College Principal Message
Celebrating a Remarkable Term 3 at Copperfield College
As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and sincerely thank our students and staff for what has been another busy, productive and highly successful term at Copperfield College.
Term 3 has been characterised by an extraordinary breadth of curriculum, co-curricular and enrichment opportunities, reflecting the energy, talent and commitment that exists across our College community. From the classroom to the sporting arena, performing arts stage, technology spaces and beyond, our students have continued to demonstrate their talents, embrace new challenges and proudly represent Copperfield College.
Our Performing Arts programs have provided students with opportunities to develop their creativity, confidence and collaborative skills, culminating in outstanding performances and memorable experiences. I particularly acknowledge the dedication of our students and staff involved in our College production and the many other performances and artistic endeavours throughout the term.
Sport has once again been a significant feature of Term 3. Our students have participated enthusiastically across a wide range of sporting activities, with many achieving outstanding results at both individual and team levels. Our Excellence in Sports program, together with other sporting competitions, have provided students with opportunities to pursue their sporting aspirations while developing teamwork, resilience, discipline and leadership.
Our students have also excelled in Robotics, the Arts and Technology, demonstrating creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. These programs provide an important opportunity for students to explore their interests, think differently and apply their learning in authentic and engaging contexts.
I was also particularly pleased to see the continued success of our Student-Led Presentations, which provide our students with an important opportunity to reflect on their learning, celebrate their achievements and share their progress with their families. This year marked the 25th year of this program at our College. Student voice and agency remain central to our vision for learning, and I commend our students for the confidence and maturity they demonstrated.
Behind every student achievement is the dedication and professionalism of our staff. I extend my sincere appreciation to our teachers, Education Support staff, Campus and Assistant Principals, and all members of our College team who have worked tirelessly throughout the term to provide our students with rich learning experiences and opportunities to succeed.
Most importantly, I congratulate our students. Their enthusiasm, creativity, persistence and willingness to participate have made Term 3 a truly rewarding term. Whether the achievements have been academic, sporting, artistic, technological, personal or social, I encourage them to take pride in their progress and recognise the contribution they make to our College community.
A reminder that Friday 18 September is the final day of Term 3. On this day, students and families will receive their Interim Reports, providing an important opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements and identify areas for continued growth during Semester Two.
As we approach the end of the term, I encourage all members of our College community to take the opportunity to rest, recharge and spend quality time with family and friends.
I wish all students, staff and families a very safe, enjoyable and well-deserved term break. I hope you all return refreshed and ready for another exciting and productive term.
I look forward to seeing everyone back at Copperfield College on Monday 5 October.
Enjoy the break and take care.
School of Rock, 2026 School Production.
Congratulations to Taylor Van Orsouw, College Performing Arts Leader, the Performing Arts staff, other helpers and the entire cast and crew of School of Rock!
I was privileged to attend the final performance, and I can confidently say the energy in the theatre was incredible, the atmosphere was electric, and our students absolutely shone. Productions of this calibre do not simply happen. They are the result of countless hours of rehearsal, hard work, dedication and, above all, the shared passion and commitment of an exceptional team.
As College Principal, I felt an enormous sense of pride watching our students perform with such confidence, talent, energy and sheer enjoyment. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their performance was a wonderful reflection of what can be achieved when students and staff work together towards a common goal.
While I had the opportunity to congratulate many of the students personally after the performance, I extend my sincere congratulations and appreciation, on behalf of the entire Copperfield College community, to everyone involved. Every performer, staff member and crew member played an important role, and every contribution helped make this production such an outstanding success.
And, in true School of Rock spirit: “You’re not hardcore unless you live hardcore!” These students certainly lived it, and they absolutely rocked it!
Well done and congratulations to everyone involved. I am incredibly proud of you all. Looking forward to many more outstanding performances in the future.
Parent, Caregiver & Guardian Opinion SurveyDates: Monday 18 August – Friday 18 September 2026
Your feedback helps shape our college’s direction and improvement strategies. The survey covers:
•School climate
•Community engagement in learning
•Teaching practices and student engagement
•Attitudes toward attendance
The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training (previously known as the Parent Opinion Survey). The survey is an opportunity for schools to collect data from parent/caregivers/guardians in relation to our school community. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior and student engagement. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.
Every response is valuable – I strongly encourage all parents and caregivers to participate.
