On Monday, I spoke with students about the subject selection process they are currently undertaking. One of the highlights of my year is seeing the excitement in students as they navigate this critical stage. It’s inspiring to watch them choose subjects that genuinely spark their interest and align with their aspirations, while engaging in meaningful conversations with their families, teachers, and career counsellors about future pathways. I also reminded them of the importance of setting themselves up for success by working consistently and attending school every day, unless illness prevents them from doing so.

A big thank you to Steve Quinn and Brad Headlam for leading this process, as well as to our dedicated careers team, teachers, and families who provide such valuable guidance. The expanded range of subject choices is opening doors for our students, empowering them to explore their interests and take confident steps towards their career goals.

Term 3 Key Dates

Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion survey

We're conducting a survey to find out what you think about our school - from 18th August to 19th September, titled “Your School, Your Say”

Please take note of the following information: The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey provided by the Department of Education and Training.

This survey gives schools the opportunity to gather feedback from parents, caregivers, and guardians about our school community. Its purpose is to help schools understand how families perceive school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement.

The results of the survey will be used by our school to guide future planning and improvement efforts. Roughly 30 percent of parents will be selected to participate this year. All responses to the survey will be anonymous. If you are selected, the school will notify you and provide all the necessary information and support to complete the survey online at home or at school.

The survey will be conducted online, takes only 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones at any convenient time during the fieldwork period. It will also be available in languages other than English, including Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Chin (Hakha), Hindi, Japanese, Somali, Turkish, Punjabi, and Greek. Your family might be randomly chosen to take part in the Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey this year. If you are selected, your opinion is important, so please take the time to complete the survey as honestly as possible. Your participation matters to our school community.

Thank you for your support. If parents, caregivers, or guardians have any questions or concerns regarding the Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey, please feel free to contact the school and speak to Ms. Leanne Scarlett.

Mayoral and Japanese Consul General Visit for the Japanese Exchange

On Wednesday, 20th August, the school was honoured to host the Mayor of Geelong, Stretch Kontelj, and Mr Tokuro Furuya, Consul-General of Japan in Melbourne (covering Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia). They visited our Japanese Language students who will be travelling to Japan in September/October for a three-week study tour. During their visit, they presented gifts for the exchange and spoke with the students about the value of cultural exchange, highlighting how such experiences broaden perspectives and enrich lives. Our students are incredibly excited and deeply appreciative of this wonderful opportunity.

Professional Practice Day

Last Tuesday, August 12th, the school held a Professional Practice Day. Students were not required to attend school.

Professional Practice Days provide teachers with release from their scheduled duties (all duties that would have been otherwise scheduled, including teaching) to focus on improving the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning.

The work undertaken on these days will be consistent with departmental and school priorities and selected from the following areas:

• Planning
• Preparation
• Assessment of student learning
• Collaboration
• Curriculum development
• Relevant professional development
• Peer observation including feedback and reflection

Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman and Ella George, State Member of Lara Visit

On Thursday, 21st August, the College was privileged to welcome Natalie Suleyman, Minister for Youth, and Ella George, State Member for Lara. The visit was organised by CatholicCare worker Nestor Estampa, who contributes an incredible amount to our school community. We were also honoured to have Agnes Sheehan, CEO of CatholicCare Victoria, join us along with other community representatives.

During the visit, our students presented concerns on racism and climate change, and together with the dignitaries, explored potential solutions. Minister Suleyman then shared her own responses and ideas, before engaging in a thoughtful Q&A session where students asked insightful questions about her political journey and motivations for entering Parliament.

Earlier in the week, three of our students — Norman Urbano, Ezekiel Niyonyishu, and Ishag Abdulkadir Maalim — had also presented these issues to the School Council.

As Principal, I was extremely proud to witness the confidence and passion our students displayed in both forums, particularly knowing the personal journeys they have each taken to reach this point.

New Council Member

I would like to welcome Amanda Denny, who is our latest school council representative. We still have one outstanding position available on Council. Joining the school council allows you to:

• Actively contribute to decisions that shape the direction and success of the school.
• Support student learning and wellbeing through meaningful input
• Build strong connections with staff, students, and other parents
• Develop leadership, strategic, and collaborative skills
• Gain valuable insight into how schools operate — from budgets to policies to programs
• Make a lasting contribution to your child’s education and the wider school communityPlease advise Leanne Scarlett in the office or myself if you may be interested and would like further information on the position.