Wednesday November 4 to Thursday November 19 – Unit 2 Exams
Friday November 6 – Final Day for Year 10
Monday November 9 to Thursday November 19 – Year 10 Exams
Monday November 16 & Tuesday November 17 – Year 9 Exams
Wednesday November 18 & Thursday November 19 – Year 9 Design Sprint
Thursday November 19 – Gala Sports (selected Year 7/8 students)
Friday November 20 – Assessment and Reporting Day (no students)
Monday November 23 – College Awards Night
Tuesday November 24 – Late start, gates open at 10:30am. Recess commences at 10.45am. Period 3 classes begin at 11.10am. Normal finish at 3pm.
Monday November 23 to Friday December 4 – Early Commencement Program (ECP)
December
Monday December 7 to Friday December 11 – Year 10 Work Experience
Tuesday December 8 – Orientation Day for Year 7 2027
Monday December 7, Wednesday December 9 & Thursday December 10 – Year 7/8 Activities Day
Friday December 18 – Last day of Term 4 (general office closes at 11:30am)
2027 Dates January
Wednesday January 27 – Staff Only return
Thursday January 28 – First Day for Year 7, 11 and 12
Friday January 29 – First Day for Year 8, 9 and 10
Reminder
Please ensure you are checking Compass regularly for notifications and updates to events that are specific to your child, to avoid them missing out. It is how you are able to see, consent and pay for all events that affect your student.
If you miss consent and payment deadlines, your child will not be able to participate in the event.
I trust that our students, families and staff enjoyed a refreshing holiday break and have returned feeling re-energised for the final term of 2026.
Term 4 is always a special time in the life of our College. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the year’s achievements, celebrate student growth and recognise the many contributions that make Wellington Secondary College such a vibrant and connected community. With our Valedictory celebrations, Awards Night and numerous opportunities to showcase student learning and talent, the coming weeks promise to be filled with pride, connection and celebration.
We are particularly focused on supporting our Year 12 students as they complete their secondary schooling and sit their examinations and prepare for the next stage of their lives. At the same time, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of students across all year levels and acknowledging the dedication of the staff who support their learning and wellbeing.
I encourage all our students to finish the year positively, continue to strive for their personal best and demonstrate the values of The Wellington Way in all that they do.
Visual Arts Exhibition
On Tuesday 13 October, I had the pleasure of attending our Annual VCE Art and Design Exhibition, held in the Senior School precinct. The exhibition provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity, skill and imagination of our senior Visual Arts students and to celebrate the culmination of their hard work.
The quality and diversity of the work on display were a testament to the students’ talent, commitment and willingness to explore ideas and express themselves creatively. Events such as this remind us of the importance of providing opportunities for students to pursue their passions and share their achievements with our wider community.
Congratulations to all the students who contributed to the exhibition, and to this year’s award recipients. I would also like to acknowledge Mr Nishioka, Ms Szabo, Mr Sakaris and Ms Fry for their leadership, expertise and dedication to our Visual Arts students. Their commitment to nurturing creativity and supporting students to achieve their best is greatly appreciated.
Year 12 Valedictory Celebrations
During the second week of Term 4, we celebrated the Class of 2026 through a series of events, culminating in our Valedictory Assembly. These occasions provided an opportunity to recognise the students’ journeys through Wellington, reflect on their achievements and acknowledge the relationships and experiences that have shaped their secondary schooling.
I was particularly proud of the way our Year 12 students conducted themselves throughout these celebrations. Their respectful and orderly farewells to their final classes upheld the traditions of our College and reflected the values of The Wellington Way. They demonstrated maturity, consideration and respect for the staff and peers who have been part of their journey.
As our Year 12 students move into their final examinations and prepare for life beyond Wellington, I hope they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills they have developed, but also the confidence, resilience and values that will serve them well in the years ahead.
I wish all our students undertaking examinations every success. Regardless of the pathways they pursue, we want each student to recognise their achievements, take pride in their efforts and continue to embrace the opportunities ahead of them. They will always be part of the Wellington community, and we look forward to hearing of their future successes.
Year 12 Examinations
VCAA examinations commenced last week, marking a significant milestone for our Year 12 students and those Year 11 students undertaking examinations.
