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