Alba Newsletter – September 2026

End of Term

We would like to thank all of the staff and students for their hard work this term. We hope that everyone has a relaxing break and ready to finish the year strong in Term 4!

Japanese Visit

It was wonderful to welcome the students and staff from our sister school, Toyohashi Minami Senior High School.  A special thank you to all the families and staff who hosted the visitors, and to  Mr Jun Hayashi for his organisation of the trip.

We look forward to our visit to Toyohashi in 2027.

Red Gallery Exhibition

It was wonderful to visit the Red Gallery in North Fitzroy where our Year 12 Art Making and Exhibiting, and Visual Communication and Design students exhibited their works. It was an excellent exhibition, showcasing their talents in a wide range of media.

Well done to all the students who exhibited, and a special thank you to Ms Della Butler, Mr Michael Bowden and Mr Nick D’Aglas for their organisation of the event.

Year 9 City Experience

Congratulations to our Year 9 students who successfully completed their annual City Experience last week.

Over four days, students travelled throughout Melbourne using public transport, developing their understanding of the city while completing a Geography assignment and participating in a range of engaging activities. More importantly, the experience provided valuable opportunities for students to build their independence and personal skills as they navigated new environments and worked collaboratively with their peers.

A particular highlight of the week was the positive feedback received from members of the public who encountered our students throughout the city. Their behaviour and respectful conduct reflected exceptionally well on both themselves and our College community.

One member of the public wrote:

While it is front of mind, I just wanted to comment quickly on how impressed I was by the group of students from St Albans Secondary College on the number 16 tram down St Kilda Road today. It was not just offering me a seat, but the fact that on a very crowded tram the whole group was extremely respectful to other passengers. This was done in a way which seemed very natural and not at all grudging and there was generally a very happy and positive vibe.

Another shared:

Today when I was walking, I witnessed a group of such kind young kids from your school. These kids were doing good deeds, giving way to others, and using polite, friendly language to peers.

A third message celebrated the students’ positive attitude and spirit:

Your kids were on an excursion in the CBD today. What a fabulous bunch! I felt joyful seeing their good humour, camaraderie and delight at being out and about. Truly a credit to the school and its values.

These unsolicited messages are a wonderful reflection of the character and values of our students. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented St Albans Secondary College during the City Experience and thank our staff for their support in making the program such a success.

Well done to all Year 9 students on an outstanding week of learning, growth and achievement.

Parent Teacher interviews

Thank you to the many families who attended Parent-Teacher Interviews this week.  These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for parents, students and teachers to come together to discuss learning progress, celebrate achievements and identify areas for continued growth.

Strong partnerships between home and school play a vital role in student success, and it was wonderful to see so many families engaging in meaningful conversations about their child’s education. We appreciate the time and commitment shown by our parents, carers and staff, and look forward to continuing to work together to support every student’s learning journey.

State Schools Spectacular

At the end of August, 14 of our students had the incredible opportunity to be involved in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, representing our College on a state-wide stage.

Thirteen students performed as part of the Mass Dance Cast, while Alex Gaffiero. from Year 7 demonstrated his technical skills by working on audio technology across set-up, the performance and pack-down.

Our students did an absolutely outstanding job. We are incredibly proud of the commitment they showed throughout the long rehearsal days, their hard work and preparation, and, most importantly, their positive attitudes throughout the experience.

A very special thank you to all of the staff who supported our students throughout the rehearsals and performance in particular Lela Seely and Melissa Tamraz. Opportunities such as this would not be possible without their efforts and we thank them for seeking out such an opportunity for our students.

Year 12 Practice Examinations

Year 12 students will have practice examinations during the school holidays. These examinations provide an important opportunity for students to experience examination conditions, identify areas for improvement and gain a clearer understanding of what they need to focus on as they move towards their final VCE examinations.

At this stage of the year, consistent and purposeful study is particularly important. Students should be using feedback from practice examinations and SACs to identify gaps in their knowledge and skills and then targeting these areas through their study. Effective preparation is not about last-minute cramming; it is about establishing good study habits, completing practice questions, reviewing feedback and seeking help when needed.

We encourage families to continue supporting students to maintain a healthy balance between study, sleep, exercise and other commitments. Every focused study session at this point in the year contributes to students feeling more confident and prepared for their final examinations. It is an important time to also review part-time work commitments. Where possible, this is the time to take some leave from work or at least reduce the number of hours as the focus now should be on preparation for the final exams.

Wear it Purple Day is an annual event, held on the last Friday of August, this is a day of inclusion celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community. Wear it Purple Day is a celebration of Diversity. It is about showing our support and striving to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for all our rainbow young people and staff. This year’s Wear It Purple Day theme is Colours of Courage. Colours of Courage celebrates the many different forms of courage shown by LGBTQIA+SB young people, allies and communities every day.  It links in with our school Theme for this year of Unity in Diversity.

“Courage is not just expressed in big moments, but in everyday choices to live proudly and invite others into understanding, acceptance and celebration.”

We celebrated Wear it Purple Day on Friday 28 August with lunchtime activities run by Wellbeing and the VCE VM Team. Well done to all involved in preparing and facilitating this day.

