Alba Newsletter – March 2026

Student Leadership and Extension Opportunities

As part of our support for our students’ leaders, a number of them participated in a Leadership conference at Overnewton College. Feedback from the students was very positive, and they developed their skills and knowledge to contribute to our student leadership team. Thank you to Mr Nguyen for his organisation of this opportunity.

A number of students also participated in the Mondel United Nations event at the Centre for Higher Education Studies in South Yarra. Thank you to Mr Uhl for organising this event.

Brimbank-Melton Principal Forum

The Principal Team attended the Brimbank-Melton Principal Forum on Tuesday 17 March and there was a presentation by a student panel who had attended the ‘Igniting Ambitions’ days run by the Koorie Education Support Office. The session was mediated by Michael McCartney our Koorie Education Support Officer and we were represented on this panel by one of our First nations students, Kendra Batty-Mowlam in Year 11.  You can see more about Kendra’s participation in this event in the Senior Sub School page of this newsletter. Congratulations to Kendra for her representation in both the Igniting Ambitions program and participation in this panel, presenting to approximately 300 Principal Class staff. A great achievement.

Grade 6 Information Night

We recently held our annual Grade 6 Parent Information Night at the College for prospective 2027 students.

It was a great turn out, with approximately 350 people in attendance. Parents were provided with information about the school, then led on tours by student leaders where they got to experience activities run by different Key Learnings, as well look around at the facilities. Feedback from participants was very positive.

Thank you to the organisers of the night, Mr Brown and Mr Rowland. Thank you also to all the of the staff who attended and supported the evening in many ways.

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Wednesday 1 April

Please book now on the Compass parent portal for Parent-Teacher Interviews, which are happening on Wednesday 1 April.

 Important Information:

• No regular classes – students attend with their parent/guardian.

Interview Sessions:

• 1:00pm – 3:30pm
• 4:30pm – 7:00pm

Interpreter Support:

• Available at the library on arrival.
• Limited availability – if possible, bring a family member or friend to assist.

Booking Info:

• Opens: 3:30pm Friday 13 March
• Closes: 3:30pm Tuesday 31 March
• See attached document for staff list, room locations, and map to plan your interviews.

 Need help? Call the school office: 9366 2555 (8:15am–4:15pm)

More information including maps are available on Compass. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your child’s progress!

Year 9 Excursion Success at Funfields

We would like to congratulate our Year 9 students on a fantastic excursion to Funfields. Throughout the day, students demonstrated excellent behaviour, representing the school with pride. They showed respect, responsibility, and maturity in all aspects of the trip. It was especially pleasing to see the way students supported and encouraged one another, ensuring everyone had an enjoyable and inclusive experience. Their positive attitude and teamwork made the day a great success for all involved. Well done to our Year 9 cohort, you should be very proud of the way you conducted yourselves. We look forward to many more successful excursions in the future.

Curriculum Day

We held our first Curriculum Day for the year on Wednesday 25th March, with a strong focus on the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0). This updated model places student learning at the centre, emphasising how students acquire, process and retain knowledge, and how teaching practices can be intentionally designed to support this.

A key feature of VTLM 2.0 is its alignment to evidence-based understandings of how students learn. It recognises that learning occurs most effectively when new knowledge is explicitly taught, carefully sequenced, and reinforced over time. Students benefit from clear explanations, modelling, guided practice, and timely feedback, which help reduce cognitive overload and support the transfer of knowledge into long-term memory. The model also highlights the importance of creating safe, orderly and supportive classroom environments, where positive relationships and consistent routines enable students to focus on learning.

We were pleased to welcome back Glen Pearsall, who works across Australia as an educational consultant specialising in feedback and assessment, reducing teacher workload, and improving instructional practice. Glen’s presentations focused on explicit teaching strategies and positive classroom management—both key pillars of VTLM 2.0. He emphasised how clear instruction, well-structured lessons, and purposeful practice directly support student learning, while effective classroom management maximises learning time and student engagement.

Throughout the day, teachers engaged in a range of workshops led by colleagues, allowing them to explore specific, practical teaching strategies aligned to the model. These sessions reinforced the idea that when teachers understand how students learn, they can make more deliberate decisions about how they teach—such as breaking content into manageable steps, checking for understanding, and providing targeted feedback.

To further embed these practices, teachers set individual and team goals, developed action plans, and engaged in professional discussions about how to implement and sustain these approaches in their classrooms. This collaborative focus ensures that the principles of VTLM 2.0 are not only understood but consistently applied to improve student learning outcomes across the school.

Importantly, much of this work is not new for our staff. We are well placed to implement VTLM 2.0, having already established a strong pedagogical model and a clear Teaching and Learning Guarantee that underpins our practice. Our recent work in School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) has also strengthened our focus on consistent expectations, positive classroom environments, and student engagement. Together, these foundations mean we are building on existing strengths, ensuring a smooth and purposeful transition to this updated model.

Senior School Parent Information Evenings

Thank you to all families who attended the Year 11 and Year 12 Parent Information Evening. There is a great deal to understand about the VCE VM, particularly in relation to expectations and satisfactory completion. These sessions covered important information regarding VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority) requirements and provided practical tips on how best to support your child during their final years of schooling.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports have now been published on Compass. We encourage you to review these with your child and bring any questions you may have to the Parent/Teacher interviews on Wednesday 1 April.

Year 7 Expo

It was lovely to see so many parents and families attend our annual Year 7 Expo held on the evening of Tuesday 24 February.

