Need to Know

As we approach the end of another eventful year, it is with pleasure and pride that I congratulate our students for their dedication and hard work throughout 2023. Your unwavering commitment to learning, resilience in facing challenges, and determination to succeed have  been commendable.

In particular, I extend m heartfelt best wishes to our Year 12 students who received their long awaited results today. This pivotal moment marks the culmination of years of effort, late-night study sessions, and unwavering focus. We applaud your dedication, and and remind you that your hard work has laid a strong foundation for your future endeavors. No matter the final results, your perseverance and growth through this journey are commendable.

A huge congratulations to our Class of 2023. 

This year we have 14 students who have achieved above an ATAR of 90 and our Dux Emile Loewenguth achieved an ATAR of 99.5. 42% of our cohort achieved an ATAR of greater than 70 which is our best result since 2013.

These great results are a credit to the hard work and dedication all of our teachers have shown their students over the last 6 years. I want to especially thank the Year 12 teachers this year for everything you have done for our Year 12s;  they were lucky to have you.

The ATAR is a door opener, but is not the only door opener.  Our wonderful Careers leader Debra Dunn will be working with students across the next few days to support them with changes to tertiary preferences.  

To our teaching and non-teaching staff: your tireless dedication and support for our students have been the bedrock of our school community. Your commitment to providing a nurturing environment, guidance, and encouragement have empowered our students to achieve their potential. Your passion for education and the care you exhibit for our students truly make a difference in their lives, shaping them not just academically, but also as individuals ready to embrace the world beyond our school gates.

Amidst the academic rigors and challenges, our students have demonstrated remarkable character, resilience, and adaptability. They have embodied our school's values, making us proud of their achievements, both inside and outside the classroom. As a community, we celebrate not only academic successes but also personal growth, creativity, and contributions to the school ethos.

As the year draws to a close, let us take a moment to reflect on the journey we have taken together. It's been a year of triumphs, learning curves, and shared experiences that have strengthened our bonds and enriched our school community.

Finally, as we bid adieu to 2023, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the knowledge gained. 

I wish you all a fun summer and a Merry Christmas.  

KT

Expression of Interest:  Kayak Camp 2024

We're thrilled to announce the 2024 Kayak Camp, scheduled for September amidst the stunning Gippsland Lakes. We're looking for 24 enthusiastic students from Year 9 and 10 to join us on this adventurous journey. To confirm your child's interest in this exciting expedition, please email Jayke Greenard at jg@sthelena.vic.edu.au

Hands on Learning - calling all current Year 7, 8 and 9 students

We're excited to announce a new program for 2024: Hands On Learning! This is an evidence based program that has been running in Victorian schools for over a decade, and is now coming to St Helena.   This program is designed to build student wellbeing, engagement, and attendance by giving them the opportunity to discover their talents and experience success through hands-on projects.

What is Hands On Learning?

Hands on Learning is a practical school program that will exempt students from regular classes one day a week. They will be working with qualified and trained staff members who will lead them through a range of exciting projects.

What are the benefits of Hands On Learning?

Increased wellbeing

Improved engagement with school

Better attendance

Opportunities to discover talents

A chance to give back to the community

How to apply

Places are limited.  For further information on how to apply, please refer to Ms Pizzey's post on your child's Teams channel.

Secondary School Nursing Program 2024

We are very excited to announce that we have been included in the Secondary School Nursing program for 2024.   Lauren Pilakis will join our team for the equivalent of one day per week to work in the health promotion and early intervention space, with some student consultations available from early 2024.

Farewells

I would like to farewell the following staff and thank them for their contribution to St Helena.    It is always sad when members of our team leave us for other adventures, but we wish them well and remind them that "once a part of St Helena, always a part of St Helena".  

I will be introducing new members of our team via this Bulletin in the new year. 

Stefan Shi

Mr Shi is taking a year's leave to experience teaching in a different setting.    We wish him all the best for 2024 and look forward to hearing about his experiences. 

Rosa Holman

Mrs Holman is moving to the independent sector.  She has been a huge contributor to the English Domain and will be missed by staff and students.  

Rose Elchiekh

Ms Elchiekh is moving to a brand new school closer to home.   She has worked as a support person for a number of middle school students, as well as teaching Maths at St Helena for a number of years.  

Emma Liu

Ms Liu joined us at the beginning of this year and quickly became an integral part of our Maths Domain.  Emma leaves us to reduce her daily commute and will be an asset to Brentwood Secondary College.  

Christine Simmons

Many of you will have seen Chris' friendly face at the general office, or heard her voice when she has answered the phones.  Chris has been a part of St Helena for 17 years, working in a number of roles including Middle School Support, Accounts Payable and duties in the  General Office.  We congratulate Chris on her promotion to Gladstone Park Secondary College and wish her all the best. 

Matt Pitman

Matt  joined the St Helena team in 2023 as a teacher of PE and a Year Level Manager in the Middle School.  Matt has been invited to join the start up of a brand new, innovative private school in Melbourne's north, a recognition of his outstanding educational leadership. 

Bruce Coombs

Mr Coombs has been St Helena's Director of Music for the past couple of years, this year winning recognition by the Music Theatre Guild as Best Musical Director (Chicago).   Bruce and his family are moving to the sunshine state and we wish them all the best with their sea change. 

Michael Gin

Mr Gin was a well loved casual relief teacher at St Helena before taking up the position of Maths Tutor following the Covid pandemic.   Mr Gin leaves us after almost 10 years at St Helena and will be remembered for his vibrant personality, singing in the classroom, and his many game show appearances.  Mr Gin is finally taking up retirement although I'm sure we'll still see him on our TV screens.  

Christine Misale 

When the Education Department announced the Tutor Learning Initiative when school recommenced after two broken years of Covid lockdowns, St Helena was very fortunate to employ Chris Misale, a highly experienced and talented Maths teacher.   Chris is finally leaving schools to find new adventures in retirement.  

Sarah Ryan

Sarah has been a teacher of Geography and Humanities at St Helena, recently with the responsibility of overseeing the R3 program.  Sarah is moving to Koonung Secondary College for 2023.  We wish her all the best.

Rob Blakis

Rob has spent 2023 travelling with his wife around Australia and has made the decision to move onto adventures beyond teaching.  The Maths and Science Domains will miss him, but we may well see Rob as a casual relief teacher in 2024.

Melissa Linehan

Mel has been a much valued teacher of PE and Health at St Helena.  Mel has only recently returned from family leave, and is taking up a position in a school closer to home.  

Leeam Stevens 

Mr Stevens is a teacher of Geography, Humanities and a leader of The Outdoor Edge program.  Leeam is taking a year off to travel around Australia.  We wish him all the best for his adventures, and hope he returns to St Helena to continue to offer students opportunities to explore the outdoors.