National Child Protection Week – 6-12 September

National Child Protection Week is Australia’s national campaign to prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens. This year the theme is Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action. Led by NAPCAN for over 30 years, it brings together individuals, families, communities, organisations and governments to build safe, supportive environments where children and young people can thrive.

St Albans Secondary College is committed to providing an environment where students are safe and feel safe.

Our child safety framework includes policies, codes and procedures that explain how we support and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students and protect them from harm.

We are committed to continuous improvement of our child safety framework and are currently reviewing our child safety policies and practices to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.  The documents are available on our website: https://stalbanssc.vic.edu.au/.

Mental Health Week celebrated at SASC 14-18 September

This year the theme for mental health week is “Together, We Thrive”, this message recognises that while life can often feel overwhelming, connection remains one of the most powerful ways to support our mental health and wellbeing. The Mental Health Week lunchtime activities provided opportunities to strengthen connection and foster understanding about mental health in our school community. Our CPR Ambassadors worked together to organise mental health themed activities and opportunities. Thanks to the Wellbeing Team and CPR Ambassadors for their organisation and work in getting the activities for this week together.

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 closed.

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, 17 September 2026

08:00am – 05:00pm Italian Study Tour 2026
08:00am – 05:00pm YR 11 – VCE Unit 2 Chemistry Analysis Program 4
08:45am – 04:00pm YR 11 & 12 – Recording a Music Demo
10:00am – 10:30am Lockdown Drill
03:15pm – 03:45pm Home Work Club (Library – After School)

Friday, 18 September 2026

All Day – Last Day Term 3 (2:30pm Dismissal)
08:00am – 05:00pm Italian Study Tour 2026
12:20pm – 03:00pm YR 12 – Doutta Galla Grantham Green Aged Care Home
01:30pm – 02:30pm SWPBS Student Committee

Year 12 Holiday Practice Exams

Monday, 28 September 2026

08:55AM – 12:10PM English as An Additional Language
08:55AM – 12:10PM English
01:15PM – 03:00PM Mathematics General Exam 1

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

08:55AM – 11:40PM Physics
08:55AM – 10:40PM Certificate II Cookery
08:55AM – 11:10AM History (Revolutions)
12:15PM – 02:30PM Business Management
12:15PM – 01:30PM Specialist Maths Exam 1
03:15PM – 05:30PM Legal Studies
03:15PM – 05:30PM Vietnamese (1st Language)

Wednesday, 30 September 2026

08:55AM – 11:40PM Chemistry
12:15PM – 02:30PM Health & Human Development
03:15PM – 05:00PM Mathematics General Exam 2

Thursday, 1 October 2026

08:55AM – 11:40AM Psychology
12:15PM – 02:30PM Accounting
12:15PM – 02:30PM Specialist Maths Exam 2
03:15PM – 05:00PM Art Making & Exhibiting
03:15PM – 04:30PM Mathematical Methods Exam 1

Friday, 2 October 2026

08:55AM – 10:35AM Rescheduled Exam P1 & P2 (Selected Students Only)
08:55AM – 11:40PM Biology
12:15PM – 02:00PM Food Studies
12:15PM – 02:30PM Mathematical Methods Exam 2
03:15PM – 05:30PM Economics
03:15PM – 05:00PM Visual Communication Design
03:15PM – 05:30PM Rescheduled Accounting Exam (Selected Students Only)

Monday, 5 October 2026

All Day – Term 4 Begins
12:40pm – 01:05pm Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

11:00am – 11:50am Emotional Regulation Skills Group Term 4 2026

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

08:30am – 04:00pm WMR Athletics
08:55am – 03:10pm Year 8F Strathbogie Camp
12:40pm – 01:30pm First Nations Lunchtime Group
12:40pm – 01:05pm Times Table Training Club

Thursday, 8 October 2026

08:55am – 03:10pm Year 8F Strathbogie Camp
08:00am – 02:20pm YR 10 “Road to Zero” Physics Challenge
03:30pm – 04:30pm Yr 11 Maths Methods Analysis Task

Friday, 9 October 2026

08:55am – 03:10pm Year 8F Strathbogie Camp
08:10am – 11:30pm Fashion Awards Australia
08:30am – 03:10pm WMR Year 8 Boys Futsal

Monday, 12 October 2026

All Day – Yr 12 VCE VM Portfolio Interviews
12:40pm – 01:05pm Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 13 October 2026

All Day – Yr 12 VCE VM Portfolio Interviews
08:30am – 03:15pm YR10 Forensic Science – GTAC
08:45am – 03:10pm Year 9 Advance Excursion – Melbourne Zoo
11:50am – 12:40pm YR7 & 8 -AYA – African Youth Academy

Wednesday, 14 October 2026

All Day – Yr 12 VCE VM Portfolio Interviews
08:55am – 03:10pm Year 8M Strathbogie Camp
12:40pm – 01:30pm First Nations Lunchtime Group
12:40pm – 01:05pm Times Table Training Club

Thursday, 15 October 2026

08:55am – 03:10pm Year 8M Strathbogie Camp
08:30am – 03:10pm Year 8 Girls Softball