Families were treated to classroom experiences and samples of student work from their core subjects of English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science and LOTE (Japanese or Italian). Thank you to the Junior Sub School for organising the evening and for the Year 7 students who came with their families to showcase what they have been doing so far this year. We also thank the classroom teachers for overseeing the room decorations and presentations on the evening.  We thank all the families who provided feedback, this is collected to make improvements for the future.  The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive and supportive with parents appreciating the opportunity to see their child’s home room and the work they have completed on display and to hear about the work they take part in for their classes.

These parent information sessions are run across the year for each Year Level, and it is wonderful that so many families support these events as it is an opportunity for us to build connections as a school community. It also provides an opportunity to gain parent perspectives and for students to share experiences that support their learning with their parents.

Office Hours

8:15am to 4:15pm

Compass Communication

Any important information will be sent to parents and families via the Compass News Feed.  Parents are asked to ensure that they have access to Compass.

General Office Payments

Preferred method of payment for School Events and Curriculum Contributions is via the Compass school management system.  Parents will log in to this system using their allocated unique User ID and a temporary password.  Payments can be made through the Action Centre from the home screen.  Please contact the General Office on 9366 2555 should you need further information.

ID Cards

Students are reminded that they require their ID cards with them when they present to the front office.

Lost or Damaged Id Cards

• go the ‘Organisation’ menu (grid icon)
• select ‘Identity Cards’.
• in the ‘Orders’ section, click ‘Individual Orders’.
• complete the details to order the card

A payment will be required when placing your order.

When the card arrives, it will need to be activated.  Follow the steps below to activate the card.

• go to the ‘Organisation’ menu (grid icon)
• select ‘Identity Cards’
• click on ‘Individual Activation’
• complete the information on the screen to activate the card.

The office does not take payment for replacement cards.  Please contact the office on 9366 2555 if you have any queries.

Student Lunches at the General Office

Families are advised that the General Office is unable to accept lunches for student collection.  Please discuss and prepare for a different course of action with your child, should they forget to bring their lunch to school.

If your child has forgotten their lunch at home, parents can leave money in an envelope for their student to collect at the office.  The canteen has an array of choices for your child to purchase their lunch.

College Expectations 

Attendance, Uniform, Punctuality  

We greatly appreciate the support we receive from parents to make sure that your child attends school regularly and punctually, is in full uniform, and is well prepared for all classes with books and equipment.

Attendance  

Students must have a minimum of 90% attendance in all classes at each year level.

Uniform 

Full uniform must be worn to and from school, at school and on all school excursions, including interschool sports.

Punctuality

Students are expected to be punctual at the start of each day and for all classes. Any student who is late more than 4 times will have a Friday detention from 3:20pm to 5:20pm.

Sustainable School Shop

The Sustainable School Shop website is available to purchase and/or sell second-hand uniforms and used textbooks.

Parents can log in or register at any time at www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au

When selling items, click the Sell Uniforms button and follow the prompts. Assistance is given to construct your “For Sale” ads including a pricing guide.

To see the ads for items currently on sale or to obtain the seller details, you will need to log-in to the Sustainable School Shop website, click the blue Stocktake button and then click the item you need. Buyers contact the seller directly.

Sellers are asked to delist For Sale Ads as items sell.

Student Absence 

Parents and guardians are now able to leave student absence messages directly with the relevant Sub School.

Follow the telephone prompts to be connected to the Sub School needed.

• Wait for the beep before leaving a message
• State who you are, eg:  I am the parent of ……..  and clearly state your child’s name and home group
• Clearly state the reason for your child’s absence and how long they will be absent for

Please ensure that your message is audible (not on speaker phone) and there is no background noise.

Camps, Sports, Events Fund (CSEF)

Parents with a valid Health Care Card may be eligible to apply for the CSEF.  The CSEF is a yearly payment for each child in the family attending our College.  This payment is to assist with the cost of Camps, Sports and Excursions for your child to attend.

Applications for the 2026 CSEF are now open and will close on 26 June 2026.

State School Relief (SSR)

Should you have a valid Health Care Card and require assistance to purchase school uniform and/or school shoes; you may be eligible for SSR. Health Care Card holders with students enrolled in the VCE VM program may also be eligible for assistance with the purchase of personal protective gear. Please enquire at the General Office.

Thursday, 26 March 2026

08:40AM – 03:10PM Year 7C SEAL Strathbogie Camp 2026
12:45AM – 03:10PM Year 7A St Albans Geography Fieldwork Walk
08:55AM – 10:35AM Year 7I & 7E St Albans Geography Fieldwork Walk
03:30PM – 04:40PM Yr 11 Specialist Maths Test (After School)

Friday, 27 March 2026

08:40AM – 03:10PM Year 7C SEAL Strathbogie Camp 2026
08:30AM – 03:10PM YR9 NGV Excursion
01:00PM – 03:10PM Year 7J 7L St Albans Geography Fieldwork Walk

Monday, 30 March 2026

All Day – Trans Day of Visibility
08:55AM – 10:35AM Year 7H St Albans Geography Fieldwork Walk
11:50AM – 12:40PM Side Kick Mentoring Program
12:40PM – 01:30PM Spelling Bee Competition (PAC)
03:30PM – 04:30PM Year 12 General Maths – Data Analysis Part B SAC

