Principal's Report

Free Dress Day

Friday 12th December

The Student Executive would like to run one last fundraising event for the year, by holding a casual dress day. Student Executive members will collect a gold coin donation from students in Years 7 – 9 in Period 1. All money raised will go to the Salvation Army to help support those in need this Christmas – an admirable choice of charity at this time of year, which can be difficult for many families.

We ask that if students do come out of uniform, that they make a donation to the Salvation Army, or they can just wear their uniform if they don’t want to donate.

Even with a reduced number of students, if all of the Year 7 – 9 students donate just $1, we should be able to raise at least $80, which could certainly help to make a difference for someone this Christmas.

School Band Performance

It was with great pride that I attended the small performance by the Junior and Senior bands on Wednesday afternoon in the Jessie Hollonds Studios. The students (and Abramo) were nervous, but this didn’t show. Each band played a small number of pieces that they have been working on over the year. I am sure that this performance heralded the start of the band strengthening in numbers and ability, after a few years of disruption. Congratulations to the students, for some, on their first performance! I'd also like to congratulate Abramo for the work he has done with the students over the year, that got them to this point. Thanks also to Erin for supporting Abramo by managing the students and their nerves.

School Council 2026

Notice for anyone interested in self-nominating for the School Council next year – the Department has implemented the requirement that all school councillors need to have either a volunteer or paid Working With Children Check (WWCC) or registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. While we have had this in place for a number of years now, to support our Child Safety policies and procedures, this is a timely reminder that the WWCC/VIT needs to be current for a self-nomination. Please make sure you have looked into this if you don’t have the required check before Term 1 Week 7 next year (by Friday 6th March).

2025 Results Release

The end of year exam results are being released to students on Thursday 11th December. This is often an anxious time for those waiting to see what they achieved, so there will be a small team in action on this day to support the students. The students already have information about the informal opportunity to share their successes with their peers, support each other and have the ability to talk about where to next if needed. Jo Macklan (Careers Practitioner) and Shantelle Stimson (Year 11 and 12 Student Engagement Leader) will be stationed in Room 23 to meet with any of the Year 12s who want or need to have a chat.

I know that while some students may be disappointed, they have to remember that a number (their study scores or ATAR) doesn’t define them; there are always alternative ways to get to where they want to go and we are here to help. 

Presentation Evening

Make sure you have blocked Thursday 18th December out on your calendars! This is our Presentation Evening; where the school and wider community come together to celebrate the year that was and the various achievements of our students.

Our School Council will be offering light refreshments in the foyer of the Community Centre from 5pm, with the event beginning at 6pm. Traditionally, students who were receiving awards and their families tended to be the majority of the audience, but our hope is that this event becomes one where the majority of our students and families attend; to celebrate everything the year involved, with their peers. Dress code: Students in full school uniform. Others, in smart casual.