Senior School Report
June 16, 2026 – Edition 8
Pausing to Reflect
As we settle into the heart of the winter months, Term 2 has had that familiar mix of being long, yet quietly productive.
Now that the midyear exams are behind us, there’s a real sense of having reached an important checkpoint. The effort students put in throughout the term, and the organisation, the persistence, and the small daily habits have paid off. This is always a moment to pause and recognise the work that’s already been done.
But it’s also a moment of transition. With Early Commencement beginning, students have the chance to reset, refocus and step into the next phase with fresh energy. The foundation built during Semester 1 sets them up well for what’s ahead, giving them confidence to take on new challenges and continue building momentum through the winter months.
Term 2 may have felt long, but it’s been meaningful, and it has prepared us for the opportunities that the second half of the year brings.
Personally, I am very much looking forward to recognising student achievement at our upcoming Awards Assembly on the last day of Term 2, just before we step into a well deserved, three week break.
Kate Morgan
Head of Senior School
Semester 1 Exams
Over the past fortnight, students in Years 7 – 11 successfully completed their Semester 1 examinations. The examination period provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their learning, practise important examination skills and challenge themselves academically.
We were pleased with the positive attitude and maturity students demonstrated throughout the exam period. Their preparation and commitment to doing their best were evident across all year levels.
Exams are an important part of the learning process, helping students consolidate their understanding, develop effective study habits and prepare for future academic pathways.
We congratulate all students on their efforts and thank our staff and families for their support in ensuring a smooth and successful examination period.
Semester 2 Early Commencement
As we begin the Semester 2 timetable, students will transition into new elective classes and, for some students, new Mathematics classes based on their demonstrated achievement. These changes are designed to ensure students are appropriately challenged and supported in their learning.
While moving into a new class can sometimes feel daunting, it also presents valuable opportunities to meet new classmates, build new relationships and experience different learning environments. Students are encouraged to approach these changes with resilience and a growth mindset. Being adaptable, embracing new experiences and stepping outside our comfort zones are important skills that help us grow both academically and personally.
We are confident that our students will navigate these transitions positively and make the most of the opportunities that Semester 2 brings. We look forward to seeing students continue to build new connections and strive for excellence in their learning.
Tegan West
Head of Teaching and Learning
Supreme and Magistrate’s Court Excursion
On Thursday, 4 June, the Year 12 Legal Studies class had the privilege of attending both the Supreme Court and Magistrates’ Court. It was a memorable and valuable experience that allowed us to see the legal system in action and better understand how court processes are conducted beyond the classroom.
At the Supreme Court, we had the chance to meet and speak directly with Justice Andrew Tinney. He shared how he became a judge and what his job involves. We then got to watch him preside over a current case.
Visiting both courts helped us to apply our understanding of the differences between them within the court hierarchy, as well as the different types of cases they hear. Overall, the excursion was engaging and insightful, helping us connect our Legal Studies knowledge to real world examples.
Anubhav C, Year 12 Student
Tim Randell
Senior School Teacher
Student Sporting Success
Year 7 student, Erlyn S, recently competed in the the Victorian Championships for speed walking. She came 4th in the Under 14 Girls Victorian All School Championships, 3km race walk in a time of 17.29 minutes.
Year 11 student, Shae O competed in the Senior Victorian Championship Level 9 Division 1. Which is the hardest division to compete in.
She won 1st place on Vault, 2nd on Beam, 3rd on Bars and 6th on Floor.
She was also crowned the 2026 Level 9 Victorian Champion and also received the 2026 Level 9 Perpetual Overall Champion Trophy.
Shae will soon head to Nationals, where she will represent Victoria on Sunday, 28 June.
Ryan Murdock
Senior School Sport Coordinator
Year 8 Science
This week, Year 8 students began looking at different body systems in science. They worked in small groups and researched the 11 different systems.
Next, they challenged themselves to draw as many of the different body systems as they could fit inside a 2D outline of a fellow student.
Gina Upward
Senior School Science Teacher
Year 10 Art Creative Practice
Our Year 10 Studio Art class took on the challenge to attempt lino printing as our 3rd assessment unit during Term 2.
Lino printing was a different form of art from the usual painting or drawing most students were used to. The theme for the unit was nature, and there were several different representations of nature throughout the various artworks produced, including swans, fishes, flowers and more.
The process consisted of planning, sketching, carving and printing. Each step was undertaken with deliberate care and persistence, and students had full creative freedom for this task.
They experimented with colours, textures, composition and much more. This was a very educational yet enjoyable experience with multiple opportunities to further improve everyone’s creative skillset.
Sakshi C, Year 10 Student
Tiahna T
John Palomares
Senior School Head of Visual Arts
Crystal Growing Club Shines Bright!
This term, selected students from Years 6, 7, and 11 have been stepping into the Secondary Science lab each week for our exciting Crystal Growing Club.
Dressed like real scientists in lab coats and safety glasses, students work under safe, controlled conditions as they explore the fascinating world of crystal growth.
Through heating, dissolving, measuring and mixing, participants have been developing important scientific skills. They have also been learning how to safely handle chemicals and record their findings like true researchers.
Growing their very own Potash Alum crystals has most definitely been the highlight. Over time, students have been monitoring changes, collecting data, and refining their techniques to create some truly impressive crystal formations. It’s been amazing to see their patience and precision pay off as each crystal grows bigger and better every week.
The Crystal Club has been a sparkling success by bringing students together from different year levels, encouraging teamwork, curiosity and a shared love of science.
Sanny Pillay, Dr Janine Hulston, Chandima Vithanage, Gina Upward and Dr Ethan Yang
Secondary Science and Junior School STEM
