Upcoming Key Dates

Term 1 2026 Key Dates

Please note, additional events may be added in Term 1.

Advertisements & Notices

**BBQ Fundraiser at Bunnings Bayswater – SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER**

All proceeds going to the Boronia K-12 College Youth Skills Shed

We are excited to announce the establishment of our very own Youth Skills Shed Program, made possible through our growing partnership with the Boronia Rotary Club and the generosity of Ray Siegersma, Chair of the Rotary Youth Committee and 2025 Westfield Local Hero Award winner. Funds from this award will support the transformation of our existing shed into a fully equipped workshop and kitchenette, providing hands-on learning opportunities for primary and secondary students through curriculum programs and an evening Skills Shed program for selected Years 5–8 students from Semester 2 next year. The Shed is expected to open in Term 3 next year and will enrich our curriculum while complementing academic learning. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses.

In further support of this exciting project, the Boronia Rotary Club will be hosting a fundraising BBQ at Bunnings this Sunday and has generously committed to donating all proceeds to our new Youth Skills Shed.

If you are out and about this Sunday, pop into Bunnings to say g’day, grab a sausage, and thank the Rotary volunteers for their generosity and support. We will be helping them out with another BBQ in March next year.

Principal Update

Dear Parents/Carers, Students and Families,

This year we launched our new college values, motto and four-year Strategic Plan for school improvement. As we reach the end of 2025, it is clear that this has been an incredibly successful year for Boronia K–12 College.

In relation to our 12-monthly goals and targets, we have collectively achieved a great deal. We successfully introduced a new Instructional Model aimed at building consistency in teaching and learning across classrooms. We also entered our second year of Positive Behaviour Expectations, and we are seeing strong signs of success, with students being regularly recognised for positive behaviours, embracing higher expectations and striving to do their best.

Our NAPLAN measures indicate that every achievement target across the five tests was met this year, aside from a small dip in Year 5 and Year 7 writing. We also saw significant growth in Reading and Numeracy, particularly at Year 3. In addition, the Department of Education has rated our school as IMPROVING in both of the main categories: student learning and wellbeing. This is a significant achievement, as movement between categories is difficult due to the many data sets used to determine this rating.

In 2026, our objective is to consolidate and strengthen the work of this year, with some targeted refinements. These will include broadening our focus from Writing to Literacy, with specific strategies for years F–2, 3–6, 7–9 and 10–12. We will also continue our work implementing the Rights, Responsibilities and Respectful Relationships curriculum, including a strong focus on addressing bullying.

Student Leadership Team (Secondary) 2026

After a thorough selection process, I am pleased to announce our secondary captains for 2026:

• Senior College Captain – Kayla A
• Senior College Captain – Ashley D
• Senior College Vice-Captain – Jaxson B
• Senior College Vice-Captain – Matthew P
• Middle College Captain – Ava G
• Middle College Vice-Captain – Crystal E
• Middle College Vice-Captain – CJ S
• Secondary Chandler House Captains – Zoe L
• Secondary Paterson House Captain – Mitch K
• Secondary Hollows House Captain – Max W
• Secondary Freeman House Captain – Lily K, Nicholas C (Co-Captain)

Junior School Captains

• Zane O
• Lose T
• Archer I
• Kaellum G

Departing Staff

As we approach the end of the year, we farewell valued staff members who have made significant contributions to our community:

Kathryn Middleton – Retirement
After eight years as Assistant Principal, Kath has made the decision to retire. Kath has been a central figure in our school and has made an enormous impact on both staff and students. Thank you, Kath, for your outstanding service.

Wayne Judge – Retirement
After four years as Director of Senior School, Wayne will also be retiring. His leadership, deep knowledge and commitment to senior pathways have been invaluable.

I express my thanks to these staff for their service to our community and wish them all the best:

Alexander Hand – Secondary English Teacher (moving closer to home)
Joel Collins – Teacher (moving closer to home)
Fiona Bennett – Teacher and Careers Practitioner (12 months leave; Meaghan McLeod will assume Careers & Pathways)
Mikayla Clark – Chaplain
Alec Gifford – Learning Support Officer
Jennifer Hutton – Learning Support Officer
Olivia Johnson – Learning Support Officer
Caitlin O’Connor – Learning Support Officer

New Staff

We warmly welcome:

• Amy Mraz – Assistant Principal Secondary (replacing Kathryn Middleton)
• Matthew Conlon – Secondary English (replacing Alex Hand)
• Tom Hinds – Secondary Humanities (replacing Joel Collins)

Going from Good to Great

This year we accelerated our improvement journey, with the clear goal of moving from a good school to a great school in every aspect. The key ingredients include:

• Strong leadership with clear vision and direction
• Deepened connections with our local community
• Parents and staff working in partnership
• Higher expectations around learning, uniform and behaviour
• Collective responsibility and accountability
• Clear priorities and aligned strategy
• Calm, orderly learning environments
• A strong focus on what matters most

Embracing Higher Expectations

Our shared expectations are essential to creating a positive and productive learning environment. As a community, we must continue to challenge ourselves to ‘raise the bar’ and support every student to achieve their personal best.

