwell Mrs Amanda Trewin
Head of Middle School Head of Senior School
The Long Tunnel: Mining and Memory in Walhalla
On Wednesday in Week 2, our Year 9 cohort visited the Long Mine in Walhalla as part of their Humanities History unit on gold mining in Victoria. Whilst visiting the mine, they learned about the history of gold mining in Walhalla, including hearing accounts of the miners' experiences and getting to see some of the equipment that was used. It was an engaging and informative trip. Unfortunately, they were not giving out any free samples on the day!
Here's an account of the excursion from one of our Year 9s:
'...the journey took around an hour and a half, but we were rewarded with picturesque mountain and grassland views along the way...the mines were dimly lit with warm lighting stones. The tour guide provided us with new information at our every stop...I found the most interesting fact to be that the mines produced over 1.6 billion dollars worth of gold overall.' Lakshanya
VCE Legal Studies - Pentridge Prison and the Old Treasury Building
As part of our students VCE Legal Studies program, students recently embarked on an educational experience exploring key concepts in criminal law, justice, and the workings of executive government.
The day began with a guided tour of the infamous H Division at Pentridge Prison, once known as the “prison within a prison.” This immersive tour gave students a powerful insight into the harsh realities of life behind bars and the ways in which prison systems operate to administer punishment. The visit offered valuable context for the study of criminal sanctions, including the purposes of imprisonment and the effectiveness of such measures in promoting justice and rehabilitation.
Following the prison tour, students visited the Old Treasury Building, where they were given special access to the Executive Council Chamber. Here, they engaged in discussions about the role of the Governor, the Executive Council, and how the executive arm of government interacts with Parliament. This experience brought to life the concepts from their coursework and highlighted the significance of Victoria’s legal and political system.
This engaging program is designed to deepen student understanding of crime, punishment, justice, and the structure of government, directly supporting their learning across Units 1 to 4 of Legal Studies. By stepping into the historical and political heart of Victoria, students were able to connect theory with real world examples, strengthening both their knowledge and appreciation for the legal system.
Ms Rochelle Rabba