Senior School Report
Senior School News – Term 4, 2025
As we reach the midpoint of Term Four, the Senior School has been a hive of activity — a period of both celebration and preparation as we farewell our Year 12 students and support our Year 11s and 10s as they take their next steps.
Celebrating the Year 12 Class of 2025
On Thursday 16 October, we proudly celebrated our Year 12 Graduating Class of 2025 at our annual Valedictory Evening, held at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood. The evening was a memorable occasion that brought together students, families, and staff to honour the achievements, growth, and resilience of our graduating cohort, and to mark the completion of their schooling journey.
Guests enjoyed a two-course dinner, and each student proudly received their Graduation Certificate and commemorative gift. A number of student awards were presented, recognising academic excellence, dedication, and personal development.
Special congratulations go to Adele B, Annabelle S, Bella A, and Lucinda E for receiving VCE Subject Excellence Awards, and to Jemma N, who was named VCE Vocational Major Student of the Year. Lucinda was also honoured with the Principal’s Award for her outstanding contribution to school life.
Throughout the evening, guests heard messages from College Principal, Mr Broecker, and Director of Senior School, Mr Judge, who reflected on the growth and character of the graduating class.
In his address, Mr Judge shared his “Halloween-Inspired Advice for Life”, offering heartfelt wisdom through a somewhat humorous lens. He encouraged students to “avoid the vampires — the people who drain your energy and optimism,” and instead to “surround yourself with those who bring you light, challenge you to be better, and celebrate your success.”
He also reminded students to “beware of shortcuts,” explaining that real success is “built on persistence, effort, and the daily habit of striving for excellence when nobody’s watching.”
Mr Judge concluded his address with this reflection:
“May your life not be about merely surviving the horror movie moments, but thriving beyond them. May you fight for what is right and fair, may you take risks for what matters, may you help lift others when they stumble, and may you leave the world a brighter and better place for having been here”.
We congratulate the Class of 2025 on reaching this important milestone and wish each student every success as they embark on the next exciting stage of their lives — confident, capable, and ready to take on the world.
Year 12 Farewell Week and Senior Sunrise
In the lead-up the VCE End-of-Year Exams, our Year 12 students enjoyed a wonderful farewell week, featuring the Year 12 Farewell Assembly, a light-hearted Students vs Staff Sports Challenge, and the Senior Sunrise Celebration at the Dandenong Ranges Arboretum.
The Year 12 Farewell Assembly saw our whole school community come together giving students, staff, and families the chance to celebrate and farewell our graduating class of 2025.
With parents, carers and family members looking on, our Year 12’s were acknowledged for their sense of community, and the care and support they’ve shown one another throughout their journey.
One of the most cherished traditions of this ceremony is the exchange between our youngest and oldest students. Our ELC children received a special gift of playdough from the Year 12’s, and in return proudly presented gift packs designed to support the seniors through exam season, including Smarties for a “because they are smartie’s,” bubble wrap for stress relief, and even a portable high five!
A particularly special moment saw 3-year-old Ryder receive his gift and then present one to his Year 12 sister, Hannah. This is a beautiful reminder of the connections across our school community.
The Senior Sunrise event was a symbolic and uplifting way to mark the dawn of new beginnings, followed by a shared breakfast and morning of laughter and reflection. On their return to school, uniforms were transformed and signed by peers and teachers, a much-loved tradition marking the end of their school journey.
Year 11 Exam Period
Our Year 11 Exams will run from Monday 17 November to Friday 21 November. This period provides students with an important opportunity to demonstrate their learning across all subjects and to prepare for the demands of Year 12. We encourage all students to maintain balanced study habits, adequate rest, and a healthy routine as they prepare for these assessments.
Senior School Step-Up Program
Following the exam period, our Senior School Step-Up Program will commence on Tuesday 25 November and run for nine days until Friday 5 December. This program marks the official start of the 2026 academic year for current Year 10 and 11 students, allowing them to experience their new subjects, meet teachers, and begin coursework that sets them up for a strong start next year. Attendance and participation in Step-Up are essential to ensure students transition smoothly into their new studies.
Year 10 RYDA Road Safety Program
Earlier this term, our Year 10 students participated in the RYDA Road Safety Day, an engaging and practical program that supports safe driving habits and responsible road use. Students explored key topics such as risk awareness, peer influence, and decision-making, equipping them with vital skills as they approach the age of independent driving and increased mobility.
As we move toward the end of the year, we extend our thanks to our Senior School staff for their dedication and care, and to our students for their continued effort, resilience, and optimism. Term Four is always a time of both endings and beginnings — a reminder that learning never truly stops, and that every step forward is an opportunity to grow. We thank our families for their ongoing support and partnership, and we look forward to an exciting and productive conclusion to the school year.
Wayne Judge,
Director of Senior School
