Senior School Update 

A word from the Head of Senior School 

It’s been a really positive start to the year in the Senior School. Students have settled in quickly, classes are running smoothly, and staff have been impressed by the general attitude and effort across all year levels.

We've seen some great highlights already, including:

• An outstanding Swimming Carnival, where participation was high, as was the support for our swimmers, with the mighty Farrer House taking out the trophy this year after a long run of dominance from Parkes. 
• Year 12 Retreat in Beechworth saw our VCE and VCE-VM students set the expectations for the year as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. 
• As of writing, our Year 9 students are currently on their Mount Buffalo camp, challenging themselves in environments outside the school. 

A couple of quick reminders for families:

• Regular homework and study should now be happening — especially for our VCE students.
• Laptop devices should come to school charged, ready to go for the day. 
• If your child is absent for the day or is going to be absent for an extedned period of time, please let the school know as early as possible.

The coming weeks will see Year 7 and 8 engage in their school camps, as well as the NAPLAN program for Years 7 and 9, amongst many other items that fill the calendar.

I look forward to seeing parents and friends at the Welcome Evening BBQ on Thursday.

Mr John Thompson

Peter Named RYA Ambassador 

We are proud to announce that Year 11 student Peter Everingham has been selected as our school’s Rural Youth Ambassador (RYA) representative for the year ahead. 

Peter said he is very excited to be our school’s RYA representative this year and feels strongly about advocating for students who live rurally.  

“Having grown up on a farm, I am passionate about supporting rural communities and raising awareness for the issues they face. I enjoy working with other students through leadership roles, especially during my time on the Samoa service-learning trip and our Student Forum.

The Rural Youth Ambassador program will commence in the coming weeks. Throughout the year, Peter will take part in:

• Four face-to-face Rural Youth Ambassador Forums 
• Online discussion and working groups
• The development of a key action project focused on addressing a real-world rural challenge

Through the program, Peter is looking forward to developing his leadership skills, collaborating with like-minded peers and advocating for issues affecting rural communities.

We congratulate Peter on this wonderful achievement and look forward to following his journey as he represents both our school and our wider community throughout the year.

Year 12 Retreat

Last week our Year 12 students travelled to Beechworth for their Retreat, taking time away from the classroom to reflect, connect and prepare for the important year ahead.

The retreat combined outdoor adventure, personal development and shared experiences. Students explored the natural surrounds with a walk at Woolshed Falls and enjoyed activities including kayaking and drumming. 

A careers session also provided valuable guidance as students began thinking more intentionally about pathways beyond school.

Evenings were centered around community and reflection, with shared meals, a liturgy and a collaborative escape-room challenge helping strengthen relationships within the cohort. The Retreat offered students a chance to slow down, build stronger connections with one another and focus on their goals, providing a positive foundation for their final year of schooling.

"The biggest lesson I took from our Retreat is that no matter what happens throughout the year, we have so many tools and people to help us reach our goals such as our classroom teachers and Jade our Careers Advisor; who are here to get the best out of us. And although this year is very stressful at times, we have been shown how many different pathways we can take and that if we all work as a cohort we will have an amazing and memorable year together!"

 Miley Driscoll, Year 12 student

"The biggest lesson I took from the Retreat was that in order to achieve success in Year 12, you have to work hard but also realise it is my last year of school and we all have to remember to have fun and make good memories."

Jeremy Packer, Year 12 student

Year 9 Camp

From Wednesday to Friday this week, our Year 9 students were in Mount Buffalo for an action-packed adventure camp focused on challenge, teamwork and personal growth in the outdoors.

After setting up camp, students rotated through a series of adventure activities across the stunning alpine environment. These included abseiling, rock climbing and exploring an underground river cave system. Each experience encouraged students to step beyond their comfort zones, trust one another and develop confidence while safely navigating new challenges.

Across the camp, students supported and encouraged their peers, demonstrating resilience and perseverance as they tackled both physical and mental obstacles. Living and learning together in the outdoors also strengthened friendships and developed their sense of independence.