From the Principal

Dear Parents & Carers,

As we begin the final term of 2025, I hope the recent school holidays offered everyone a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some quality time with loved ones. It’s always refreshing to feel the energy return to the College as students and staff come back ready to embrace what is often one of the most meaningful and rewarding stretches of the year.

For our Year 12 students, these final weeks are particularly significant—a whirlwind of emotions as they prepare to close one chapter and begin another. There’s excitement, a few nerves, and a deep sense of pride in all they have achieved. As the countdown begins, our Year 12s are navigating exams, final assessments, and all the “lasts” that come with finishing school. It’s a time filled with reflection, anticipation, and, for many, some uncertainty about what comes next.

Our dedicated teachers and staff continue to walk alongside them every step of the way—offering guidance, encouragement, and that all-important listening ear. This Friday’s recognition of World Mental Health Day (October 10) is a timely reminder for all of us—students, staff, and families alike—to pause, check in, and make space for wellbeing amidst the busyness.

Student Immersion Trips

During the recent holidays, two student immersion experiences took place:

Cape York Indigenous Trip – Twenty-six Year 9 and 10 students, accompanied by three staff members and Red Earth Guides, visited an Indigenous community in Cape York.

Timor-Leste Trip – Sixteen Year 10 and 11 students travelled with three staff members and Destination Dreaming to Timor-Leste. This was our first trip to Timor-Leste in several years, following the pandemic pause on international immersions.

Both groups have returned safely, and all reports indicate the trips were extremely successful. I thank the staff who accompanied the students and commend the students themselves for the enthusiastic, respectful, and cooperative way they represented our College community.

Final Week for Year 12 Students

Next week marks the final week of classes for our Year 12s. We are looking forward to a positive and memorable finish for our senior students and share some key details below:

• Final Day of Classes: Thursday, 16 October 2025

• Year 12 Celebration Day: Friday, 17 October 2025

• VCE Written Exams Begin: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 (starting with English)

For information about LOTE Oral, Theatre Studies, and Music Performance exams, students should check with their subject teachers, as some of these assessments are conducted before October 28. The full exam timetable is available at:
👉 VCE Exam Timetable

We have reminded students of our clear expectations for a positive and respectful finish to their time at the College. Following Celebration Day, I encourage all Year 12 students to remain focused on their studies right through to their final exam. Success in these last few weeks depends greatly on their determination, effort, and support for one another.

After 17 October, Year 12 teachers will continue to be available during normal class times and by appointment to assist students with final preparations.

Special events planned for their final week include:

• Full School Assembly: Thursday, 16 October, at 1:30 pm

• Year 12 Graduation Mass: Thursday, 16 October, at 5:00 pm (College Multi-Purpose Centre)

Parents and friends of the College are warmly invited to both events. Please report to the College Office by 12:45 pm for the assembly so that seating can be arranged. We look forward to celebrating our Year 12 students and marking this milestone together.

I wish all our Year 12 students and their families a meaningful, joyful, and memorable conclusion to their secondary school journey.

Next Full School Assembly

All parents and carers are warmly invited to attend our Full School Assembly on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at 1:30 pm. As in past years, this assembly will focus on our farewell to the Year 12 students. Please report to the office by 12:45 pm for seating. The assembly will conclude at approximately 2:45 pm.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 – Normal School Day

Please note that classes will run as usual on Wednesday, 22 October, even though it is the day of the Geelong Cup. While some local schools are observing this day as a holiday, our College will instead take a break for Melbourne Cup Day and the day before it.

Our School Bus Coordinator has confirmed that buses will operate as normal on 22 October, though students who share routes with other schools may wish to check with their driver closer to the day.

Friday, 24 October 2025 – Student-Free Day

On Friday, 24 October, students will work from home while staff participate in a professional learning day. Students will be able to access their set work through Canvas (via Announcements).

In Closing

As we move into this final term, I want to thank all parents and carers for the continued support you give your children and our school community. Together, we can ensure the remainder of the year is both productive and enjoyable. Whether it’s encouraging your child through study, celebrating their achievements, or simply being present in the everyday moments—your partnership makes all the difference.

We look forward to a positive, purposeful, and fulfilling end to 2025 for all our students.

Best wishes for the next fortnight,

Michael Exton | Principal