9–12 Campus News

Mrs Vivienne McElwee | 9–12 Campus Principal

Mr Ned Vasey | Assistant Campus Principal Year 9 & 10

This term we were delighted to welcome back College Principal, Amy Porter, whose energy, passion for teaching and learning, and exceptional leadership have been central to Sandringham College’s growth and success over recent years. We look forward to the continued momentum and vision Amy brings to our school. 

 

Over the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed meeting many of our incoming Year 7 students for 2026 during SEAL, Sport, Art, and Dance Academy tryouts. These students—our future Class of 2031—serve as a timely reminder to the Class of 2025 just how far they’ve come. With only six weeks of learning remaining before exams, we encourage our Year 12 students to stay focused on their goal of completing the VCE or VCE VM. 

 

For current Year 7 and 8 students, there may be additional Academy places available for 2026. Any further tryout and audition opportunities will be announced via Compass. 

Last week, Year 12 families participated in early Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences—an important chance to discuss progress, attendance, coursework, and upcoming assessments. At this crucial time, remember that support is always available from: 

  • Classroom Teachers 
  • Year Level and Assistant Year Level Leaders 
  • Careers Team 
  • VCE Coordinator 
  • Campus Principal 

Please reach out if you need guidance. We may not always have the answer you expect, but our goal is always to help every student cross the finish line. 

 

Meanwhile, students in Years 9–11 have completed course counselling for 2026. Year 9 used their Morrisby reports to help select subjects, with some students beginning a VCE subject next year. Year 10s are preparing for the step up to a full VCE or VCE VM course load, and Year 11s have reviewed their results and subject selections for their final year. We’ve reminded all students to choose subjects based on strengths, skills, interest, past performance, and teacher advice. The 2026 timetable will be released in Term 4, ahead of our Headstart program beginning on 24 November. 

 

TRIAL EXAM PERIOD 

Compulsory Trial Exams for all Unit 3&4 subjects will run from Friday 19 September (English) and Monday 22 – Thursday 25 September for all other subjects, as per your timetable. Timetables were given out on Monday 18 August at a special assembly. These exams replicate VCAA conditions, provide valuable feedback, and highlight areas to improve before final exams. Many subjects will be externally marked for an independent perspective. Students are also encouraged to use the second week of the holidays for a balance of rest and study—attend revision lectures, keep up regular study, and apply your trial exam feedback to your preparation. For any questions regarding the Trial Exam process, please see your Year Level or Assistance Year Level leader.

 

GRADUATION 

Year 12 Graduation Night will be held on  Sunday 19 October | 5.00–7.00 pm Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University. 

This is always a momentous occasion so join us to celebrate the end of 13 years of schooling—the final time the Class of 2025 comes together as a cohort. This special evening will be filled with pride, reflection, and celebration with family and friends. Dress code: Semi-formal. Ticket details will be shared before the end of term—please let family and friends know to save the date.

 

SPACE CAMP 2026 – Information Night 

On Wednesday 20 August, we will hold an Information Night for parents and students who will be in Years 9 and 10 in 2026 about an exciting opportunity—SPACE CAMP 2026. 

This once-in-a-lifetime trip to Orlando, USA includes attending camp at the incredible Kennedy Space Centre, where students will take part in astronaut-style “training.” The adventure also features visits to three theme parks and an airboat tour.

 

Join us at 6.00 pm in the Holloway Road Theatre to hear full details from the travel organisation. 

 

CHOOSING THE ROAD AHEAD – Course Counselling and Subject Selections

If Term 3 had a theme so far, it would be Pathways. From day one, students in Years 9–11 have hit the ground running—taking part in course counselling interviews, attending year-level assemblies, and making subject selections, all with an eye on what 2026 might hold.

For our Year 9 students, this process marked an exciting step towards greater choice and independence. With English, Maths, Science and HPE the only compulsory subjects, students had the opportunity to explore their passions and consider the skills they might need for the future when selecting their remaining subjects. For some, this also meant applying to take on the challenge of completing a Unit 1 & 2 subject in Year 10—a commendable step for those ready to stretch themselves academically.

 

Year 10 students faced a major decision: VCE or VCE-VM? Both pathways offer excellent post-school opportunities, but each leads down a different road. Students and their families weighed up what life after school might look like and the best path to get there. Many also considered adding a VET subject to their program, providing valuable, hands-on skills and a head start towards their chosen career.

For Year 11 students, these interviews were the final checkpoint before Year 12—a chance to confirm their pathway and ensure they are on track. It’s a small but important milestone in a process they have been undertaking since Year 8.

 

We know that for some, these choices can be challenging—whether it’s because they want to do everything or aren’t sure which direction to take. In these cases, we encourage families to reach out to their Year Level Leader or arrange a meeting with our careers team to gain clarity and guidance.

 

Finally, a big thank you to our College Registrar, Kerry Haley, for her outstanding work in ensuring every student had the chance for a one-on-one conversation about their selections. Thank you also to all staff involved in this process, who made time in their busy schedules to help guide our young people towards their future.

 

Vivienne McElwee & Ned Vasey