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

08:45AM – 03:15PM Yr 8C, 8K & 8L Altona Beach Geography Fieldwork
09:00AM – 09:45AM Yr 9 Morrisby Session Testing for 9A
09:45AM – 10:35AM Yr 9 Morrisby Session Testing for 9B, 9D, 9E, 9F and EAL:2
01:30PM – 03:10PM YR 11 & 12 RBA Seminar
06:00PM – 07:30PM Yr 7 Expo

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

All Day – Parent Teacher Interviews (Student Free Day)
08:00AM – 03:30PM WMR Swimming Championships

Thursday, 2 April 2026

All Day – End of Term 1 (2:30pm Dismissal)
09:45AM – 10:35AM Evacuation Drill (TBC)
11:00AM – 01:00PM Year 7C St Albans Geography Fieldwork Walk

Friday, 3 April 2026

All Day – Good Friday Public Holiday (Student Free Day)

Monday, 20 April 2026

All Day – Term 2 Begins
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

12:40PM – 01:30PM First nations Lunchtime Group
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Thursday, 23 April 2026

08:55AM – 03:10PM Intermediate Boys and Girls Tennis

Friday, 24 April 2026

All Day – Yrs 7 – 9 Athletics Carnival
All Day – Athletics Carnival Yr 12 VCE/VCE VM Helpers
03:30PM – 04:30PM Yr 12 Maths Methods Chapter 1 – 5 Topic Test

Monday, 27 April 2026

All Day – We are Better Together Week
08:55AM – 03:10PM Year 7L Strathbogie Camp 2026
11:00AM – 12:30PM ANZAC Service – Yr 12 VCE/ VCE VM
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

All Day – We are Better Together Week
08:55AM – 03:10PM Year 7L Strathbogie Camp 2026

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

All Day – We are Better Together Week
All Day – Year Level Assemblies
08:55AM – 03:10PM Year 7L Strathbogie Camp 2026
12:40PM – 01:30PM First Nations Lunchtime Group
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Thursday, 30 April 2026

All Day – We are Better Together Week
All Day – Grade 6 Taster Day 1
08:30AM – 03:10PM Year 7 Science Zoo Excursion 2026

Friday, 1 May 2026

All Day – We are Better Together Week
08:00AM – 03:00PM Yr 11 & 12 VCD Top Designs Exhibition
12:40PM – 01:30PM Multicultural Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Lunchtime Activities

Sunday, 3 May 2026

Year 9 School for Student Leadership Camp 2026 (Don Valley)

Monday, 4 May 2026

All Day – Y10 ATOSS Survey
09:00AM – 09:00PM Year 9 School for Student Leadership Camp 2026 (Don Valley)
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 5 May 2026

All Day – Y11 ATOSS Survey
08:55AM – 03:10PM YR 9 Advance – LIVE FM Workshop
09:00AM – 09:00PM Year 9 School for Student Leadership Camp 2026 (Don Valley)

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

All Day – Yr 12 VCE VM Brimbank Careers Expo
08:55AM – 03:10PM Year 7E Strathbogie Camp 2026
09:00AM – 09:00PM Year 9 School for Student Leadership Camp 2026 (Don Valley)
12:40PM – 01:30PM First Nations Lunchtime Group
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Thursday, 7 May 2026

08:00AM – 05:00PM Victorian State School Spectacular 2026 MASS DANCE
08:55AM – 03:10PM Year 7E Strathbogie Camp 2026
09:00AM – 09:00PM Year 9 School for Student Leadership Camp 2026 (Don Valley)
11:00AM – 12:40PM Years 7 & 8 Big Science Competition 2026

Friday, 8 May 2026

08:55AM – 03:10PM Year 7E Strathbogie Camp 2026
09:00AM – 09:00PM Year 9 School for Student Leadership Camp 2026 (Don Valley)

Chloe Gulbenkian

Science Teacher

Mikko Pranada

Grounds Maintenance

Daniel Willie

English as an Additional Language Teacher

Term 1 in the Junior Sub School has been marked by two very successful events.  The first was the Year 7 Expo and Information Night on 24 February.  This was an opportunity for students and their parents, carers and guardians to attend the school, meet the teachers of core subjects and see a little of the work that the students have been completing in the first part of the year.  This evening is a key part of the transition from Grade 6 to Year 7 and greatly enhances the extent to which our new students and families feel connected to the school.  The attendance in 2026 was excellent.  Many classrooms were full to overflowing with excited and engaged students and families.  For many students, and some parents, the best part of the evening was when they picked up a Zooper Dooper on the way out of the school.  A proud 7F were judged by our student leaders to have the best decorated room, while 7C had the highest participation.  These two classes will receive a prize for their efforts.

The second event was the Grade 6 Parent Information evening.  This significant event was organised by our transition team consisting of Mr Brown and Mr Rowland.  It was gratifying to see the Performing Arts Centre filled to overflowing with prospective students and families.  The attendees were very eager to receive information about the school and the enrolment process.  Our Learning Area Leaders, with some excellent student volunteers to assist, presented some of the content and skills that students will master when they start at St Albans Secondary College.  The enthusiasm for this evening indicates that we will continue our strong tradition of academic success for many years to come.

One unfortunate event during the term was the postponement of the annual swimming carnival.  This widely anticipated event was to be held on Monday, 2 March, but unfortunately the heavens opened and the event was washed out.  Luckily for us the event has been re-scheduled to the end of the year.  Hopefully the weather will be kinder to us then.

Thank you for your support of your child during Term 1.