School Attendance

Every day of school matters. Strong attendance supports learning, wellbeing and future opportunity. Evidence shows that frequent absence can significantly reduce a young person’s long-term prospects. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring regular school attendance.

Uniform and Learning Resources

We maintain high expectations regarding correct uniform and being prepared for learning each day. The summer break is an opportunity to reflect and prepare for the new year ahead. Ensuring uniforms and learning resources are organised is an important part of this process. We are always here to support families where needed.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program

It is with great excitement that, from next year, we will introduce the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program at Boronia K–12 College.

This year, we enhanced our existing garden spaces by adding additional garden beds, including Indigenous bush tucker plants, fruit trees and a greenhouse. In Term 1, 2026, a new chicken coop will also be installed. We are deeply grateful to Boronia Rotary for their generous $2,000 donation, which contributed to these developments and to the purchase of new gardening tools. We are also pleased to be part of the Growing Together School Garden Network, facilitated by EACH.

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is an Australian not-for-profit organisation founded in 2004 by Stephanie Alexander AO. For over 20 years, the Foundation has delivered fun, hands-on and inclusive food education to support the health and wellbeing of children and young people across Australia.

Becoming an endorsed school will give us access to a rich range of curriculum resources and professional learning, adding further depth and rigour to our teaching and learning programs. The Kitchen Garden will complement our newly announced Youth Skills Shed, and link closely with our two modern kitchens and the student-led café, Foot of the Hills.

Our vision is to connect these facilities to enrich our curriculum and provide students with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities. Students will explore harvesting food, ecology and sustainability, strengthening real-world application across learning areas.

Youth Skills Shed Program

Next year we will also establish a Youth Skills Shed Program.

Ray Siegersma, from the Boronia Rotary Club, was recently recognised as the 2025 Westfield Local Hero Award winner. We sincerely thank our community for supporting Ray through their votes. As Chair of the Rotary Youth Committee, Ray is deeply committed to providing hands-on learning opportunities for young people. He previously established a Youth Skills Shed at Boronia Heights Primary School and, through our growing partnership with Rotary, he and his team have generously committed a substantial portion of this award to support a Skills Shed at our school.

Our vision is to transform the existing shed near the junior school car park and staffroom into a fully equipped workshop, complete with tools and a kitchenette. This space will be used by both primary and secondary students, and is expected to be integrated into our primary (Years 3–6) specialist and secondary (Years 7–10) elective programs.

From Semester 2 next year, the Skills Shed will also operate one evening per week for a small group of approximately eight selected students from Years 5–8. Under the guidance of tradespeople and the supervision of a teacher, students will develop practical skills and valuable life experience.

The Skills Shed will be a fantastic addition to our school. It will complement — not replace — the rigour of our academic program, while opening up exciting and engaging pathways for our students.

Strategic Plan 2025 – 2028

We have two overarching goals in our 4-year Strategic Plan and each year we focus on specific Key Improvement Strategies (KIS). In 2026, we are focusing on the highlighted KIS.

Goal 1: Improve the learning growth and achievement of every student
1.a Embed consistent, high-quality teaching across the college
1.b Strengthen leadership and collaborative practice through PLCs
1.c Improve use of data to differentiate and engage students

Goal 2: Maximise the engagement and wellbeing of every student
2.a Strengthen our capacity to meet diverse learning and wellbeing needs
2.b Empower student voice and agency
2.c Strengthen family and community partnerships
2.d Improve transitions and pathways

SUPPORTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS IN SCHOOLS

The Department of Education has released a statement for supporting positive student behaviours in schools. It describes the roles of students, parents/carers and schools in meeting shared behaviour expectations. It also contains resources and supports for parents/carers.

Respectful, safe, engaged: shared expectations to support student behaviour:

More information can be found here: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/behaviour-students/resources#statement-for-supporting-positive-student-behaviours-in-schools

Curriculum Days 2026

Term 1 – Tuesday 24 March
Term 2 – Wednesday 17 June
Term 3 – Friday 7 August
Term 4 – Monday 23 November

Key Dates for 2026

• Students return: Primary, Year 7, 11 & 12 – Wednesday 28 January; Years 8, 9 & 10 – Thursday 29 January
• College Open Night – Tuesday 24 March
• Production: Wizard of Oz – September
• State School Spectacular – Saturday 29 August
• College Fete – Friday 27 November, 1:30pm – 6:00pm

Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership. Together, let us continue to champion Boronia K–12 College in the wider community.

I wish everyone a safe, restful and happy holiday. The Christmas and January break is a vital time to spend with loved ones. As I reminded students at our final assembly, please look after yourselves and your families, stay safe, and I look forward to seeing you refreshed and ready for 2026.

Sincerely,

Paul Broecker

Principal

Junior School Report

As we come to the end of another vibrant and productive year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to look back on the many highlights that have shaped our school community with still more happening in Term 4. From celebrating our students’ achievements at the Children’s University Graduation to the fun and adventure of the Year 3–6 Camp and the joy of our Christmas Concert, our Term 4 calendar has been full of rich learning and memorable experiences. We’ve also seen growing student leadership, welcomed new members to our community, and continued to strengthen our wellbeing and school culture. As we prepare for the year ahead, we do so with excitement for the opportunities to come and great pride in the ongoing achievements of our students and staff.

