Senior School Report
August 3, 2026 – Edition 9
Welcome Back to Term 3!
The beginning of a new term is always an opportunity for a fresh start.
As students return to school routines, Term 3 provides a valuable chance to reset positive habits, refine organisational skills and recommit to the everyday actions that contribute to success.
While academic achievement is often associated with major assessments and examinations, it is the small things done consistently that make the greatest difference over time. Arriving to class prepared, managing time effectively, completing tasks thoughtfully and making productive use of class time all contribute to positive outcomes. We have encouraged students to focus on these habits as they settle into the term. This includes minimising unnecessary trips to lockers and ensuring movement between classes is purposeful and efficient, allowing students to maximise every learning opportunity throughout the day.
During the recent holiday break, a group of our students in Years 10 to 12 embraced a very different learning experience through our Snow Camp to Mt Hotham. We commend these students for their willingness to step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves and fully engage in the opportunities the camp provided. Learning to ski or snowboard requires persistence, resilience and a willingness to try again after setbacks, all qualities that support success well beyond the slopes.
The camp also provided valuable opportunities for personal and social growth. Students from different year levels spent time together, formed new friendships and strengthened existing connections. Shared experiences such as these play an important role in developing confidence, independence and a sense of community. For many students, the camp was not only an opportunity to learn a new skill but also the beginning of a lifelong passion.
Our students have also recently participated in the Year 10 Retreat at the end of Term 2 and the Year 8 Camp last week. While each experience was different, both highlight the importance of Casey Grammar School’s camp and experiential learning programs. These opportunities allow students to learn and grow beyond the classroom, developing important life skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience and self-awareness. Experiences that challenge students in new environments often create some of the most powerful and lasting learning, helping them build confidence and strengthen their connections with others.
Year 10 Retreat
Year 8 Camp
This term also marks an important process as we begin selecting our 2027 Student Leadership Team. Our current student leaders have represented the school exceptionally well and have been outstanding role models for their peers. Through their commitment, service and positive influence, they have made a significant contribution to our school community.
For students who may be considering applying for a leadership position, you are encouraged to reflect on the opportunity before you. Leadership is not simply about holding a title, it is about service, responsibility and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference for others. It is an opportunity to give back to the community, contribute to school culture and help shape the experiences of fellow students. We look forward to seeing students step forward and embrace the challenge of leading with integrity, compassion and purpose.
As we commence Term 3, I encourage all students to approach the weeks ahead with enthusiasm, determination and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity. Whether in the classroom, on camp, through co-curricular involvement or by taking on leadership responsibilities, growth often comes from the willingness to engage fully, challenge themselves and contribute positively to those around them. I look forward to seeing all that our students achieve throughout the term.
Kate Morgan
Head of Senior School
NAPLAN Results Have Gone Home
Last week, all students in Years 7 and 9 should have brought home a letter containing their individual NAPLAN results.
As results land on kitchen tables, we want to offer parents and students a timely reminder: NAPLAN only ever shows part of the picture.
It is a useful snapshot of a student’s literacy and numeracy skills at a single point in time, measured against students across the country. But it is only that: a snapshot. It does not account for an off morning, a bit of test-day nerves or the hundred other factors that can influence performance on any given day.
As a school, we track students’ progress continuously throughout the year through classroom assessments, teacher observations and ongoing feedback. This gives us and you a much richer and more accurate picture of how a student is really going than a single test ever could.
If you have questions about your student’s academic progress, we would always encourage you to speak with their classroom teacher first. They know your student’s day-to-day learning far better than any standardised test can capture.
What NAPLAN Does Not Measure
It is also worth remembering what this test simply is not designed to capture. NAPLAN does not measure:
- humour
- effort
- character
- integrity
- kindness
- creativity
- resilience
- curiosity
These are some of the qualities that make your student who they are, and they matter just as much, if not more, than a test score.
Tegan West
Head of Teaching and Learning – Senior School
Student Achievement – Monash Scholars
The Monash Scholars program is a prestigious opportunity for high-achieving secondary school students, giving them a unique head start on university life. Students selected to join the program in Year 10 stay until the end of Year 12. During this time, they are provided with opportunities to participate in a range of bespoke activities to enhance their learning, explore their career ambitions, define their personal aspirations and build networks with other high-achieving students.
After a competitive application process, we are pleased to announce that Blake H and Johanna J have been accepted into the 2026 – 2028 Monash Scholars cohort.
Congratulations to Blake and Johanna!
Farewell Hannes
At the end of Term 2, we farewelled Year 11 student Hannes K, who joined Casey Grammar School as an exchange student during Term 2.