Mr Craig Moore – Junior Sub School Leader

As we approach the end of term, it is an ideal opportunity to reflect on the many successes across our middle school. Students have continued to strengthen their organisational skills, regularly checking Compass, improving their punctuality, and taking increased responsibility for their learning. The first round of progress reports has now been finalised, and we encourage families to log into Compass to review and stay informed about their child’s progress.

Earlier this term, our Year 9 students enjoyed a visit to Funfields Theme Park as part of a team-building experience. The day was a great success, with students embracing the opportunity in a positive and enthusiastic manner. We were fortunate to have beautiful weather, which made for an even more enjoyable experience. Students had access to a range of attractions, including water slides, the wave pool, and thrill rides. Their behaviour throughout the day was outstanding, with venue staff commending our cohort on their exemplary conduct. We have also been issued four free passes that we can pass on to students. Please encourage your child to continue to demonstrate safe, respectful and responsible behaviour in order to go into our raffle draw for these prizes.

Recently, Year 9 students have completed their Morrisby Careers Guidance assessments and will begin individual interviews early next term. This marks an important step in developing their personalised career profiles, a process we will continue to support throughout their senior years and beyond. The cohort has also completed their NAPLAN testing, and we look forward to receiving the results. NAPLAN provides valuable insight into students’ academic progress and helps us better tailor our support to meet their learning needs. Alongside the Morrisby program, this information will assist in guiding students towards future pathways and opportunities.

As always, we thank our school community for your continued support. The success of our students is strengthened by the partnership between school and home, and we greatly appreciate the role families play in this. We encourage parents and carers to attend the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences on 1 April, with bookings available via Compass. As the holidays approach, we wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable break.

Mr Owen McIntyre – Middle Sub School Leader | Maths

Congratulations to all Senior Sub School students for completing a successful Term 1! Their dedication and hard work have set a positive tone for the year ahead, and we are proud of their commitment to their studies.

This term has been filled with some exciting events and experiences for our students.

Student Events and Experiences

The Senior Sub School hosted the Year 11 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday, 4 March. The event provided families with information related to the requirements of the VCE, and supporting their child as they begin this important stage of their education. A dedicated session on the VCE VM program was also held at the same time in Nindethana. We were delighted with the strong attendance and appreciate the ongoing support of our families.

On Monday, 16 March, Year 11 Psychology students attended Melbourne Zoo to conduct a fieldwork investigation related to ethics, while developing a range of key science skills. Also, on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March, the Year 12 Biology students also enriched their learning by attending GTAC as part of their Unit 3 studies on applying biotechnologies to produce human insulin. The students engaged in hands-on experiments, inserting a human insulin gene into a plasmid and transforming bacteria. They worked with mentors with PhD qualifications and used state-of-the-art scientific equipment to conduct their experiments. The results from both studies contributed to their assessments back at school.

Our senior sports teams have also been busy, with the senior intermediate boys’ baseball, senior and intermediate girls’ softball, senior boys’ futsal, and senior boys’ and girls’ tennis teams competing against other secondary schools. Additionally, our seniors participated in the Keilor Division Swimming Championships. We would like to commend all our students for their participation and excellent representation of the College.

On Friday, 20 March, our Year 11 students attended the Lady Northcote Recreation Camp, which offered great opportunities for team building and some healthy competition. The weather was perfect for spending time in the great outdoors to develop deeper connections with their peers outside of the classroom. Our senior students are now looking forward to our next team building event – the highly anticipated annual Year 11 vs. Year 12 soccer challenge, which will occur next Monday, 30 March.

Student Recognition

Kendra Batty-Mowlam of 11A recently represented our school at a Principals’ Forum as a member of the First Nations panel. Her contribution to such an important conversation reflects her leadership, insight and commitment to amplifying First Nations perspectives within and beyond our school community. Presenting in front of a large group of principals requires considerable confidence and courage, and Kendra should be commended for the way she embraced this opportunity. Congratulations, Kendra, and well done on your outstanding representation of our school.

Looking Ahead

On Friday, 15 May, Year 11 students will attend the Victorian Careers Show at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The event will provide seminars on VCE subjects and information about career pathways, tertiary courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, and employment. This is an important event for students to attend as they prepare for their future careers. Parents/guardians are reminded to give consent and make payment via Compass. Families with a Health Care Card may be eligible for a government subsidy through CSEF (Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund) or families can use the School Savings Bonus or pay via cash or card at the General Office.

VCE VM

Workplace experience plays a vital role in preparing young people for life beyond school. It provides students with the opportunity to develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and responsibility, while also building confidence and gaining valuable insight into future career pathways.

We would like to congratulate Joshua Gacovski of Year 11W on his outstanding representation in the workplace. Joshua was recently awarded Rookie of the Month at McDonald’s, a fantastic achievement that reflects his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence. We are very proud of the way he has represented both himself and our school in the community. Well done, Joshua!

Progress Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews

The Senior Sub School has received the Year 11 and 12 progress reports and has started conducting interviews with students, and in some cases, parent meetings. These reports reflect students’ progress on ATs and SACs and help us monitor students who may need additional support.

We highly recommend families to attend parent teacher interviews which will be held on Wednesday, 1 April to hear about how your child is performing in their senior years.

Finally, we would like to wish all our senior students and their families a relaxing and enjoyable term break.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 9366 25555.

Ms Marlene Cassar – Senior Sub School Leader

What a remarkable evening! Our Year 6 Parent Information Night proved once again that our school community is truly something special. Families came together for an engaging and informative tour of our campus, discovering the incredible breadth of learning, creativity, and opportunity that our students enjoy every day. From music to mechanics, art to academia, the night had it all.