Children’s University Graduation

On November 26th, a group of our students and staff travelled to Swinburne University in Hawthorn to celebrate the fifth Children’s University graduation for our cohort. It was a fantastic event that showcased the wide range of extracurricular activities our students engage in beyond the classroom—activities that strengthen their academic, social, emotional, and interpersonal skills and support them in becoming their best selves.

We proudly celebrated the achievements of our newest program participants and were thrilled to see one of our Secondary student, Connie H recognised with a Diploma level award after her hard work throughout the years from when she began her participation in the Junior School!

The ceremony was also a valuable opportunity to connect with other schools involved in the program, share ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences. It is wonderful to see that the program continues to grow for students all across Victoria to have this

Year 3-6 Camp

Our Year 3–6 students recently headed off together for an unforgettable adventure at Mill Valley Ranch. Alongside favourite activities such as archery, the low- ropes courses, and canoeing, students also enjoyed team challenges, outdoor games, and exploring the beautiful setting. Styled in 1880’s fashion, cabins had frontage such as haberdashery and General stores with authentic memorabilia throughout. The circle of Wagons sat in the central meeting place and students had the opportunity to see the Blacksmith in action and pump the bellows.

While the activities were a highlight, the true value of the camp was in the connections made—students formed new friendships, strengthened existing ones, and supported each other as they tried new and sometimes challenging experiences. Their maturity, teamwork, and resilience were outstanding and a credit to them all.

Christmas Concert

Another year, another Christmas Concert to kick off the countdown to Christmas! We couldn’t have done it without our dedicated staff, who helped organize the event — from cooking sausages to assisting students on and off stage and rehearsing until the songs were near perfect. We also extend our thanks to the senior students who helped with sound, lighting, and staging, with special recognition to Ms. Crawford. Her hard work throughout the term in music brought everything together for this event. While we understand that singing, dancing, and being on stage aren’t for everyone, we greatly appreciated the effort students made in embracing the Christmas spirit. We hope you enjoyed grooving along!

Student Leadership

Our Year 5 students have worked hard on their leadership applications, interviews, and final speeches, and we would like to congratulate all members of our Student Leadership Team for 2026. The strength and enthusiasm demonstrated throughout the process were truly impressive, and we are confident that our Student Leadership team will continue to thrive with this group. A big thank you to Mr. Stone for his dedication in organizing interviews, speeches, and voting. His hard work in building the profile of Student Voice in the Junior School has been invaluable, and we look forward to the great plans he has for the students involved in 2026!

As we close out this remarkable year, we would like to thank all our students, staff, and families for their ongoing support and dedication. The achievements we’ve celebrated together are a testament to the strength of our community. We look forward to continuing to grow, learn, and celebrate even more successes in the year ahead. Wishing everyone a joyful and restful holiday season, and we can’t wait to see you in 2026!

Sincerely,

Cassandra Wright

Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal Report – Secondary

Reflections of 2025

As we reach the end of another school year, I look back on 2025—and on my final year at Boronia K–12 College—with both gratitude and a touch of sadness. This year has been enriching, rewarding and truly memorable for our entire community. Our students have embraced diverse learning opportunities across all subjects, once again achieving impressive academic results. The many events and accomplishments we have celebrated throughout the year are a testament to the dedication, commitment and collaborative spirit of our students, staff and families. It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of BK–12 College over the past seven years.

Year 12 Valedictory

Although I was unable to attend this year’s Valedictory Dinner at the Karralyka Centre, I have heard nothing but praise for the event. The evening marked the end of 13 years of schooling for our graduating class, who were recognised with commemorative gifts and a range of achievement awards. Many now await their first round of VTAC offers from universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary providers. Regardless of final results, our Year 12s leave as capable, confident young adults ready to continue their lifelong learning.

Assemblies

Our Sub School and whole-school assemblies remain important experiences within our school calendar. These student-run events provide regular opportunities to publicly recognise milestone achievements, whether for outstanding attendance, sporting success or a commitment to upholding the college values of Community, Aspiration, Respect and Excellence.

House System

This year, we expanded our House System to include a wider variety of activities and achievements. Students earned points for positive behaviour, academic growth, involvement in lunchtime and homework clubs, sporting events and student voice initiatives. The enhanced structure has strengthened both participation and house pride. At our Awards Evening, we were delighted to present our inaugural House Champions with medals recognising their contribution and commitment.

Music Performance Events

A series of musical soirées throughout the year provided wonderful opportunities for students to showcase their talents. Our most recent Instrumental Music concert brought together both primary and secondary students, and it was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and creativity. These concerts, along with performances at assemblies, highlight the growing depth of artistic expression within our college community. Our music and instrumental teachers—Adele, Rod and Dean—do an exceptional job supporting and inspiring our students.

