From the Principal
March 10, 2026 – Edition 3
Official Opening of the Joan Reid Learning Centre
Last week, staff, students, parents and special guests gathered to celebrate the official opening of the Joan Reid Learning Centre. This centre, which includes a beautifully designed library and collaborative learning areas, reflects our commitment to creating environments where students can thrive academically and personally.
As part of the opening ceremony, I was honoured to commemorate the two mature trees at the heart of our new courtyard: the Golden Honey Locust and the Claret Ash. Planted in 1996 with funds generously donated by our school patron, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, these trees have stood for 30 years as quiet witnesses to the life of our school.
They have shaded generations of students, marked countless milestones and become living symbols of continuity and growth. Their preservation during the construction of the new Learning Centre was a deliberate and deeply valued decision.
Now, standing alongside our new building, these trees remind us that while our facilities evolve and expand, our history and our roots remain strong. They connect past, present and future, just as the new Learning Centre will support the next generation of learners who will write the next chapters of our school’s story.
Senior School: Real World Experiences
Our Year 9 students have begun their Enterprise Program at Casey Tech with remarkable maturity and enthusiasm. This hands-on experience challenges students to think like entrepreneurs, designing solutions, collaborating in teams and navigating real-world problems.
I have heard wonderful feedback about their creativity and determination, especially as they prototype ideas, pitch concepts and apply technical skills in new and exciting ways. Programs like this empower students to take risks, develop resilience and discover strengths they may not have realised they had.
Our Year 7 cohort also enjoyed a fantastic few days at Mill Valley Ranch, where they embraced adventure, built friendships and strengthened their sense of belonging within our school community. From horse riding to team challenges, the camp provided many opportunities for personal growth.
Junior School Athletics Carnival
Last week’s Junior School Athletics Carnival was a joyful celebration of participation, sportsmanship and community spirit. Students from Year 3 to Year 6 approached each event with boundless energy, cheering each other on, trying new challenges and giving their very best effort.
It was wonderful to see families gathered around the track supporting their children, and I want to thank Mr Patrick Byrne Nelson and Ms Belinda Roffey, our dedicated PE staff, for organising a smooth and fun-filled day full of smiling faces.
I also extend my thanks to the Year 9 students from the Sports Coaching class for their expertise and enthusiasm on the day. They served as wonderful role models for the younger students.
Events like this remind us how important play, teamwork and physical activity are in the lives of young learners.
Fiona Williams
Principal
Body Safety Australia
For the last few years, Casey Grammar School has partnered with Body Safety Australia to help protect our Junior School students.
Founded in 2015, Body Safety Australia promotes childhoods free from violence where children enjoy equitable and respectful relationships.
The workshops for students will be taking place next term in May. We will also be inviting families to attend a parent/carer information session on Tuesday 5 May from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
At the parent/carer session, you will learn:
- How to keep children safe in Australia
- How to teach your children about body safety
- How to know when something is not okay
- What is normal behaviour and play for children
- How to keep children safe online
- How to talk to children about safety
- What to do if your child needs help
- How to care for yourself as a parent
The educators at Body Safety Australia are experienced, come from many cultures and backgrounds and understand that every family is different. They respect all cultures, languages and beliefs.
Junior School families will be individually invited to the parent/carer information session in Term 2.
Dr Robert Jacob
Deputy Principal & Head of Wellbeing
