JUNIOR School Update

Welcome to the 2026 School Year 

As we begin an exciting new year in the Junior School, I warmly welcome our students and families to Frankston High School. It has been wonderful to see students back on campus settling into routines, reconnecting with peers, and building positive relationships with their teachers. 

At Frankston High School, we are committed to creating a learning environment where every student feels safe, supported, and challenged to achieve their full potential. Our vision and values guide everything we do, not only in the classroom but across all aspects of school life. 

Our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Empathy set clear expectations for behaviour and relationships. These values help students understand what it means to belong at the school and how to contribute positively to our community. They are explicitly taught and consistently reinforced by staff through everyday interactions with students. 

A strong sense of belonging is further fostered through our House system, which recognises and celebrates positive behaviour, effort, and contributions to the school community. House points are awarded consistently across the school to reinforce expectations, acknowledge student growth, and promote connection and wellbeing. Each year, the house with the most points is celebrated as the winner of the Centenary Shield and takes part in a special end-of-year celebration. 

In 2026, Frankston High School has implemented Optima pastoral care classes across Years 7–12 for the first time. Optima is named after our school motto, Optima Semper - Best Always, and reflects our commitment to supporting every student to thrive. Following an independent wellbeing review in 2022, the school set a clear goal to develop a consistent, whole-school approach to pastoral care and student health and wellbeing. This work has led to the establishment of Optima as our Tier 1 pastoral care model. Optima is taught once per week and provides students with a structured curriculum that supports their emotional, social, physical, and academic development. Each student is taught by a Pastoral Care teacher who also teaches them in another subject or is part of a Sub School Leadership team, strengthening relationships and advocacy while creating a positive and inclusive environment where students feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their personal best. The Optima curriculum is delivered through weekly lessons and cohort-specific activities, underpinned by a guaranteed and viable curriculum across Years 7–12. It incorporates Respectful Relationships, the Wellbeing Capabilities and Career Education, ensuring students develop essential life skills alongside their learning. Through Optima, students explore what it means to be their best, always, for themselves, at school and in the community, supported by teachers who guide and celebrate their growth and achievements. Our Optima Pastoral Care Program is led by Ms Paige Jessulat (Head of Connectedness), Ms Emily Sykes (Head of Wellbeing and Inclusion), Ms Carla Caminiti (Head of Careers and Pathways) and our Head of Year Level Leaders. 

Student connection and growth are also strengthened through participation in our many co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, including sport, music, clubs, leadership activities and enrichment programs. We strongly encourage all students to become involved in at least one extra-curricular activity during the year as a way to build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. 

I would like to acknowledge the significant work undertaken by our Junior School team to support our Year 7 and 8 students as they begin the year. 

Year 7 will beled by Ms Sam Cody as Head of Year 7, supported by Ms Melody Westlake and Ms Holly Quinn.

Year 8 will be led by Ms Hannah Martin as Head of Year 8, supported by Mr Will Whitelaw and Mr Josh Metherell.

Welcome to Mrs Lorelle Leith as Administration Support to the Junioe School team.

Their dedication has ensured students have transitioned smoothly, established routines, and begun the year with confidence. 

Thank you also to all staff who contribute to our wellbeing and inclusion programs, including Ms Michelle Beirouti (Wellbeing Coordinator) and Ms Heidi Dhiman (Inclusion Coordinator), for their ongoing leadership in fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment. 

A range of programs and events have already taken place this term, with many more underway to support student wellbeing and engagement. Some of these programs include: 

Year 7 Level Up Transition Program 

At the start of Term 1, our Year 7 students participated in the Level Up Transition Program. Designed to support students as they move from primary to secondary school, the program provided a welcoming and engaging introduction to life at Frankston High School. Over the two days, students took part in a range of activities, including team challenges, problem-solving tasks, wellbeing sessions, and opportunities to develop organisational and collaborative skills. These experiences helped students build confidence, form connections with peers and staff, and gain familiarity with the school environment. 

We sincerely thank all staff involved in running the Level Up classes, and the Year 7 Leadership team for developing such a thoughtful and engaging program. Level Up has set the foundation for a smooth and positive transition, helping our Year 7 students feel supported, confident, and ready to thrive in secondary school. 

Year 8 MYTHS Wellbeing Program

The MYTHS Program starts this week and is an 8-week wellbeing initiative developed and facilitated by the Frankston High School Wellbeing team to provide early, preventative support for Year 8 students. It focuses on key wellbeing topics relevant to teenagers at this stage of development.

Throughout the program, students explore self-care, mental health, understanding emotions, healthy relationships, and making positive choices. A central aim of MYTHS is to challenge unhelpful myths or misinformation that can influence how young people think, feel, and respond. 

The program offers a safe and supportive space for students to connect with peers, build self-awareness, and strengthen wellbeing skills. MYTHS is facilitated by Ms Erin Gooding (Wellbeing Program Coordinator) and Ms Kara Galea (Learning Support Officer) and is currently offered each term to a small group of Year 8 girls. Students are referred through Year Level Coordinators in consultation with the Wellbeing Team.

Legends Wellbeing Program

The Legends Program is an 8-week wellbeing initiative developed and facilitated by the Frankston High School Wellbeing team, commencing next week. Designed as a preventative support program, Legends supports students to build self-awareness and wellbeing skills through creative and engaging approaches.

Using narrative and play therapy techniques, students are encouraged to explore the idea of being the “main character” in their own life story. Through guided activities, they reflect on personal challenges and strengths, develop practical strategies, and build skills that support positive decision-making, communication, and healthy relationships.

The program is facilitated by Wellbeing team members Ms Erin Gooding (Wellbeing Program Coordinator) and Mr Jarryd Brand (Wellbeing Counsellor) and is currently offered to a small group of Year 8 boys each term. Students are referred through Year Level Coordinators in consultation with the Wellbeing team.

Hands on Learning

Hands on Learning (HoL) is a practical wellbeing and re-engagement program for students in Years 7–10, running one day per week on a Tuesday or Wednesday starting from Week 4. It supports students to build confidence, engagement, and attendance through meaningful, hands-on projects that help them discover their strengths and experience success.

The program focuses on four key elements that underpin wellbeing and learning: feeling safe and connected, developing a sense of belonging, engaging in purposeful work, and building skills that support success at school, in the community, and beyond. Through teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world projects, students develop practical skills while strengthening relationships and self-confidence.

At Frankston High School, HoL is facilitated by Ms Lily Donovan and Mr David Atkinson, who guide students through a supportive, practical approach to learning that re-engages them and fosters growth, engagement, and achievement.

If students need support at any point throughout the year, they are encouraged to reach out to their Year Level Coordinators, Optima teachers, or members of the Wellbeing and Inclusion Team. We are here to help every student feel safe, supported, and able to achieve their personal best. 

Ms Leah Hannas

Campus Principal

Years 7 and 8

We understand families calendar book up quickly. Please see below for some important dates to note.

Click Here for Junior School key contacts

Click Here for Year 7 only Calendar Dates

Click Here for Year 8 only Calendar Dates