Delahey Campus 

Principal Message

A Term of Learning, Leadership & Celebrations

Delahey Campus has been a dynamic and inspiring place throughout Term 2, offering students a wide range of opportunities to deepen their learning, embrace new challenges, and engage meaningfully both inside and outside the classroom.

Our students have made the most of every opportunity, taking the stage with confidence in a variety of events, participating enthusiastically in the winter sports program, showing resilience and teamwork on camps, celebrating diversity with pride, representing their peers through Student Leadership, and demonstrating creativity and critical thinking across a broad range of subjects.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, growth, and community spirit our students have shown this term. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to support their success and engagement in the months ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to all staff for your unwavering support and dedication throughout Term 2. Their ongoing commitment has been vital to our students’ success and the smooth running of the campus. We deeply appreciate all that you do to make Delahey a thriving learning community.

ANZAC Day: 110 Years of Remembrance

ANZAC Day offered a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and enduring mateship of all Australians who have served in times of war and peace. 

At the Delahey Campus, our school community came together to honour the bravery and legacy of the ANZACs. The Senior Captains delivered a thoughtful and respectful ANZAC message, while Mr. John Breen’s moving live performance of The Last Post provided a powerful and solemn moment of reflection.

Similar ceremonies were held across all campuses, uniting us in remembrance and deep gratitude.

Building Grit and Resilience for Exam Success

As Year 12 students prepare for exams, it is essential to equip them with strategies to stay focused, manage stress, and overcome setbacks. Brad Felstead’s recent professional learning session provided valuable tools to help students build resilience and grit, ensuring they thrive during this demanding period.

The session highlighted the importance of reframing stress, practising mindfulness to stay calm, setting clear goals, overcoming procrastination, and mastering time management.

Students were reminded that by adopting these strategies, they can strengthen their determination and develop the mindset needed to succeed, both in exams and beyond. With the right approach, they can confidently navigate any challenges that come their way.

Resilience, motivation, and the pursuit of potential

These are the qualities that define our newest scholarship recipients from across Melbourne’s west and Geelong!

Congratulations to:

Quynh Dinh

Lily Dower

Leeroy Carvalho

Thuy Trang Tran

Kriti Sanjay

Tina Le

Jacob Sam Eric Tran

Amelia Tang

Dipita Chakraborty

Billy Do

Diaa Mender

Billy PhamNeisha-Lee Fedele

Minjoo Baik

These young people were welcomed into the Western Chances community, surrounded by their proud families, friends, schools, and our amazing supporters. Their stories remind us of the incredible power of opportunity and the remarkable things that happen when young people are empowered to reach their full potential.

Thank you to Western Chances for your unwavering commitment to providing these students with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Empowering Futures: Copperfield College at BBBS

Thank you to BBBS (Big Brothers Big Sisters) — a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing meaningful mentoring opportunities for students from low socio-economic backgrounds.

We extend our sincere thanks to CEO Mark Watt for hosting us and for celebrating the talents and voices of our students. A special thank you to Mary Chiodo for her dedication and inspiring words.

On the day, Copperfield College students performed, served as panel members, and showcased their creativity by presenting and selling their artwork in the silent auction — a powerful demonstration of their talent, confidence, and leadership.

Community-based mentoring plays a vital role in helping young people build self-worth and a sense of belonging by connecting them with positive adult role models beyond their usual support networks. These experiences foster meaningful relationships and empower young people to discover and pursue their aspirations.

Copperfield College Shines in Sporting Events

Senior Soccer Team

Copperfield College’s Senior Soccer Team bounced back from an early goal by Harvester Tech, showing resilience and finding their rhythm. A stunning top-corner finish sealed a dominant 5-0 win, leaving Harvester's goalkeeper with no chance.

In a more challenging match, the Senior Boys Soccer Team held firm against a relentless Springside West Secondary College attack. After a well-executed free kick and a perfectly timed header, Copperfield College took a 1-0 lead. Despite a last-minute equalizer from Springside West Secondary College, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, keeping them in the race for the top spot.

Congratulations to Copperfield College players for their strong performances and to Springside West Secondary College for claiming the tournament title. 