Camps Program

The camps program continues to be a standout feature of school life. Staff and students alike gained valuable insights and experiences through every camp opportunity. Our Year 7 and Year 9 camps were highly successful, and once again three brave Year 9 students took part in the ten-week Student Leadership Program. Being away from family and friends requires resilience and independence, but the reward is the development of strong leadership and personal skills.

KIOSC Partnership

Our partnership with KIOSC once again provided students with exciting hands-on STEM experiences at Swinburne University. Programs included forensic investigations, gene technology, digital data acquisition and immersive virtual-reality activities. A dedicated group of students—supported tirelessly by Ms Holland—spent countless hours preparing for the Hydrogen Car Challenge. Despite encountering technical difficulties on the day, their enthusiasm hasn’t wavered, and they are eager to return next year, better equipped and aiming for a place on the podium.

2025 NAPLAN Results

This year’s NAPLAN results show strong academic growth across multiple areas, with several outcomes ranking among the highest in our region. We continue to make significant progress in supporting students to move from low to medium and high growth categories. These results reflect the outstanding work of our teaching staff, particularly our Literacy and Numeracy teams, whose dedication to student learning is truly remarkable.

Beyond NAPLAN, our teachers use a combination of diagnostic assessments, professional judgement and moderation to evaluate student growth throughout the year. Each year, at our Awards Evening, we celebrate students in Years 7–11 who consistently achieve outstanding academic results. This included the top student (Dux) at each year level. Their names appear at the end of this article. We also celebrated students who consistently demonstrated excellent learning habits across the year, as well as those who made significant contributions to the wider community. Congratulations to all.

Goodbye and Goodluck

While I may be stepping away, the memories, friendships, and lessons we’ve shared will always remain with me. I leave confident that this community will continue to thrive. We are steadily building a legacy defined by high expectations, mutual respect and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Our purpose remains clear: to inspire a passion for learning and encourage every individual to strive for their personal best.

To our parents, carers and families—thank you for your ongoing support. The partnership between home and school is vital, and your involvement makes a genuine difference.

To our students—continue striving to be your best in every aspect of school life. Use kindness and humour to help overcome challenges that may arise. Don’t give up, be patient yet persistent. The rewards of your efforts will always be worth it.

To our staff – I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all staff for your professionalism, dedication and friendship over the past seven years. Your commitment to student learning and wellbeing, as well as your support of me, has been unwavering. You are simply awesome.

Best wishes to all members of our wonderful BK–12 community—not just for the festive season, but for the years ahead.

Warm regards,
Kath Middleton
Assistant Principal
Boronia K-12 College

As we come to the end of another wonderful year, we are so proud of everything our students have achieved. This year has been full of learning, creativity, kindness, and perseverance.

Congratulations to all the students who have received awards, shown excellence, or reached personal goals. Your hard work, positive attitude, and willingness to try your best have truly shone. Whether you achieved success in learning, helping others, or being a great role model, every achievement matters and is worth celebrating.

We also want to recognise each of our students. Even if you didn’t receive an award, your efforts—trying new things, supporting your friends, and giving your best each day—make our school a special place.

Well done to all our students for a fantastic year. We can’t wait to see what you will achieve next year!

Year 6 Graduation Awards:

As we near the end of a year defined by dedication, growth, creativity, and resilience, we proudly celebrate every learner who has gone above and beyond.

To all students who have received awards, demonstrated excellence, or reached personal milestones: congratulations! Your hard work, determination, and commitment to learning have truly paid off. Whether your achievements were academic or community-focused, each one represents effort, perseverance, and a willingness to strive for your best.

We also extend our heartfelt recognition to every student—those who earned awards and those who worked quietly behind the scenes, pushing themselves, supporting peers, and contributing positively to our school community. Your efforts are valued, and your growth is something to be proud of.

Let’s celebrate the achievements of 2025 and look forward to an exciting new year ahead!

A BK-12 Milestone

This year, we have seen the strongest VCE results in our College’s history –  a testament to our students’ hard work, the dedication of our teachers, and the ongoing support of parents and carers. A big thank you to our educators and teachers from K to 12 for your amazing efforts. We continue to raise the bar, lift expectations, and challenge our students to achieve their personal best. 

Congratulations to our 2025 Year 12 College DUX, Lucinda Eichinski, who achieved a remarkable ATAR of 91.1 — the highest ATAR ever achieved at Boronia K-12 College! Lucinda’s journey, beginning in our four-year-old Kinder and continuing through to Year 12, is a wonderful example of the strength of the K-12 model. Lucinda plans to study a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne in 2026. We wish her all the very best, and once again, congratulations, Lucinda. 

Secondary Awards:

Senior School Report

The second half of Term Four has been a fast-paced and highly rewarding conclusion to the school year for our Senior School students, filled with academic focus and a great deal of student achievement. As the year draws to a close, it is with pride that I reflect on the many accomplishments of our Senior School students.

End-of-Year Examinations

Late October and November saw the Year 12 VCE Exam Period conducted. I would like to congratulate all those Year 12 students who sat for the exams for the commitment, maturity, and strong work ethic they displayed throughout their examinations. Their calm approach, respectful behaviour, and determination to do their best were evident each day, and they should be proud of their efforts.

