Assistant Principal Report Senior School/Operations

Celebrating 2025 – A Year of Achievement and Community 

As the 2025 school year wraps up for our senior students, we celebrate both the Class of 2025 and those who have already begun their 2026 VCE journey. Looking back, we feel immense pride in the achievements of our students—both as individuals and as a school community.

Our students have embraced challenges that pushed them beyond their comfort zones. They connected with the wider community through initiatives such as leading Primary School Science taster sessions, collecting Bon Bons for the Kingston City Church Christmas hampers, performing to a full audience in Parky Does Summertime, and an impressive group of students bravely put themselves forward for 2026 leadership positions.

Farewell to the Class of 2025 

On November 20th, we farewelled our graduating class at their Valedictory Dinner at Sandown Racecourse. With 280 students, their families, carers, and over 50 staff in attendance, the venue was filled to capacity. This final gathering was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to the school.

From beginning with our largest-ever Year 7 intake of 350 students, to navigating two years of remote learning, their secondary journey was anything but conventional. Yet, as onsite learning resumed, they built strong friendships and connections with teachers, meeting the challenges of VCE with determination and finishing their school years with gusto.

We wish them every success as they embark on their next chapter and look forward to hearing their stories—whether it’s a cheerful hello in the street or news of their future achievements. VCE results will be released on Thursday, December 11th, and we will celebrate these together on our social media platforms.

Students are reminded that Ms. Della Fortuna is available for appointments to discuss changes in university preferences.

Welcoming the Classes of 2026 and 2027 

As we farewelled the Class of 2025, we also welcomed the Classes of 2026 and 2027 into the Senior Centre. These students have settled in beautifully, embracing new routines, subjects, teachers, and classmates. We are excited to watch them grow as they take on the challenges of Years 11 and 12.

Building Strong Foundations 

Success in the senior years is built on strong routines and habits. Over the summer holidays, we encourage all students to balance rest and social time with regular exercise, healthy eating, and steady completion of holiday homework across the six weeks—not just the weekend before school resumes!

Uniform and Dress Code 

We ask parents and students to revisit our uniform and dress code policy during the break to ensure all items are ready for a strong start in 2026.

Our uniform policy, developed in consultation with students and parents, is inclusive and flexible across gender and season. Items supplied by Bob Stewart are high quality, affordable, and good value for families. Bob Stewart now also stocks an Essentials range of non-branded school and sports pants and shorts.

Students purchasing items from alternative suppliers must follow the style guide outlined in the policy and are encouraged to check with their Year Level Coordinators before purchasing. Safety remains a priority—items such as leather school shoes and sports shorts without pockets meet OH&S guidelines to ensure students are safe during practical classes and sporting activities. We greatly appreciate parent support in helping students wear their uniform with pride.

Student Achievements 

We are proud of all our students’ achievements this year, and we would like to highlight two outstanding examples:

• Year 12 student, Leftheri Tsitsiras – Known to many as Vice School Captain and a performer in Parky Does and the school musical, Leftheri is also a gifted photographer and filmmaker. He has been shortlisted for the VCE Top Screen exhibition and invited to two film festivals—one in Dubbo and another internationally in Greece. Congratulations, Leftheri! We look forward to seeing your name in lights in the future.

   

• Year 11 student, Harry Scurrah – This week, Harry represented Australia at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand, the only Victorian selected for the team. Not only did he compete, but he won all nine events—both individual and team. An extraordinary achievement, Harry—well done!

   

Thank You 

Thank you to all parents, carers, friends, and community members for your contributions throughout 2025. We have loved welcoming you into our school and, in turn, seeing our students and staff welcomed into the wider community.

The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We believe it also takes a community to create a great school such as Parkdale Secondary College. Together, we have achieved so much, and we look forward to an even brighter 2026.