Thank you to all the coaches for their dedication and support. We look forward to the next challenge.

Senior Basketball Teams Dominate at Keilor Division

The Senior Boys team went undefeated, demonstrating skill, determination, and teamwork to secure a well-deserved place in the next round. The Senior Girls team also had a fantastic run, reaching the grand final and finishing as strong runners-up. 

Both teams represented Copperfield College with pride, showing excellent sportsmanship and camaraderie throughout the day. A big congratulations to all players involved!

Alumni Inspire the Next Generation at Copperfield College

Earlier this term, Copperfield College had the privilege of welcoming back John Vargas (Class of 1999), now a senior professional at the Department of Treasury and Finance. Hosted by Ms. Aleardi’s Year 12 Economics class, John shared invaluable insights into both Victorian and global economic trends, sparking engaging discussions among the students. 

Reflecting on his own journey, John offered advice on navigating the pressures of VCE, pursuing further education, and adapting to evolving career opportunities. His authentic words of encouragement and practical guidance made a lasting impact on students during this pivotal stage of their academic journey. 

John was warmly welcomed by the College Leadership Team, and his visit was a proud celebration of the achievements of one of our own. 

“It was a true honour to return to my beloved school,” John said. “I look back on my time here with great fondness and wish all the VCE students and staff the best of luck for 2025.”

We sincerely thank John for his time, generosity, and continued connection to the Copperfield College community.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Chris Vassiliadis, another accomplished alumnus, on Thursday 30 May. Chris will speak with Mr. Subotic’s and Ms. Northorpe’s Year 12 Legal Studies classes, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to bridge classroom learning with real-world insights.

Additionally, Copperfield College are planning to celebrate the Day of Women in Engineering on Monday 23 June, with visits from two inspiring alumni:

• Isabelle Dalli, who holds a Bachelor of Aviation
• Sammie Duong, a Project Engineer with expertise in Engineering, Electronic Engineering, International Business, and Cultural Studies

Their visits will highlight the growing influence of women in STEM fields and inspire students to explore the exciting opportunities within engineering and related industries.

We invite you to visit our Alumni Page, where you can discover the inspiring stories of many of our past students. Their achievements highlight the diverse paths and successful careers that Copperfield College alumni continue to pursue, serving as a testament to the lasting impact of their education.

Professional Learning Day at Copperfield College

College staff recently participated in a focused day of professional learning aimed at strengthening teaching practice and enhancing student outcomes.

The day began with a keynote by clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller on The Learning Brain, highlighting brain-based strategies to support effective teaching. Staff then collaborated on lesson planning aligned with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0.

The day concluded with a range of wellbeing activities—including sports, reading, yoga, and creative workshops—reflecting the College’s commitment to staff development and holistic wellbeing.

Empowering Conversations with Natalie Hutchins and Luba Grigorovitch

Copperfield College was honoured to welcome The Honourable Natalie Hutchins, MP, and Ms Luba Grigorovitch, MP for Kororoit, to our Sydenham and Kings Park campuses. The visits provided an invaluable opportunity for our College and Student Leadership Teams to engage in thoughtful dialogue with two distinguished members of Parliament. 

Both guests shared their personal and professional journeys, offering candid and inspiring insights into the challenges they have faced, and the resilience required to overcome them. Their reflections resonated deeply with students, particularly those aspiring to leadership roles within their communities. 

Our student leaders were exceptional, demonstrating confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose. Their thoughtful contributions and innovative ideas left a lasting impression on our visitors, who expressed a keen interest in taking several of these suggestions forward for consideration at both state and federal levels. 

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Brad Headlam (North Geelong Secondary College) and Mr John Richmond (Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals) for their presence and support. Most importantly, we thank The Honourable Natalie Hutchins and Ms Luba Grigorovitch for their time, engagement, and commitment to amplifying student voice.

The visit was a proud moment for Copperfield College, celebrating the strength, insight, and leadership potential of our students

Year 12 Students Lead Coaching Sessions at Mackellar Primary School

Our dedicated Year 12 VCE VET Sport & Recreation students recently facilitated a series of energetic coaching sessions with the enthusiastic Prep students at Mackellar Primary School.

