From the Head of Senior School

Excitement Day

We had a wonderful day today welcoming the Year 6 students for the 2025 Senior School Excitement Day. The girls participated in a variety of engaging activities designed to help them feel at ease, meet teachers, travel around the Senior School, and gain a sense of belonging within our school community. The students participated in baking ANZAC biscuits in the Food Technology Kitchens, screen-printing tote bags in our Visual Art Studios, a Science lesson on marshmallows with Principal, Lisa Moloney and a wellbeing Luminary session with me and our Deputy Principal, Melissa Boyd. I was so grateful to Renee Willemson, Head of TAS and Sally Marks, Head of Visual Art for their enthusiasm and expertise.

In the afternoon, while the students completed a scavenger hunt around the Senior School, families were invited to join us for a relaxed Cheese and Chat session. This provided a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to connect with staff, ask questions, and share in the anticipation of the year ahead.

Year 12 Captaincy election update

When we announced the upcoming elections for the 2026 leadership positions, I felt a mix of positivity, excitement, and a touch of worry. Congratulations to the students who have progressed to the shortlisted interview stage; we are immensely proud of every student who applied. While some students experience the joy of a successful application, others may feel confused and disappointed.

Reflecting on our School values, it takes courage to expose oneself to a leadership application process. This year, candidates were asked to consider their strengths and nominate themselves for captaincies in areas of interest. They were also asked to seek out the teacher in charge of their portfolio to present them with a letter to seek their endorsement. This was a very important stage of the process and this took initiative, bravery and persistence! Reading all the applications, I was impressed by our students’ initiative and the seriousness with which they approached the process. They each rose to the occasion.

For some Year 11 Parents, your daughter may be experiencing disappointment. We need to be compassionate and give them the time and space to manage these new emotions. As adults who have experienced disappointment, we know they will grow from this and go on to have their share of wins. Following the announcement of the captain positions, we will invite students to apply for sub-captaincy positions and prefectship. These positions will be announced at our Leadership Induction ceremony during Term 4. This ceremony celebrates the achievements of the Year 12 students, and they will also receive their Year 12 badge. Every Year 12 2026 student will cross the stage. As always, if your daughter needs support from the School at this time, please don’t hesitate to contact her Luminary or Head of Year, Angela Renwick.

Year 12 Trials and Year 11 Preliminary Examination blocks

Congratulations to our Year 12 students on successfully completing the examination block (with a few to finish on Monday!) The perseverance and dedication throughout this challenging period has been wonderful.

As our Year 11 students prepare to embark on their own preliminary assessments beginning next Wednesday, we wish you focus, confidence, and the very best of luck.

Behind the scenes, our teachers are now working incredibly hard to mark papers and provide thoughtful feedback. This vital process not only celebrates the achievements of the students but also guides the continued growth for students as they prepare for upcoming assessments.

Study Hub Next Week

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

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