This time of 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—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. Twenty emerging Year 11 female student leaders participated in the program and 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 20 August, Year 12 students participated in a Motivational Lunch, which featured keynote speaker and former student Stephanie Stavropoulos. Stephanie shared her journey from St Albans Secondary College to her successful career in Human Resources. Her presentation was both engaging and inspiring, leaving students encouraged to embrace challenges and were reminded to “to use fear as a driving force to propel you forward rather than as an obstacle to hold you back”. We sincerely thank Stephanie 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 the students that anything can be achieved through goal setting, hard work and perseverance.
VCE VM
The VCE VM students have had a busy and productive term. They actively supported Are You OK? Day, Wear It Purple Day and a local non-for-profit animal shelter by hosting a barbecue, baking cupcakes, and creating message boards to raise money, and promote awareness and inclusion.
Students also participated in Real Talk roundtable discussions, where volunteers from a variety of non-for-profit organisations and businesses shared insights into career pathways and provided an opportunity for students to ask questions in an open and supportive setting.
The Year 11 VCE VM students enhanced their learning through a real-world experience at the Yakult factory, where they gained valuable insights into large-scale business operations, workplace procedures, and occupational health and safety practices. The excursion concluded with a team-building session at O’Brien Icehouse, which encouraged collaboration and strengthened peer connections.
Last Day of Classes
The last day of classes for Year 12 students is Friday 17 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 will be Friday 31 October 2025.
Units 3/4 September Exams
These exams will be held during the second week of the school holidays from Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October 2025. 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. Please note that contractors will be on site and student have been asked to follow all safety controls while on school grounds. 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/DFMVS by Friday 19th of September 2025 (last day of term). A further release of one ticket per student for $20.00 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 on Monday 20 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 28 October to Wednesday 19 November 2025.
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: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025VCEExamsNavigator.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 6 October to Sunday 2 November 2025. Students will be given individual times.
Year 12 VCE VM Interviews
The VCE VM students will be required to present their portfolios on Monday 13 October to Wednesday 15 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 Thursday 13 November to Thursday 27 November. Year 12 VCE VM orientation will be held from 17 to 19 November. Year 10 into Year 11 Orientation starts Thursday 27 November to Thursday 4 December. Year 11 VCE VM orientation will be held from Thursday 27 to Friday 28 November. Year 1 VET orientation will be held on Tuesday 18 November during the orientation program.
Year 11 VCE VM Work Placement Block
A work placement block will run from the Wednesday 5 November to Friday 14 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 contract, 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 21 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 11:00 pm.
Ms Marlene Cassar – Senior Sub School Leader