Friday, 16 October 2026

All Day – Last Day Yr 12 Classes (Finish 12pm)
08:55am – 03:10pm Year 8M Strathbogie Camp
07:00pm – 11:00pm Yr 12 Awards Evening – Flemington Racecourse

Monday, 19 October 2026

11:00am – 12:40pm Whole School Assembly
12:40pm – 01:05pm Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 20 October 2026

08:15am – 04:00pm Year 10 Geography Torquay Fieldwork Survey
08:55am – 05:00pm Year 9 Advance – Jumpside
11:50am – 12:40pm YR7 & 8 -AYA – African Youth Academy

Wednesday, 21 October 2026

12:40pm – 01:30pm First Nations Lunchtime Group
12:40pm – 01:05pm Times Table Training Club

Thursday, 22 October 2026

08:55am – 03:10pm Year 8G Strathbogie Camp

Friday, 23 October 2026

08:55am – 03:10pm Year 8G Strathbogie Camp

Monday, 26 October 2026

12:40pm – 01:05pm Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 27 October 2026

11:50am – 12:40pm YR7 & 8 -AYA – African Youth Academy.

Wednesday, 28 October 2026

12:40pm – 01:30pm First Nations Lunchtime Group
12:40pm – 01:05pm Times Table Training Club

Thursday, 29 October 2026

09:00am – 01:30pm The Brimbank Young Researchers Program (Session 3)

Friday, 30 October 2026

All Day – Yr 11 Last Day of Classes

Melanie Berrington

Dear St.Albans Secondary College Community,

Thank you for making me feel so welcome to this wonderful school. Both students and staff have made my transition such a pleasure. My name is Melanie and I am excited to join the College and its community in my new role as an Inclusion Support Coordinator. I am passionate about inclusion, education and disability having worked across all 3 areas in my career; from classroom teacher in the UK to working in the education and disability communities here in Australia.  I have spent the past 7 years heavily involved in the NDIS, learning valuable information and working with a diverse range of people; feeling privileged to have joined them on their journey. I am looking forward to getting to know the students and the teams here at St Alban’s and continuing my service to others.

Anmolpreet Kaur

Hi everyone, my name is Anmol. I am very excited and grateful to be joining St Albans Secondary College as a Student Wellbeing Officer/ Social Worker.

I have a background in social work and counselling, with experience supporting children, young people, adults and families through a range of personal, social and emotional challenges. I am passionate about student wellbeing and creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students feel heard, respected and valued.

Throughout my work, I have developed a strong interest in student wellbeing, mental health, trauma-informed practice and building positive relationships. I look forward to working alongside students, families and staff to support students’ wellbeing, engagement and development.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, visiting new places and enjoy learning and continuing to develop my skills.

I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming part of the St Albans Secondary College community.

As always, the Junior School has been busy and productive in Term 3.

The Junior School students enjoyed an incursion from Brainstorm Productions, entitled ‘Verbal Combat’.  This 2-person theatre production centred on the experiences of a student joining a new school and the issues that they faced upon their arrival.  The production dramatized the impact that intrusive classmates and the online environment can have on a person who is already in an uncertain environment.  Verbal Combat illustrated that online bullying, physical vandalism and mental stress can have disastrous consequences.  However, it also showed that where students make different choices, and choose a positive behaviour, the outcomes can be very different indeed.  I think it was a salutary lesson that being an upstander and making better choices can have a positive impact on many people.

Please ensure that you read through the Progress Reports, which were published on Compass recently.  For many students it will be positive reinforcement of all the good work that they have done in 2026.  For a small number it will be a reminder that although the year is well advanced, there is still time to catch up and submit some good quality work before the final reports in Term 4.

Enjoy the term break and we look forward to seeing the students in Term 4.

Mr Craig Moore – Junior Sub School Leader

As we draw closer to the end of Term 3, I am proud of the efforts and achievements of all Year 9 and 10 students. All students have completed their course counselling this term, giving students the opportunity to think about their pathway options and selecting their subjects for 2027. We’d like to thank the Careers team for their effort in organising the pre course selection assignments and course counselling days for our Year 9 and 10 students.

The events calendar has been full of opportunities for students, most notably the Year 9 City Experience in week 9.  Students have completed fieldwork and participated in group activities at the Old Melbourne Gaol, IMAX and Icehouse, among others to experience everything the city has to offer. Thank you to Ms. Obeid, Year 9 teachers and the Middle School team for their work organising the week.

Progress reports are now available on Compass, providing a good opportunity to check in with your child’s progress so far this semester. Conversations are being held with year level coordinators about these reports and the Parent Teacher Interviews in week 10 provides a further chance to check in with teachers. We value the support families provide at home with ensuring their children reach their potential.

The Victorian State School Spectacular performance ran in week 8, with the culmination of months of hard work being displayed on and off the stage. Congratulations to all Year 9 and 10 students involved in the production, and the staff that worked tirelessly with them.

This term St Albans Secondary College hosted the Mathematical Association of Victoria Maths Games Day, which saw 18 students across Year 9 and 10 participate in a range of maths-based games and activities. The day consisted of friendly competition with students from other secondary schools to challenge their mathematical skills.

