From the Principal 

Our School Values – Respect, Responsibility, Personal Best, and Sense of Community

At Cheltenham, our values guide everything we do. Respect, Responsibility, Personal Best, and Sense of Community are more than just words – they shape the expectations we hold for ourselves and each other.

A school environment can be complex, wonderful, and at times challenging, particularly as we navigate and embrace the rich cultural diversity of our community. This diversity not only reflects our school but also the broader Australian society in which we live. It is through Respect and a strong Sense of Community that we build a culture where inclusiveness is celebrated, and every individual feels valued.

Responsibility lies with all of us. Supporting one another, whether in the classroom, the yard, or beyond the school gates, ensures that our community remains strong and connected. Every day, we expect our students and staff to strive for their Personal Best – in learning, in interactions with others, and in their contribution to the life of the College.

Together, by living our values, we build a school that we can all be proud of – a place where every student feels a sense of belonging and achievement, and where our shared commitment to Respect, Responsibility, Personal Best, and Community shines through in all that we do.

At Cheltenham Secondary College, our values also extend to the way we behave in the classroom and around the school. Behaviours such as making silly noises, failing to follow teacher instructions, arriving late, or coming unprepared for class may seem minor, but they have a significant impact on others. When one student disrupts the learning of others, it is not only unfair – it sends the message that their own choices are more important than the rights of their peers. This is not acceptable in our school community.

Every student at Cheltenham is important! 

Every student has the right to learn, feel safe, and enjoy being at school. Respecting these rights means taking Responsibility for our own actions, striving to achieve our Personal Best, and supporting a Sense of Community where everyone can succeed. We ask all students to reflect on the impact of their behaviour and to commit to making positive choices that allow every learner to thrive.

Teaching and Learning 

Our teachers continue to do an outstanding job in ensuring that every student receives the very best learning opportunities. This year, a major focus has been on reviewing and updating our Year 7–10 curriculum to align with the new Victorian Curriculum 2.0. This important work ensures that our teaching and learning programs remain current, engaging, and responsive to the knowledge and skills students need for success in school and beyond. Teachers across all learning areas have been collaborating closely to design units of work that are both challenging and supportive, providing every student with the opportunity to grow.

In addition to curriculum renewal, our staff are also implementing the Department of Education’s VTLM 2.0 (Victorian Teaching and Learning Model). This framework enhances the way we approach teaching, learning, and assessment, with a greater emphasis on clarity and consistency. A central part of this work has been embedding Learning Objectives and Success Criteria into every classroom. By making learning intentions clear, our students know exactly what they are working towards and how they can achieve success. This consistency across classes is already helping to reduce variability and lift student outcomes.

Looking ahead, we are working towards an exciting next step — making lesson plans available to both students and parents from 2026. This initiative will further strengthen home–school communication by providing greater visibility into what students are learning each week, allowing parents to support their child’s progress better. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, high-quality teaching, and student success. The dedication and professionalism of our teachers in driving these changes are truly commendable, and they reflect the strong culture of learning that continues to define our college.

Mobile Phones and Electronic Devices at School

We kindly ask all parents and guardians to remind students that mobile phones are not permitted during the school day. This includes the use of phones for purchasing items from the canteen. Students are required to bring alternative payment methods if needed.

The Victorian Government has a clear policy on mobile phones in schools. For further details, please visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/mobile-phones-schools.

Mobile phones and electronic devices are very distracting for students and can disrupt both learning and wellbeing. By removing access during the day, we create a more focused learning environment where students can engage fully in their classes and with one another.

Additionally, wireless AirPods or earphones are not to be worn at school. There is no need or benefit for these devices during the school day, as they are only used to connect to phones or other personal devices, which is not permitted (unless part of a learning plan).

We thank you for supporting us in ensuring a safe, productive, and distraction-free environment for all students.

Warm regards

Karl Russell

Principal