Secondary News

A Term of Focus, Connection, and Global Friendships

As we wrap up another busy term at our school, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the outstanding highlights and the positive energy our students have brought to our campus over the last few weeks.

Focused and Productive

I would like to commend our students for their excellent engagement with the NAPLAN process this year. By bringing our students together to complete their assessments in the BPACC, we were able to provide a spacious, focused environment. This allowed everyone to congregate in a unified space that promoted a highly productive atmosphere. We are incredibly proud of the mature and diligent approach our students took toward their testing.

Building Community Through Lunchtime Activities

Beyond the classroom, our school grounds have been buzzing! It has been wonderful to see such high engagement with our lunchtime activities this term, downball is very popular and the basketball hoop has been getting a workout. Theo’s lunch group is growing in attendance. I hear that stimulating conversations are begun and often continued past the lunchtime slot. Our SRC team meet regularly and I commend them on their participation in our Easter service. These student led initiatives have provided a brilliant platform for cross-

year level discussions, allowing our students to mingle, share ideas, and build a stronger school community.

The Highlight of the Term: Our Japanese Exchange

Without a doubt, the absolute highlight of the term was welcoming our Japanese exchange students. They were incredibly interesting young people who brought a wonderful new dynamic to our school. It was heartwarming to see them actively wanting to spend their recess and lunch breaks interacting with our students, sharing stories, and learning about each other's cultures.

A special and heartfelt thank you goes out to our wonderful host families. We have heard fantastic feedback that the families thoroughly enjoyed their company and took them to some truly interesting places around our region. These global connections are invaluable, and you helped make their Australian experience unforgettable.

Peaks, Pedals, and Purpose: Year 12 Leadership Camp Recap

Location: Eildon, Victoria

Recently, our Year 12 cohort traded their textbooks and classrooms for hiking boots and the rugged outdoors, embarking on a transformative Leadership Camp in the Eildon region. Designed to test their resilience, build their teamwork, and center their spiritual focus for their final year of schooling, the camp was an unforgettable experience of physical challenge and deep reflection.

Physical Challenges and "Roughing It"

The physical demands of the camp pushed our seniors out of their comfort zones. The group tackled grueling mountain hikes, testing their physical endurance and mental grit as they navigated steep ascents and descents. It was incredible to witness the students encouraging one another, ensuring nobody was left behind on the trail. Back at sea level, the cohort took to the pedals, enjoying team bike rides around the picturesque Eildon township. Stripped of everyday luxuries, the students fully embraced the

"rough" camp life. Sleeping in tents under the stars and working together to prepare their own meals over Trangia stoves taught them valuable lessons in independence, cooperation, and appreciating the simple things.

Spiritual Reflection: Easter and Servant Leadership

However, the true heart of the camp happened after the hiking boots were taken off. In the quiet of the evenings, the cohort gathered to listen to deeply moving devotion centered around the meaning of Easter. These sessions provided a profound space for our Year 12s to pause and reflect on the ultimate example of servant leadership modeled by Jesus. As they explored the themes of sacrifice, hope, and renewal inherent in the Easter story, students engaged in powerful

discussions about what kind of leaders they want to be this year. They reflected on how true leadership is not about status, but about serving others, demonstrating grace, and leaving a positive legacy within the school community.

Returning Ready to Lead

Our Year 12s returned from Eildon physically exhausted but spiritually and mentally recharged. Having conquered mountains, mastered the Trangia, and reflected deeply on the Easter message, this cohort has proven they have the flexibility, optimism, and self-belief to tackle whatever this final year of school throws their way. They are ready to step up, serve, and lead our school community with purpose.

Thank you to all our students, staff, and families for a satisfying term.

Annie Spelling