The evening began with a heartfelt welcome from our School Principals and School Captains, who set the tone for the night with a proud reflection on our school’s commitment to both academic excellence and student leadership. Parents heard firsthand about the values that shape our community, a culture of high expectations, integrity, and a genuine passion for learning. It was a fitting and inspiring start to what turned out to be a truly memorable evening.

As families gathered, our talented Middle School Band performed a lively set featuring some of today’s most trending songs, delivered with impressive coherence and confidence. The performance drew warm applause from the crowd and was a wonderful reminder of the dedication and skill our students bring to the performing arts. It was the perfect soundtrack to open the night.

Families were led through to our Food Studies building, which had been transformed into a showcase of student talent. Stunning artworks and beautifully crafted fashion pieces, drawn from student projects earlier this year as well as standout works from previous years, lined the space, giving parents a real sense of the creative excellence our students achieve.

Adding a delicious touch to the experience, our VET Cookery students were on hand to serve freshly baked sausage rolls and cupcakes, prepared entirely by the students themselves. Parents were invited to sample their culinary creations, and the results were impressive, a true testament to the hard work and skill developed through our vocational programs.

In a highlight that brought plenty of laughter and friendly competition, families were invited to take part in Japanese and Italian leisure activities, including a spirited game of Bocce. While enjoying the fun, parents had the chance to hear about our Languages Other Than English (LOTE) program and the fantastic opportunities available for students to explore and embrace other cultures and languages. It was a joyful and interactive way to bring the language program to life.

Students helped guide families into the gymnasium, where a fantastic range of activities and displays were set up to give parents an insight into our school’s thriving physical education and student wellbeing culture. The energy in the gym was electric, and it was wonderful to see students taking pride in showing their families around.

One of the most talked-about highlights of the evening was our Mechanics and Coding display, proudly assisted by a group of our own talented students. Parents were amazed by the hand-crafted machines on display, each one running its own unique string of code with a different set of capabilities. Some machines could reflect light off a blank surface; others were even capable of generating their own power through water. The ingenuity on show left many parents genuinely astonished, and rightly so, these young engineers and coders are already doing extraordinary things.

Over in the Science Building, parents had the opportunity to engage with the mathematical and scientific world that our students inhabit every day. Families worked through intriguing mathematical dilemmas and got up close with the laboratory equipment used regularly in our students’ scientific experiments. It was a great opportunity for parents to see the rigorous, hands-on learning environment that inspires curiosity and critical thinking in our classrooms.

Two of our dedicated Humanities and Geography teachers set up engaging, hands-on activities that gave families a real feel for the richness of our curriculum in these areas. The activities were designed to reflect the school’s teaching practices and highlight the depth of learning that students experience, drawing connections between global issues, local communities, and the wider world. Parents left with a much greater appreciation of just how dynamic and thought-provoking these subjects can be.

The school library buzzed with activity as parents dropped in to explore a range of important stalls. Our Careers team were warmly on hand to answer questions about pathways beyond Year 6, covering topics such as high school subject selection, scholarship opportunities, academic extension programs including SEAL, and requirements for further education. No question was too big or too small; the team was genuinely delighted to support families in planning ahead. Nearby, the Wellbeing team had created a vibrant and inviting stall focused on mental health awareness, student support services, and the importance of self-care. With colourful, decorative fidgets and interactive displays drawing in parents and children alike, the stall struck a perfect balance between fun and meaningful conversation. It was heartening to see so many families stopping to engage.

Rounding out the library experience was the House stall, a proud and energetic display led by six of our school’s Sport House Captains. Standing alongside the prestigious Crocker Cup, the captains explained the concept of house events, what it means to hold a captaincy, and the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit that underpin the house system. They also took the time to speak with parents about the wide-ranging benefits of physical activity for young people, both for their health and for building resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

The Year 6 Parent Information Night was a true celebration of everything that makes our school community so special. From the dedication of our teachers and VET students to the confidence and passion shown by our student leaders, the evening was a reminder of the incredible environment we have built together. A heartfelt thank you to all of the families who attended, and to the staff and students who made the night such a success. We can’t wait to do it all again!

On 24 February, the Economics students in Years 11 and 12 participated in a seminar with the Reserve Bank of Australia.  Two RBA economists, Emma Chow and Jack Harden presented on the role of the RBA in the economy, the current performance of the Australian economy as well as their own career paths that have taken them to the RBA.  They were able to share their own insights as well as the thinking of the bank regarding such important topics as the direction of interest rates, the impact of the Trump administration on global trade patterns and the future of manufacturing here in Australia.

They were also able to explain the balancing act that the RBA tries to achieve between managing inflation on one hand whilst still trying to achieve full employment on the other.  Our students then had an extended period where they were able to ask Emma and Jack a wide range of questions concerning many aspects of the bank as well as their own careers.  Emma and Jack were very down-to-earth presenters and related well to our students.  It was inspiring to hear that they have both come from backgrounds not too dissimilar to our own students and now enjoy roles at such a prestigious institution.

Students came away from the seminar with a new appreciation of the RBA as well as a better understanding of the importance of economics in their lives.

Mr Craig Moore – Junior Sub School Leader | Economics

Year 9 Advance Warrnambool Camp – February 2026

Below are accounts of the camp by attending Yr 9 students.

Mr David Dang – Physical Education | House Program Leader | Advance Program Leader

Victoria State School Spectacular 2026

Dance students recently experienced attending their very first Victorian State Schools Spectacular dance rehearsal at Saltwater P-9 College.

The rehearsal marked the beginning of an incredible journey toward performing in one of Victoria’s largest student performing arts events. Students joined dancers from other schools to learn choreography for six different numbers.

Despite a few first-day nerves, our dancers showed outstanding focus, enthusiasm, and resilience. They embraced feedback from choreographers, supported one another, and represented our school community with pride. For many, it was their first experience rehearsing as part of a mass ensemble — an exciting and inspiring step up from regular classes.

We are so proud of their commitment and can’t wait to see their growth as rehearsals continue. The journey to the big stage has officially begun!

Students will be performing at the John Cain Arena on August 29th. Be on the lookout for ticket details to come.

Ms Lela Seely – English | VCE VM Literacy

Year 9 Multimedia Art and Design

As part of their learning in animation, Mr. Siddall’s Year 9 Multimedia Art and Design (MAD) students were treated to a live video lecture from Mr. Siddall’s friend, Martin, who is based in Canada and works as an animator. Martin has worked as an animator on movies such as A Minecraft Movie (2025) and SpiderMan: Across the Spiderverse (2023).

Martin joined Mr. Siddall on videochat to discuss storyboarding, character design and what it is like to work as an animator. Students then used concepts discussed in the lecture to create characters and storyboards for their Issues Animation Assessment Tasks, where students have to create a short animation on a social issue affecting people their age. It was an excellent experience and a privilege that our students could learn from an animator in the business.

Mr Matthew Siddal – Visual Arts 

CPR (Care, Protect, Respect) Ambassadors

Hello SASC community!

Our Senior CPR Ambassadors have kicked off 2026 with energy and purpose. They’ve been busy planning new ideas and initiatives to help make our school an even safer, more inclusive, and supportive place for everyone.

Recently, our senior ambassadors had the opportunity to take part in safe TALK, a suicide prevention training program delivered by Brimbank Youth Services. Alongside this, they are currently completing Teen Mental Health First Aid training. These valuable experiences are helping to equip our ambassadors with the skills and confidence they need to support their peers and lead with empathy.

We’re also excited to share that our Junior CPR Ambassador elections have wrapped up! Our senior team is looking forward to meeting and collaborating with the new junior ambassadors as they step into their leadership roles.

Throughout the year, our ambassadors will focus on helping students build coping strategies and feel more confident seeking help when they need it. Keep an eye out for them at assemblies and through student- friendly resources they’ll be creating for the whole SASC community.

Looking ahead to next term, the team will begin planning activities for Mental Health Week. These events will focus on promoting wellbeing and reducing the stigma around accessing mental health support and will be aligned with our theme of diversity in unity.

We’re incredibly proud of the work our CPR ambassadors are doing and can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll have across the school community. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come!

Wellbeing Team – Dotti Schillinger (Mental Health Practitioner) & Bronwyn Anderson (School Mental Health Nurse)

Student Representative Council (SRC)

The SRC is a student body that represents student voice and advocacy, contributes student perspectives to decision-making, and organises events to support and improve the school community. Get familiar with your SRC for 2026! Feel free to come speak to any of them!

In week 4, the Year 12 College Leadership Team and various Year 11 student leaders attended the 2026 Leadership Summit at Overnewton Anglican Community College (Yirramboi Campus). Here are some of the Year 11 SRC reflections from the day:

“The leadership summit at Overnewton Anglican College was a great opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders throughout the West. We gained valuable insights on qualities crucial to being a leader, such as adaptability, delegation and collaboration. We also learnt about the notion of ‘Self-Leadership’, meaning leading and knowing oneself before leading those around you”. – Ezekiel Ong (Year 11 SRC)

“Throughout the day, the activities we completed activities that strengthened our sense of team building and critical thinking. We did a series of activities, such as creating spaghetti-marshmallow structures and a puzzle piece hunt – truly a unique and interesting way of getting us to work more collaboratively! We had opportunity to listen to Alice Jordan-Baird MP (the federal member for Gorton), who spoke about importance of the youth, especially when it comes to creating change within our communities. Overall, young leaders from schools across the Western suburbs were able to engage with each other through a shared desire in improving our society’s innovation and connectivity”. – Amelia Hua (Year 11 SRC).

In week 7, our Year 8 SRC along with the Year 8 Class Captains & Year 8 House Captains attended the Emerging Leaders excursion at the Vanguard office in the city. They participated in leadership training offered by ABCN. Thank you to Mr Dane Stammers for organising the excursion.

The Year 12 College Leadership Team and Year 11 SRC have also been working hard to organise the annual Year 11 & 12 Soccer Challenge, which will be happening in the last week of term.

Early next term, the SRC will be running the 2nd SASC Leadership Conference with the goal of upskilling each other’s leadership skills and collaborate with other student leaders within the College to plan upcoming events and initiatives.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Mr Myers Nguyen – Science | Student Leadership Program Leader

Career Practitioner Seminar

Every year the Careers Team attends our university ‘open days’ (Career Practitioner Forums. This is where we learn about changes to existing courses and about new courses. We hear updated employment information and how AI is affecting degrees and the workforce.

RMIT introduced Career Practitioner Awards in 4 categories where peers could nominate one another, a school could nominate a practitioner or a practitioner could nominate themselves for an award.

