Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Winter Academy Update

We are now in the final week of our inaugural Year 9 three-week Winter Academy Program at Tallong, and students have embraced a rich range of learning experiences that have challenged, inspired and extended them beyond the traditional classroom. During the program so far, students participated in two outstanding Outdoor Education experiences: a canoeing expedition in Kangaroo Valley and a caving adventure in Bungonia National Park. Alongside these activities, weekdays have been filled with experiential learning opportunities, leadership development and collaborative workshops.

Students have also taken part in a number of industry and sustainability-focused excursions, including visits to Boral’s Marulan Limestone Mine, Peppertree Quarry, and an afternoon at the Boral Cement Works, where they gained valuable insights into resource management, industry operations and the challenges of sustainable production. Another highlight was an excursion to Mussett Farm in Colo Vale, where students explored a model of sustainable farming, learning about vegetable production, mushroom cultivation and pasture-raised egg farming.

Photos of some of these activities can be found in this week’s Tallong article.

A key focus of the program has been the students’ individual Sustainability Projects, where they are investigating authentic, place-based challenges relevant to the Tallong campus. Students selected questions that align with their electives and passions while addressing real environmental and community needs. Examples of the inquiry questions being explored include:

‘How might Tallong make more efficient use of its existing energy sources?’

‘How might we harness a range of water sources and water-saving activities to improve water security on the Tallong Campus?’

‘How could the introduction of a native bee project support environmental education and biodiversity on the Tallong campus?’

‘How does combining local Indigenous knowledge and Australian biodiversity with international cultural perspectives enhance the exchange experience for both host and visiting students?’

This last inquiry questions also combines the Italian Elective.  

Importantly, students have maintained their academic studies throughout the program, livestreaming into their regular English and Mathematics classes in Sydney. They have also developed leadership skills through designing and facilitating co-curricular activities for their peers. Complementing their academic learning, students have participated in artmaking and journalling sessions with Sr Sheila, as well as mountain biking and high ropes activities with the Outdoor Education team.

The Winter Academy has provided a unique opportunity for students to combine academic learning, outdoor adventure, personal growth and real-world problem solving. As the program draws to a close this weekend with the Outdoor Education experience at Wombyen Caves, we commend the students on their enthusiasm, resilience and willingness to embrace every aspect of this exceptional learning experience.

Year 9 on the Strathfield campus

Year 9 students at the Strathfield campus have continued their sustainability studies through the Interdisciplinary Science and Geography program, building on learning highlighted in the Fieldwork article. As part of this work, students visited Boral sites and the Georges River Parklands to investigate conservation sites, recycling processes and sustainable resource management in an industry setting. When the students return from the Winter Academy the students from both programs will have the opportunity to share what they have learned with each other. 

Business Career Showcase 2026

Students in Years 10-12 are invited to participate in our upcoming Business Career Showcase, designed to provide valuable insights into the wide range of study and career opportunities available within the business sector. The program will feature three engaging sessions, allowing students to hear directly from business professionals, alumni and tertiary pathway experts about careers in business, accounting and commerce. 

The showcase will commence on 24 August with Session 1, featuring an alumnus/alumna and a parent working in the business sector, who will share their career journeys and experiences in the workplace. Session 2 will provide students with the opportunity to hear from two former students currently studying Business or Commerce at university, offering a firsthand perspective on university life and business degrees. The final session will be presented by Eva Guirguis, who will guide students through the universities that offer Business-related degrees and explain the various pathways available after school.

An invitation has been sent to Year 10-12 families. Students interested in attending are asked to register for the sessions via TASS. 

Census and special circumstance applications privacy collection notice

Please see below a notice from the Australian Government’s Department of Education in relation to the Comonwealth School Data Collection.

Ms Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning