10 - 12 Key Dates

TERM 4
November
Thurs	20th	Year 1 VET Students Last Day of Classes
Thurs-Fri	20th-21st	Year 11 into Year 12 Step Up
Mon - Fri	24th - 28th	Year 10 Work Experience
December
Mon- Fri	1st-5th	Year 10 Work Experience
Mon-Tues	8th-9th	Year 10 into Year 11 Step Up
Thurs	11th	Year 12 Results Delivered
Mon	15th	Awards Ceremony
Weds	17th	Final Day for Students
Fri	19th	Final Day for Staff

Year 12 Graduation – A Celebration of Community Effort

There is an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child and on Friday night, our Charlton College community truly embodied that sentiment. While the evening was a celebration of our Year 12 students and their remarkable achievement, it was also a recognition of the collective journey and efforts of everyone that brought them to this milestone.

The graduation event was a wonderful reminder that occasions like this are made possible through the support, generosity, and involvement of many people. From being able to secure the incredible Charlton Park venue to host our celebration, to the many thoughtful touches contributed by our community, the night was truly a team effort. Decorations and gift bags were transported all the way from Warrnambool, Charlton College key chains were kindly ordered through Heenan’s Newsagency, heartfelt messages from both past and present staff and students were shared, and some families even travelled interstate to be part of the evening. A special thank you also goes to Kylie Fitzpatrick and Naomi, whose decadent entrées and beautifully crafted desserts elevated the dining experience and added a truly formal feel to the night. Every contribution added something special, helping create a warm and memorable celebration for our graduates.

A great deal of work happens behind the scenes to ensure a night like this runs smoothly, and we know our Year 12 students and their families are genuinely grateful for the effort that went into making the 2025 graduation memorable. The students looked magnificent as they walked across the stage to receive their certificates, delivered thoughtful speeches, and celebrated their accomplishments surrounded by family, friends, and staff. We were also honoured to have former Head of School, Mr Darcy McCallum, join us for the occasion.

A highlight of this year’s event was the introduction of a new tradition: Year 11 students serving at the Year 12 Dinner. Our four volunteers - Kaitlyn Pollock, Maggie Riley, Sarah Blair, and Brooke Burr were exceptional. Throughout the night, they worked with maturity and enthusiasm, ensuring guests were well looked after. They even stayed on to help with dishes, quietly stepping in wherever needed. Their hard work and positive attitude made a meaningful difference, and we are incredibly proud of them.

Friday night was a beautiful celebration not only of the Year 12 graduates, but of the community that has supported them throughout their schooling. Our village came together with pride and generosity, creating an evening to remember.

Congratulations once again to the Charlton College Year 12 Class of 2025. We are so proud of all you’ve achieved.

A special thank you to Madame Jude Catering

A sincere thank you also goes to Owen from Madame Jude in Bendigo, who catered our magnificent main meals. This support was especially appreciated given that our town’s usual caterers were attending the graduation event as proud parents celebrating their own child’s graduation, making Owen’s contribution all the more valuable. Owen was incredibly friendly and accommodating, helping us create a fully customised menu featuring alternating servings of Smoked Brisket, Pork Belly Porchetta, and Chicken Ballotine. Catering for 80 guests is no small feat, Owen made the experience seamless—bringing his amazing smoker all the way to Charlton, providing full plating service, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. His staff were outstanding: professional, attentive, and an absolute credit to the business. We received wonderful feedback throughout the night, with many guests commenting on how delicious the meals were. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Owen and his team.

Leigh Van Boven Awarded Prestigious Scholarship

It is with tremendous pride that we announce Leigh Van Boven has been selected for the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program at the University of Melbourne. This is a huge achievement—one that recognises not just academic excellence, but leadership, curiosity, and the courage to push boundaries.

Over the next two years, Leigh will dive into a world of learning, growth, and opportunity. He’ll take part in university workshops, connect with like-minded peers, and build skills that will set him up for success far beyond the classroom. It’s an experience that challenges students to dream bigger, work harder, and step fully into their potential.

Being chosen as a Young Scholar isn’t just about recognition—it’s about what comes next. It’s about the late nights of study that turn into breakthroughs, the conversations that spark new ideas, and the moments of confidence that last a lifetime. We can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes him.

Congratulations, Leigh - Keep showing up and keep pushing yourself, You’ve earned this and we’re cheering for you every step of the way!