Deb Pane who has been a qualified Careers Practitioner at SASC for nearly 4 years has a passion for advocating for those with individual needs; Deb formed a fabulous partnership with a Disability Employment Provider and had them agree to meet with families for their introductory meeting at school to lessen the anxiety for the student. When that organisation lost their government funding, Deb worked tirelessly to find anther provider and successfully built a partnership with BreakThru in St Albans. The team at BreakThru also meet prospective school leavers and their family for the first time at school. This partnership is going from strength to strength and this enables families to feel confident in their child’s pathway post school, knowing they’ll be supported in the community and at work/TAFE or University.

I nominated Deb for RMIT’s ‘Champion of Inclusion’ award as she is passionate and committed to ensuring ALL students have a positive pathway when leaving school. There was 10 other nominees in this category from other schools in the state so it was thrilling to see Deb win the award.

Ms Cathy Armstrong – Careers Program Coordinator

Mr David Dang – Physical Education | House Program Leader | Advance Program Leader

Model United Nations Excursion

On Tuesday 17 March, a group of 12 enthusiastic and worldly Year 10, 11 and 12 students attended the Model United Nations conference at CHES (the Centre for Higher Education Studies) in South Yarra, organised by the United Nations Association of Australia.

These simulations of the United Nations General Assembly run several times a year with the purpose of developing students’ skills in public speaking, negotiation and critical thinking while collaborating with peers from other schools. The teams explored the pressing global issue of sustainable cities from the perspectives of different countries, with the St Albans teams being allocated Finland, Bangladesh and South Africa. Students debated solutions to challenges such as environmental sustainability, access to resources and the merits of plant-based diets, with the experience providing valuable insight into real-world diplomacy and the complexities of global decision-making.

Thanks, and congratulations to all students for their diligent preparation in the weeks beforehand and for their active involvement on the day.

Please speak to Mr Uhl or Ms O’Connell if you are interested in being involved in future Model UN excursions.

Ms Katie O’Connell – Curriculum & Assessment Leader | English | Humanities

Neurodiversity Week

From March 16 to 20, our school proudly recognised Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a global initiative that challenges stereotypes and celebrates neurodivergent strengths.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think, learn, and process information. This includes students who may identify with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, neurodiversity encourages us to recognise them as part of human diversity.

The Inclusion Team organised initiatives to raise neurodiversity awareness, including a student presentation, a celebration lunch, and a professional learning session on supporting Autistic students.

Lots of students volunteered to help out on the day. Congratulations to Tom (sunflower badge), Mia (infinity and umbrella badges), Jaydee (flower badge), Amy (“we all think differently” poster), Alyse, Quynh, and Manjot (watercolour designs), and Craft Club (banner) for their outstanding artwork for the banners, badges, and stickers. And a big thank you to Emily, Sumaiya, and Sonya for helping out with the pack up!

Congratulations to Ellen Tran and Chrystal Ngo-Le for accurately guessing the weight (guess 1.33kg, answer 1.4kg) and number of lollies (guess 113, answer 118) in the Lolly Jar competition.

As a school, we remain committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. For further information about the celebration week, please access the following links:

• https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/
• https://libguides.stalbanssc.vic.edu.au/nwc

Thank you again to the students and staff who celebrated the week with us.

Ms Zoe Austin – Inclusion Support Coordinator

Senior Boys Volleyball – A Final Tournament to Remember 🏐

On Wednesday 4 March, our Senior Boys Volleyball team proudly represented St Albans Secondary College in what was their final interschool volleyball tournament. With great energy, teamwork, and determination, the boys gave it their all on the court and put on a fantastic performance.

The team started strong with an impressive win against Keilor Downs College. Through strong communication, clean serves, butter sets and powerful spikes, the boys were able to secure the victory and set the tone for the day.

They then faced a tough challenge against Lakeview Senior College. Despite a hard-fought match and a great effort from our team, Lakeview proved difficult to overcome and eventually went on to win the entire tournament.

While the result didn’t quite go our way in the end, the boys should be incredibly proud of their effort, sportsmanship, and the way they represented the school. As their final volleyball tournament at St Albans Secondary College, it was a great opportunity to finish their journey together on a high note and create lasting memories as a team.

Mr David Dang – Physical Education | House Program Leader | Advance Program Leader

St Albans Senior Tennis Teams

The senior boys and girls tennis teams from St Albans Secondary College proudly represented their school in a competitive day of matches, showing strong skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout.

The girls team, made up of Kathy Ho, Kayla Nguyen, Delphi Lagas, Amy Shi, Katherine Tran, and Alanda Yang, had an outstanding performance, finishing 2nd overall. They impressed early with a solid win against Victoria University Secondary College, earning their place in the finals. Despite a determined effort, they fell just short against a strong Southern Cross College side, securing a well-deserved runner-up position.

The boys team, led by Lachlan Tran, alongside Khoa Tran, Ognen Kebakovski, Amanshu Nagpal, and Leinard Marzon, also showed great determination on the court. They celebrated a strong victory over Victoria University Secondary College but were unable to overcome a tough Gilson College team, narrowly missing out on a spot in the finals.

Across both teams, players demonstrated excellent support for one another, great teamwork, and positive attitudes throughout the day. It was a fantastic experience for all involved, highlighted by effort, resilience, and school pride.

A big thank you to coaches Steven Vo and Dimi Han for their guidance and support in making the day a success.

