Senior School Report

Message from the 

Director of  Learning

Senior School 

Ms Helen Ifandis 

As the academic year draws to a close, it’s time to celebrate the exceptional journey of our year 12 students. This period marks a significant milestone as they complete their final exams, attend their final assembly, and prepare to step into the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Reflecting on the year

This year has been a testament to the resilience, dedication, and hard work of our year 12 cohort. From navigating the challenges of their studies to participating in the extracurricular activities, our students have demonstrated incredible perseverance. Whether it was on the sports field, creative arts, or during leadership initiatives, they have consistently shown commitment and passion.

The Exam Period

Over the past few weeks our Year 12 students have been fully immersed in their exams, a culmination of years of learning and growth. We are incredibly proud of the way they approached this crucial time—with maturity, focus, and determination. While the results are important, it’s their journey and the skills they’ve developed that truly matter. These exams are not just a test of knowledge, but a reflection of the resilience and dedication they have shown throughout their schooling.

End of Year Assembly 

The end of year assembly was a beautiful celebration of our students’ achievements and the friendships they’ve made along the way. It was a time to reflect on their journey, honour their accomplishments, and look forward to the future with hope. Heartfelt speeches, and memorable performances, made this event truly special. The assembly was also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of our dedicated teachers and staff who have supported and guided the students throughout their educational journey.

Looking Ahead

As our Year 12 students prepare to embark on their next adventures, we want to remind them that this is just the beginning. Whether they are pursuing further studies, entering the workforce, or taking a gap year to explore their passions, we are confident they will make a positive impact in whatever path they choose. Remember, success is not just about the destination but about the journey, the lessons learned, and the relationships built along the way.

A Final Message

To our Year 12 students: Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone. You have made us proud with your achievements, your kindness, and your spirit. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours and hope you carry forward the values and skills you’ve learned here. Always remember, you are part of our community, and we will always be here cheering you on.

Thank you to the families, teachers, and friends who have supported our students throughout their journey. Your encouragement and belief in them have made all the difference.

Here’s to the Class of 2024—may your future be bright, your dreams bold, and your successes many!

YEAR 12 FORMAL – ‘NIGHT OF STARS’

The year 12 Formal was held at ‘Merrimu Receptions’ Chadstone on the 20th of September. It was indeed the night of stars! 

An evening of fabulous gowns, suits, great food, dancing and music. It was an evening that has left beautiful memories in celebrating the wonderful class of year 12, 2024. We celebrated their embarkment of the next chapter, the what’s to come, the new journey beyond secondary school. Both staff and students danced through the night under the glistening lights, magic memories were made at Merrimu. Thank to Ms Vasilakis and the year 12 formal committee in organising a night to remember.

2024 YEAR 12 GRADUATION CEREMONY

Parents, Carers, Families and Staff will join us in celebrating the Class of 2024 Graduation on Thursday 28th of November. The event will be held at Clayton Church of Christ - 25 Burton Ave, Clayton VIC 3168The evening will mark the celebration and milestone of the VCE academic year.

2024 APPLIED LEARNING AWARDS

October 24 celebrated the evening of the Victorian Applied Learning Awards. Westall Secondary college stole the show!

Ms Geraldine Borgonha received the Applied Learning Coordinator and Support Trainer of the Year Award. Along with this award our Vocational Major students received numerous awards against many other secondary schools.

1. WINNER - George Paora awarded VCE-VET Student of the Year. George was the shining star on the night with his spectacular performances with song and guitar.
2. WINNER - Ketut (Bintang) Rara awarded VCE-VM Vocational Major Student of the Year
3. WINNER - Isabelle Lette awarded Applied Learning Student of the Year
4. WINNER - Zar Way LAR awarded Peer Support Award (sponsored by Stride Education)
5. WINNER - William Lette awarded Learning and Personal Development Student of the Year
6. WINNER – Elaiza Palalagi-Sundar awarded SBAT Applied Learning Student of the Year

‘SCHOOL OF PLAY’ WORKSHOP – YEAR 11

The School of Play curriculum aims at cultivating well-rounded, resilient students who excel both in and out of the classroom. By embedding play-based learning into the school year, students develop critical life skills such as empathy, teamwork, and self-awareness, which are often overlooked in traditional education. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also prepares students to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and positivity. In a world where mental well-being is paramount, The School of Play offered a joyful, engaging experience to nurture the whole student, and made it a must-have for our school moving forward into 2025.

MAN-CAVE WORKSHOP – YEAR 11

The Man Cave’s program is designed to create long-term, positive shifts in attitudes and behaviours by creating psychologically safe spaces and challenging problematic gender stereotypes. 

The Man Cave’s Student Workshop was held on November the 7. The workshop was a whole-day experience that encouraged our students to explore the concept of masculinity, and to build healthier relationships with themselves and those around them.

The year 11 boys experienced an incredible day sharing intimate, and personal stories of their life journeys so far. It was awesome to see the bonds created in the safe space of the ‘man cave’ one that was guided by the presenters.

The boys left the workshop feeling elated, rejuvenated and empowered in being a man and one that can be sensitive and in tune with their positive side.

TALK OF THE TEAM – GOODMAN FIELDER

Westall Secondary College was once again celebrated in a flyer created by Goodman Fielder. Our partnership was celebrated with the focus on building relationships with the company, the students and the wider school community. Goodman Fielder has paved the way for our Westall students in hosting work experience, attended our Career Expo and provided site tours to their production area. 

Goodman Fielder continues to donate bread at Westall, for various events and above all our Breakfast Club.

Ms Helen Ifandis

Director of Learning - Senior School 

Botanical Gardens Yr 11 EAL 

This year, our Year 11 EAL students have been studying the play Stolen, which opened our eyes to the stories and experiences of Indigenous Australians. To build on this learning, we took a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, an important cultural site for the Kulin Nation, where we had the chance to tour the gardens with a First Peoples guide.

The visit was a real eye-opener for students, as they explored the Gardens and discovered the deep connection between the land, plants, and Indigenous culture. Through a guided walk, we learned about native plants and their traditional uses for food, medicine, and tools. Students were fascinated by how these plants have supported the local Aboriginal communities for thousands of years.

Our guide also shared stories about the cultural significance of these plants, and how they have been part of the Aboriginal way of life for generations. Along the way, we heard about the

importance of respecting the land, and how the beauty of the Gardens is a reflection of the ongoing relationship Indigenous people have with Country.

One of the most memorable moments was hearing stories about Bunjil, the Wedge-tailed Eagle, and learning about the making and significance of possum skin coats, boomerangs, and other traditional tools. It was such an engaging, sensory experience that really brought the lessons from Stolen to life.

We’re excited to continue learning about Indigenous culture and the ongoing connection to Country, and we’re grateful to the First Peoples for sharing their knowledge and stories with us.

Mrs Conja Coetzee

EAL Coordinator

Year 11 VCE Psychology Excursion to the Zoo

The Year 11 VCE Psychology students along with Mr Murray and Ms Rankin recently went on an insightful excursion to the Melbourne Zoo, where they applied their studies of research methods in a real-world setting. 

The day focused on observing orangutans and exploring the ethical considerations surrounding animal research. Students crafted hypotheses, identified variables, and discussed data types while engaging in hands-on observation of these fascinating primates.

By collecting behavioural data, they gained a deeper understanding of both the scientific process and the ethical responsibilities involved in studying animal subjects. This excursion provided a memorable and practical approach to understanding key research concepts, enhancing our students’ grasp of psychological study in action. It was a great day out! 

Ms Ellen Rankin

Classroom Teacher