Engagement Team
Junior School
The Junior School finished last term on a high note with a well-deserved Pizza Party celebrating 7G and 8H, our Home Groups of the Term. Congratulations to all students who contributed to creating positive and inclusive classroom environments.
This term, we are introducing an exciting new approach to recognising positive student behaviour. Rather than rewarding an entire home group, classroom teachers will nominate individual students who consistently demonstrate our school values. These students will receive a Golden Ticket to attend the End of Term Pizza Party, recognising their outstanding effort, positive attitude and contribution to the school community.
The Junior School Engagement Team has also been working closely with our Junior SRC members to prepare for the upcoming Junior School Awards Assembly. This special event will celebrate the achievements of our students across a range of areas and promises to be a wonderful opportunity to recognise excellence within our Junior School.
Middle School
The Middle School Engagement Team has had a busy and rewarding start to the term, coordinating and presenting the Year 9 and Year 10 Awards Assemblies. These celebrations recognised students for their outstanding achievements across a range of categories, including Attendance, Key Learning Area (KLA) Awards, Leadership, Community Awards and the Principal's Awards.
It was fantastic to celebrate the dedication, resilience and positive contributions of so many students who continue to demonstrate excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Planning is also well underway for the upcoming Year 9 Tasmania Camp at the end of August. Staff have been working behind the scenes to finalise preparations for what promises to be another memorable learning experience, providing students with opportunities to challenge themselves, build friendships and develop independence.
Senior School
Year 11 students continue to prepare for the important transition into their final year of secondary schooling. This week they will participate in a Year 12 Preparation Session, designed to familiarise students with the expectations, processes and opportunities that come with Year 12.
Students have recently celebrated their achievements at the End of Semester Awards Celebration, recognising the hard work and commitment shown throughout Semester One.
Excitement is also building as students finalise the design of their Year 12 Jackets, with orders now being prepared. Later this term, Year 11 students will also receive information regarding Year 12 Leadership Applications, providing an opportunity to contribute to the school community in leadership roles next year.
Year 12 students continue to work hard as they prepare for upcoming assessments, including their General Mathematics SAC.
Due to several scheduling changes, the Year 12 End of Semester Awards Celebration will now take place in Week 4, providing another opportunity to recognise student achievement and commitment.
Our Year 12 student leaders have also been actively contributing to school improvement by leading SRC meetings focused on developing a new whole-school Positive Behaviour Matrix. Their leadership and student voice are helping shape a positive and inclusive culture across the college.
Planning is also underway for one of the highlights of the year, with the Year 12 Events Committee beginning preparations for the annual Year 12 Formal and the distribution of formal invitations.
Whole School
This term has seen the implementation of one of our key Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) priorities through the launch of the Year 8 and Year 9 Mentor Program. This initiative provides targeted mentoring, peer leadership and wellbeing support for students who are currently disengaged from aspects of school life. By fostering meaningful relationships, community connection and personalised support, the program aims to strengthen students' sense of belonging and engagement within the school.
We are also excited to see the commencement of the ABCN Interact Program, which provides Year 10–12 EAL and refugee background students with valuable opportunities to build employability skills. Through visits to the Vanguard offices in Melbourne's CBD, students participate in workshops focused on identifying personal strengths, résumé writing, job applications and developing the communication and interpersonal skills needed for future employment.
Breakfast Club returned in Week 3 and continues to provide students with a warm, nutritious breakfast every Thursday morning before school. The program offers a welcoming space for students to connect with peers and staff while ensuring they begin the school day ready to learn.
The Excel Program has also welcomed another 20 Year 11 and 12 students this term. This four-session, small-group coaching program equips VCE students with evidence-based strategies to maximise both their academic performance and personal wellbeing. Through personalised coaching in cognitive performance, effective study habits, sleep, nutrition, resilience and goal setting, students develop sustainable routines that support learning, confidence and long-term success