Senior School Report

May 5, 2026 – Edition 5

Welcome Back

It has been fabulous to have our students return to school with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose after the break!

We began Term 2 with an assembly where we recognised our Age Group Champions and Runners Up from last term’s House Swimming and Athletics Carnivals.

These students demonstrated commitment, resilience, and strong House spirit, and it was wonderful to celebrate their achievements as a community.

Swimming

Under 13 age group
Champions – Yoshara R, Rugved C
Runners Up – Olivia C, Luka K

Under 14 age group
Champions – Enaksha R, Shanuk P
Runners Up – Ameek B, Denise G, Vinuka P

Under 15 age group
Champions – Isabella S, Abishaan G
Runners Up – Harleen S, Samip A

Under 16 age group
Champions – Nereesa W, Marco L
Runners Up – Alice W, Lucas B, Blake H

Under 17 age group
Champions – Alexia L, Billy B
Runners Up – Ziva M, Jackson A

Under 21 age group
Champions – Alanna V, Andrew B
Runners Up – Brianna M, Davin W

Athletics

Under 13 age group
Champions – Zara M, Mitchell F
Runners Up – Sophie A, Rugved C

Under 14 age group
Champions – Nimrat K, Ryan C
Runners Up – Charlie S, Luca C

Under 15 age group
Champions – Harleen S, Kai L
Runners Up – Zainab F, Jackson R

Under 16 age group
Champions – Ritika P, Murphy H
Runners Up – Jannatpreet K, Lucas B

Under 17 age group
Champions – Naaz C, Harrison B
Runners Up – Finley H, Ryan S

Under 21 age group
Champions – Shae C, Sienna K, Riley G
Runner Up – Lachie A

Congratulations to these students, and the many students who were presented with certificates for having set new records in the pool and in track and field.

ANZAC Day Service

Last weekend, I had the honour of attending the ANZAC Day service in Cranbourne, along with a group of students who represented Casey Grammar with maturity and respect.

Our school’s drumline led the march down the main street, our musicians supported the singing of the national anthem, and our School Captains delivered the commemorative poem with great composure. Student leaders from both the Senior and Junior School came together to lay the wreath on behalf of Casey Grammar, reflecting the unity and shared values that define our community.

As we look to the term ahead, I am excited for the opportunities it will bring for our students to grow and contribute meaningfully to school life.

Kate Morgan
Head of Senior School

Study Skills & Wellbeing Workshops

Our students recently participated in a valuable 50 minute incursion delivered by STEM Zone, focusing on effective study strategies and student wellbeing.

The session provided practical tips to help students better prepare for assessments, including how to structure their study time, break tasks into manageable chunks and use active revision techniques to improve retention and understanding.

Alongside study skills, the session highlighted the importance of maintaining wellbeing during assessment periods. Students were encouraged to prioritise balance, manage stress and recognise when to seek support. The interactive nature of the session allowed students to reflect on their own habits and identify simple, achievable strategies they can implement moving forward.

To further support student learning, weekly study sessions are available for students in the Learning Centre, facilitated by our Academic Captain, Amelia. These sessions run every Wednesday and are designed to build practical skills that students can apply directly to their studies.

Each week focuses on a different area:

All students are encouraged to attend and take advantage of these sessions to strengthen their study habits and confidence.

Subject Selection Expo

We invite all current Year 8, 9 and 10 students, along with their families, to attend our upcoming Subject Selection Expo on Tuesday, 12 May from 5.30pm.

This is a valuable opportunity for students to explore future pathways and make informed decisions about their subject choices.

Parents will have received a letter with full details, however the evening is designed to give students the chance to speak directly with teachers. We encourage them to use this opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of what each subject involves.

Whether students are exploring new interests or considering future career pathways, this session will provide helpful insight and guidance to support their decisions.

If you haven’t already done so, please register your attendance via this link.

Tegan West
Head of Teaching and Learning

Alliance Francaise French Film Festival

The Alliance Française de Melbourne hosted its 37th annual Film Festival from 3 March to 22 April. Throughout Term 1, Senior School French students had the opportunity to attend screenings at two different cinemas and take part in this cultural event.

The films viewed included Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, Treasure Hunters: On the Tracks of Khufu, and ARCO. Students engaged enthusiastically with the films and are to be commended for their excellent behaviour, representing the school with maturity and respect.

Below is a reflection written by Year 7 student, Seerat.

Beatriz Christensen
Coordinator of Languages

Year 7 students were thrilled to watch the French Film ‘Little Amélie’ today at Palace Cinema Como.

None of us were expecting the film to be as emotional, joyful and exciting as it was. We were on the edge of our seats!

