College Principal Message 

From the Principal

As we draw the 2025 academic year to a close, I am filled with immense pride reflecting on all that we have achieved together. This has been a year defined by growth, collaboration, resilience, and significant facilities improvements across our three campuses. A thriving educational community is built upon the collective efforts of staff, students, and families. While collaboration brings its challenges, it is often through these challenges that we discover the greatest opportunities for learning and growth.

At Copperfield College, we have continued to embrace the principles of collaborative professionalism and collective efficacy in Teaching and Learning. Strengthening a culture of collegiate practice, where every educator sees themselves as an agent of positive change, is no small accomplishment. This year’s school review allowed us not only to celebrate the achievements of the past four years but also to refine our direction through a new Strategic Plan that positions us strongly for the future.

Our unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion is not simply an aspiration; it is a lived reality. We serve a richly diverse student body from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and we proudly uphold our guiding principle that “no student goes without.” This belief ensures every learner is supported, uplifted, and provided the opportunities they need to flourish, regardless of actual or perceived limits.

Our core values; Responsibility, Relationships, and Excellence, are the foundation of all we do.

We cultivate respect through relationships built on trust, empathy, and understanding. We recognise and honour the unique identities, voices, and experiences of every student and staff member, creating a community where everyone feels valued.

We empower every student, family, and staff member to demonstrate responsibility, act with integrity, make thoughtful decisions, and contribute meaningfully to our community. Responsibility builds trust, strengthens relationships, and prepares our learners to be caring, active citizens.

We foster relationships that promote trust, belonging, and collaboration. Guided by empathy, integrity, and open communication, we embrace diversity, learn from one another, and work collectively to support every individual’s success. Together, we nurture shared responsibility, wellbeing, and sustained growth.

We strive for excellence in every classroom, program, and interaction. By setting high expectations and embracing continuous improvement, we challenge our students to aim high, think critically, act with integrity, and pursue their full potential.

Our vision, “to empower every student to aspire and achieve”, is lived daily through inclusive teaching practices, tailored support systems, and a broad curriculum that opens pathways to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, and meaningful employment. Copperfield College is more than a multi-campus school; it is a community where every student is seen, heard, and empowered to shape their future with confidence.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our teaching and non-teaching staff, whose dedication, creativity, and tireless work create a nurturing and stimulating environment for our students. Their passion is what makes our school a place where futures are shaped and dreams are nurtured.

As we reflect on the year, let us celebrate not only the achievements but also the shared experiences that have strengthened us. In a world that continues to shift and surprise us, our school has remained a place of stability, unity, and multicultural pride. Together, we have learned, explored, competed, achieved, and grown. I hope each of you carries a treasured highlight from this academic year.

A particular highlight was our school musical concerts. These vibrant and impeccably delivered performances showcased the exceptional talents of our students and staff. My sincere thanks go to Ms Taylar Van Orsouw, Performing Arts Leader, and to everyone who contributed behind the scenes. Congratulations to all involved for producing such memorable events.

I acknowledge the leadership of our Campus Principals; Mr Andrew Atherton, Ms Mary Chiodo, Ms Soula Dedes, Mr Michael Gruis, Mr Renato Carinci, and Mr Lance Petherick, whose guidance and steadfast commitment have been invaluable throughout the year.

I also thank our School Council, led by President Dr Mandy El Ali, along with all members; Vice President Ms Vera Mijakoski, Treasurer Mr Jacques de la Porte, Council parent members; Ms Mariama Bah, Ms Kate Tangas, Ms Catherine Morris, Ms Sheena Pettigrew, Ms Marcella Esposito, Council DoE members; Ms Faryal Niazi, Ms Sindhu Jay, Ms Marianne Gualtieri, Mr Ben Kuypers, Council Student Members; Ms Julia Portelli and Mr Dylan Paluch-Vinh, who have devoted their time and expertise to supporting our students and shaping the direction of our College.

I commend our 2025 student leaders - School Captains Mariam Botros and Sophia Cruz, Performing Arts Captain Emma Hackney, Sports Captain Udaypratap (Uday) Ahuja, Kings Park Campus Captains Umu Jalloh and Scarcella, and Sydenham Campus Captains Suad Pajaziti and Alayna Anwar. They led with enthusiasm and pride, organising whole-school assemblies, events, and initiatives that strengthened our sense of community. Their leadership has been an inspiration.