As term 3 comes to an end, we wish families and students a restful break and look forward to finishing the year off strong, as we look to move into 2027.

Mr Andrei Alexandrescu – Acting Middle Sub School Assistant Leader

This time of the year is usually filled with lots of study, hard work and anticipation as our Year 12 students are preparing to conclude their final year of study. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and resilience, and we wish them all the best as they prepare for their practice and end-of-year exams/portfolio interviews. As they navigate this important time, we encourage our students to lean on their support networks including friends, family, teachers, Year Level Coordinators and the Wellbeing Team, who are all here to help them succeed. We look forward to celebrating their milestones and the bright futures that lie ahead.

ABCN Program

It was another successful year for the ABCN leadership program organised by Mr Olthof, which focused on goal setting, networking, and mentorship. On 7 August, fifteen emerging Year 11 female student leaders participated in the program at the brand-new offices of the Commonwealth Bank in the CBD. They had the opportunity to engage with industry mentors, develop their confidence, and strengthen their leadership skills. The program provided valuable insights into their career pathways and personal growth and equipped the students with strategies to achieve their goals both at school and beyond. We would like to thank ABCN once again for providing our students with opportunity to participate in the program.

Year 12 Motivational Lunch

On Wednesday 12 August, Year 12 students participated in a Motivational Lunch, which featured keynote speaker and former student Caroline Vo. Caroline shared her career journey and experiences with our graduating students. She spoke openly about the importance of recognising that pathways are not always linear and encouraged students to embrace change, work hard and make the most of the opportunities that come their way. We sincerely thank Caroline for volunteering her time to speak to the students. The students were treated to a pizza lunch by the sub school. We feel that the event achieved its purpose by reminding students that anything can be achieved through hard work and perseverance, and that no matter what direction life takes them, it is how they respond to challenges, embrace opportunities and continue moving forward that ultimately shapes their journey.

VCE VM

The Year 12 VCE VM students have had a very busy and productive term. They actively supported a range of important causes, including R U OK? Day, Wear It Purple Day, Daffodil Day, The Biggest Morning Tea, RSPCA, The Lost Dogs’ Home and other not-for-profit animal shelters. Students hosted barbecues, organised guest presenters, baked and sold pastries and cupcakes, and created photobooths and message boards to raise funds, bring awareness and/or promote inclusion across both the College and local community.

Students also participated in a range of complex projects with a strong focus on community engagement and practical learning. These included garden to plate, road safety and fitness initiatives, knitting beanies for premature babies at Sunshine Hospital, and volunteering at the Tin Shed, to name just a few. Through these projects, students have developed valuable skills in teamwork, communication, planning and problem-solving, while making a positive contribution to the community.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 VCE VM students and the commitment, initiative and compassion they have demonstrated throughout the year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their many contributions to the College and wider community.

Our Year 11 VCE VM students also visited Brimbank Tech School on Friday 4 September 2026 to participate in the Future of Work program. Students took part in three hands-on workshops focusing on podcast creation, coding, and cyber security. The workshops provided students with an opportunity to explore emerging technologies, develop practical skills and gain a greater understanding of how technology is shaping the changing world of work. The experience encouraged students to think about future career pathways and the skills they will need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven workplace.

Last Day of Classes

The last day of classes for Year 12 students is Friday 16 October. Classes will run as per normal from periods 1 – 3. The period 3 teacher will take the class to the front of the school for “uniform signing” at 11.30am. Students will be dismissed from the front gardens at 11:50am. Students are expected to go straight home to prepare for the Awards Evening. Lockers must be cleaned out by this date. Any items remaining in lockers after this date will be thrown out or donated. Last day of Year 11 classes is Friday 30 October 2026.

 Units 3/4 September Exams

Will be held during the second week of the school holidays from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October 2026. All students sitting the VCAA exams are expected to attend. The timetable for the exams can be found on the student’s individual schedules on Compass. The 3-story building will be closed during the holidays. All students are reminded to take anything they need for the holidays from their lockers.

Year 12 Awards Evening

The highly anticipated Year 12 Awards Evening will be held at The Atrium, Flemington Racecourse, 448 Epsom Road, Flemington VIC 3031. Students are able to invite two guests free of charge. Please book your tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/DPKKQ by Friday 18 September 2026 (last day of term). A further release of one ticket per student for $25.00 will be available early next term.

Students are required to be at the venue by no later than 3:30pm for gown fitting and rehearsal. Doors will open for guests at 6:40pm for seating. The Ceremony will start at 7:00pm SHARP. Guests who arrive after 7:00pm may need to wait in the foyer until instructed by the ushers for seating during a suitable time. A professional photographer will take photos during the ceremony. Guests are welcome to take their own photos after the ceremony. The event will be filmed by Encore Entertainment. This is a milestone event for our graduating students, and we look forward to celebrating with their families during this special time.

 Whole School Assembly & Celebration Day

The whole school assembly will run during periods 3 and 4,  Monday 19 October. Students can dress up in school-appropriate fancy dress attire, if they like. Students are not to wear items that obscure the face, are offensive or carry fake weapons.

