This year, the College has continued to focus on maintaining strong student engagement across learning, wellbeing, pathways, and inclusion programs. Staff have supported students through both curriculum delivery and targeted support initiatives as we progress through the term.

The student leadership team has continued to embed student voice through celebration and recognition assemblies, leadership of community events, and improvements to resources available in the student lounge and study centre.

Some of the key highlights of the year so far include:

Teaching and learning programs continue to run effectively across all year levels, with strong engagement in VCE and VM classes.

Key highlights this term include:

Ongoing delivery of the newly introduced Classical Studies program (Years 11 and 12), which continues to be well received
Continued participation in enrichment activities including life drawing workshops, gardening club, and folio support classes
Regular access to study support sessions for students preparing for SACs and coursework
Structured Workplace Learning placements for VM students on Fridays
VM Personal Development Camp
Music performance evenings held in the Cottage
Continued development of instrumental music programs, providing valuable creative learning opportunities for students

Student wellbeing remains a central focus of school operations.

Highlights this term include:

The new Wellbeing Team has begun strengthening student access to the Mental Health Practitioner and counselling services
Active participation in lunchtime clubs and activities supporting student connection
Whole-school assemblies planned and delivered by the School Captains
Continued use of the student lounge as a supportive and inclusive environment
Delivery of the breakfast program and additional support through Foodbank resources where needed
Ongoing collection of student feedback to improve the quality and provision of spaces for study and social connection
A successful student-led Market Day
Inner Peas continuing to support students through social connection and cooking skill development
Remodelling of the Wellbeing Room to create a safer and more purposeful environment

These supports continue to strengthen student connection, engagement, and belonging.

Pathways planning and career education programs continue to support students in preparing for future study and employment opportunities.

This term:

Students have continued developing their Career Action Plans
Ongoing engagement with Swinburne University partnership programs has continued
Preparation activities are underway for the upcoming Careers Expo on 21 May
Structured Workplace Learning placements have continued to be supported and monitored
VET programs in Cookery and Hospitality have continued practical delivery
An Alumni Panel was held in the final week of Term 1, with former students discussing their experiences after SSSC
Jane Gazzo continues to support music and media students through her ongoing connection with the school

The new Pathways Team continues to develop supports and processes to improve access to careers and pathways advice for every student The College continues to strengthen inclusive practices and celebrate diversity across the school community.

Highlights include:

Ongoing implementation of the Marrung Education Plan
Planning and early preparation for NAIDOC Week activities
Continued work through the Disability Inclusion Framework (Year 2)
Progress on the CERES Community Garden initiative, supporting environmental and community learning
A whole-school focus on embedding a strengths-based approach to inclusion
Student Management Teams continuing to work collaboratively with families, students, and teachers through Student Support Group (SSG) meetings
The Inclusion Team continuing to refine processes that support every student

Attendance continues to be a key focus area. This week, interim reports highlighted attendance concerns, and students with concerning patterns of absence will be supported to improve attendance as we move toward the conclusion of Semester 1.

Regular attendance remains essential for learning continuity and wellbeing, particularly in VCE and senior secondary programs. Staff continue to encourage students to attend daily and seek support where needed.

Diarmaid Fennessy

Principal

Swinburne SSC Newsletter

Educating Individuals

Issue 1 · 25 May 2026

In this issue