There were lots of giggles and smiles from us all, and we learnt many new French words, although it would have been much harder to follow without the subtitles!

It was a fantastic excursion, and has been my favourite one so far.

Seerat A, Year 7

Media

On Thursday 26 March the Year 11 Media Class visited ACMI for the screening of VCAA Top Screen – a showcase of the top VCE Media films from 2025.

The showcase contained animation, documentary and fiction films from the next generation of filmmakers, giving students a great idea of what it takes to make a quality short film. Hopefully we will see some of our students’ films on the big screen in the future!

On Thursday 23 April, four past Media students visited the current Year 11 Media class to provide ideas and inspiration for their studies. Past students Joel Rasmussen, Matilda Cowburn, Hailey Toy and Tove-Lise Hannaford are all currently working and studying in Media and Communication/Arts. This helped inspire Year 11 students on their future career paths, teaching them how to maximise their time at secondary school, build their skill sets, explore ideas and make movies they are passionate about.

It was a wonderful exchange with both parties feeling motivated and reflective on their Casey Grammar journeys.

Digital Photography

On Thursday 19 March, the Year 9 Digital Photography class headed into the city to take photos for their ‘Capturing Melbourne’ assignment.

We walked around ACMI, Hosier and ACDC Lanes, Flinders Street, Townhall Station and the Yarra River, taking shots that showed Melbourne from different perspectives.

The students took some fabulous photos and should be so proud of their creativity and photography skills.

Natalie Burns
Senior School Teacher

VCE Art Creative Practice

Top Arts 2026

The Art excursion to Top Arts 2026 at the NGV was an insightful and inspiring experience. The gallery exposed us to various different styles, each unique to the specific artist, collating towards their final piece.

The exploration of different mediums ranging from oil painting to photography and digital art demonstrated the creative freedom that art provides, and the distinctive methods available for us to experiment with.

Each final artwork portrayed deep personal connection and countless hours of effort and trials. The cultivation of feedback contributed to the amazing selection of pieces available for us to view.

Furthermore, the artists explored a myriad of social issues, or pressing concerns that they exceptionally voiced through their pieces; such as the reflection of homelessness, the human condition, identity, sustainability and many more.

Each artist’s folio acted as high standard guides for us, both inspiring and motivating us for our future Year 12 journey.

The representation of their planning and the showcase of every trial and error that provided the foundation of their final piece illuminated the potential each of us have. This exhibition surprised me with its powerful message of creative expression.

Jesmine D, Year 11

Viewing the Top Arts exhibition at the NGV allowed me to get a refined experience of VCE Art Creative Practice.

The 30 minute folio viewing was beneficial in obtaining ideas for my own work. I quickly flipped through each page and examined various students’ experimentations and trials. They gave insight into the more professional side of artwork, allowing students to take notes on how to improve folios and receive inspiration to refine their work.

The folios were eye-catching. You could see the distinct processes per student and how much hard work and time was put into each book. There was strong thinking visible behind each final piece. It demonstrated that there isn’t just one way of approaching art. It is a developing process influenced by one’s personal strengths and interests.

Moving into the exhibition space to view the finished works of each student, everything looked polished and complete. Knowing the processes that led to these works, you’re able to connect the ideas in the folios you had previously viewed, which gave these works much more meaning.

It was an inspiring experience, especially as a Year 12 student. It let me brainstorm ideas for my ongoing progression in the Art subject. Overall, I am looking forward to seeing more of the artworks in the future whilst exploring work by talented students around the state.

Saila A, Year 12

Year 8 Visual Communication & Design

Harrison L in Year 8 created an album cover for Visual Communication and Design.

Below is a Q&A about his design.

What was it like creating your album cover?

Creating my album cover was exciting yet challenging.

Adding special effects and finding the right tone for Beethoven’s head was difficult, especially without a suitable gradient. Discovering the brush settings opened many possibilities.

Despite obstacles, I persevered and produced an intricate final design, exploring valuable digital skills which will be useful in the future.

Describe the design process.

The design process involved brainstorming band names, researching examples of five album covers and analysing each design element and principle.

I sketched several concepts, refined my chosen typeface and created an effective design brief. After drafting multiple cover ideas, I finalised one, scanned it into Photoshop and applied creative effects.

What have you learnt through completing the task?

I learnt that strong creative work requires planning, research and scrupulous execution.

Exploring Photoshop extended my knowledge of digital tools and effects. I absolutely adore VCD because it allows me to express my creativity and develop digital skills like Photoshop.

I hope to pursue the subject in VCE, because it is genuinely enjoyable and inspiring.

Steve Kearney
Senior School Teacher