The Year 12 students will assemble in the gymnasium from 9:45am to 10:15am. A photobooth will be available for use. During the ceremony, students are to remain seated, listen respectfully and adhere to the usual protocols. Students will be provided with a lunch. The celebration will conclude at 2:00pm.

 VCAA Exams

The VCAA written exams will run Tuesday 27 October to Wednesday 18 November 2026.

Students have been provided with the following instructions:

• Arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the start of each exam.
• Check seating plan on Compass for details of seating/rows BEFORE each exam.
• Water bottles must have no labels and are clear.
• Pencil case must be totally clear.
• No white-out allowed in exams.
• Check Exam Navigator for details of what is allowed into each exam. Exam Navigator can be found on the VCAA website or by clicking this link: http://vcaa.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/2026-07/2026-VCEExamsNavigator.pdf
• Mobile phones, smart watches or any electronic device where information can be transmitted MUST NOT be taken into the exam room. They are to be left at home or in your bag during examinations.
• No hats, hoodies, scarves, jackets with pockets are to be worn in the exam room.

Performance and Languages oral examinations start on Monday 5 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. Students will be given individual times.

Year 12 VCE VM Interviews

The VCE VM students will be required to present their portfolios on Monday 12 October to Wednesday 14 October. Students will be allocated a 15-minute time slot to present in front of a panel. Students will need to bring their completed portfolio and notes to the interviews. Students are to wear neat business attire.

Year 11 & Year 12 Orientation Programs

Students will start their Units 1 or 3 coursework during the orientation block. Year 11 into Year 12 Orientation starts on Friday 13 November to Friday 27 November. Year 12 VCE VM orientation will be held from the 16 to 18 November. Year 10 into Year 11 Orientation starts Thursday 26 November to Thursday 3 December. Year 11 VCE VM orientation will be held from Thursday 26 to Friday 27 November. Year 1 VET orientation will be held on Tuesday 17 November during the orientation program.

Year 11 VCE VM Work Placement Block

A work placement block will run from the Wednesday 4 November to Friday 13 November for all Year 11 VCE VM students. If your child is in Year 11 VCE VM, please ensure they have secured a placement with their employer and a contact and all relevant paperwork has been completed.

Year 12 Formal

The Year 12 Formal is a beautiful celebration – the culmination of the students’ St Albans Secondary College journey. It will be held on Friday 20 November at Lakeside Banquet & Convention Centre, 65 Melton Hwy, Taylors Lakes VIC 3038. Tickets will be available for purchase at $95.00 from the front office next term. Formal dress attire is required for this alcohol-free event. Students are to arrive at 6.30pm, for a 7:00pm start. Finishing time at 10:30 pm.

Ms Marlene Cassar – Senior Sub School Leader

Thursday, 3 September marked SASC’s Money Mastery excursion. Twenty students were selected to embark on an eventful excursion that took place at the Ernst & Young office building in which they participated in numerous activities that taught them useful financial skills like budgeting and investments.

The experience was educational while showcasing the EY building as a place for future careers. Students participated in scenarios guiding a fictional graduate student who had just moved out of their parent’s home, working and communicating to each other about workplace laws and superannuation. These activities challenged students to think outside the box and work with peers to understand their rights in the workforce and how much they should be paid.

The group also learnt about important skills on spotting scammers and frauds who only want to waste your time through playing videos and testing students if they’d trust these financial ‘advisors’.

Overall, the excursion equipped students with newfound knowledge on how to manage money, investments and investigate more before taking financial advice. – Written by Viet Tran (10A)

Ms Zoe Tranter – English | EAL | VCE VM

Year 8 Maths Games Day

The Year 8 Maths Games Day was held on 26 August at the Penleigh & Essendon Grammar School.

Eight Year 8 students from St Albans Secondary College — Ryan Dang, Dorinna Malopito, Beni Munyaneza, Lily Nguyen, Jolie Pichpan, Phillip Quach, Amy Truong and Xavier Watson — were selected to represent the school, held in conjunction with the MAV.

The event brought together over 350 students from more than 40 schools across Victoria, providing students with an excellent opportunity to compete and collaborate with other schools.

The students were split into two teams of four and competed in a range of challenging team puzzles, problem-solving activities and probability games, earning points for the school throughout the day. Team One finished 22nd, while Team Two finished 47th.

The students were facilitated throughout the day by teachers Steven Vo and Wei Cai. It was a great opportunity for the students to challenge themselves, work collaboratively and apply their mathematical thinking in an engaging and competitive environment.

Mr Steven Vo – Maths

Year 10 Maths Games Day

On Wednesday 2 September a group of 8 students from Year 10 travelled to Trinity Grammar in Kew for the MAV games day.  There were 60 teams of 4 students from Melbourne and country Victoria schools.  One of our teams was the top performing government school on the day – an amazing achievement.

Comments from some students:

“Maths Games Day was a fun and memorable experience that brought together a diverse group of students from many different schools. It was highly engaging to get the hang of the various activities and learn how to strategize under pressure”. – Hanna Tran (Yr 10)

“Maths Games Day was an enjoyable and educational experience, where we got to see the application of maths in many different contexts. It was great being able to connect with likeminded people whilst doing so in a friendly competitive environment”. – Erica Shaw (Yr 10)

Ms Justine Johnston – Maths

Year 11 Business Management Excursion

On Thursday 6 August, our Year 11 Business Management students took their learning beyond the classroom as they explored marketing strategies in action during their Marketing a Business excursion in Melbourne CBD.

