Leading Teachers Report 

Beginning Of Term 1:

Junior School Report

The Junior School has made a positive and energetic start to Term 1, with both Year 7 and Year 8 students settling into the routines and expectations of the school year. It has been wonderful to see students reconnecting with peers, building relationships with teachers and engaging enthusiastically in their learning.

Our Year 7 students have transitioned into secondary school with confidence and resilience through a carefully structured induction program. The opening weeks have focused on building a strong sense of belonging, understanding school routines and expectations, developing organisational skills, and forming positive connections within mentor groups and classes. Students have participated in activities designed to support wellbeing, resilience and teamwork, helping them feel supported and ready for learning. They have embraced the challenges of secondary school life, and their confidence continues to grow each day. Mr Bowman, Year 7 Year Level Leader, has worked closely with students and families to develop strong relationships and open clear lines of communication with parents, ensuring a supportive and connected start to the year. We thank families for their ongoing support during this important transition period.

Year 8 students have also made a strong start to the year, demonstrating maturity and emerging leadership within the Junior School. The first week provided an opportunity to re-establish routines, reinforce expectations and set positive goals for the year ahead. Students have engaged well in their classes and are already showing increased independence and responsibility as learners and positive role models for younger students. Mr Ash Aylen, Year 8 Year Level Leader, has also focused on building positive relationships and strengthening communication with parents, supporting students to thrive both academically and socially.

A highlight of the term so far has been the Swimming Sports, which showcased outstanding participation, school spirit and sportsmanship. Students proudly supported their house teams, whether competing in the pool or cheering from the sidelines. We congratulate our Junior School Swimming Sports Champions and are incredibly proud of their achievements: Under 12 and 13 Champions Jade Burton and Ethan Lim, and Under 14 Champions Lily Geralis and Kintan Chakraborty. The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect across year levels and celebrate effort, teamwork and perseverance.

On 11 February, the school also celebrated International Women and Girls in Science Day. Female professionals working in science-related fields spoke to students across the whole school, sharing their experiences and insights into the wide range of possibilities and pathways available for females in science. The guest speakers were parents from our Year 7 community, whose generosity and willingness to contribute made the event especially meaningful. Their stories were inspiring and empowering, helping students see the diverse opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. We sincerely thank the parents and community members who shared their time and experiences, and we look forward to working with other parents who may wish to be involved in future celebrations and learning opportunities.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming Year 7 Camp, which will provide students with a valuable opportunity to further strengthen friendships, build independence and develop teamwork skills in a supportive environment. We are also looking forward to continuing to build strong partnerships with families through upcoming information evenings for both Year 7 and Year 8 parents. In addition, a Year 7 Meet and Greet BBQ will be held to welcome families into our Junior School community. Further details for these events will be released on Compass.

Stephanie Heppel

Director of Students:  Junior School

Middle School Report

Welcome back to the start of the 2026 school year. We hope all students and families enjoyed a safe and restful break. We are excited to welcome our Middle School students back and look forward to a year of learning, growth, and success.

Our Middle School Student Services Team plays an important role in supporting students’ wellbeing, engagement and learning. Mr Bill Karakousis, Year 9 Year Level Leader, and Mr Pandelis Pizanias, Year 10 Year Level Leader, work closely alongside your child’s mentor teacher to provide guidance, monitor progress, and support students to thrive both academically and socially. Together, this team ensures students feel supported as they navigate the middle years of schooling.

As we begin the year, we encourage students to reflect on how they can demonstrate our HRRRT values in their approach to learning and school life:

• High Expectations – setting goals, challenging themselves, and completing all learning tasks to the best of their ability.
• Respect – for themselves, others, and the learning environment.
• Responsibility – being organised, prepared for class, and meeting deadlines.
• Resilience – persisting through challenges and seeking support when learning feels difficult.
• Teamwork – working collaboratively and contributing positively to the school community.

In particular, High Expectations are key to student success. Students who arrive to class prepared, engage actively in learning, ask questions, and take pride in their work set themselves up for strong academic and personal outcomes throughout the year. We would also like to remind students and families of the importance of regular attendance and correct school uniform. Being at school every day, arriving on time, and wearing the correct uniform supports learning continuity, builds positive routines, and reflects our shared commitment to school expectations and policies.

Key Dates – Term 1

• Year 9 Morrisby Testing (Career Profile Development) – Tuesday 17 February
• Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 9 March
• Year 9 NAPLAN Testing Window – Wednesday 11 March to Monday 23 March
• Open Night – Wednesday 1 April
• CAD Walkathon – Thursday 2 April

We look forward to working closely with students and families throughout 2026 and thank you for your continued support. By working together and upholding our HRRRT values, we can ensure a positive and successful year for all Middle School students.

Travis Knox

Director of Students: Middle School

Senior School Report

Welcome back to the start of the school year. It has been wonderful to see our Senior School students return with such a positive and settled approach, and I would like to thank you for the strong start that has already been made.

I am excited to be stepping back into the role of Director of the Senior School this year and to be working alongside a dedicated and experienced team who are committed to supporting our students through these important years. Joining me in Senior School are:

• Sylvia Kotszyi – Year 11 Leader
• Andrea Carmody – Year 12 Leader
• Jacinta Marlborough – VCE VM Coordinator
• David McMahon – VCE VM Coordinator
• Effie Patti – Careers and Pathways

Together, we are focused on creating a Senior School environment that is structured, supportive and centred on student wellbeing, growth and achievement.

The way our students have returned to learning has been encouraging, and there is a strong sense of purpose across the cohorts. There is a great deal to look forward to this year  academically, socially and beyond the classroom and we are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure students feel supported and confident as they move through their Senior School journey.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to working closely with you throughout the year and celebrating the many successes ahead.

Jessica Ferguson

Director of Students: VCE and VCE VM