A Big Week at Charlton College – Keep Showing Up, Keep Being Kind

This time of year is full-on. Everyone is juggling something—deadlines, exams, tired brains, big emotions, and the pressure of finishing well. And yet, in the middle of all that, our students continue to step up, push through, and show what they’re made of. That deserves real recognition.

Today marks the final Year 12 exam at Charlton College, and what a huge effort it has been. Well done to our Year 12s and our Year 11s who have completed United 4 exams you have shown commitment, consistency, and genuine dedication throughout this exam period. You’ve done the work, you’ve shown up, and that matters.

Our Year 11 exams continue across the week, and on Thursday and Friday students will begin their Year 11 into Year 12 Step-Up Program. This is an important opportunity—a chance to get a head start, meet expectations early, and walk into 2026 feeling prepared, confident, and ready. Everyone is expected to attend so you can get the absolute most out of this experience. Showing up now sets the tone for the year ahead.

Our Year 10 students are also completing their exams in class this week, demonstrating focus and maturity as they finish the term strong.

And here’s the reminder we all need—students, staff, families, everyone:

Be kind. These next few weeks are particularly busy for both staff and students at Charlton College, and it’s precisely at times like these that kindness matters most. Students may feel overwhelmed, and staff are fully engaged in marking and camp preparations. A little patience, understanding, and compassion can make a meaningful difference.

Remember to reach out if you need support, support one another, and continue showing up for yourself.

We’re almost there—and we’re cheering for each and every one of you.

Careers and Pathways

YEAR 12 REMINDERS

EARLY ENTRY PROGRAMS

Federation University Early Offer Close 1st December

www.federation.edu.au/study/information/high-school-students/early-offer-program

Swinburne Early Entry Program Close 28th November

www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/planning-your-future/early-entry-program/#ready-to-apply

CASPER TEST DATES (1 date left) – Education Courses

https://my.acuityinsights.app/dates-times

Dec 4, 2025 - 7:00 PM AEDT

VCE & ATAR RESULTS -Thursday 11th December

https://resultsandatar.vic.edu.au

Change of VTAC Course Preferences for First Round

Close: Saturday 13th December @ 12noon

Year 12 VTAC webinars – www.vtac.edu.au/events

Getting your results – what happens next?

Tuesday 9th December – 12pm -1pm

Preferences, pathways and offers

Thursday 11th December – 12pm – 1pm

VTAC 1st Round Course Offers - Tuesday 23rd December

CURRENT YEAR 10 STUDENTS

APPLY FOR THE 2026 UNI STEP UP ONLINE PROGRAM

Current Year 10 (soon to be Year 11) students in regional / remote areas are invited to apply for ACU’s 2026 Uni Step Up Online program, with applications open now.

Uni Step-Up Online is a free online program that gives student the opportunity to study first-year units outside of regular school hours and if successful, gain two university credits (applicable to other universities) and an unconditional offer to a relevant ACU course.

This program is ideal for students interested in Health, Business or Exercise Science fields and would like to take a first step towards achieving their career goals. Uni Step-Up students are supported throughout the program, upskilled in Academic literacy, and given access to all ACU resources.

For further information or to apply visit:

www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/widening-participation/uni-step-up

WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY

The Port Phillip EcoCentre is a not-for-profit, community-managed environment group located in the corner of St Kilda Botanic Gardens. For 25 years it has provided a base for affiliate groups involved in activities that promote environmental sustainability and community action. The EcoCentre provides a range of opportunities for university and high school students to complete their work experience or student placement.

For more information visit:

www.ecocentre.com/jobs

Tuesday 20th – Thursday 22nd January 2026

The Science Experience is a fun 1, 2 or 3 days of science activities for Year 9 and 10 students.

The RMIT University Science Experience will engage, build curiosity and inspire the next generation of STEM superstars to explore career paths in STEM, make like-minded new friends, and see what University is all about in a supportive and safe environment. Our workshops will be across a range of disciplines such as:

Space and Aviation Science
Technology
Chemistry
Food Science
Allied Health Sciences
Engineering

Apply Before: 1 December 2025

For further information visit:

www.scienceexperience.com.au/about-the-program

Nadia Collis

Year 10-12 Co-ordinator

Sue Clay

Careers and Pathways

Email: s.clay@ncllen.org.au

Community News