Principal's 

Report

Dear Sunbury College community,

As Term 3 concludes, we celebrate the creativity, commitment and growing confidence of our students, supported by our dedicated staff.

Performing Arts continues to grow strongly at Sunbury College. Next year, we are planning three Year 9 Music elective classes, up from just one this year, while VCE Drama is planned to be introduced into our senior secondary program in 2027, extending Drama beyond the junior year levels for the first time. This growth is complemented by our thriving instrumental music program, with 100 students participating in weekly small-group lessons and ensemble or band rehearsals.

This enthusiasm came to life in Peter Pan Junior, with months of rehearsals culminating in sold-out evening performances and matinees for local primary schools. On stage and behind the scenes, students showed courage, embraced challenges and supported one another to create something truly special. We are incredibly proud of everyone involved and thank our staff, particularly directors David Bigger, Neneh Hutson and Mitchell Newton, for their expertise, encouragement and countless hours of support.

Our students also shone beyond the College, with Eloise, Lilleth, Ava E, Milà, Ava Q and Isobel proudly representing Sunbury College as principal dancers in the State Schools Spectacular at John Cain Arena.

The celebrations continued with our VET Music Night on Wednesday 16 September, showcasing outstanding solo and group performances while helping students undertaking Units 3 and 4 prepare for their external performance examinations early next term.

Also this week, I had the pleasure of joining Josh Bull MP, The Hon Lizzie Blandthorn MP, Minister for Children, and Sigi Hyett, CEO of Northern Schools Early Years Cluster, to view the construction of the new Sunbury College Kindergarten (interim name). Josh is a former Sunbury College student and School Captain, and it was wonderful to welcome him back to the College in his role as the State Member for Sunbury. Opening in 2027, the kindergarten will provide additional places for local families and create exciting opportunities to strengthen connections between early childhood and secondary education. We will explore opportunities for Sunbury College students to undertake traineeships and work placements at the kindergarten, as well as activities such as Year 7 students participating in reading programs with younger children.

Looking ahead, our End-of-Year Instrumental Music Concert on Wednesday 21 October will provide another opportunity to celebrate our students’ musical growth.

Thank you to our families for your continued support. I wish everyone a safe and restful holiday and look forward to an exciting Term 4.

Principal

Craig O’Bree