From the Principals' Desk 

Speech Night 2022

After months of planning and rehearsal, Speech Night was held on Tuesday, November 29th at the Melbourne Town Hall. It was great to be able to reclaim this tradition after two years of online events. Our school community celebrated the achievements of students and staff in the presence of a sold-out audience. There were a number of volunteers and staff who have served our school community who were honoured during the event. Congratulations to all the award winners. 

We thank Ms. Budd and the instrumental music team for the preparation they did with the String Orchestra, Big Band and Wind Symphony. A particular highlight was the inaugural performance of Nossal's school song, “Embrace the challenge”. The song has been many years in the making and is the product of a collaboration of people of like such as Mr. Ed Fairley and our very own Ms. Mackin. It was very well received by the audience. 

This year the Oration was delivered by our retiring Principal Mr. Page, and this was followed by a Guard of Honour in tribute to his hard work and dedication to our school.

Nossal Volunteer Service Awards

Two important awards made during the Speech Night ceremonies were the 2022 Volunteer Service Awards. These awards are made to members of the Nossal community who have made a substantial contribution to the school over an extended period and exemplify the Nossal philosophy of being involved, ethical and respectful and showing pride and enthusiasm for the school. 

We recognised the work of 

Mr. Stephen Mulroy 

Mr. Stephen Mulroy’s daughter Mila joined the school in Year 9 in 2019 and since that time Stephen and Julieta have been very active and positive members of the PFA and have done much to support the school. For the past four years Stephen has been a core member of the PFA and has been an enthusiastic and encouraging member of the group and the school, and has put in many hours at fundraising events, school activities and parent meetings. In recent times he has taken on the leadership of the Parents and Friends Association and has been a humble, generous, and altruistic chairperson. His commitment to the school, his daughter’s education, and to furthering the aims of the PFA have been of enormous direct and indirect benefit to the school and have been greatly appreciated.

Mrs. Margaret Page 

Mrs Margaret Page has worked quietly and consistently behind the scenes at Nossal since 2008 when Roger first became involved in the planning and construction of the school. Since that time, she has been a very practical and generous contributor to the school, staff , and students. In the very early days she spent numerous hours seeking and purchasing essential equipment at bargain prices; she has made numerous and generous personal financial contributions to school to purchase books, musical, art and sports equipment; came in regularly to assist with events and activities; funded and organised the professional production and supply of CDs of Nossal student music items for all members of the school for a number of years; sponsored annual debating trophies and prizes; and each year since 2010 has purchased and wrapped Christmas gifts for every Nossal staff member. She is Roger’s conscience, advisor and guide who remembers and reminds him of dates, protocols, and appropriate behaviours!

University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Scholars Program

Congratulations to our Melbourne University Kwong Lee Dow Scholars Neomi Gestano and Vanshika Kharb. This is a significant achievement as over 1,600 applications were received from students all over Victoria and border regions. As Kwong Lee Dow Scholars, Neomi and Vanshika will benefit from a tailored program of events and activities that will support and enhance their secondary studies. They will also have the opportunity to interact with other Young Scholars and members of the University community.

Welcome to our Year 9s

Our incoming Year 9s will be the Class of 2026. It was lovely to meet them on Orientation Day, which this year was held on Wednesday, November 30th. We congratulate them all for achieving a place at our school. 

During their orientation day they engaged in a number of activities, such as the Scavenger Hunt, which were designed to provide them with a brief but memorable introduction to Nossal. We look forward to working with the students early next year during iWeek, when they will find that there is more to discover about our school!

Our new parents were welcomed by our Principal Mr Page and Ms. Mackin. Ms Mackin spent some time informing the parents about our programs, processes, and expectations. One of the key ideas was the importance of communication between parents and the school. We encourage our families to let us know in advance so that we can be proactive about supporting our students. If there are any medical reports and other reports. 

There is no issue that we cannot help with. Please do not hesitate to contact me at fiona.dezylva@nossalhs.vic.edu.au

Monash Challenge 2022

Our Year 9s have embraced the challenge of undertaking an inquiry-based project at Monash this year. As they gathered material to mount a response to the claim that Everyone Deserves A Voice: Inclusivity is the key to a healthy society. They attended lectures at Monash on various topics which allowed them to understand the topic, and then worked together to present their findings using written, oral, and creative forms. Students are working in their House groups and will be awarded points for their initiative.  Students are working collaboratively in these projects, and they have bonded more closely while working towards the first Page Cup points for 2023. 

PFA Book and Uniform Sale 

We sincerely thank the many members of our excellent Parents and Friends Association (PFA) who spent Wednesday 30 November selling uniforms, and books to raise funds to support and assist the school. They had a very successful and enjoyable day and we are very grateful for their enthusiasm, dedication, and assistance. 

We remind you that the next sale will be on Saturday 10 December.

Fiona De Zylva

Assistant Principal