PRINCIPAL's | Message

Dear Parents/Carers, Students And Friends

Reconciliation Week

We are recognising the importance of National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect. National Reconciliation Week’s theme for 2026, All In, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue. 

School Review

This year being the last of four years of our School Strategic Plan, means we have our School Review. This took place over two days: Wednesday 20 May and Tuesday 26 May. It was a great opportunity for staff, students and parents to provide feedback for the School Review Panel via focus groups, and for the panel to go in and observe classes. We look forward to developing our next School Strategic Plan and continuing our school improvement journey.  

2027 Global Challenge 

On Wednesday 6 May we hosted an information evening for interested students, alongside their families, for the 2027 Global Challenge in Peru. Thank you to Ms Cheryl Hodgson for her efforts organising the trip, well supported by our other staff, including Ms Tiffany Greenhill.  

Aerobics

On Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May, our Aerobics students participated in the Victorian Super Series event held in Rowville. There were some fantastic results by our students, including five first places, one second place, and one third place. We look forward to the State finals in early June. Thank you to Ms Gen Donovan for her efforts coaching and supporting our students, well supported by Mrs Cindy Bryant and Ms Tiffany Greenhill. 

Year 9 Morrisby 

Our Careers Team have recently overseen Morrisby Interviews with external providers for our Year 9 students which is an enormous undertaking. These are important steps in helping prepare our Year 9 students for their future years. Thank you to our Careers team for their efforts ensuring this runs smoothly. 

Year 12 Retreat

During the first three days of this term, we ran the Year 12 Retreat to Phillip Island to provide our Year 12 students with the opportunity to connect with their peers and teachers as well as giving them an opportunity to reinvigorate for the rest of the year. The students participated in activities that strengthened their connection to their peers, teachers and the school community. Thank you to Ms Brittany Harvey, Ms Victoria Stewart, Mr Patrick Mooney and Mr Cameron Heyes for organising this opportunity for our students, supported by the many staff in attendance. 

Southside Film Festival

During Week 3, a number of our Years 10, 11 and 12 students were involved in an industry

filmmaking experience as part of the South Side Festival. Students worked with a professional film crew (directors, cinematographer and sound directors) to devise and realise a 30-minute film, which was filmed and streamed live to Cube 37 at 7.30pm on Friday. The film was edited by Director Michael Beets as it was filmed at the school, and live scored by composer Montgomery, in front of an audience of around 120 people. Thank you to Mr John Simon for his efforts overseeing this opportunity for our students, supported by Ms Georgie Long, Ms Natalie D’Ambra, Ms Jo Beck, Mrs Emily Vogt, Mr Brayden Dopper, Ms Marta Szczykutowicz and our IT Team. See photos and read more HERE.

World Education Support (ES) Day

Thank you to our ES staff for everything they do to make our school so great! Saturday 16 May was World Education Support Personnel Day, a day for us to recognise the extraordinary contributions our ES team make in our school. We hosted a breakfast for our ES staff on Monday (18 May) morning to recognise their contributions and thank them. 

Orange Sky Laundry

We are featured in the latest edition of ‘Education Matters – Secondary’ with an article about our laundries and partnership with Orange Sky.

Well done to Mrs Carolyn Florance for her efforts and leadership with this initiative.

Read article HERE

Cross Country Relay Event

We participated in the Victorian Cross Country Relay event at Jells Park on Saturday 23 May. It was great to see our students competing against the top running schools in the state, and performing very well with top ten finishes for some of our teams. Thank you to Mr Ryan Jones and Mr Mal Burt for their efforts coaching our students and taking them on the day. 

Mr Andrew Batchelor

Principal