Alba Newsletter – October 2026

A Note from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

At St Albans Secondary College we value the diversity of culture, ethnicity, and faith of all our students. We are proud of our diversity, and everyone is welcome at our school.

There have at times been racist incidents that have not supported these values. This has included the use of racist language, slurs and putdowns. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our school. We always take immediate action as part of our commitment to make our school a safe and inclusive place for everyone.

Celebrating the diversity of our community makes us stronger, kinder and innovative. We are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel accepted, supported and are empowered to learn.

St Albans Secondary College has taken, and will continue to take, steps to ensure the school is a place free of racism and where everyone feels connected, respected and protected.

You can read about the school’s effort to prevent and respond to racism on our website here .

To achieve our values and aims, everyone at St Albans Secondary College plays an important role, and we are writing to ask for your support.

We ask that you support your child/ren to:

• – understand that we celebrate diversity and multicultural inclusion
• – understand the importance of everyone at school being treated with respect
• – understand that SASC takes racism very seriously
• – understand that the school will support students if they experience or see their classmates experience racism

Your partnership in reinforcing these values at home will significantly help create a more respectful and inclusive environment at school. For more information, please see the Raising Children Network and their work on “Talking to Kids about Racism“.

If you or your child/ren have experienced racism or other unfair treatment, SASC is here to help. Talk to your child’s Year Level Coordinator in the first instance. They can help you understand the school policies, access support and make a complaint.

If you don’t feel comfortable reporting the incident to the school, you can call or email the Report Racism hotline. The Department of Education runs the Report Racism hotline. It is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) on 1800 722 476 or via email at report.racism@education.vic.gov.au.

If you need an interpreter to call the school, please use the details available at: Guide for Families: How to Use an Interpreter to Contact your School.

Thank you for your help and support.

Facilities Update

We have been given the go-ahead to proceed with our long-awaited upgrade of the Wellbeing Office. This will involve the construction of 2 new classrooms in the F-Wing, and some changes to the main staff room.

The main change will be the conversion of 2 D-wing classrooms into a larger and better fit for purpose Wellbeing Centre.

Works should commence in the next 2 or 3 weeks and be completed by the end of Term 1 2027. During construction there will be noise and some inconvenience, so we appreciate everyone’s support as we work through this.

SSV Track and Field State Championships

Congratulations to Brandon Cvetanoski, Hakeem Bala, Hung Do and Lawson Vo who won the Gold Medal in the 4 x 100m Under 17 Relay with a time of 45.46 sec. This is the first time in many years that a team representing the school have won a state title.

Well done to the boys and the staff who supported them. What a fantastic effort!!

 

Whole School Assembly

It was wonderful to celebrate our Year 12 cohort and wish them well as a whole school community on their final day at St Albans Secondary College.

Our Whole School Assemblies are an important part of the school calendar, bringing students and staff together to celebrate achievements, recognise contributions, and strengthen our sense of community. This assembly provided an opportunity to farewell our Year 12 students, celebrate individual student achievements, announce the House Cup winner, and enjoy performances from several of our talented student bands.

 

The assembly included a number of important traditions, including a Welcome to Country delivered by Wurundjeri Elder Unclu Colin Hunter Jrn Jrn and the formal handover to our incoming student leaders. Both outgoing School Captains, Stephanie Truong and Josephine Mai, and incoming School Captains, Nazrawit Costantinos and Ezekiel Ong, addressed the school community. It was clear from their reflections that they share a strong commitment to our College values and a genuine desire to make a positive contribution to our school community.

We also extend our congratulations to all students who were recognised or received awards at the assembly (detailed below). Their efforts and achievements are a testament to the talent, commitment and determination of our students.

The farewell of the Year 12 cohort is always a significant milestone. As they conclude their secondary schooling and prepare for their final examinations and future pathways, we thank them for their contribution to our College and wish them every success in the opportunities that lie ahead.

A special congratulations to our graduating students and thank you to the staff and students whose efforts made the assembly such a memorable occasion.

Finally, thank you to our Facilities and Music teams, whose work behind the scenes ensured the smooth running of the event. Their efforts, together with those of many staff and students, helped make the occasion such a memorable one for our Year 12 students and their families.