Our Year 11 students then completed their own examination period, gaining valuable experience in preparation for the demands of Year 12. Their attitude during this time was exemplary. Students demonstrated excellent cooperation, punctuality, and focus – qualities that will serve them well as they move into their final year of schooling.

Year 10 students also completed their Maths and English exams, many undertaking formal examinations for the first time. I commend them for the positive way they approached this new challenge.

Across all year levels, students are to be congratulated for the way they approached their final assessments. Their behaviour, cooperation, and readiness to engage with the end-of-year expectations were a genuine credit to themselves and the College.

Step-Up Program – Beginning the 2026 Academic Year

Following exams, Senior School students engaged with 2026 Step-Up Program, marking the official beginning of the 2026 school year for our Year 10 and 11 students. Over the past two weeks, students met their new teachers, established classroom routines, and commenced coursework for their 2026 subjects.

I want to acknowledge and congratulate the majority of students for their continued attendance throughout Step-Up, as well as for the positive and purposeful attitude they brought to each class. Their engagement during this time demonstrates strong commitment to their learning and marks an encouraging start to the year ahead.

Looking Ahead

Together, the exams, Step-Up Program, and important learning opportunities throughout Term Four have helped set a strong foundation for our students’ future pathways. Whether stepping into Year 11, commencing Year 12, or preparing for life beyond school, students have demonstrated readiness, resilience, and a willingness to grow.

A Final Message of Thanks and Farewell

As this year concludes, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all Senior School students and staff whom I have had the privilege of teaching, supporting, and working alongside during my six years at Boronia K–12 College.

After 42 years in education, I will be retiring at the end of this year. It has been an honour to witness your learning, your achievements, and your growth—both individually and as a community. I hope that in some small way I have encouraged each of you to believe in your abilities, pursue your goals, and follow the pathways that inspire you.

I leave with immense pride in what we have accomplished together and deep gratitude for the memories, laughter, and moments that have shaped my time here. I look forward to hearing about the many successes and milestones that await each of you in the years to come.

Thank you for your support, your enthusiasm, and your willingness to strive for excellence. I wish every student and staff member a safe, joyful, and restful holiday break, and the very best in all your future endeavours.

Wayne Judge,

Director of Senior School

Middle School Report

Congratulations to all Middle School students on your achievements and efforts throughout 2025. Whether your academic results, engagement, effort or attendance improved or remained strong this year, trying your personal best and making the most of each learning opportunity is something to be proud of.

It has been wonderful to see how well students adjusted to their new classes, teachers and learning spaces during Step-Up. Students are to be commended for their attendance, engagement and application across the nine days.

A special congratulations to our Year 7s for successfully completing your first year of high school. As a cohort, your ability to adapt to the rigour and routine of secondary school has been commendable. You have built new friendships, embraced new experiences, and laid a strong foundation for your journey into Year 8.

Well done to our Year 8s for your growing maturity and improved engagement in all areas of your learning. This was particularly evident during Step-Up, and we look forward to seeing you continue to build confidence and resilience as you move into a year full of opportunities as Year 9 students.

Congratulations to our Year 9s on your efforts and achievements this year. Highlights included Camp in Term 1 and City Experience in Term 3. Your increasing maturity and investment in yourselves as learners will hold you in good stead as you transition into Senior School. We have every confidence you will continue to thrive and seize the opportunities ahead.

Thank you to this year’s Middle School Leaders: Matthew P (Captain), Mitchell K and CJ (Vice-Captains) for your commitment and leadership. CJ will continue in the Student Voice Team as a Vice-Captain next year, and we warmly welcome Ava G and Hannah L (Captains) and Crystal E (Vice-Captain) as our 2026 Middle School Leaders.

As always, a heartfelt thank you to all parents and carers for your ongoing support of your child’s learning and our school; your partnership with us is invaluable. To our dedicated staff, thank you for your commitment to providing the best learning opportunities for our students each day. I want to acknowledge Mr Edwards for his guidance and support (including his high-quality dad jokes) across Years 7 and 8. I would also like to acknowledge Mr Collins, whose hard work and dedication to the Year 9 cohort over the past two years has made a significant impact. Mr Collins will be dearly missed as he begins a new chapter at another school next year, and we wish him all the very best.

On a personal note, it has been a privilege to serve as the Director of Middle School since 2021. I am excited to begin as Director of Senior School in 2026 as Mr Camille moves into the Middle School role – a role he will no doubt excel in.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to continuing to work together in 2026.

Lyle D’Rozario,

Director of Middle School

3 Year OId Kinder Program  

What a wonderful term we’ve had! Our exploration of the community has continued to grow as we learnt about community heroes, different occupations, and how emergencies are managed. We also had the opportunity to explore more areas of our school community. It has been a pleasure watching our 3-year-old group immerse themselves in such a wide range of engaging activities.