Mr Steven Vo –  Mathematics

Debating Update – Meeting and First Competition

On 24 February, we held our second debating meeting for the year. During this meeting, teams were finalised, although unfortunately some teams had to be cancelled due to clashes with other school events. The confirmed Year 10 team began preparing for their upcoming debate by working on the disclosed topic. We focused on developing arguments and discussing strategy, particularly how to play to the team’s individual strengths.

On 4 March, we participated in our first interschool debating competition, held over Zoom against Chaffey Secondary College.

Speaking for the negative side of the topic “That airlines should not be allowed to overbook flights” were Erica, Susan, and Eleanore, speaking in that order. The team presented a range of strong arguments and spoke with enthusiasm and conviction, with particularly passionate delivery from Susan.

Although the team did not win the debate overall, the adjudicator noted that the girls raised several strong points that the opposing team was unable to effectively dispute. Unfortunately, in the final speech, some new arguments were introduced. As debating rules do not allow new arguments in the concluding speech, this resulted in a technical breach. Additionally, a key point from the opposing team required clearer rebuttal.

These technical factors ultimately cost the team the win. However, the quality of the arguments themselves was very strong. In many ways, the team won the argument but lost the debate on technicalities, which provides valuable learning for future rounds.

Overall, it was a strong first performance and a useful experience to build on for upcoming debates.

Ms Jacob Marinelli | PE Teacher | Debating Program Leader | House Leader

Clean Up Australia Day – Students Making a Difference 🌏🧹

Our Year 9 Advance students proudly took part in Clean Up Australia Day this year on Tuesday 10 March, showing incredible initiative and community spirit as they worked together to improve our local environment.

Students headed out to Errington Reserve, the local tennis courts, and the nearby park, determined to make a real difference. Equipped with gloves and rubbish bags, the group quickly got to work collecting litter from around the area. By the end of the clean-up, the students had filled multiple bags with rubbish that would have otherwise remained in our community spaces.

What made the day even more special was the positive response from members of the community. Many locals stopped to thank the students for their efforts and praised them for taking pride in their neighbourhood. One particularly memorable moment came when an ex-student who attended the school in 1960 approached the group to personally thank them for giving back to the community. It was a powerful reminder of how meaningful these actions can be across generations.

The students represented St Albans Secondary College with pride, showing teamwork, leadership, and a genuine commitment to caring for the environment. Their enthusiasm and hard work made a visible impact on the local area and demonstrated how young people can be leaders in creating positive change.

A huge congratulations to our Year 9 Advance students for their outstanding efforts. You should all be incredibly proud of the difference you made; your actions truly reflect the spirit of community and responsibility. 👏🌿

Mr David Dang – Physical Education | House Program Leader | Advance Program Leader

Interact Club

Students from the Interact Club recently took part in a rewarding community clean-up excursion at Errington Reserve, including the local skate park and surrounding areas.  Inspired by the spirit of Clean Up Australia Dau, the group worked together to collect rubbish, improve the environment, and promote community pride.  Their efforts not only helped to restore the natural beauty of the space but also highlighted the importance of environmental responsibility and teamwork.  The afternoon was a fantastic example of student leadership in action, with Interact members demonstrating initiative, care, and a strong commitment to making a positive difference in their local community.

Mr Dane Stammers – LAL Commerce | Commerce | Humanities | Community & Business Partnership Coordinator

This term I had the opportunity to attend the principal’s area meeting; I was invited by our KESO Michael to take part in a panel discussion about the first nations Aspiration Day I attended last year. I was excited to meet Chris Thompson regional director South West Victoria and Charles Branciforte the executive director of the department of education. I enjoyed sharing my ideas about my culture and how I would like to experience and see more cultural representation in our school. I liked meeting the other mob panel members from other schools that participated and it was a real highlight receiving a certificate of appreciation with them. I am looking forward to attending the first nations aspirations day again this year and I am hopeful that my suggestions and ideas will make the day even better this time around.

Kendra Batty- Mowlam (Yr 11) – Proud First Nations Student

Year 7 and 8 dance students have recently taken on the exciting challenge of choreographing their own group performances, putting their creativity and teamwork to the test. After exploring the key elements of dance such as space, time, dynamics, and relationships, students began developing original pieces that showcase their understanding in a practical and engaging way.

Working collaboratively, each group experimented with movement choices, formations, and musicality to communicate their chosen ideas and themes. The process encouraged problem-solving, creativity, and resilience, as students refined their work through rehearsal and feedback.

The final performances highlighted not only the students’ growing technical skills, but also their ability to express ideas and emotions through movement. It has been inspiring to see their confidence develop as they take ownership of their choreography and bring their visions to life.

Ms Lela Seely – English | VCE VM Literacy

This semester students in year-10 Robotics learn how to construct and program many robotics models using the Spike Mindstorm Robotic kits. Students choose the models they want to build. They learn to write ‘Word Block’ programs on their device and download them to their robot via Bluetooth connection. Students also learn to document their program and algorithm using flowcharts. Once a basic programming skill level is reached, students will start writing their program using a subset of the ‘Python’ language within the Spike Robotics App programming environment. Students learn the various Python programming structures such as loop control, conditional While loop, Asynchronous motor control, function calls, and many others.

On completing the project ‘Programable Safe Box’, Ethar Mrant wrote:

‘Bibi and I made a safe that is able to securely lock anything inside. We worked on this project for a while, It was challenging but the end result is satisfying. As we now have a functional safe!’

 

Mr Thach Ly – Maths | Science | Information Technology | SEAL Coordinator