Principal's Report

Dear Homestead community,

Term 4 has been an incredibly fast paced and fulfilling term and it is hard to believe that we are already planning for the last stages of the year before we all head out for a well deserved break.

Exams have been a significant undertaking this term. It is so pleasing to see that our students continued to attend 100% of their Year 12 exams, on time, with correct equipment and a readiness to do the best they can. It is even more pleasing to have experienced seeing students come out of their exams with smiles on faces and such positive outlook on what it was like.

The great practice and habit building of expectations in previous years has supported our students to perform to the best of their ability when it counted the most. 

At Homestead, term 4 is represented by a focus on the value of resilience. This is the value of Gillard House. The shear determination and resilience of our students, backed by the positive culture around assessment and high expectations from our staff and families has been exemplified by our student behaviours and we could not be more proud of you all. 

The Year 12 Valedictory dinner was held on Friday November 21. The night was absolutely amazing and our graduates looked amazing as they walked down the dance floor to receive their certificates. A highlight of course is the much anticipated throwing of the graduation mortarboards. A warm thank you to Tim, Ben, Candice and the wider team for their impeccable organisation of the event that made it so special.

We are all now eagerly awaiting the final results on December 11 however I remind our students and families that it has always been about the learning journey and not the final result. 

Staffing Update

Homestead continues to grow next year. Our student cohort will be approximately 200 students greater than 2025, this means it is even more rich with amazing student stories, talents and achievements. With more students, comes more staff, and I am very pleased to welcome the following new staff to Homestead starting in 2026. 

I warmly welcome:

-Robyn Bell-Business Manager

-Luke Duškovic-Learning Specialist and Head of Mathematics

-Alan Chen-Business Management and VCE VM teacher

-Tersea Attely-Chemistry and Biology Teacher

-Jack Tang-Mathematics and Science Teacher

-Matthew Greer-Mathematics and Physics Teacher

-Angie Chan-Mathematics Teacher (returning from family leave)

-Anita Dimitrijevic-Humanities and Psychology Teacher

-Marko Vekic-Physical Education Teacher

-Sasha Albuquerque-Mathematics Teacher

-Sharmen Warnakulasuriya-Science lab Technician

-Malama McCall-Student Engagement and Wellbeing Assistant

In closing, I would like to say thank you to our wonderful students, staff and families for what has been a successful memorable year. To celebrate the year, we invite you to download the 2025 yearbook and enjoy. 2025 Yearbook (this is a large file, you will need to download and view from your device)

We are all very much looking forward to an amazing break but also a great 2026 with our existing families and staff and those joining us for the first time in 2026. 

Merry Christmas and see you in 2026.

Take care all!

Danijel