Talking About Emergencies, Community Heroes and Fire Station Fun

The children showed great curiosity as we learnt about the special clothing, accessories, and equipment that firefighters use to keep themselves and others safe. We also enjoyed reading Archie the Ambulance, which led to meaningful discussions about who we can contact in an emergency and the different types of emergencies that might happen.

Together, we spoke about calling 000, what might happen during the call, and the kinds of questions an operator may ask. The children were encouraged to find out their house number if they didn’t already know it. It was lovely to see how many came back excited to share their house number with the group — some even knew their full address!

To extend our understanding, we watched an ABC video about creating an emergency plan. This helped the children think about what to do in an emergency, how to pack important items, and ways we can stay calm by practising breathing techniques — using our hands as a guide to breathe in and out slowly. The children were very engaged and thoughtful during these discussions, showing a growing awareness of safety, community roles, and self-regulation.

Our room turned into Kinder’s very own Fire Station! We set up fire hydrants, hoses, a call station, and some great dress ups. “Spot fires” popped up around the room—even at the Hair Salon! The excitement really picked up when Harper answered the very first emergency call from the Hair Salon. The children remembered our lesson about calling 000 and tried out the phone.

Our little firefighters worked together to put out fires, move the red cellophane markers, and set up new fires to keep their play going. There’s been so much teamwork and energy in the room!

Exploring our School Community – Discovery Centre and Performing Arts Adventure

Our group was invited by Mrs. Hopkins, the Foundation level teacher, to share the Discovery Space and play with the Foundation students. This visit strengthened our sense of belonging to the wider school community and provided a fun and enriching experience.

The Discovery Space was filled with age-appropriate toys and thoughtfully curated activities designed to support a wide range of learning experiences. There was a shop for imaginative play, ovens for cooking, LEGO for construction, dolls, horses, and many other activities to suit every child’s interests.

As the children explored, we noticed thoughtful questions, conversations about shared interests, and plenty of collaborative play. A particularly special moment was watching some of our students reconnect with their siblings, making the visit even more meaningful.

Our visit to the Performing Arts Centre was full of excitement. We watched some of our favourite Bluey stories, including Postman and Shops, along with the Community Song from Sesame Street and I Want To Be a Veterinarian – Can You Imagine That? The Postman episode sparked a great discussion about why it’s important to talk things through when there’s a grievance instead of keeping our feelings bottled up. Bluey’s shopping adventure helped us recognise that everyone in a group has a role to play, and that sharing and taking turns makes play more enjoyable for everyone. The children even said the experience felt just like going to the cinema— the only thing missing was the popcorn!

Visit from the School Therapy Dog

Norm, our school therapy dog, surprised us with a visit. He was greeted with great excitement, with many children running over to say hello, give him a pat, or shake his paw. Mrs. Wright, our Assistant Principal, also received many curious questions about Norm.

Therapy dog visits provide many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving social and communication skills, and supporting children’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Norm certainly brought joy to our room!

Collaborative Art Piece and Fine Motor Development

Following the children’s recent interest in using pipettes during outdoor play, we extended this curiosity into a collaborative art experience. The children used pipettes to squeeze coloured food dye onto paper towels, watching as the colours spread and blended into beautiful patterns. This activity was both creative and purposeful, supporting fine motor development and hand–eye coordination as the children carefully controlled their movements.

To continue strengthening these skills, we introduced a variety of small construction materials, including coloured connectors and blocks, into our indoor environment. The children eagerly explored these materials and worked collaboratively to build imaginative structures such as a church, car park, and shopping centre.

Developing strong fine motor skills supports children’s writing readiness, tool manipulation, and independence in self-care tasks such as dressing and eating. It has been wonderful to see the children engaged, persistent, and proud of their creations as they continue to build confidence and control.

Happy Sinterklaas!

Today, Gwillam kindly shared with our class how his family celebrates Christmas at home. They enjoy a very special tradition on the 5th of December, when Sinterklaas visits! Much like Santa Claus, Sinterklaas is a kind and generous figure — but instead of a red suit, he wears a long, elegant robe and a tall bishop’s hat. In the Netherlands, he rides through the country on his magnificent white horse, and his helper Piet delivers presents into the children’s shoes.

We also watched a joyful video clip about the Sinterklaas celebration, which helped us see how magical this tradition is for children in the Netherlands.

Kruidnoten are crunchy, spiced biscuits enjoyed during the Sinterklaas festivities. Children were delighted when Gwillam give us each a small bag to take home!

Dawn Willis, 

ELC Teacher 

Early Years – 4 Year Old Program

We have had such a busy end to Term 4. We have continued our exploration into our local community by visiting many fun and interesting places in Boronia. We walked to the Post Office, the Op Shop, the Boronia Library, Woolworths, the Music garden and K Mart to place gifts under the wishing tree.

At the music garden the children took turns exploring each of the musical instruments, discovering how to create different sounds and rhythms. Many of the instruments looked quite different from the traditional ones we’re used to seeing, which made our visit even more interesting! There was lots of investigation, problem-solving, and curiosity as we worked out how to make each instrument produce sound.

