From the Principal 2025

Need to Know 

Welcome to Term 3 – the coldest term of the year, but also one of the busiest and most exciting at our college.

As we settle back into the rhythm of school life, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the many achievements and events that closed out Term 2 and kicked off Term 3. These moments reflect the breadth of opportunities our students engage in and the dedication of our staff in supporting them.

A highlight was the Year 10 Formal, a wonderful evening where our students shone both in appearance and conduct. It was a celebration of friendship, growing maturity, and the supportive culture we are so proud of here.

Our college band’s trip to Queensland in the final week of last term was a resounding success. Our talented musicians represented our college with pride, performing with professionalism and enthusiasm. The feedback from audiences and organisers was outstanding – a true testament to the dedication and skill of our music staff and students.

We also saw strong engagement in the Year 9 and 10 subject selection interviews, following our highly successful Pathways Expo. It’s fantastic to see students thoughtfully considering their future learning and career pathways.

Our Vocational Major students completed a beautiful and meaningful memorial garden, with generous sponsorship from Bunnings. This project has added both a serene space to our grounds and a legacy that will be appreciated for years to come.

Other highlights included our chess tournament, several author talks, and a variety of other co-curricular activities that enriched our students’ learning experiences. 

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce that our much-anticipated production of 42nd Street is set to open in early September. I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in on some rehearsals and can confidently say the show is shaping up to be a spectacular performance. Congratulations in advance to the cast, crew, and staff for their hard work – we can't wait to see the final result.

A brief reminder about uniform expectations. It is pleasing to see that the majority of students are following our uniform policy. However, I’d like to reinforce a few key points:

  • Hoodies are not part of the school uniform and will be confiscated if worn. They will only be returned at the end of term, or earlier if collected by a parent or guardian.
  • Tracksuit pants must be plain black, without logos. Covering logos with tape or marker is not in the spirit of the policy and does not reflect pride in our college.
  • Tracksuit pants must have an elastic cuff – wide-leg styles are not permitted.

We thank families for your ongoing support in upholding our uniform standards, which contribute to a strong and positive school identity.

Lastly, this term we bid farewell to two valued staff members:

  • Mr Thomas Waltrich, who has been an integral part of our Performing Arts, Instrumental Music, and Humanities teams, is leaving to take up a position with the Australian Education Union. We thank Thomas for his outstanding contribution and wish him all the best in this exciting next chapter.
  • Ms Rachel Weiss, our Leading Teacher for Student Wellbeing, has been appointed Assistant Principal at Heathmont Secondary College. Rachel has been an exceptional leader within our college, supporting the wellbeing of countless students and families. Her promotion is well-deserved, and while we will miss her greatly, we know she will continue to make a significant impact in education at her new school.

*You will notice we do not have a Koorie Club News section this newsletter.  Our wonderful leader of Koorie Club, Rachel Aden, is currently supporting her sister who is recovering from an accident.   Our best wishes go out to Nicole, Rachel and the rest of the Aden family.  

Welcome to our new staff

Kylie Parfett   

 

I have been a teacher of Health and Physical Education for 15 years. Previous experience includes working at Pascoe Vale Girls College, Copperfield College, Reservoir High School and Preston High School.  St Helena presents as a very BIG and welcoming learning environment with a strong focus on academic achievement and community values.  With a lifelong passion for physical activity and sport, becoming a HPE teacher was a natural and meaningful career choice. It also offered working in an extremely dynamic environment where no two days are ever the same.  To support myself through uni, I worked as a pool lifeguard and netball umpire.

 

Richard Williamson

I taught Drama at Wallan Secondary College earlier this year after 6 years teaching English and Humanities at Taylors Lakes Secondary College.  I've heard so much about St Helena from friends, parents at my kids' primary school, other teachers. My first impressions are that St Helena is a quality school and I can't wait to contribute to its success.  I became a teacher because I love learning and the adventure of new ideas. I have loved growing and learning in my own life so much and I was excited to be a positive part of that experience for the next generation.  I love painting table top miniatures with my son. I'm a huge Melbourne Victory and Liverpool fan. I love drama and the arts and try to bring them into lessons when I can. My family and I are also avid campers and try to spend every New Years Eve under the stars.

 

MIchelle Lemire

I have been teaching at Lalor North Secondary College for 25 years.  I see St Helena Secondary College as a professional, well-run college with teachers fully committed to supporting students to reach their full potential. I can't wait to join the team.   I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference in young people's lives. I was a passionate sportsperson so reaching students through sport, health and PE was my chosen area of expertise. I still love the look on a young person's face when they connect with their learning and see how it will help them in their future life.   I am a self-confessed sporty nerd who loves to read and listen to an eclectic mix of music. I am passionate about the environment and about young people finding their place in the world. My weekends are spent watching my three adult children play AFL and Cricket. I have 2 dogs Roxy and Lulu and a cat named Squiddy. My favourite place in the world is Lacanau Beach on the east coast of France. I love to walk and will be riding my e-bike to work at St Helena Secondary College.

 

Sophie Courtney-Pratt 

I have taught most recently at Montmorency SC - PE, Health and Elwood College - Psychology, PE & Health.  I have most recently worked as Wellbeing Leader at Gladstone Park Secondary College, and am very excited to be starting as Leading Teacher for Student Wellbeing at St Helena.  My first impression of the school is of a very friendly staff with welcoming nature.  I am passionate about young people and education, and want to give back to the community.  An interesting thing about me is  I'm having a baby in about 11 weeks!  (Sophie will take a short period of family leave from St Helena, during which time an Acting Leading Teacher will look after the Wellbeing area.) 

 

 

SEE BELOW FOR INFORMATION REGARDING TERM 3 ELEVATE WEBINARS.  THE LINK ON THE FLYER IS STATIC AND WON'T WORK - USE THIS ONE:  Click here to register for free