Principal's Report

Student Leadership

In the last edition of this community newsletter, I introduced you to the two School Leaders for 2026

Kate McRae (Year 12, Toner House) and Jevon Dalton (Year 12, Everard House), I would now like to introduce the remainder of the Student Leadership team to you:

House Leaders 

Pakana – Gwyn Van der Kamp and Anouschka Tymms

Toner – Bethany Quinn and Keira Lewis

Skipper – Melody O’Shea and Archie Ribaric

Everard – Emma Plunkett-Zbaracki and Kennedy Cesari-Ford

Arts Leaders

Yasi Maiorano

Immy McMahon 

Music Leaders

Matthew Thorn

Vacant position

Integrity Leaders 

Avielle Angesti

Abi Johnson

Dylan Pang

Social and Environmental Responsibility Leaders 

Jarran Nolan

Anu Conley 

Respect for Diversity Leaders

Harry Stow

Charlotte Lau

Creativity Leaders 

Maeve Lappin

Frankie Grzechnik

I congratulate all of our student leaders and thank them for all the work they have already done in preparation for the start of the year assemblies and the preparation of the School Values Video.

School Swimming Carnival

The School Swimming Carnival which will run on Friday 20 February, is a school-based event and all students are expected to attend and encouraged to dress in their House colours (Everard – yellow, Pakana – Blue, Skipper – Green, Toner – Red).

For the Year 7 students this will be their first experience of an EHS swimming carnival. I am sure that they are all excited and looking forward to participating in as many events as possible. 

For the Year 12s, the class of 2026, this will be their last swimming carnival and their last opportunity to participate and celebrate together with their peers, teachers and support staff. Usually, a great deal of effort goes into the design and construction of some very creative outfits for the day, of course reflecting the House colours.

All Year 8, 9 and 10 students are encouraged to participate in the day and to support their House and peers.

There has been a great deal of work put into the organisation of this day, and I wish to thank Bree Pascoe for her leadership and thank all the staff that have supported Bree to make sure that the day proceeds well and that everyone has the opportunity to participate and truly enjoy the day.

Thank you to those families who have completed the consent form and swimming competency assessment. No student will be able to attend the event without consent.

I remind parents that students will not be allowed to leave early on the day from the pool. Staff will not be engaging in phone conversations with parents to gain permission for their child to leave early, they have other duties to fulfil.

Any early dismissal or dismissal from the pool at the end of the event must be organised prior to the event via written communication to the relevant sub-school team leader:

Junior School: Kathryn Boysen kathryn.boysen@education.vic.gov.au 

Middle School: Erin Knight erin.knight@education.vic.gov.au 

Senior School: Orianne Megaloudis orianne.megaloudis@education.vic.gov.au 

Thank you for your support with this.

Opening of the Warrack STEAM Centre at Eltham High School

I am very pleased to inform you that classes began running in the new STEAM Centre as of Monday of this week, 16 February. The name “Warrack” is the Woi-Wurrung word for “Banksia”. It seemed appropriate to connect with our indigenous past and to celebrate the language of the Wurundjeri people who are the traditional owners of the land on which the school and the new STEAM Centre stand. Furthermore, it seemed appropriate to also recognise the local flora as symbol of our place within the city of Melbourne.

We are aiming for an Official opening for Wednesday 29 April as part of our Centenary celebrations.

I will keep you informed.

School Council Elections

I refer to the information relating to the School Council Election Process. The Notice of election as well as the information of who is eligible to apply for a position, the closing date of nominations and the Nomination Form are all included.

I encourage members of our parent community, especially those joining us for the first time to consider applying for a position on School Council. Current members of the School Council comment of the satisfying nature of the work that we do together. I look forward to receiving your nominations.

Eltham High School Reminders

VINCENT SICARI, Principal