From the Principal
October 21, 2025 – Edition 13
This term brings both reflection and fresh beginnings at Casey Grammar School.
As we celebrate milestones, acknowledge achievements across Junior and Senior School, and look ahead to key events and policies, we remain focused on supporting every student to finish the year with purpose. Please take a moment to note the important dates and updates below.
School Commencement Dates 2026
Please note the dates for students to commence school in 2026 are:
- Wednesday, 28 January 2026 for Foundation, Year 7, Year 11 and Year 12 students
- Thursday, 29 January 2026 for the rest of the school
The school commencement dates for 2026 have changed slightly, so please update your diary.
Vale, Class of 2025
It is with pride that we bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2025. The Valedictory Assembly gave us the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of our Year 12 students over many years. This year, we had 23 students who have been at Casey Grammar since Foundation, and they certainly had some interesting stories to tell!
The Guard of Honour was again a highlight, with our whole school community pausing to cheer on our graduates as they took their final walk through the school grounds.
On Friday night, staff, Year 12 students and parents gathered for the valedictory dinner which was a beautiful evening of celebrations. I extend my thanks to the staff who made both the assembly and the dinner so successful.
Junior School Poetry
I am incredibly proud of our Junior School students for the wonderful poetry they wrote last term. Many students entered their poems in the Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) Student Poetry Competition 2025.
I am pleased to announce we had two students as finalists in the competition, along with eight further students who received honourable mentions. Congratulations to all of our students for their beautiful words.
Year 5 Camp
At the end of last term, our Year 5 students embarked on a thrilling camp adventure. Their days were filled with outdoor challenges, team-building activities and plenty of laughter. It was heartening to see their independence blossom and friendships deepen in the great outdoors.
Circus of Stars
Meanwhile, our youngest students from Foundation to Year 2 dazzled us in the “Circus of Stars” production. Their energy, concentration and courage on stage were nothing short of magical. The joy on their faces – and those of their proud families – was a beautiful reminder of the power of performance and imagination.
Senior School Activities
The Senior School has been buzzing with spirited competition and intellectual engagement. The House Spelling Bee showcased impressive vocabulary and quick thinking, while the Staff vs Student Debate brought out passionate arguments and witty rebuttals, with the students claiming a well-earned victory.
The House Feud added another layer of fun. I extend my thanks to Academic Leader Tessa S for this wonderful new initiative.
Student Mobile Phone Policy Review and Parent Information Night
Over the course of this year, we have been conducting a review of our Student Mobile Phone Policy. Recently, I have sent a series of video messages which focus on a variety of smartphone-related topics including:
- How to support your child at home while online
- The developing brain and smartphones
- How to support your child through the introduction of social media restrictions
We are holding a parent information evening on Wednesday, 5 November to unveil the updated Student Mobile Phone Policy. You will receive an invitation along with more details soon. Please put this date in your diary.
Fiona Williams
Principal
Finishing Well in Term 4
Term 4 is an interesting season in the school year. Last week, we said goodbye to our Year 12 students, 23 of whom have spent 13 years at Casey Grammar School, so it feels like an ending for them.
The truth is, most of them will be coming back for their exams very soon. The rest of Senior School will be finishing up course material and assessment tasks in coming weeks before they undertake their exams. Then they will begin their studies for the next year during our Early Commencement Program. A bit like an ending, but then a fresh start too.
Our Junior School students have the whole term to look forward to with their current class and teacher. So, with all these different things going on for our students over the coming weeks, what is relevant for all of them?
I would argue that the idea of finishing well is something of relevance to all our students. Whether preparing for exams, completing assessment pieces or just continuing with enquiry units and building skills, I encourage all students to focus and finish 2025 with pride and purpose.
Robert Jacob
Deputy Principal