Preparing for these examinations requires sustained effort, organisation and resilience. I am proud of the way our senior students have approached the challenges of their studies throughout their time at Wellington. They have been supported by teachers who have worked diligently to develop their knowledge, strengthen their skills and prepare them for this important period.
I would like to thank our teaching and education support staff for the guidance, encouragement and practical assistance they have provided to our senior students. Their contribution extends well beyond the classroom and plays an important role in helping students feel prepared and supported.
To our examination students, I encourage you to remain focused, maintain a balanced approach to your preparation and approach each examination with confidence. Remember that these examinations represent one stage in a much broader journey of learning and personal growth. We wish you every success.
Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey
As reported in previous College Journal articles, the Department of Education’s Staff and Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Surveys were conducted during Term 3.
The results of the Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey continue to provide encouraging feedback about community satisfaction with Wellington Secondary College. I would like to thank the 66 parents and carers who took the time to complete the survey. Your willingness to share your perspectives is valued and helps us better understand the experiences of our families.
We have commenced analysing the results to identify areas of strength, as well as opportunities for further improvement. While positive feedback is encouraging, we recognise that effective schools must continually reflect on their practices and listen to the voices of their communities.
Your feedback will help inform our ongoing work to strengthen student learning, wellbeing and engagement, ensuring that Wellington continues to provide a supportive and challenging environment in which every student can thrive.
Rotary Club of Monash Glen Waverley – Pasta Drive
I would like to congratulate our College community on its generous support of the recent pasta drive for the Rotary Club of Monash Glen Waverley.
The response from our students, staff and wider community was outstanding, with a substantial quantity of pasta donated to support families experiencing need. This initiative is a wonderful example of how small individual contributions can collectively make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
At Wellington, we want our students to understand that learning extends beyond academic achievement. Developing empathy, showing consideration for others and contributing positively to the wider community are equally important aspects of a well-rounded education.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this initiative. Your generosity reflects the spirit of The Wellington Way and demonstrates the positive impact our community can have when we work together.
Rotary Club of Monash Glen Waverley – Four-Way Speaking Competition
On Tuesday 20 October we had Saanvi Shaker represent Wellington Secondary College and the Rotary Club of Monash Glen Waverley in the Four-Way Speaking Competition. This competition provided an excellent opportunity for Saanvi to develop and demonstrate her public speaking, communication and critical thinking skills. Through researching her chosen topic, preparing arguments and presenting her ideas, she demonstrated confidence, commitment and a willingness to challenge herself in a competitive environment. The competition also provided valuable experience in articulating opinions, responding to differing perspectives and engaging respectfully with others. Saavni’s involvement is to be commended and reflects the importance of striving for personal excellence and embracing opportunities beyond the classroom.
Mulgrave Country Club – John Milledge Scholarship Program
On Thursday 22 October, I had the pleasure of attending the presentation of the John Milledge Scholarship at the Mulgrave Country Club. The scholarship is available to Year 11 students progressing into Year 12 from schools within the Club’s designated area, recognising the potential and achievements of young people in our local community.
Wellington’s nominee this year was Harkiran Ghai, and it was wonderful to see them receive this recognition in the presence of their family. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. Being nominated for a scholarship of this kind is a significant acknowledgement of a student’s efforts and potential, and we are proud to see our students recognised beyond the College.
I would also like to thank the Mulgrave Country Club for its continued commitment to supporting young people and investing in the future of our local community. Partnerships such as these create valuable opportunities for students and reinforce the importance of community organisations working alongside schools to support the next generation.
Awards Night – Monday 23 November
Our Annual Awards Night is fast approaching, and I encourage families and members of our College community to join us for this important celebration of student achievement.
This year’s Awards Night will be held on Monday 23 November at Springvale City Main Hall, 18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale. The evening will commence at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start.
Awards Night is one of the highlights of our College calendar. It provides an opportunity to recognise the dedication, perseverance and accomplishments of our students across a range of academic, sporting, artistic and community pursuits. It is also an occasion to acknowledge the encouragement and support provided by families and staff throughout the year.
Award recipients will be notified individually. I look forward to celebrating their achievements with our community and sharing an evening that reflects the many strengths and talents of Wellington students.
Late Start – Tuesday 24 November
As Awards Night is a whole-of-College event, a late start will apply on Tuesday 24 November, consistent with previous years.
