A mild Autumn begins as Term 1 comes to an end

I hope that Term 1 2025 has been a positive start to school for our students. As a school, we have focused on establishing consistent classroom routines, building positive relationships, and getting to know our students this term and it was pleasing to see in a recent student survey that a high majority of students feel safe, supported and confident in their ability to learn. 

I also know that in our school community, some families have had difficult times this term and our thoughts are with you. For all our families, if there are challenges occurring outside school, we welcome you to contact the school and see how we can best support your child with their learning, engagement and wellbeing. It really does ‘take a village to raise a child’. 

Over the last week or so, we have had time to reflect on cultural harmony also and aspire to create a school where all our students feel like this is a school they belong to and that they can flourish in with our support. Now, more than ever, we need to build hope in our young people.

We are pleased to report that we have employed a new experienced Digital Technology teacher – we welcome Dean Gowing to Box Hill High School. We also welcome our new Business Manager Polina Dardel Jessop who started late this term. Polina is a qualified accountant, and we look forward to working closely with her to the work of good financial oversight.

International Women’s Day

One of my highlights this term was the International Women’s Day breakfast held in the school hall on Friday 7 March. We had three keynote speakers – Cr Prue Cutts, our Deputy Mayor, and two past School Captains Esther and Tina who spoke about their experiences post-school in the fields of medicine and law. Their wise reflections about gender parity were inspiring, and I am so proud to have them as alumni of Box Hill High School.

Celebrating 95th Anniversary – save the date

Planning is well underway for some big events this year to celebrate Box Hill High School’s 95th. More information will be posted in Term 2.

We have been calling for donations of historical school artefacts and established a alumni association as well. If you know of any notable BHHS past students (alumni), please contact the school.

The big events are:

• Historical Expo and Art Show – Term 3, Week 6

• Jazz music night for parents – Thursday 18 Sep

• A 1930s School Day – theme day for students

School Council 2025

On behalf of the School and School Council, I would like to thank the School Council members who have finished their term this year – Tony Bui (Parent representative and Finance Representative), Lihan Guo (student representative), and Nathaniel Smith (staff representative). Your contribution to the school was valuable and we appreciate your time and involvement in decision-making and governance.

Welcome 2025 School Council Members

Congratulations to our new staff, parent and student representatives on School Council for 2025. We look forward to working together to ensure Box Hill High School continues to be a great school for our students, families and staff.

Student Representatives

• Taj O'D (Year 12)

• Abby L (Year 9)

Parent Representatives

• Kaajal Fox

• Muhammad Ali

• Ashley Schwarz

• Hayley Firinauskas

• Rodney Mudford

• Pooja Kumar

Staff Representatives:

• Shareen Bottrell

• Minnie Zeng

• Thomas Williams

Community Members:

• Elizabeth Tischler

• Shweta Pradhan

In Term 2 we will also organise a Public Meeting of School Council where the wider school community will be invited to attend an onsite meeting where the School Council achievements and the Annual Report will be shared. Please see Compass next term for more information.

Individual Student Achievements

Congratulations to some of our amazing students who have achieved awards and recognition outside the classroom!

Miles S – his video game completed in VCE Media has been recognised in the VCE Top Designs Award 2025. He was one of only 24 students from both independent and government schools selected for outstanding design. We are very proud of his achievement!

Fatima A – successfully elected to represent all Victorian students on Vic SRC’ Student Executive Advisory Council for 2025.

Parents and Carers, if you wish to let us know about anything your child has achieved outside school, please email their sub-school or the general school email to let us know!

Have a safe school break!

We know our students and staff need a rest after a busy Term 1 (camps, activities, new classes, NAPLAN etc) and in particular our new Year 7 students who are getting pretty tired! 

I wish all our families a safe and happy school break – March and April are times for many cultural celebrations including Ramadan and Eid al Fitr,  Purim, Hana Matsuri, Hanuman Jayanti, Vaisakhi,  Passover and, of course, Easter.