Hannes has shared with us his experience:
Three months ago, I arrived in Australia from Germany, excited but also a little nervous about what to expect. During my time here, I have learned a lot about Australian culture, made great friends and gained many valuable experiences that I will never forget.
One of the biggest differences I noticed between the German and Australian schools was the classroom atmosphere. In Australia, students often have a closer and more relaxed relationship with their teachers. It felt like all the students in a year level were in one large group of friends and that was what I liked so much about this school.
I experienced interesting new subjects, like Psychology and Business Management. Through these subjects, I gained new knowledge and improved my English communication skills, especially in speaking and presenting.
I also had the opportunity to participate in school activities such as cross country and other school events. These experiences helped me feel like a real member of Casey Grammar School and allowed me to connect with many students outside the classroom.
Living in Australia allowed me to experience many aspects of Australian culture. I learned about Australian traditions, school life and everyday customs. One noticeable difference was the school uniform, which is uncommon in most German schools. At first, wearing the school uniform felt strange, but after some time I got used to wearing it and by now I even think it is good to wear a uniform.
Another major cultural difference is that students are separated into four different Houses, with each House divided into smaller wellbeing groups. I think it is really cool to let the different Houses and wellbeing groups compete in different competitions to earn points, almost like Hogwarts from Harry Potter.
During my stay, I also learned some Australian slang. Expressions such as “mate”, “no worries” and “how are you going?” quickly became part of my vocabulary. I do not use them daily, but I use them every now and then. Although Australian and German cultures share values such as friendliness and respect, I found Australians to be especially relaxed and welcoming.
One of the most valuable parts of my exchange experience has been the friendships I have formed. From my first days at Casey Grammar School, students and staff made me feel welcome and included.
I shared many memorable moments with my classmates, whether in lessons, during lunch breaks, at sporting events or simply talking and laughing together. These friendships helped me settle into life in Australia and made my stay much more enjoyable.
Although I will soon return to Germany, I hope to stay in contact with many of the people I have met here through social media and future visits.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who made this exchange possible. Thank you to my teachers for supporting me throughout my time at Casey Grammar School and helping me succeed in a new educational environment.
I am especially grateful to my classmates and friends who welcomed me from the beginning and made me feel at home. I would also like to thank the school staff and everyone involved in the exchange program for providing me with such an incredible opportunity.
Your kindness, patience and support helped me adapt to Australian life and created memories that I will always cherish.
This experience has taught me the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing new challenges. I have become more independent, confident and open-minded.
When I return to Germany, I will take with me not only improved English skills but also a greater understanding of different cultures and perspectives. My view of Australia has changed from what I knew through books and media to a much deeper appreciation of the country and its people.
I hope to stay in touch with the friends I have made and return to Australia one day to see you all again. No matter where life takes me, my time at Casey Grammar School will always remain a special chapter of my life.
Thank you, Casey Grammar School, for an unforgettable experience.
Hannes K
Exchange Student
News from the Science Department
During Semester 1, our Year 9 Science Talent Search students were busy working on their extended experimental research projects. The unit started off with students selecting a research project of interest. Here are some of the projects students explored:
- Biology: Can an espresso machine be used to extract essential oils from native plants and are they as effective in killing bacteria as commercially bought essential oils?
- Engineering: Which type of bridge design is most effective in carrying a load before collapsing?
- Chemistry: Which body mists produce the most volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
- Artificial intelligence: Can artificial intelligence be used to distinguish between good-quality and poor-quality exercise movements?
- Environmental chemistry: What are the impacts of ocean acidification and warming on seashell dissolution?
- Biology: What are the effects of visual and auditory stimuli on human reaction time?
- Physics: How does the design of a wind turbine affect electrical power output?
- Cosmetic chemistry: How does the type of ingredient affect the properties of lip balms?
Students worked either individually or in groups of two and had to plan their own experiments, construct any required equipment, collect and analyse data and write a detailed scientific report. These reports, along with a video reflection, have now been submitted to the Science Talent Search (STS), which is run by the Science Teachers Association of Victoria (STAV).
Students have shown exceptional dedication to these projects, and we wish them all the best in the competition. Their work will also be showcased during Science Week in August.
Dr Janine Hulston
Head of Science
National Dance Championships
Ella B of Year 9, Booth finished second in the junior section of the Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD) event, held in Queensland.
Competitions are held across each state annually, with the top four in each section qualifying for the National Championships, where dancers of the highest calibre are showcased.
Congratulations Ella!
Michael Vandenberg
Head of Booth House