We secretly worked on a very special surprise—writing letters to send home to our families to post at the Boronia Post Office. We were full of excitement as we discovered that the letters we were creating would soon arrive in our own letterboxes. This sparked wonderful conversations about how the Post Office works and how postal workers help our community by delivering important mail to our homes. We enjoyed exploring the Post Office shop and proudly shared stories about visiting there with our families. A staff member even brought out their special koala mascot, and we had a group photo together. Then came the fun part of posting our letters in the post box.

We were eager visitors to the Aussie Veterans Op Shop in the Boronia Mall. When we reached the toy section, we were all amazed by the wide range of treasures waiting to be discovered. With a budget in mind, we worked together to make thoughtful choices that stayed within our limit. This became a meaningful learning experience about value, decision-making and responsible spending.

We selected a fun BBQ game, an aqua guinea pig track, puzzles, new cars and trucks for our community discovery area, and a few other exciting games for Kinder. By choosing toys that other families no longer needed, we learned firsthand how recycling and reusing help reduce waste and keep perfectly good items out of landfill. Someone else’s once-loved toys have now become our new favourites—ready to be enjoyed, shared and explored back at Kinder.

When we arrived at Boronia library, the librarian staff greeted us warmly and showed us to a cosy reading corner. The librarian shared a social story about what a library is, the different spaces to explore, and showed us how to borrow and return books. We gathered for our scavenger hunt. We searched the library for cylinders, opened them up, and discovered pictures of animals inside. Once all animals were found we glued the animals onto a scene where we thought each belonged. We finished our library trip with a relaxing story before making our way back on the long walk.

We have also visited Woolworths to buy some ingredients to enjoy some cooking back at Kinder and Kmart to purchase gifts for the Kmart wishing tree. What an amazing end to a fun year at Kinder.

Kinder graduation

This week we gathered to celebrate an incredible year of learning, laughter, growth, and friendship. What a joy it has been to share this journey with the Kindergarten children and their families. Erin, Vanessa and I feel so privileged to watch them step into Kinder each day with curiosity, confidence, and enthusiasm.

One of the most beautiful parts of this year has been watching friendships form. We’ve seen the children learn to share, take turns, solve problems, and show kindness. They have encouraged one another, celebrated each other’s achievements, and learned the importance of being part of a community. These are the moments that truly make kinder such a special place.

As we look back on this wonderful year, we also look forward with excitement. Our graduates are ready for their next adventure—Primary School. We hope they continue to explore, imagine, question, and create. We hope they carry with them the confidence they’ve built, the friendships they’ve made, and the joy they have found in learning.

School will bring new experiences, new challenges, and so many opportunities to shine. We know each child here is capable, resilient, and ready. And while we will miss them dearly, we cannot wait to see the amazing things they will achieve.

Michelle Buchanan,

Director of Early Learning Centre

Library Update

2025 in the College Library hit the ground running with a flurry of activity and excitement that saw our primary and secondary students and staff once again cross the library threshold and trawl the book-laden shelves during their weekly library sessions. Thousands of books and resources have crossed the circulation desk throughout the year, borrowed, returned and shelved ready for the next eager borrower; sometimes not even making it back to the shelf but straight into the eager hands of the next borrower. Throughout the year hundreds of new books have been catalogued and processed ready for borrowing and put into the hands of eager students thrilled to be the first to borrow a new book. However, that is not all that has been happening within our Library.

This year saw our Kinder students visiting the library regularly on Monday mornings throughout the year. It was wonderful to see them enjoy their weekly sessions in the library with Michelle and the team. What a way to start the week. I love it!

Term Two

During Term 2, The Australian Library and Information Association’s (ALIA) annual National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) took place on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 12pm. This year the ELC and Junior School enjoyed reading and listening to “The Truck Cat” by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell and completed related activities.

Term Three

During Term 3 in August each year across Australia, The Children’s Book Council of Australia brings children and books together by celebrating CBCA Children’s Book Week. The Book Week theme for 2025 was “Book an Adventure”. During this time, schools, libraries, booksellers, authors, illustrators, and children, celebrate Australian children’s literature. The Council shortlists a number of books in different categories and awards prizes to the best books of the year. This year, our Library was able to bring each of these books into our collection, each text given a place on display for all to read and enjoy.

To celebrate the event and the magic that reading brings, we held our annual Book Week Dress Up Day. This year the Kinder and Primary students and staff celebrated Book Week by dressing up as their favourite book character. Students also participated in other Book Week activities organised by their teachers throughout the week. Our ELC enjoyed listening to the various Book Week Shortlisted Books during their weekly visit to the Library.

Students also voted the following shortlisted books as their Book Week 2025, Boronia K-12 College Student Choice Book Award for Best Story and Best Illustrations.

