From the Principal

Congratulations, we have made it to the halfway point of the year. Term 2 is finished and a well-deserved break beckons. There are many highlights for us to celebrate. 

As of next term, Auburn High School will have over 60 International Students enrolled in our programs. These students add breadth and depth to the culture and perspective of our school. We value their contribution and acknowledge their decision to live away from home and study in Melbourne. Many of our local students would find it difficult to imagine living in a new country, speaking a second language, studying in that language, and residing in a home-stay environment. Our International Students come from a variety of countries, including: Vietnam, China, US, Austria and Cambodia. Phu Nguyen (Class of 2022) was awarded a commendation for community engagement recently at the Global Learning Awards – International Education Division. I had the opportunity to attend the presentation ceremony with Jean Zhang, IED Coordinator, and accept the award on Phu’s behalf, as he had to sit an exam at university. Phu was recognised for raising money, creating community, bringing different people together and promoting his school, through soccer and physical activity. Congratulations to Phu. He is a wonderful example of a young person who makes a big difference to other peoples’ lives by giving of themselves. 

On Thursday June 8th, the Year 12 students celebrated their formal. Hosted by the Formal Committee and ably assisted by Mr McPherson and Ms Price, Christina Bouratt and a team of parents, the night was an overwhelming success. Students were dressed to impress and treated their guests to a night of fun, laughter, and dancing. The venue, The Luminaire in South Melbourne, provided high quality food and an incredible view of the city lights. Thirty staff also donned their formal attire to join the students in a special night. I would like to express how proud I am of the Class of 2023. The standards of the night were world class, and this was matched by the level of enjoyment. 

A week after the formal was the GAT. Year 11 and 12 students completing a Year 12 subject were required to complete a General Assessment Task over four hours on Thursday June 15th. Not as enjoyable as the formal, but an essential part of the VCE assessment puzzle. The GAT is used as a moderation tool for Year 12 study scores and provides the Department of Education and Training with information around the standards and competencies of our senior students. To create a distraction between exams, our IB students provided a BBQ lunch and some moral support. This is a sign that the senior school community is working together as they support each other in whichever program they are completing. Another proud moment for me. 

Last Friday a whole school, plus invited guests, assembly was held to pay tribute to our past Principal Maria Karvouni. An audience of 700 students, 70 staff, 100 invited guests, parents, past staff, parents and alumni heard from a variety of speakers. The purpose of the event was to create a sense of school spirit and belonging through story telling. Maria led the school community for ten years and Auburn High School is the way it is because of her amazing work. Due to remote learning, and Maria’s illness, many of the students did not know her and so the stories provide context and perspective for them. A huge thank you to teaching and education support staff who assisted in the organisation of the event. Congratulations to Linda Arthurson, Di Gillies, Kristie Satilmis, Craig McPherson, and Ella Price for bravely telling the stories, so that the School community can carry on Maria’s legacy. 

This week our Year 9 French Binational students began their Brevet exams. I wish them good fortune and am confident that the work they have completed over the past 2.5 years has prepared them well. This is also the week where all students receive reports, and a lot of assessment feedback. A huge body of work has been completed by staff and students and I urge parents and students to focus on the feedback that is designed to inform students on what was done well, and what improvements are possible. Teachers invest time in the feedback process to guide the direction of their teaching and the students’ learning. The reporting also provides data for student subject selection which is happening early next term. 

Finally, I wish everyone a relaxing holiday and look forward to an exciting Term 3. Get outdoors as much as possible and if you are able, do some training for the Athletics Carnival on August 18th. Real fitness gains take six weeks and Freeman, we have some work to do to return to our rightful place on top of the House Cup standings. 

Until next time,

Ross Pritchard 

Principal