As Term 3 draws to a close, it has been a vibrant and rewarding term with students engaging in a wide range of opportunities. Whether through the Arts, Clubs, Sports, or Leadership, these experiences have allowed our students to get involved, develop their interests, and strengthen their sense of connection both within and beyond the classroom. I wish to thank all the college staff for their hard work in supporting our students, especially our Year 12 students, in their final full term of schooling in a shorter than usual 9-week Term 3.
College Events
Our School Production continue to be a highlight of the school year. This year, 90 of our students worked tirelessly with 13 of our staff in showcasing “Footloose”. The cast performed a matinée for our Year 7 and 8 students, then two public evening performances. I was astounded by the creative talents of our students and their commitment to performing highly polished shows. It was also fantastic to see the immense community support of the production, and we have seen this year on Friday both floors of the Clocktower theatre filled. I wish to thank Ms Allan for her leadership as the 2025 director.
Our Year 10 Students participated in our annual RYDA, which aims to provide young people with the skills and strategies they need to stay safe on the roads. At the workshop, students attend six interactive sessions featuring highly engaging practical demonstrations, real-life narratives, videos, quizzes, and interactive role-play. The RYDA approach supports youth development in several areas, including social resilience and anticipating and managing risk. I wish to thank Mr Hogan for organising this important opportunity for our students.
Last week, 100 Year 8 students are currently attending our Tasmania Camp. The Tasmania Camp provided a fantastic experience for our students to broaden their horizons. The Year 8 Camp is a bus tour that involves visiting different locations such as Hobart, Launceston and Port Arthur. Not only is it a great chance to get out of the classroom and engage in active, initiative-based learning, but it’s also a fantastic way for students to challenge and extend themselves in a new, but safe environment. I wish to thank our staff who have supported our students during camp and been away from their family for the week. I especially want to recognise Ms Inverno, our Year 8 Coordinator, for her leadership of this unique experience for our students.
Our Later Years Japanese Students have also been engaged in their annual Amazing Race, where Year 10 and 11 Japanese classes team together to use their language skills and intercultural understanding to complete challenges and find clues in Japanese. This excursion also highlights the many kinds of Japanese influences and businesses in Melbourne CBD. I wish to thank Ms De La Motte and Ms Suh for their work.
It was also wonderful to see the number of families attending Parent Teacher Student Conferences, which provide our families with a chance to connect with our staff and provide an outline of their child’s progress this semester. With the change in times, we have continued to see active engagement through our online sessions.
This week 50 of our Year 9 students will be engaged in a Leadership Camp and Year 10 students will have a week of work experience. Over the holidays our students studying VCE Unit 4 subjects will have their trial exams.
Community Events – Year 11 Senior Ball
On 12 September, 24 of our students participated in the 2025 Year 11 Senior Ball. This event brings our families and students together on an occasion. The Senior Ball is a highlight for our Year 11 students, and it is great to see our community come together to see our students grace the dancefloor. Thank you, Friends of Buckley Park, for organising the Senior Ball to Sally, Penny, and Leonie. I especially want to acknowledge Sally for her tireless efforts volunteering her time for over 12 years in overseeing the Senior Ball, even though she no longer has her children attending college. 2025 will mark Sally’s last year in leading this unique experience for our students.
Attitude to Schools Survey Highlights
Our 2025 Attitude to School Survey Data continues to be similar to our Network's overall, though lower than that of Similar Schools.
Our students have reported positively higher than our Network in:
- Sense of Inclusion of 84%
- Student Voice and Agency 40%
- Managing Bullying 48%
- All Areas of Emotional and relational engagement
o Community connections 68%
o Emotional awareness and regulation 62%
o Help seeking 60%
o Peer relationships 81%
o Service access 69%
Not Experiencing Bullying 87%
Not Experiencing Racism 82%
Resilience 78%
The college have room for improvement and will be areas of focus in:
- Stimulated Learning 45%
- Attitude to Attendance 69%
- Transition 59%
- Advocate at School 55%
Debating
Our second Year 7 Junior Interschool Debating Team won their debate on the negative that
“It should be compulsory for fast food to have plain packaging” against Haileybury College.
I wish to congratulate Arielle Patrick, Audrey Newton and Emma Gomes, with Arielle Patrick
being awarded Best speaker.
Capital Works Update
The college, through VSBA, has now appointed a Project Management Firm to review the Master
Plan and prepare the tender for construction.
Additionally, through the Accessibility Building Program, we will see a number of spaces upgraded,
including additional auto doors, outdoor seating platforms and signage.
2025 Student Numbers
The college is anticipating a Year 7 intake between 157 and 162, which is slightly lower than
anticipated and will have budgetary implications. With this intake, our preliminary projection is that
the college will have a similar student population of 900 students.
Thanks
I am grateful for our community's ongoing efforts and support. This year, we have seen positive
outcomes in learning, attendance, and retention, which are a testament to the consistent processes
in place at the College and the dedication of our staff. I also deeply appreciate our families'
partnership, whose encouragement and reinforcement of our expectations play a vital role in
supporting our students’ success.
Harold, Craig, James and Paul
Principal Team