Winners for our Boronia K-12 College Student Choice Book Award for Best Story are:

• 1^st The Truck Cat written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell
• 2^nd Spiro written and illustrated by Anna McGregor
• 3^rd One Little Dung Beetle written by Heather Potter and illustrated by Mark Jackson

 Winners for our Boronia K-12 College Student Choice Book Award for Best Illustrations are:

• 1^st The Truck Cat written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell
• 2^nd Spiro written and illustrated by Anna McGregor
• 3^rd One Little Dung Beetle written by Heather Potter and illustrated by Mark Jackson

Term Four 

During Term 4 in October, the College Library held its annual Lamont Book Fair and earned 20% commission on the total sales during this event. This resulted in $228 worth of books being added to our College Library collections. It was wonderful to see the excited and smiling faces of children and parents once again entering the Book Fair realm.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole of our Boronia K-12 College community in helping our College Library raise funds to purchase these new books, which will enable our staff, students and families to borrow and enjoy sharing the continued lifelong learning opportunities provided by reading.

Reading for pleasure inside and outside of school has real and long-lasting benefits. It unlocks the power of information and imagination, increases literacy skills, and helps children discover who they are as well as the wider world around them. I hope this year has bought our students a wealth of enjoyment as they buried themselves within the Library stacks and the world of knowledge and inspiration reading books brings to their lifelong learning journey.

I hope everyone enjoys the remaining days of the 2025 school year and has a relaxing and enjoyable summer break and I look forward to seeing your wonderful excited, smiling faces in the Library again in 2026.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jenny Young,

Librarian

Wellbeing & Inclusion Report

Hands on Learning

 Wednesday 3 December, the students in our Hands on Learning program had their end of year celebration. Parents, carers, staff and special guests came into the school to hear all about the program from our wonderful artisan teachers and our amazing HoL students.

In case you don’t know, Hands on Learning is:

• Available to students years 8-10
• One day a week program​
• Alternative to traditional classroom learning​
• It helps build confidence, engagement, and practical skills​
• Students participate in local projects, fostering respect for shared goals and positive attitudes toward the community​
• Confidence, Engagement, Achievement, and Connection

Part of the celebration was to showcase all the projects around the school and finish off with an afternoon tea prepared by the students in our Foot of the Hills café.

Thanks to everyone who made it a great event! Check out some photos of the program along with some student reflections.

We are always on the lookout for donations, so please reach out if you or anyone you know has anything they would be willing to contribute to the program.

Doctors in Secondary Schools Program

 Did you know there is a doctor at Boronia K-12 College if your child needs to see one?

Through the Department of Education’s Doctors in Secondary Schools program students at our school can see a doctor or nurse in a private consulting room here at school on Thursdays (Odd Weeks) and Fridays (Even Weeks).

Who can see the doctor?

All students from Years 7 to 12 can see the doctor or nurse on their own.

If the doctor decides a student is not mature enough to consent to medical treatment, or if they think it’s best to involve parents or carers, they will first discuss this with the student.

The parent/carer information sheet available at Doctors in Secondary Schools | vic.gov.au has more information on student consent to medical treatment by the doctor.

What does it cost?   

Seeing the doctor is free! Appointments are bulk billed through Medicare.

How can my child make an appointment to see the doctor?   

Boronia K-12 College

• See a member of the wellbeing team or speak to a trusted teacher
• Drop into the doctor’s clinic when it is open
• Text 0417 398 211
• Complete the form – https://forms.gle/WTvqzP9kN1zt9gMr8
• Ask at the front office.

Can I attend the appointment with my child?  

Yes. You can also make an appointment for your child.

What can my child see the doctor about?

Anything they would see their regular doctor about.

Who can I talk to if I have questions or have more information?

Sincerely,

Nicole Costa,

Director of Wellbeing

Administration Report 

As we approach the end of an extremely busy year, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the entire Education Support team for their outstanding contributions across the College throughout 2025. The dedication and support provided by our non-teaching staff to students, staff, and the broader community is truly invaluable and deeply appreciated.

At this time I would like to acknowledge Olivia Johnson and Alec Gifford who have worked tirelessly in the Grade 3/4 area throughout the year, providing support to the teachers and students.  Their commitment to our students has not gone unnoticed.  Liv and Alec will both continue on their path to being primary teachers, and I’m positive that they will both make a difference to educational outcomes for years to come.

I would also like to acknowledge Jenni Hutton who has been with us this year, Jenni’s wealth of knowledge around students with disabilities will definitely be missed.  I wish Jenni all the very best for 2026 and beyond.

Finally, I would like to thank Caitlyn O’Connor for her work in the Secondary Literacy program.  Caitlyn has completed her secondary teaching degree and will move on in 2026 to teaching , hopefully in the music area.

End of Term 4/Start or Term 1 Office Hours

A friendly reminder about our school office closing times for the final week of Term 4.

Both the Junior School office and the Main Office will close at 3:30pm on Thursday, 18 December due to a whole staff briefing.

On the last day of Term 4, Friday, 19 December, Junior School students will be dismissed at 1:30pm, both offices will also close at 1:30pm.

Both offices will reopen at 9:30am on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.

Office hours 2026

• Albert Avenue office – Monday – Thursday 8.15am – 4.15pm, Friday 8.15am – 4pm
• Junior School office – Monday – Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm

Wishing our school community a wonderful break, may you all enjoy special family time. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2026.

Sincerely,

Maria Jansen

Business Manager