Issue #9 28 Aug 2026

It is hard to believe we are already getting towards the end of Term 3.

This is always an interesting time in the Senior School because, all of a sudden, the finish line starts to feel very real. Our Year 12 students are beginning to count down their remaining weeks of classes, while our Year 11 students are starting to realise that next year, they will be the ones at the top of the school! There is still plenty happening over the next few weeks, so here is a quick look at what is coming up.

September Holiday Practice Exams – This is Where the Final Preparation Really Starts

Our scored VCE students will complete their practice examination program during the September school holidays. I know the words “exams during the holidays” probably do not generate enormous excitement in every household, but these exams are genuinely one of the most valuable parts of Year 12 preparation. The aim is not to get a perfect score in September. In fact, if there are areas students are struggling with, we would much rather find that out now than when they are sitting the real exam!

Practice exams give students the opportunity to experience proper examination conditions, work on their timing, build some examination stamina and, most importantly, identify the areas they need to focus on during the final few weeks of revision. All scored VCE students are expected to attend their scheduled practice examinations, and families have now received the timetable. My biggest message to students is simple: use them properly. Sit the exam, get the feedback, work out where the gaps are and then do something about them. There is still plenty of time to improve.

The Countdown is On for the Class of 2026

For our Year 12 students, the countdown is now well and truly on. After thirteen years of schooling, we are suddenly talking about their final few weeks of regular classes. That is a pretty big milestone. There is obviously still plenty of work to do. SACs need to be completed, coursework needs to be finished, and exam preparation needs to ramp up. But I also want our Year 12s to make sure they enjoy this part of the year. It can be very easy to spend the final weeks thinking only about what is due next, what exam is coming up or what life will look like next year. Every now and then, take a moment to enjoy being at school with your friends, your teachers and the people you have spent the last few years alongside. Before you know it, someone will ring that final bell, and you will all be wondering where the time went. So yes — work hard, stay focused and finish strongly. But enjoy it as well.

VCE VM – Finishing Strongly and Looking Ahead

Our Year 12 VCE VM students are also entering an important final stage of their program. Over the next few weeks, the focus is on making sure all remaining learning outcomes are completed, and students stay on top of their VET and Structured Workplace Learning requirements. For many of our VM students, the next step after NGSC will be employment, an apprenticeship, a traineeship, TAFE or further training. That makes this a really exciting time. The goal is not simply to get to the end of Year 12. We want every student leaving us with a clear idea about what comes next and feeling ready to take that next step. There is still work to be done — but the destination is getting much closer.

Year 12 Graduation – Tickets Are Now on Sale!

One of the best nights on the Senior School calendar is also fast approaching. Year 12 Graduation will be held on Tuesday 24 November, and tickets are now available for families to purchase through Compass. Graduation is always a fantastic night and a great opportunity for students, families and staff to celebrate everything the Class of 2026 has achieved. So, Year 12 families - if you have not organised your tickets yet, jump onto Compass and get that one ticked off the list. If you experience any technical issues with Compass or payment, please contact the College Front Office and they will be able to assist. 

We are really looking forward to celebrating with everyone in November.

Year 11 – You Are Nearly Year 12!

Our Year 11 students have now made many of the big decisions around their subjects and pathways for 2027. The next challenge is beginning to think like a Year 12 student. The good news is that nobody wakes up on the first day of Year 12 magically more organised! The habits that make Year 12 easier are the same ones students can start developing now — attending regularly, using class time well, meeting deadlines, keeping track of work and asking for help before a small problem becomes a big one. Later in the year, our Year 11 students will complete their exams before moving into Year 12 Orientation. Orientation is where 2027 really begins. Students will meet their new teachers, start their new subjects and get their first taste of what their final year of schooling will look like. For Year 11s, there is still plenty to achieve this year — but Year 12 is definitely starting to appear on the horizon.

2027 Year 12 Jumpers

Speaking of becoming Year 12s, it is also getting close to that very important rite of passage — the Year 12 jumper. For many students, this is apparently almost as important as choosing their subjects! Information regarding the 2027 Year 12 jumpers, including ordering, sizing and deadlines, will be communicated to students and families through Compass. Keep an eye out so nobody misses the opportunity to order one.

Make the Most of What is Left

The final part of the school year always seems to move faster than the rest. One minute we are talking about starting Term 3 and the next we are discussing practice exams, graduation and Year 12 Orientation. For our Year 12s especially, there are not many ordinary school days left. Make them count. Keep working, keep supporting each other, ask for help when you need it and make sure you enjoy some of the little things along the way. There is still plenty ahead — but there is also plenty to be proud of. I am really looking forward to seeing how our Senior School students finish off 2026.