Designed to develop fundamental motor skills, each session combined engaging, hands-on activities with a fun, fast-paced minor game—leaving both students and coaches with big smiles and lasting memories.

We sincerely thank Mackellar Primary School for their ongoing support and valued partnership. Collaborations like this not only enrich student learning but also foster meaningful connections within our broader community.

Lunchtime Sparkle: From Books to Bling! 

Wednesday lunchtime's creative and enriching workshop provides a welcome respite from the regular academic schedule. Under the expert guidance of Ms. Tina Stanislawski, librarian, and with the support of Ms. Rita Di Mauro, Educational Support Staff, participants have had the opportunity to design and craft distinctive pendants using a range of high-quality materials. 

This session has allowed individuals to explore their creative potential, resulting in the creation of unique, bespoke pieces to be treasured and taken home. 

A Memorable Day at Werribee Zoo for International Students

The day at Werribee Zoo provided a meaningful team-building experience for the international students. Guided by an expert zoo educator, the students explored the Australian Trail, observing a wide variety of fascinating native Australian animals. 

They deepened their understanding of Australian wildlife, learning about the care and conservation efforts at the zoo, while engaging in hands-on activities designed to emphasize the fundamental survival needs of animals. Additionally, the students enjoyed a guided Safari bus tour, visited various animal exhibits, and attended educational keeper talks, further enhancing their learning experience and cultivating a greater appreciation for wildlife conservation. 

Thank you to Mr. Ha To, International Students Coordinator, for organising this memorable event.

Year 11 Outdoor Education Camp – Adventure, Growth, and Teamwork

The Year 11 Outdoor Education classes recently returned from an exciting camp along the Great Ocean Road, combining outdoor adventure with personal growth.

Students embraced the challenge of mountain biking with Great Ocean Road Adventure Tours, navigating rugged terrain and taking in the region’s stunning coastal views. Guided walks to Henderson Falls also provided a chance to connect with nature and unwind in a peaceful setting.

A key focus of the camp was building teamwork and leadership, with students encouraging and supporting one another throughout every activity. The camp was a resounding success, offering valuable experiences and lasting memories for all involved.

A special thank you to Mr. Nick Taseski, Mr. John Lam, and Ms. Kylie Brookshaw for their guidance and support throughout the camp.

Year 10 Pathways Information Evening – Guiding the Journey Ahead 

We warmly invite Year 10 students and their families from our Sydenham and Kings Park campuses to attend the upcoming Pathways Information Evening, presented by the Copperfield College Pathways and Transitions Team.

This valuable session will provide a clear overview of the subject selection process and outline the key differences between the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the VCE Vocational Major (VM). Each pathway offers unique opportunities that support different learning styles, interests, and career aspirations.

The evening will also include important information about the transition to the Delahey Campus, where students will begin the next stage of their secondary education. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights to help their child make confident, informed decisions about their senior years.

We look forward to seeing you there and supporting your family through this important milestone.

Victorian State Schools Spectacular

The Department of Education’s Performing Arts Unit auditioned and interviewed students from across the state for this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular Cast and Backstage Crew. Congratulations to Aydin Kendjer Year 10 and Chloe Kendjer Year 12 who have been selected as Principal Dancers for the event. The Spectacular will be performed twice on Saturday 13 September at John Cain Arena, followed by a television broadcast in December.

Copperfield College Congratulates Emma Hackney

Copperfield College is immensely proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Emma Hackney (2P2), who has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Young Carers Scholarship.

This honour recognises Emma’s exceptional dedication, resilience, and compassion in her role as a young carer,  qualities she consistently demonstrates while maintaining a strong commitment to her education and personal growth.

Emma’s ability to balance her caregiving responsibilities with academic excellence and active participation in our school community is truly inspiring. Her achievement is a testament to her strength of character and the values we hold dear at this college..

We commend Emma on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to all that she will continue to accomplish.

We extend our best wishes to all staff, students and families for a wonderful winter and rest of the term.

Ms. Soula Dedes and Dr. Michael Gruis 

Campus Principals- Delahey