As part of their Unit 2 studies, students have been learning how businesses and brands use marketing strategies to attract their target market and achieve their objectives. The excursion provided an opportunity to see these concepts applied in real-world business environments across the city.

Many students made thoughtful observations and captured examples of marketing strategies throughout the day. Their photos and reflections provide a great snapshot of the marketing techniques they identified in the real world.

Student Reflections:

“I realised that marketing is not just advertising and promotion. The whole customer experience and interaction with the brand can help build a competitive advantage in marketing.” – Lynda Ho 11C

“What surprised me most is that small things such as posters and displays contributed into attracting potential customers. These items may seem small but can pique interest of large groups of people.” – Isabella Tran 11G

“What surprised me most is the importance and the influence of marketing can have in real businesses as many of them have great goods or services, but has poor and limited marketing strategies which really make a big difference in their success.” – Charmel Beltran 11A

Ms Riley Zhu – Acting LAL Commerce | Business Management | Commerce

Year 7 Boys and Girls Volleyball

Both teams put on an absolute fight, showing incredible determination, teamwork, and skill to come out on top and take out the division championship!

Their hard work and sportsmanship on the court paid off, and both teams have officially booked their spot at the Western Metropolitan Regionals! 🏆🎉

We are super proud of how you represented the school today. Best of luck as you prepare for the next round, let’s keep the momentum going! 💪✨

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

Girls Interschool Basketball

The Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 Girls’ interschool basketball teams recently played at the Altona Sports Centre for an action-packed round robin tournament. Prior to the day every Monday lunchtime, the girls dedicated their free time to training sessions at school. They practiced shotting, dribbling and ball handling skills and worked on their defensive plays under the supervision of Miss Decker, Miss Nhill and Miss Hocking.

On the day the energy was high when both teams stepped onto the court to face some tough competition.

• Year 7 and 8: played against Southern Cross Grammar and Victoria University. The girls moved the ball with precision and showed great composure on the court.
• The Year 9 and 10: played against Gilson College and Southern Cross Grammar, delivering good transitions and defensive pressure.

Every player competed with determination while maintaining the highest level of sportsmanship. They cheered for each other, respected the referees, and shook hands with their opponents.

Congratulations to all the players for their outstanding effort, skill and team spirit. You have made our school community proud.

Ms Meaghan Hocking – Physical Education

Interschool Sport – Keilor Division Basketball (Junior & Intermediate Boys)

A fantastic day was had at the Interschool Sport Keilor Division Basketball Finals on Friday 28th August.

Congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 8 teams who competed strongly throughout the day. While they were unable to progress further, their effort, teamwork and sportsmanship were commendable.

A huge congratulations to our Intermediate team, who went undefeated, winning every match and finals to claim the Keilor Division title.  The intermediate team will now progress to the Western Division Finals. An outstanding achievement – well done to all players and coaches.

Simon Lynch – Physical Education

Throughout the year, the VHAP program has provided selected students across Year 7 and 8 with opportunities to challenge themselves, explore new ideas and develop their skills beyond the regular classroom. Students in the program in the first semester attended a VHAP masterclass as a celebration of their achievements, and a chance to meet and collaborate with students from the other schools in the hub.

The students worked on programs that built on topics that they had explored. Some of the highlights for the students included a chance to meet new students from other schools, and of course the pizza lunch. The current round of students in semester 2 programs have the December Masterclass to look forward to.

Mr Gerard Uhl – High Ability Practice Leader | Art

Year 9 Advance Dives into Marine Exploration at SEA LIFE Melbourne

Recently, the Year 9 Advance class embarked on an exciting educational excursion to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. The day was packed with marine discoveries, hands-on learning, and a dash of friendly competition.

A Guided Underwater Journey

Our students participated in a comprehensive two-hour guided session led by passionate aquarium educators. The program gave students a chance to deepen their understanding of marine biology, focusing on how various species adapt to their environments and the critical importance of conservation.

The educators encouraged students to think critically about human impacts on marine ecosystems and explore everyday actions we can take to help conserve these precious habitats.

The Goosechase Scavenger Hunt

To add an interactive challenge to the day, students participated in a scavenger hunt using the Goosechase app. Teams raced through the aquarium’s immersive zones, competing to see who could be the first to spot all the listed animals. The energy was high as students worked together, scanning the tanks to check off their lists.

As seen in the final results, the competition was fierce, but a few teams truly stood out with their observational skills:

A massive congratulations to team Dimsum for taking out the top spot with a commanding lead!

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

Massive congratulations to our 2025 Year 9 Advance class on officially completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award! 🏆👏

Over the course of the year, these students pushed themselves out of their comfort zones, committing to new physical activities, developing practical skills, volunteering in the community, and taking on challenging outdoor adventurous journeys.

Completing this award takes genuine resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Seeing each student step up, support one another, and persevere through every stage of the framework has been incredibly inspiring.

