I start with a special thanks to Acting Principal Sue Prosenica for her work last term during my long service leave. Sue did an outstanding job and was actively encouraged and supported by our school community. My confidence in Sue and our leadership team and the wider staff was such that I was able to switch off completely from the constant busyness of the principal role in a way I have not experienced before. I return full of gratitude and with my energy restored.

It is with considerable excitement that I can advise that we will have a new curriculum and school structure in 2024. Our Middle School will now comprise Years 7, 8 and 9 and the Senior School, Years 10, 11 and 12. This approach reflects our desire to provide students with greater flexibility in their education choices as they mature, including being able to follow their particular subject passions and be challenged in their learning through early access to VCE. It also weaves in approaches consistent with the Department's Senior Pathways Reform to improve student access to vocational options. School staff have been working hard to redesign and develop curriculum and to reshape structural and timetable impediments.

Monash Scholars

I am delighted to announce that Nina Pascoe, Noemie Leroux, and Alex Calia are Monash Scholars for 2023-2025. This is a prestigious program for high achieving secondary school students. The program is offered by Monash University to give high potential students a unique head start into university life whilst enabling them to expand their network of like-minded peers. It provides opportunities for personal and academic development, as well as giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to make better study choices.

2023 NAPLAN

Our initial reflection on our 2023 Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN results is that students at PHSC are performing extremely well. For example, please click on the snapshots below for Year 7 & 9 Reading results compared to similar schools.

For more information about the significant changes to NAPLAN in 2023 please see our next page.

Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Survey

All our school families will have just received a personalised link to the official 2023 Department Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey. As in previous years, we encourage every family for a response. This annual survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. The survey is now open and closes on Friday 8 September.

With a renewed perspective and the opportunity last term to reflect on the lived experience in Victorian schools, I am reminded of what wonderful school community we are privileged to be part of, and look forward to new learning opportunities and celebrating the successes of our students and school that are yet to come.

Trevor Smith

Principal

Arnold Street footpath and roadworks