Principal's Report

Evan Miller

Principal

What an outstanding term it has been at Highvale. Beyond the everyday work of learning that continues in every classroom, Term 3 gave our students so many chances to shine — and shine they did.

Celebrating Term 3

Our Drama Club lit up the stage with their production of Alice in Wonderland, a fantastic showcase of the creativity, courage and hard work our performers and crew put in behind the scenes. The Athletics Sports Carnival brought out our students' competitive spirit and school pride in equal measure, while our Year 9 cohort headed off to The Summit Camp for an experience of challenge, resilience and connection that will stay with them long after Term 3 ends. Highvale's Got Talent once again proved just how much hidden talent we have across our student body, and our Spring Music Concert was a beautiful reminder of the depth of musicianship being nurtured here. And, of course, the Highvale Cup brought our whole community together in the kind of good-natured competition and school spirit that makes Highvale such a special place to belong to.

To every student who performed, competed, camped, sang or cheered this term — thank you for showing us what Highvale is all about. And to the staff, families and volunteers who made these experiences possible, our sincere thanks.

It has been wonderful to see so many of our students achieving highly across their academic, sporting and co-curricular pursuits this term, and I want to thank our community for their continued support and contribution this year. Highvale is an outstanding school community with strong values and a genuine commitment to seeing our students grow as learners and people.

I wish all of our families a safe and relaxing term break. Term 4 is always a busy and important final term of the year — it brings VCE examinations, Year 9, 10 and 11 exams and a range of end-of-year events, so it's a great time for students to set themselves up to finish 2026 strongly. 

Please read on for some important information to help you get ready for Term 4.

Staff Availability

A reminder that our staff are taking a well-earned break during the September/October holidays. Please be mindful of this if contacting staff via email or Compass during this time — responses may be delayed until closer to the start of term.

Key Term 4 Dates

• Monday 5 October — Term 4 begins, all students return

• Tuesday 3 November — Melbourne Cup Day public holiday, no school

• Friday 27 November — Student Free Day (Professional Practice Day), no school for students

• Tuesday 8 December — Student Free Day (Grade 6 Orientation Day), no school for current students, as we welcome our 2027 Year 7 cohort for their orientation

   

Please mark these dates in your family calendar now so there are no surprises later in the term.

Getting Ready for Term 4

1. Uniform

Highvale Secondary College has a clear Student Dress Code Policy, developed in consultation with parents, staff and students. It is expected that all students adhere to the Dress Code at all times, including on the way to and from school. As we move into Term 4 we will be placing emphasis on uniform throughout the College. It is also the start of warmer weather, so it's a timely reminder to check students have the correct summer uniform items and that everything is in good repair. Please note:

• Only black leather lace-up dress shoes are permitted. Runners, T-bar shoes, slip-on shoes and shoes with visible branding are not part of the uniform.

• The poly-cotton jumper with logo is compulsory. Hoodies and other non-approved jackets are not permitted over the uniform (approved blazers, softshell jackets and padded vests with the school logo are fine).

• White socks (no visible branding) should be worn, with black tights under skirts where applicable.

• Visible tattoos, extreme jewellery (hoops, gauges, dangly earrings, septum piercings), bold makeup, false eyelashes, bright nail polish and extreme/unnatural hair colours are not part of our dress code.

   

The term break is a good opportunity to make sure students have the correct uniform items ready for Term 4. Uniforms can be purchased from PSW Waverley (342–350 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley) or an approved department store for non-branded items. Full details are available in our Student Dress Code Policy on the College website.

2. Books and Laptops

All students are required to have a laptop as part of our Digital Learning / BYOD Program. For anyone who has yet to purchase a device, or whose current device needs replacing, information on minimum specifications and purchasing options is available on our Digital Learning page. Laptops must run Windows or macOS — Chromebooks and iPads do not meet the minimum requirements. Devices can be purchased through our BYOD portal at highvalesc.technologyportal.com.au. If your family needs support choosing or purchasing a device, please contact the school.

3. Getting Ready for Exams

Term 4 is exam term — our senior students will be completing their final assessments and examinations, and Year 9, 10 and 11 students will sit semester exams later in the term. We encourage all students to use the remainder of the break to finish any outstanding coursework and begin revision, particularly if you have an exam or major assessment early in Term 4.

4. Student Timetables & Organisation

Students should check Compass before the start of Term 4 for any timetable changes. Please ensure all textbooks, stationery and equipment required for your course of study are ready for the first day back.

5. Mobile Phones (Personal Mobile Devices)

A reminder that, in line with the Victorian Department of Education's statewide policy, students who bring a mobile phone to school must have it switched off and securely stored (e.g. in student lockers) for the entire school day — from the Locker Bell at 8.20am until the end of Period 5 at 2.55pm, including recess and lunch. Phone use during the day is only permitted where it has been documented for a specific learning, health/wellbeing or offsite risk-management reason (e.g. in a student's learning plan, health support plan or excursion risk assessment). As with all valuable items, mobile phones are brought to school at the owner's risk — the school does not have insurance for accidental damage or theft, and families are encouraged to arrange their own insurance for valuable items.

I look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday 5 October for what promises to be a busy and rewarding final term of the year.