Please note the following arrangements:
Charter buses will operate two hours later than usual.
School gates will open at 10:30 am
Recess will commence at 10:45 am
Period 3 classes will begin at 11:10 am
Periods 4 and 5 will follow as normal
Dismissal will remain at 3:00pm
I ask families to take note of these arrangements when planning transport and other commitments for the day.
Looking Ahead
As we move further into Term 4, there is much to celebrate and much still to accomplish. I encourage all students to remain engaged in their learning, approach the final weeks of the year with purpose and continue to demonstrate care, respect and a commitment to personal excellence.
To our families, thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. To our staff, thank you for your professionalism, dedication and the many ways you contribute to the learning and wellbeing of our students each day.
Together, we can ensure that the second half of the final term of 2026 is a positive and memorable conclusion to another year at Wellington Secondary College.
We have had a very busy start to Term 4, with 15 students representing Wellington at the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR) Athletics Carnival on October 8. Congratulations to all of our students who competed on the day, and a special congratulations to the following students for achieving fantastic results:
Alvin Yam (Year 9) – 1st in the Under-15 Boys Shot Put
Jamie Tham (Year 8) – 2nd in the Under-14 Boys 100-metre Dash
Jacob Streager (Year 7) – 2nd in the Under-12/13 Boys High Jump
Lucy Thwaites (Year 8) – 2nd in the Under-14 Girls High Jump
The first of our EMR team sports competitions for Term 4 took place on Tuesday October 13, with the Intermediate Girls Hockey team taking on East Doncaster, Balwyn and Wantirna College. Unfortunately, the girls fell short on the day, but they can hold their heads high after pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and representing our college in the true spirit of the Wellington Way.
Our second team competition was the Intermediate Boys Basketball. It was always going to be a tough day, as the EMR competition featured some fantastic teams and talented players. Even with all our height and dunking power (thanks to Jack Procter!), we couldn’t match the speed and outside shooting of Ringwood College, who eventually progressed to the finals against a star-studded Templestowe team. Well done, boys. I look forward to seeing you continue to develop and train hard in preparation for next year.
Our Year 8 Boys Basketball team also competed in the EMR finals and battled hard throughout the day. They won their first two games against Emerald and Norwood but unfortunately couldn’t match the skill and teamwork of a dominant Vermont team. Great work by the Year 8 Boys Basketball team!
The final EMR competition for Term 4 was Junior School Volleyball, with teams from both year levels competing. All teams performed fantastically, demonstrating that their hard work and after-school training are paying off. The Year 8 Girls had a great opportunity to make the final but just fell short in their last game. Both the Year 7 and Year 8 Boys lost an early game, making it difficult to progress to the final round.
On Tuesday October 13 we celebrated the achievements of the graduating class of 2026 with the Annual VCE Art exhibition, showcasing art and design works from the Art Making and Exhibiting and Visual Communication Design classes. The evening was well attended with many students, parents and members of the community attending to support our students.
We recognised the achievements of a number of students on the evening: · Tayla Alexander – Award for Art Making and Exhibiting · Estella Tran– Award for Visual Communication Design · Joseph Lai– Acquisitive Prize for his Art Making and Exhibiting artwork series – ‘Australian politicians’ · Estella Tran– Acquisitive prize for her Visual Communication designs ‘E-Myki’ poster and interface
The college Acquisitive prize is an annual prize that selects an art and a design work for the college collection. These will be displayed in B Block during 2027. Thank you to the fantastic and committed Visual arts staff, Mel Fry, Fiona Szabo, Seijiro Nishioka, Evangelos Sakaris, Liz Millsom and Katherine Wright who have contributed to the educational journey of these students whose work was on display.
Finally, congratulations to all the Art Making and exhibiting and Visual Communication Design students and best wishes for the future.
As the end of the year approaches, Di-laoshi’s prizes are all getting won! Some very dedicated students have been earning and saving stickers in order to get some major prizes! In 8I, David, Charity, Henry and Ruby have all accumulated at least 40 stickers over the year and have chosen to exchange them for a large plush! Congratulations!
Miss Hayley Dickinson Di-Laoshi/狄老师 Classroom Teacher
At just 16 years of age, Christian Jarutis is already making a name for himself in the world of combat sports. Having begun training at the age of 14, he has demonstrated dedication, discipline and determination in pursuing his passion.
