Principal's Report

As Term 4 draws to a close, it’s been a time of focus, celebration, and reflection across our College. There’s a real sense of pride in how our students, staff, and families have worked together to create a positive and supportive school culture. We’ve seen that commitment reflected in our learning environments, our data, and the way our community continues to grow in confidence and connection.

Celebrating Our Year 12s

This week marks the beginning of final VCAA exams, starting with English and continuing through November. Our Year 12 students have shown extraordinary dedication, maturity, and resilience — and I could not be prouder of how they have represented Tarneit Senior College.

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025 at our Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, 27 November at Flemington Racecourse. This special night will mark the end of a 13-year journey through education and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Earlier this term, we held our Year 12 Formal, a spectacular evening attended by around 100 students. The “Meet After Midnight” theme set the tone for an unforgettable night of celebration, laughter, and style. It was wonderful to see students and staff sharing the dance floor — a true reflection of the spirit and connection that defines our school.

Looking Ahead – Year 11 Formal & Step-Up Program

Our excitement continues later this term with Tarneit Senior College’s first-ever Year 11 Formal, to be held on Wednesday, 20 November. The theme “Red Carpet” promises a night of glamour and celebration for our senior students as they step into leadership roles for 2026.

At the end of November, our Step-Up Program will begin, introducing students to their Unit 1 and 3 studies for next year. This program helps students connect with their new teachers, establish routines, and start the academic work that will prepare them for success in 2026.

Celebrating Growth and Positive Culture

This year has seen strong growth in student behaviour, connection, and school culture. We’ve seen real progress in how our students engage with learning, treat each other, and demonstrate our school values. It’s been particularly encouraging to see improvement in how safe, supported, and included students feel — a testament to the consistency and care shown by our teachers and support staff every day.

Our school improvement journey is ongoing, but it’s clear that our positive culture is now deeply embedded across classrooms and corridors. The improvement we see in our data is not by chance — it’s the result of the daily work, dedication, and belief of our staff and students.

Rubicon Camp – Recognising Excellence

This week, a group of Tarneit students is attending the Rubicon Outdoor School in Gippsland — a Department of Education residential program that challenges and extends students through outdoor adventure, teamwork, and leadership. The students attending this camp were selected for demonstrating consistent commitment to their learning, strong attendance, and living out our college values. We are incredibly proud of them and know they will represent our school with pride and enthusiasm.

Building Our Future – The Paddock Project

Work has now begun on the Stage 1 development of the Paddock area, which will create new spaces for recreation and wellbeing. The project includes ground levelling, the construction of two basketball courts, and the addition of cricket pitches and nets. We are also planning for the future development of a soccer and rugby pitch, with architectural drawings and a masterplan currently underway. These improvements will give students new opportunities to connect, be active, and take pride in their school environment.

A Shared Vision for Growth

Our new School Strategic Plan (2025–2029) sets an exciting direction for the next four years, focusing on two core goals:

• Maximising learning outcomes for every student through consistent, high-quality teaching.
• Improving wellbeing and connectedness so that every student feels supported to thrive.

The progress we’ve made this year — in teaching practice, student engagement, and school culture — gives us a strong foundation for the years ahead. Our focus now is on building on that success and continuing to grow together as a community.

In Closing

As we move towards the end of the year, I want to thank our staff for their incredible dedication, our students for their effort and resilience, and our families for their ongoing support. Together, we are creating a school that our community can be truly proud of.

To our Year 12s — good luck in your exams, and thank you for the legacy you leave behind. And to all students — finish the year strong, stay connected, and continue to show the values that make Tarneit Senior College the vibrant and caring community it is today.

-Shane Cole-Hayhow 

Principal