We are so proud of your dedication and everything you’ve achieved along the way. Be sure to celebrate this fantastic milestone, you’ve earned it! 🎉

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

Year 9 Advance: Action and Camaraderie at Strathbogie Camp!

From Wednesday, August 12 to Friday August 14, our Year 9 Advance students headed out to the Strathbogie Ranges for an action-packed three-day camp.

The Advance program is designed to build teamwork, independence, and strong peer connections. Rather than a traditional wilderness hike, this year’s camp offered a fantastic mix of group living, sportsmanship, and high-energy excursions.

Camp Highlights:

• Culinary Teamwork: Students took charge of their own dining by cooking together in groups. It was great to see them collaborating, developing practical life skills, and successfully preparing and sharing meals as a team.
• Courts, Recreation, and E-Sports: There was rarely a quiet moment during our downtime! The camp’s recreational room was a constant hub of friendly competition with pool, table tennis, and an epic Super Smash Bros e-sports tournament on the Nintendo Switch. Outside, the students made excellent use of the facilities, running some great volleyball and basketball games on the courts.
• Fun Planet Excursion: A major highlight of the trip was our visit to Fun Planet. The cohort brought incredible energy as they tackled the rock climbing walls, battled it out in the laser tag arena, hit the bowling lanes, and finished up with a lot of laughs on the dodgem cars.

I am incredibly proud of the camaraderie and positive attitude the Year 9 Advance class showed throughout the three days. They fully engaged in every activity and represented the college beautifully.

A big thank you to the staff Maxine Nguyen and Ali Yamin who attended and helped make this camp such a memorable and successful experience for our students!

See student reports below.

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

We had 14 students involved in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. 13 students were involved in the mass dance cast and Alex G. from Year 7 has been running audio tech set-up, performance, and take-down.

Students did an absolutely amazing job! We are so proud of their hard work, long rehearsal days, and positive attitudes.

“The final two weeks before the big show at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS) on 29 August were super busy with heaps of rehearsals. It was so cool  watching the stage get built hour by hour inside John Cain Arena, starting with the huge floor and all the heavy metal frames hanging from the roof. As the stage got finished, practice got way faster and more exciting.

The 80-piece student orchestra and the massive 1,000-voice mass choir practiced for hours to match the live music with the awesome routines of the mass dance cast. The whole stadium felt alive when we practiced big song anthems like Proud Mary, The Greatest Show and This Is Me.

The songs sounded even better when the specialty acts took to the air, with acrobatics and crazy flips right above the main stage. There was also an amazing First Nations Ensemble that did beautiful Aboriginal song and dance routines, plus a really cool signing choir from the Victorian College for the Deaf who performed Auslan on stage using new lighting cue technology.

Seeing how this whole massive show cames together shows how awesome it is to be involved in the production. It was so cool to do it this year as part of the backstage crew, and if you don’t want to do backstage like me, you can do things like mass dance or mass choir. Being in this huge arena layout gives everyone a great chance to learn new things, make heaps of new friends, and see what it feels like to be in a real professional event.

Everyone works really hard for months during rehearsals, but it is totally worth it when you finally get to be part of the big show day in front of massive sold-out crowds. If you would like to apply next year, you just need to talk to Miss Seely at the start of next year to get everything sorted out”. – Alex Gaffiero Yr 7 

Ms Lela Seely – English | VM Literacy

On Tuesday, August 18 the Interact Club hosted a trivia event in Nindethana to raise money for the Trinh Foundation, which is an organisation that is dedicated to supporting Vietnamese people and families. Not only did the trivia raise money for the foundation; it also helped students engage and connect with each other and form a sense of unity and belonging under the thrill of competition.

The process of answering questions was simple. Students in groups were to discuss and write their answers on a slip of paper under a time limit and then raise up their papers for Interact Members to come around and check their answers and call out group numbers to whoever got it correct and tally up points across the 13 questions.

As the event concluded, it was down to two groups to take the trivia crown. It was decided by a final tiebreaker question planned beforehand. To anyone’s surprise, both groups answered correctly.

We would also like to thank the following:

• Interact Club Executive Team
• The group of Interact Club students running the stalls
• Kaitlyn of 12A

Overall, the Interact Club’s lunchtime event was undoubtedly successful, sales profiting at $96 from all the items that were sold. All profits were donated to the Trinh Foundation.

Article by: William Nguyen – Year 7

Ms Zoe Tranter – English | EAL | VCE VM

Our Year 9 Visual Communication Design students attended Brimbank Tech School a couple of weeks ago to learn more about the digital design process and digital modelling. Students had a great day, and each took home a 3D print of a design they made.

Ms Della Butler – Visual Art and Communication Design Teacher

It was with great pleasure, on Thursday 20 August, that we welcomed vice-principal Mr Murasawa, Ms Takayanagi, Ms Hara and 15 students from Toyohashi Minami Senior High School (TMSHS) in Japan to St Albans Secondary College for a 6-day homestay exchange program.

Whilst at St Albans, the TMSHS students attended an art workshop where they learned about our indigenous Australian culture and art, and a footy clinic where the Japanese students learned a little bit about Australian football and its rules and skills. We saw some great handball, kicking and marking skills there! They also teamed up with their host students and attended a variety of classes.