Training at Mat Masters Academy, Christian credits much of his success to the ongoing support, encouragement and guidance of his coaches, Amin Yaqohbi and Joshua Trambulo and the wider team who have supported him throughout his journey.
On Saturday October 10, Christian achieved an impressive milestone, winning the World Kickboxing Association Victorian Title in the Under-57kg Division. This incredible achievement follows another recent recognition, having been nominated as Amateur Fighter of the Month by the Australian Amateur Combat Foundation in September, acknowledging his hard work, commitment and growing success in the sport.
Christian’s achievements are a testament to his perseverance, strong work ethic and willingness to continually challenge himself and develop his skills. His success highlights what can be achieved through passion, dedication and consistent effort.
Congratulations to Christian on these great achievements! We wish him ongoing success as he pursues his goals and we look forward to following his journey and celebrating many more milestones in the future.
Future Leaders Camp
On Wednesday October 28, Future Leaders students went on a 3-day camp to the Surf Coast of Victoria. Students researched the local environment, planned for elements of the camp and lead their group in sections of the walk.
Student reflection: On the first day we arrived in Breamlea, we settled down and set up our tents, then we ate our lunches. In the afternoon we took the buses down to Torquay River and went kayaking; we learnt how to capsize and do other manoeuvres on the water. Afterwards we came back to the campsite and made dinner, cooking on the Trangia.
On day 2 we took turns leading the hike, we trekked roughly 11km carrying all our gear, we saw the natural fauna and flora around us, and enjoyed the views of the coast along the way. Once we made it to Torquay campground we set up our tents and made lunch, then we had fun at Torquay beach where we skipped rocks, played soccer and chased fish in the creek. We then settled down at our campsite in the evening and made dinner on the Trangia again.
On the 3rd and final day we packed our things and went on our last hike which was roughly 6km. Our final destination was Bells Beach. We were happy to see the bus waiting for us here. We packed our things in the bus and had a cheeky Maccas stop on the way back to school!
At the end of the camp we all had a fun time, we learnt to appreciate nature and all the small things around us, the only downside of the adventure was the mosquitos that were eating us alive.
The week of October 12-17 marked the close of the Class of 2026’s school careers, and this massive moment was celebrated in traditional Wellington style. Thursday October 16 was students’ final day of classes, with individual class achievements celebrated at Assembly followed by the traditional countdown and displays of high emotion as the bell rang for the last time at 3.00pm. The following day saw the Valedictory Assembly and its wonderful array of costumes as students dressed up to celebrate their achievements over their journey. Students concluded the day with a shared lunch with teachers and the presentation of thank you cards to staff in recognition of their hard work this year. On behalf of Senior School, we extend our sincere thanks to the Class of 2026 for their display of the Wellington Way and we wish them all the best for the exam season!
Year 12 VCE VM – Making a Difference in Our Community
Throughout Unit 4 Personal Development Skills (PDS), our Year 12 VCE VM students planned and participated in community projects designed to build connections, show compassion and make a positive difference in the wider community.
Project 1: Intergenerational Engagement In partnership with Uniting AgeWell in Noble Park, students planned and facilitated engaging activities with residents, creating opportunities to connect, share experiences and build meaningful relationships across generations.
Project 2: Threads of Kindness Supporting Knit One, Give One (KOGO), a volunteer-led organisation that provides warm knitted items to people experiencing vulnerability across Australia, students learnt to crochet with the support and guidance of Mrs Delaney. They created individual squares that will be joined together to make a blanket for someone in need.
Project 3: Animal Welfare Students put their planning and organisational skills into action by running a bake sale to raise funds for RSPCA Victoria, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting animal welfare and protecting animals from cruelty.
Through these projects, our students demonstrated empathy, teamwork, initiative and a genuine commitment to helping others. They should be incredibly proud of their efforts and the positive contributions they have made to the community.
Well done, Year 12 VCE VM, for putting kindness into action and making a difference
—————— Second-hand Textbooks and Uniforms————————–
📚 🎻 ⛹🏻♀️ We have partnered with Sustainable School Shop to provide families access to second-hand textbooks, uniforms, calculators, musical instruments, sports gear and much more!
Sustainable School Shop have preloaded items specific to our school onto their site. This makes it super easy to list your items for sale and to buy items.
