From the Principal

Welcome back!

I hope that your family had a great holiday break and are keen for the events and celebrations that are part of our final term of the year. For our junior year levels there are 9 more weeks of term, while our Year 12s had their last day of classes and celebration breakfast this week. I am looking forward to their graduation celebration which will occur on Thursday, just before they undertake their final exams or complete any assessments required for their VCE or VCE VM.

Last week, I was delighted to attend the International Student Farewell Dinner, and the Year 12 Senior Concert, celebrating those who are leaving our Music Program after six years of participation.

At the end of Term 3, groups of students travelled to Borneo as part of the Year 10 World Challenge Program, to Italy (Rome) for the Language and Cultural Exchange, and to China for a Language and Cultural Tour. Each of these experiences offered our students rich opportunities to learn about global citizenship, challenge themselves, and develop new friendships across cultures. These programs are an important part of our commitment to fostering global learning and intercultural understanding, helping students to see themselves as active participants in a connected world. Please see the articles in this issue and our next newsletter later this term that showcase some of the great experiences that the groups were able to participate in.

In the first week of term, our Year 8 students took part in a three-day, two-night Summit Adventure Camp in Trafalgar, immersing themselves in a range of outdoor challenges designed to build confidence, teamwork and resilience. Students tackled high ropes, the giant swing, abseiling, caving, and the infamous monster course, a muddy obstacle run that tested teamwork and determination. It was wonderful to see teachers joining in the activities alongside students, helping to create a positive and supportive atmosphere. The students returned energised, proud, and with stronger bonds across their cohort after stepping well outside their comfort zones.

Last week, we held our Meliora Sequamur Awards ceremony. It is a special event that celebrates not only the bold, but the quiet leaders who have made a significant impact in the school and the community. The evening focuses on acknowledging students who “follow the better path” our school motto. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful and caring school community. A special thanks to our Year 11 Captains, who hosted the awards and to Ms. Jaymie Metcalf for their work in organising the onsite event.

Our Year 9s are completing their Morrisby Career Interviews next week, giving them a great opportunity to reflect on their future pathways and consider what they might like to try during work experience next year.

Please note the end-of-year dates published in this issue to assist with planning for the term. We will also have two student-free days this term:

Tuesday 28 October – Professional Practice Day (PPD) for staff, allowing teachers to undertake curriculum planning, assessment, reporting, or professional learning.
Monday 3 November – Staff Time in Lieu Day for hours worked during evening events earlier in the year, such as PTS Conversations and other school functions.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our Term 4 events or end-of-year celebrations.

Chris Jones

Principal