Assistant Principal Report

Term 1 has been a fantastic start to the 2026 school year. It has been so nice to have the building full again; busy, energetic and full of learning. Classroom spaces have all had a real sense of purpose, with students settling quickly into routines and engaging positively in their learning.

A particular highlight has been the transition of our Year 7 students into secondary school. Across six camps at Mirimbah, students had the opportunity to connect with each other and their teachers through a range of activities, including the memorable sunrise walk at Mt Buller and horse riding experiences that were a big hit. Since returning, our Year 7s have continued to impress with how well they’ve settled in. They’ve approached the move to secondary school with enthusiasm and confidence.

Our senior students have also made a strong start, supported by the ongoing hard work and dedication of our VCE teachers. There has been a clear focus in senior classrooms, with students setting themselves up well for the year ahead. We thank our VCE staff in particular for the care, expertise and commitment they bring to this important stage of schooling.

Throughout the term, students have participated in a wide range of excursions and activities that have enriched their learning. Highlights have included Year 11 visits to the Australian Centre of Contemporary Art, VM student excursions to NGV exhibitions (Vivienne Westwood and Kawakubo, and Top Arts), Psychology trips to the Zoo, and a number of arts and community experiences including the Counihan Gallery and Railway House. Outdoor Education students undertook water safety sessions at Carlton Baths, while students also engaged in a variety of sporting opportunities including Intermediate Sport Day, Division Swimming, HSBN Basketball, and Year 7 and 8 Sports Days.

Our co-curricular program has continued to thrive, with students representing the school in debating competitions and performing in this past Monday's Twilight Concert; an event that showcased the incredible talent within our school community (from both staff and students!)

A real highlight of the term was our Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences. It was wonderful to see such strong engagement from families, and the day was filled with positive, constructive conversations about learning and progress. These conversations are a great reminder of how much our staff care about their students and how committed they are to supporting each young person to succeed. We thank all families for their understanding and patience with the altered arrangements for this Term given the state-wide industrial action.

We would also like to extend a big thank you to our Breakfast Club parents and volunteers for their ongoing support. Their time and generosity make a real difference to our students each day. Breakfast Club continues to run from 8:00am, Monday to Thursday, and we encourage all students to take advantage of this welcoming and supportive start to the school day.

Looking ahead to Term 2, there is plenty to be excited about. We have music camps coming up, along with more performances that will continue to showcase student talent. There will be ongoing sporting opportunities for students to get involved in, and our Year 10 students will undertake their work experience placements towards the end of Term 2.

Overall, it has been a really positive and rewarding start to the year. We are proud of how our students have approached their learning, grateful for the continued support of our families, and appreciative of the dedication and passion of our staff.

We look forward to another great term ahead!

Seraya Brain & Lisa Bush

Assistant Principals