New Student Management and Wellbeing Structure – 2027
After review and evaluation of our current student management and wellbeingstructure (Team Structure), in 2027 Copperfield College will introduce a new Student Management and Wellbeing structure designed to provide a more targeted,coordinated and responsive approach to supporting students across their secondaryschooling journey.
The new structure will establish three sub-schools across the College:
• Junior Sub-School – Years 7 & 8 (KP and Syd Campuses)
• Middle Sub-School – Years 9 & 10 (KP and Syd Campuses)
• Senior Sub-School – Years 11 & 12 (Del Campus)
Each sub-school will be led by a Sub-School Leader (Leading Teacher), workingclosely with Campus and Assistant Principals, Year Level Coordinators (Years 7–12)and dedicated Education Support staff. The Sub-School Leaders will provide a strongfocus on student engagement, wellbeing, attendance, behaviour and learning, whileensuring that emerging issues are identified early and responded to in a timely andcoordinated manner.
The three sub-schools will be supported by the College and Campus Wellbeing andCareers Teams, ensuring students have access to the specialist support, guidanceand pathways advice they need at each stage of their secondary education.The new structure is intended to provide greater clarity, consistency and continuity instudent support, while enabling staff to develop a deeper understanding of theparticular developmental, social, emotional, learning and pathways needs of studentswithin each phase of their schooling.
Importantly, the structure will strengthen the College’s capacity to identify andrespond to student needs early, build positive relationships, promote attendance andengagement, and strengthen students’ sense of belonging and connectedness totheir school community.
Through a more integrated approach to student management, wellbeing andpathways, the College will be better positioned to ensure that every student is known,supported and encouraged to aspire and achieve.
Parent–Teacher Conferences and Student-Led Presentations
Copperfield College successfully held its Parent–Teacher Conferences for VCE andVCE VM students, along with Student-Led Presentations (SLPs) for students inYears 7–10, on Wednesday 2 September from 12.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
I extend my sincere thanks to all students, parents and carers who attended andengaged so positively in these important conversations. The strong partnershipbetween home and school is fundamental to supporting our students to aspire,achieve and reach their full potential. When families and schools work together,students benefit from the shared commitment, encouragement and support that helpsthem succeed both academically and personally.
As Principal, I was particularly proud to attend many of the Student-LedPresentations across our Kings Park and Sydenham Junior Campuses. It waswonderful to see our students confidently reflecting on their learning, discussing theirprogress, achievements and future goals, and taking genuine ownership of theireducational journey. The pride and enthusiasm shown by our students, together withthe support and encouragement provided by their families, was a wonderful reflectionof the strong partnership that exists within our College community.
I also like to thank our School Operations Team, Campus and Assistant Principals for their excellent organisation of the day, ensuring the smooth and successful coordination of this important event. A special thank you also goes to all our teachers, who were pleased to meet with parents and families and provide valuable feedback and guidance regarding the progress, learning and development of their students.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success. These opportunities to strengthen the relationship between students, families and the College are invaluable. By continuing to work together as One College – Three Sites – One Family, we can ensure that every Copperfield College student is supported, encouraged and empowered to achieve their very best.
Common Professional Practice Day 2026, November 2
This year the common professional practice day will be held on Monday, November 2. On this day students will not be required at school, as the day is a student free day. The professional practice day for teachers does not alter the attendance requirements for education support employees.
The work undertaken by the teachers on these days will be consistent with departmental and school priorities and selected from the following areas:
• planning
• preparation
• assessment of student learning
• collaboration• curriculum development
• relevant professional development
• peer observation including feedback and reflection
Common Professional Days will continue to be provided to teaching staff in the future, unless they are revoked with the new EBA. Currently the DoE and the unions, are in negotiations aiming at having a new EBA by the end of the year.
Vale Bronwyn Ch’ng
It is with great sadness that I share the news of the unexpected passing of Bronwyn Ch’ng, a former Librarian at Copperfield College.
Bronwyn was a valued and respected member of our College community for many years, and her passing will be deeply felt by those who knew and worked with her. She retired at the end of Term 3 last year, leaving behind many fond memories and lasting connections within our College community.
Our heartfelt thoughts and sincere condolences are with Bronwyn’s family, friends, former colleagues and all those who are mourning her loss during this incredibly difficult time.
Nick Adamou
College Principal