The Japanese students also loved the hands-on experience and educational display during the reptile show incursion and an excursion to Healesville Sanctuary Zoo where they got to see iconic Australian animals such as emus, kangaroos and koalas. The most rewarding part of the program, however, was to see the friendships that formed between the students and their host students and families. The TMSHS group left the college Tuesday afternoon (25 August) and many tears were shed at the farewell ceremony.

Even though it was our first time hosting a group of students from Japan, the program went quite smoothly and we were able to achieve a huge success. This would not be possible without the support of the school community. I would like to thank the host families who volunteered to host our special guests and helped make this exchange a memorable experience for the students.

I also wish to thank St Albans staff for welcoming the students into their classes and assisting with the welcome and farewell ceremonies. Thank you also to all staff who assisted with aspects of the organisation and planning. A special thank you goes to:

Ms Tran, Ms Shepherd, Mr Fan, Mr Orchard, Mr Cooper, Mr Moore, Ms McKenzie, Mr. Lynch, Ms Segura, Mr Jennings, our extras team, IT department staff and administration staff for their support.

In 2027 it is anticipated that a group of St Albans students will travel to Japan and homestay in Toyohashi. Any students from Years 8, 9 and 10 (as at 2026) keen to visit Toyohashi Minami Senior High School and experience the wonders of Japan, including a trip to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo, are encouraged to apply for the study tour. More information and an application form will be available in Term 4.

Mr Jun Hayashi – LOTE – Japanese | Sister School Program Leader

This term, our school Speech Pathologist has been running a DIY Communication Cards group every Friday at lunchtime. Students have been encouraged to get creative by designing, personalising, and making their own communication cards.

Communication cards are a practical tool that can support students to self-advocate when they are unable to find the right words or when verbal communication is difficult, such as when they are feeling overwhelmed or dysregulated.

Communication cards can take many forms. They may include written words, pictures, symbols, or a combination of these. Students were encouraged to think about situations where they may need extra support and create cards using language that feels meaningful to them. For example, they might create cards to ask for a break, let someone know they are not feeling well, or request help from a teacher.

Personalising communication cards makes them more meaningful and useful to our students. They are able to relate to them and feel empowered and motivated to use them. In inclusion we value all types of communication.

Take a look at some of the fantastic communication cards our students have

created. We love seeing their creativity and personalities shine through in each unique design!

Alessandra Olivia – Speech Pathologist

Anime Club has had an amazing time since our first club meeting!

In the past month we did activities such as a watch along to Witch Hat Atelier, followed by trivia and games the week after!

We are excited to announce that we have many more exciting activities coming up so please look forward to them! This includes another watch along, pin making and even a special event called Pokémon Shiny Hunting!

A huge thank you to everyone who has come along and taken part The team is so grateful to everyone who made the sessions such a fun and welcoming experience! We can’t wait to see you at these upcoming events (: – Written by Nyah Tao 9C, Great Minds Action Team (Anime Club Vice President)

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

On Tuesday, 18 August, the school community gathered for a fantastic display of linguistic talent and House spirit during the annual House Spelling Bee. Students stepped up to the microphone under pressure, navigating complex vocabulary and tricky phonetics to secure valuable points for Buttrose, Freeman, Irwin, and Rosewall.

A massive congratulations is in order for all our participants who dedicated their time and courage to represent their Houses. Standing on stage and spelling under a time limit is no small feat, and every student demonstrated outstanding resilience and academic excellence.

2026 Spelling Bee Champions

The competition was fierce across all age groups, but three students truly distinguished themselves with their flawless spelling under pressure. We are thrilled to announce this year’s equal overall winners:

• Hao Ngo (12E) – Rosewall
• Yenthy Le (12D) – Irwin
• Kevin Lam (10C) – Buttrose

Acknowledging Our House Representatives

The success of the House program relies entirely on the enthusiasm of students who get involved. We want to formally recognise every student who competed in the Junior, Middle, and Senior divisions.

Buttrose

• Junior: Kate Trang (8B), Bas Mina Aryobi (7B)
• Middle: Kevin Lam (10C), Roopkamal Sra (10F)
• Senior: Andy Nguyen (12E), Vaiolupe Mavae (12)

Freeman

• Junior: Allan Nguyen (8M), Isse Mohamed
• Middle: Kim Nguyen (10A)
• Senior: Daniel Nguyen (12E), Richard Vo (12G)

Irwin

• Middle: Yenvy Le (10G), An Luu (9H)
• Senior: Yenthy Le (12D), Rianne Romero (12F)

Rosewall

• Junior: Chelsea Dang (8C)
• Middle: Erica Shaw (10C), Noah Mai (10C)
• Senior: Hao Ngo (12E)

These events continue to showcase the bright, capable, and supportive student body we have at St Albans. Thank you to Tessa Gould who organised staff who came to watch, the students who assisted in judging and those who came out to cheer on their peers.

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

Annual Privacy Reminder for our School Community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages:

• Amharic
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Dari
• Gujarati
• Mandarin
• Somali
• Sudanese
• Turkish
• Urdu
• Vietnamese