To our Year 12 graduates, I offer my warmest congratulations and best wishes as you move into new pathways—whether tertiary study, apprenticeships, or the workforce. The Year 12 Graduation and Awards Evening was a fitting celebration of your achievements. You leave Copperfield College well prepared for the future, and we are confident you will continue to shine.

To all our students, your resilience, determination, and growth this year have been remarkable. You continue to inspire us.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education and wellbeing. Your partnership and encouragement remain essential to our shared success, and we look forward to strengthening these relationships in the years ahead.

As we look to the future, I am filled with optimism for the year ahead. I wish each of you a restful and rejuvenating summer break filled with joy, reflection, and new adventures.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. I look forward to welcoming you back for a bright and successful start to the 2026 academic year.

2026 School Captains and Principal Class Officers 

It is with great pride that I introduce to the College community our 2026 student leaders.

Congratulations to our 2026 School Leadership Team:

College Captains:• Angus Morgan• Charlina Trieu

College Captain – Academic Leadership:• Chanelle Camilleri

College Captain – Sporting Leadership:• Jonathan Trinh

College Captain – Arts Leadership:• Neisha-Lee Fedele

College Captain – Community Leadership:• Billy Do

Kings Park Campus Captains:• Siyona Prasanth• Jasmine Lazos

Sydenham Campus Captains:• Julia Portelli• Haider Imran

My Principal Team and I look forward to working closely with our new leaders as they help shape the future of our school, strengthening student voice and agency, promoting inclusion, and contributing to positive outcomes for all students.

On Monday, November 14, we hosted a lunch with the 2026 College Captains, Campus Leaders and the Principal Team. This gathering offered our captains the opportunity to share their ideas, aspirations, and plans for the coming year. As Principal, these are the moments I value deeply, hearing fresh perspectives, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and reflecting together on how we can continue improving the student experience.

During the lunch, we discussed key themes such as leadership and “leading by example”, strengthening student voice, and implementing programs and projects that enhance student wellbeing, engagement, and connectedness to school.

We congratulate all our 2026 student leaders and look forward to the exciting year ahead.

2026 Year 7 & 8 scholarship program

It is with great pleasure that I announce the recipients of the 2026 Year 7 and Year 8 Copperfield College Scholarships. These scholarships recognise students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, talent, and leadership in their primary years, and we congratulate each student, their families, and their respective primary school communities on this remarkable achievement.

Copperfield College scholarships are awarded to students who show exceptional promise in areas such as academic excellence, leadership, the arts, sport, or community service. These awards not only acknowledge past success but also encourage students to continue striving for personal growth, contribution, and achievement as they begin their secondary school journey.

We are excited to welcome these scholarship recipients into our College community next year. Each student brings unique strengths and interests, and we are confident that they will make a meaningful contribution to the life of the College. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment will help shape a positive and inspiring environment for their peers in Years 7 and 8.

Once again, congratulations to all recipients. We look forward to supporting and celebrating your achievements as you embark on this next chapter at Copperfield College.

Academic Excellence

• Jake Dojkovski (Springside Primary School) - Sydenham Campus 
• Xander Victoria (Kororoit Creek Primary School) - Kings Park Campus 

Student Leadership 

• Sara Gulapala (Sydenham Hillside PS) - Sydenham Campus
• Mastar Diep (St Albans North Primary School), Kings Park Campus

Community (Good citizenship)

• Jaeda Tran (Kings Park Primary School) – Kings Park Campus
• Ayken Cannolo (Parkwood Green Primary School) – Sydenham Campus

Sporting Excellence

• Makayde Morgan (Taylors Hill Primary School) - Sydenham Campus
• Jude Grech (Kings Park Primary School) - Kings Park Campus

The Arts 

• Aubrey Curwen-Walker (Taylors Hill Primary School) - Sydenham Campus 

Elara Salvo (Kings Park Primary School) - Kings Park Campus 

All scholarships have been presented to the students, families and respective primary school communities during a primary school assembly. I have attended the assemblies, together with the respective Campus Principal and made the presentation. 

