Senior School

The school year has started quickly for those in the Senior School. Although we are currently just working through Week 4, a lot of teaching and learning has already taken place, including a number of informal and formal assessments. In addition, we have had photos, the Inter-house Swimming Carnival, Information Evening and the Induction Assembly for our 2022 Student leaders.

The opportunity to once again have parents onsite to be part of an assembly was truly wonderful. Having parents present to watch their child be inducted as a leader made it very special for all involved. We have missed being to able to share these important events in person. Although the use of technology has allowed us to overcome many issues with communication over the past two years, it will never really replace face-to-face conversation or the enjoyment and pride felt when your child achieves success.

The school theme for 2022, ‘Success is ours to achieve’ is so relevant and inspiring. Success can take many forms and mean different things to different individuals. However, it is probably best summed up by our School Captain, Toni Stathopoulos; ‘… it is not about feeling completely comfortable, as achieving success is usually a result of risk taking and getting out of your comfort zone; it is about feeling safe doing so, knowing that you have a person to fall back on and to help you up in moments of difficulty.’ The staff of the Senior School are here to support every student in their care, to challenge them, move them out of their comfort zone, provide help when needed, but most importantly, we are here to celebrate their success with them no matter how big or small they are.

I look forward to working with you all this year. My door is always open to students and

their families.

Sharron Frame

Head of Middle and Senior School

Year 12

Welcome back to all our students. I hope everyone had a great break. I’m feeling hopeful and positive about 2022, and this optimism has been bolstered by the enthusiasm and positive energy of Year 12 during the first few weeks of the term.

We have had a reasonably busy start to the year from a pastoral perspective. I take this opportunity to thank the new Year 12 Pastoral team for their hard work over the past four weeks. Hui Harvey has continued to ensure students will be supported during 2022, following on from the work she did last year with them as a Year 11 Home Group teacher.

We welcome Louis Panagopoulos, Michelle Mascaro and James Gobbo, who have joined the team and will add a fresh perspective to help guide our students during their final

VCE year.

As I write this, we are nearing the end of the Year 12 Camp in Queenscliff – the weather was forecast to be warm and sunny, and students were very excited to be able to enjoy some time with their peers and pastoral teachers. Swimming with the dolphins and learning to surf are just some of the exciting activities undertaken. The camp provides an opportunity to get to know each other a little better and come back, ready to launch into SAC season, as I call it.

Andrew Phillips

Year 12 Coordinator

Year 12 Corner

Hi, my name is Helena and welcome to the Year 12 Corner. On 15 February our Middle School and Senior School students participated in the annual house swimming carnival event for 2022. It was amazing to see everyone participating in a variety of events, wearing their house colours, and supporting their house team by cheering on their teammates. As a Bradman House captain for 2022, I am honoured that we had the chance to win this year by just three points! I would like to acknowledge the other house captains, Jonathan, and Stephanie for their hard work, passion and commitment at the swimming carnival and congratulations to all swimmers who participated on the day. We are looking forward to a great year with lots of exciting events to come ... watch this space!

Helena Kassabian

Year 12

Years 10 and 11

Welcome back to all Year 10 and 11 students and parents and an even warmer welcome to our new Year 10 and 11 students. It has been pleasing to see the Year 10 cohort embrace the Senior School and take on the new challenge of more responsibility and accountability for their work. Our Year 11 students have returned with completed transition homework and holiday work requirements in preparation for upcoming SACs. This is a positive sign of things to come.

The 2022 theme ‘Success is ours to achieve’ was introduced to our students earlier this term. We reminded them that success does not have a uniform definition for all, and that each person measures success in a different way. No matter how big or small a goal may be, success in achieving it should be celebrated. Our Year 10 students to share their thoughts on success:

Sotiris Bakalis

Success to me means doing my absolute best in every task while maintaining consistent grades throughout the year.

George Zikas

Success is when I have a goal and I spend lots of time on it and have good results in the end. This includes getting work in on time, asking for help when I need it and putting in maximum effort.

Camryn Stubbs

Success is small steps of achievement that assist in completing tasks to the best of my ability. Having priorities and completing goals in baby steps.

From our students’ point of view, success is about giving it their all. While this is always encouraged, sometimes it is difficult to do when ‘speed bumps’ appear along the path. Should this happen to your child, please do not hesitate to contact me so we can work in partnership to produce a pathway that will be best suited for them.

I would like to extend my congratulations to all Year 10 and 11 students who received a leadership position this year and remind those that weren’t successful that there are many opportunities still to come, you must simply be willing to put yourself out there.

I wish you and your families a safe and successful year ahead. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any matters pertaining to Years 10 and 11.

Manoj Patel

Years 10 and 11 Coordinator