VCE & VCE VM EMPOWERING OUR STUDENTS – Sonya Kilkenny MP Women's Health Forum

A group of McClelland College students attended the Annual Women’s Health Forum hosted by Sonya Kilkenny MP, Member for Carrum, on Friday, 17th October 2025. The event was an inspiring and thought-provoking experience that encouraged open discussion on issues impacting women’s health and wellbeing. Students found the forum both emotive and empowering, gaining valuable insights into topics such as mental health, healthy relationships, and community support. They particularly appreciated the honesty and authenticity of the speakers, whose stories resonated deeply. The day fostered awareness, reflection, and a sense of empowerment among all who attended.

PENINSULA APPLIED LEARNING AWARDS

Week 3 of Term 4 was an exceptional one in the VCE VM space. It began with a highly successful Celebration Day, commencing at 6:45am, and concluded with Kellie Lindemann, Brad Gauci and Scott Jones attending the Peninsula Applied Learning Awards at the Mornington Racecourse. It is always a proud moment to witness students being recognised for their achievements; however, it was particularly rewarding to see three of our young men, Lincoln Smith, Kosta Leonardos and Ryan Mills, receive awards for Industry, Growth, and Excellence. Any teacher who has taught these students shared in this pride. Their recognition serves as a reminder that it truly takes a village to support and guide our young people towards success.

CELEBRATION DAY 2025

What a fantastic day it was as we celebrated our Year 12 students in true McClelland style! Celebration Day was filled with colour, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia as students arrived dressed as their favourite childhood characters. From Disney heroes to video game icons, the creativity was outstanding. Not to be outdone, teachers once again rose to the occasion, joining the fun as beloved Sesame Street characters, while students channelled Kath & Kim and even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, proving that McClelland staff and students alike are always up for a good laugh! The day featured a vibrant fashion parade where students showcased their costumes with pride and personality, followed by a heart-warming film capturing their journey from their very first day at McClelland to their final moments as graduates. The celebration concluded with the first-ever whole-school assembly and a moving Guard of Honour, where staff and students cheered them on as they took their final walk through the school. On behalf of the VCE VM team, it has been an absolute honour to be part of this cohort’s educational journey. Their creativity, humour, and dedication to applied learning have left a legacy, one we will remember fondly for years to come.

GRATITUDE WALK – 22km to Mordialloc

At precisely 9am on Tuesday 28 th October, a group of brave (and perhaps slightly overconfident) Year 11 students set off on their 22km journey to Mordialloc. Spirits were high, playlists were pumping, and the idea of walking that far still felt... exciting. Fast-forward a few hours, and excitement had turned into endurance. The walk tested everyounce of commitment, motivation, and leg strength the students had to give. There were blisters, a few dramatic tumbles, and at least one philosophical debate about whether the human body was truly designed to walk that far in one go. By midday, sunscreen regrets began to surface, literally. Those who “forgot” to apply it (or who were hoping to get a tan in one day) soon discovered that red was not their colour. Add in sore hips, aching joints, and the occasional headache, and you could spot the group from a distance by their slow shuffle and grim determination. But through the pain and the tired smiles, there was something remarkable, the sense of pride, connection, and elation that came when the Mordialloc Pier finally came into view. Every blister, every groan, and every sunburn was suddenly worth it when they were met with cheers of “Well done!” and “We’re proud of you!” All of this effort wasn’t just for the challenge; it was for a cause close to the students’ hearts.The walk raised funds and awareness for youth homelessness on the Peninsula. What began as a test of endurance ended as a lesson in empathy, resilience, and the power ofwalking (quite literally) in support of others. By 2:30 p.m., the team arrived, exhausted, a little crispy around the edges, but beaming with pride. And while they may never look at a long walk the same way again, they can forever say they did something incredible... one step (and one blister) at a time.

STUDENTS GRADUATE…CERT II PARKS & GARDENS (SBAT)

Friday, 7th November marked a proud and memorable moment for McClelland College aswe celebrated the graduation of the Certificate II in Parks and Gardens, the final year of this much-loved program at our school. Throughout the year, students have truly left their mark on the McClelland grounds, transforming and beautifying different spaces across the school through hands-on learning and teamwork. Their efforts not only enhanced the look and feel of our environment but also reflected their growing knowledge, care, and pride in their work. Beyond the school gates, students explored and studied the diverse flora and fauna of Bicentennial Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens. These experiences provided them with an authentic understanding of horticulture, conservation, and the vital role that sustainable practices play in maintaining our natural world. Friday’s graduation ceremony was a celebration of their dedication, hard work, and growth, a proud moment for trainers, parents, and, of course, the students themselves. The VM team couldn’t be prouder of what these young people have achieved.As the program concludes its final chapter at McClelland College, we acknowledge the lasting legacy of the Parks and Gardens course, a program that has not only enriched our school environment but also inspired students to see the beauty, purpose, and potential inthe natural world around them.

UPCOMING DATES

18 th November - Year 11 Celebration Day (Strike Bowling – City)

18 th November – Final day for current Year 11 students

20 th November - Year 12 Valedictory

24 th November - HEADSTART BEGINS

15 th December - Activities Week

VCE VM GOALS

Raise Expectations, Embrace Change, Tackle Challenges, and Think Big

2026 Bell Times (including Head Start)