Department of Education International Student Field Trip to China, 

October 25 to November 4

From October 25 to November 4, I participated in a Department of Education International Student field trip to China, visiting Beijing, Jinan, and Shanghai. This initiative celebrated 30 years of Chinese international students in Victorian government schools and promoted Copperfield College as a welcoming and high-quality destination for prospective international students.

The purpose of International Student Program (ISP) recruitment travel is to:

• Recruit full-fee-paying international students into Victorian government schools.
• Gather market intelligence through meetings with education agents to inform continuous ISP improvement.
• Build trust and strengthen relationships with Department-accredited education agents.

• Promote the quality of Victoria’s education system and advance the Victorian Government’s commitment to delivering a world-class education.

   

As Principal of Copperfield College, I was pleased to work alongside colleagues from across the system—Principals from Koonung Secondary College and Bundoora Secondary College, an Assistant Principal from Camberwell High School, and International Student Coordinators from Balwyn High School, Melbourne Girls’ College and Mentone Girls’ College. Together, we formed the Victorian Government Schools delegation responsible for delivering on these objectives.

Throughout the visit, our delegation met with education agencies prospective parents and students, to present the strengths, programs, and opportunities available in our individual schools. We also participated in livestreamed Q&A sessions, broadcast to more than 30,000 viewers in both English and Chinese, allowing us to showcase Copperfield College and the Victorian Government school system to a wide audience, further strengthening our visibility in the Chinese market.

At the 30th Anniversary Celebration in Shanghai, we delivered presentations to key agencies and regional managers representing Australia and New Zealand. These presentations highlighted school programs and curriculum offerings and were complemented by panel discussions on two important topics:

• Wellbeing in Victorian schools, and

• Developing student leadership among international students.

These sessions reinforced the strength, values, and global competitiveness of Victorian Government education.

During this visit, I also interviewed and accepted three Chinese international students who will commence Year 10 at Copperfield College in 2026.

2025 VCE Results 

Our VCE students finally received their VCE results on Thursday December 11. We are very proud of all our students, and we congratulate them on their achievements. Outstanding student VCE results will be acknowledged and celebrated during our awards presentation evening on December 17.

On behalf of the Copperfield College family I commend all our Year 12 students for their diligence and dedication to their studies this, their final year of high school. 

Congratulations to all our Year 12 students for their outstanding achievements.

Copperfield results VCE results this year

• VCE Median score 28 - great achievement! 

• VCE Allstudy mean score 28 - great achievement! 

• 21% of our students achieved ATAR scores 80 to 100 

• 57% of our students achieved ATAR scores 70 to 100

• 100% VCE satisfactory completion 

Minjoo Baik, Dux of 2025, 96.05 ATAR score.

Minjoo has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence from a young age, consistently achieving outstanding results throughout her scholastic years. Her passion for learning, combined with a strong commitment to studies, has set her apart as a standout student. 

Minjoo has displayed remarkable intellectual curiosity and dedication, striving to expand her knowledge and achieve her uttermost best quietly.

In addition to academic achievements, Minjoo has proven to be an excellent ambassador our College, embodying the college values with pride and integrity both within and beyond the classroom settings. 

Her humility, modesty, and unwavering support for others makes her a respected figure among peers and teachers alike.

We wish Minjoo best of luck as she explores his next steps towards a very bright future. May her future soar to new heights and be as limitless as the stars in the sky. 

Here are our top performers:

Minjoo Baik, Ali Agha, Philip Gorceski, Mia Triantafillidis, Tan Phan, Anton Hornig, Simarjot Kaur, Han Co, Tate Mendes, Udaypratap Ahuja

Important Dates to mark on your calendars:

2026 Academic Year – Staggered Start 

Parents/Guardians and students, please note that the 2026 academic year will commence with a student staggered start as follows.

• Tuesday, January 27 – Teachers ONLY (Student Free Day) 

This day is a student free day. Teachers will have the opportunity to attend staff, curriculum, and other various planning meetings. They will also prepare for the arrival of the students including some planning time.

• Wednesday, January 28: First day for all new Year 7 students, Year 11 and all 12, VCE, VCE/VM and VPC students.

• Thursday, January 29: All students return back on site. 

This is to ensure a very smooth transition for our new Year 7 students to their Kings Park and Sydenham campuses respectively, and a great start for Year 11 and 12 students at the Delahey Campus.

Nick Adamou

College Principal