Senior School Report

Message from the 

Director of  Learning 

Senior School 

Ms Kristina Vasilakis 

We have had a fantastic start to the year in Senior School. Our Year 11 students have settled confidently into the sub-school and are embracing the increased expectations of VCE and VCE VM, while our Year 12 students have truly hit the ground running as they begin their final year of secondary education.

Our Year 12 cohort commenced the year with a dedicated Start of Year Program. On the first day, students proudly wore their new Year 12 jackets as they participated in workshops focused on goal setting, academic preparation and pathway planning. On Day Two, students visited RMIT and ACU, gaining valuable insight into tertiary study options and campus life. The program concluded with a fun and well-earned ice-skating session. Thank you to Ms Ifandis and the Senior School team for their organisation and continued guidance as our Year 12 students navigate this important year. They are focused, motivated and well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Similarly, our Year 11 students engaged in a wellbeing focused Start of Year Program. Arthur Bolkas delivered a powerful session highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and the impact of our choices. Later in the day, students demonstrated impressive perseverance and resilience as they completed the 1000 Steps walk. Thank you to Ms Papagiannopoulos and the staff who supported the program and encouraged students to challenge themselves both physically and mentally.

As the year gains momentum, establishing strong study habits is essential. Assessments are often a key source of stress for students, and preparation is the most effective way to manage this. We encourage families to regularly check the Compass Whole School Calendar to plan ahead and support students in managing their workload. Organisation and forward planning significantly reduce stress and allow students to perform at their best.

During Wednesday Study Space, our Year 11 students have participated in a tailored version of Macquarie University’s Study Without Stress program, developing skills in time management, goal setting and reframing unhelpful thinking patterns. Year 12 students have undertaken refresher workshops, including sessions delivered by Elevate Education, with a strong focus on effective revision strategies and the importance of completing past exam papers. A key message from these sessions is understanding the difference between homework and study: homework consolidates learning, while study extends and deepens it. Elevate Education is also offering free parent webinars to support families throughout the senior years.

It was also wonderful to reconnect with last year’s graduates at the Return of the Graduates event, hosted by Ms Geraldine. Hearing about their diverse pathways from university and TAFE to apprenticeships and employment was both inspiring and affirming. It reminded us of the purpose of Senior School: preparing students for confident transitions beyond Westall.

We look forward to seeing where this year’s cohort will be in 12 months’ time. We look forward to continuing to support our students as they build strong routines, stay organised and work steadily toward their academic and pathway goals.

Ms Kristina Vasilakis

Director of Learning Senior School

Welcome to Senior School, Year 11s!

I would like to start by formally introducing myself as the Year 11 Coordinator for 2026. I am excited to get to know our new VCE students and to help them on their journey as senior students. It is a great privilege to be here to help.

We’ve had an excellent start to the year, with the Year 11s hitting the ground running. Our attendance data is impressive, and we encourage all students to continue to maintain excellent attendance and good habits.

The cohort began the year by getting settled straight into classes and routine so that they can quickly acclimate to the demands and procedures of VCE and the Senior Sub-School. It’s been great to see their eagerness to learn and engage with their teachers, as well as their resilience in managing expectations and new rules.

On Monday 16th February, the Year 11 VCE and VCEVM students had their Start-of-Year Program, where they listened to a talk by the inspiration Mr Arthur Bolkas, and then took on the challenge of the 1000 Steps Track!  It was a fantastic day, and all students enjoyed the lessons and challenges they were exposed to. We got to see some excellent examples of mind over matter, physical toughness and camaraderie and friendship.

Based on their excellent start, I know that Year 11 is going to have an excellent year!

Thank you,

Ms Anna Papagiannopoulos

Year 11 Coordinator 

Year 12 Start of Year Program Photos

Year 12 EAL Student

Last week, we had a chance to take a trip to Melbourne CBD, visiting ACMI near Federation Square (just across from Flinders Street Station). As part of Year 12 EAL studies, we went to ACMI to watch a screening of Billy Wilder’s masterpiece, ‘Sunset Boulevard’. Since this is our set text for the exam, seeing it on the big screen was essential. 

We also had the opportunity to listen to a presenter who broke down the film’s layers for further understanding.

During the presentation and screening , we learned how lighting and shadows created ‘Film Noir’ atmosphere, reflecting on the dark secrets of the characters. The session also exposed the cynical side of Hollywood, showing us how the film industry often abandons aging stars once they are no longer bankable.

In addition to the academic aspect, the excursion was a nice way to spend time together as a Year 12 group. Walking through the city and discussing about the movie made the learning more enjoyable than regular class. We felt the day was incredibly useful for our revision but it was also making memorable moments before the actual business of exams. 

Year 12 Student - Thi Huynh