Assembly Awards

Award	Student Recipient	Home Group
Roger Martin Science Award	An NGUYEN	10E
Dr Jozica Kutin Psychology Award	Charmel BELTRAN	11A
Helen Papadimitriou English Award	Kevin LAM	10C
Joseph and Clare Sheen Community Award	Nyah TAO & Tina NGUYEN	9C 11E
Yr 10 ADF Long Tan Award	Hanna TRAN	10B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic Scholarship Awards

2027 Year 9 Academic Scholarship Recipients	2027 Year 11 Academic Scholarship Recipients
Chelsea DANG (8C)	Anh LE (10D)
Jenny DUONG (8C)	Phuoc LE (10C)
Ethan LAI (8C)	Trang NGO (10C)
Chantelle NGO (8C)	Vivian NGUYEN (10D)
Allan NGUYEN (8M)	Anh Bui PHAN (10A)
Ivan NGUYEN (8C)	Erica SHAW (10C)
Lucinda VO (8C)	Gemma TRAN (10C)
	Hanna TRAN (10B)

Details regarding the Year 12 awards are available on the Senior Sub-School Report page.

Fashion Awards Australia and Australian Gown of the Year Schools’ Competition

Congratulations to all students and staff involved in the recent Fashion Awards Australia and Australian Gown of the Year Schools’ Competition.

As part of our Whole School Assembly, students showcased their garments and designs in a fashion parade, providing the school community with an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, innovation and technical skill of our young designers. The parade highlighted the outstanding work produced by our students and recognised the significant effort involved in bringing each design to life.

Once again, the event was a tremendous success for St Albans Secondary College, with the College being awarded the John Carringbold Cup as the top design school. This marks an extraordinary ninth consecutive win, highlighting the sustained excellence, creativity and dedication of our students and staff.

The competition provides students with an opportunity to apply and demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed through their design studies while showcasing their creativity to industry professionals and the wider community.

We congratulate all students who entered garments in the competition and thank the staff who supported them throughout the design and production process. Their dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence continue to strengthen the reputation of St Albans Secondary College as a leader in design and creativity.

Winning the John Carringbold Cup for a ninth consecutive year is a remarkable achievement and reflects the outstanding quality of work produced by our students and the expertise and commitment of our teaching staff. Well done to everyone involved.

Student Recognition Prize

The student recognition Prize is awarded at the end of each year to a student from each Sub School who exemplifies the school values of Respect, Integrity, Leadership and Excellence; this includes having over 90% attendance, always behaving respectfully to other students and staff and in accordance with expectations including always being punctual.  The students who were drawn from the pool of those eligible for each Sub School are:

• Junior Sub School – Le Thien Kim NGUYEN (8F)
• Middle Sub school – Jayden TRUONG (10C)
• Senior Sub School – Steven LY (12D)

These students each received an iPad as a prize. Well done to all the students who were in the draw for the Student Recognition Prize.

 

The Crocker House Cup

One of the highlights of the assembly was the presentation of the Ian Crocker House Cup, awarded annually to the House that has demonstrated outstanding achievement and participation throughout the year.

Congratulations to Rosewall House, the 2026 winner of the Ian Crocker House Cup. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of students who have embraced opportunities across academic, sporting, cultural and community activities throughout the year.

We were pleased to welcome Mr Ian Crocker, former Assistant Principal and the namesake of the award, who presented the Cup to the winning House. We thank Mr Crocker for attending the assembly and for his ongoing connection to St Albans Secondary College.

 2026 Ian Crocker House Cup Winner: Rosewall House

Class of 2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. As you prepare for your final examinations, interviews and post-school pathways, we wish you every success in the opportunities that lie ahead.

Throughout your time at St Albans Secondary College, you have contributed to our community in many different ways and have helped shape the College we are today. We are proud of your achievements and the resilience, growth and determination you have shown during your secondary school journey.

While your time as students may be coming to an end, you will always remain part of the St Albans Secondary College community. We look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments and hope to welcome many of you back in the years ahead through our alumni program.

On behalf of the entire College community, congratulations and best wishes for the future.

Big Day In

It was a pleasure to welcome Year 6 students from our feeder primary schools to St Albans Secondary College for our annual Big Day In.

The Big Day In is an important part of our transition program, providing future Year 7 students with an opportunity to experience life at the College, meet staff and peers, and learn more about our values and supports. The day is designed to help students feel connected, confident and supported as they prepare for their move to secondary school.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of activities within their 2027 House groups. These activities encouraged teamwork, helped students form new friendships, and provided opportunities to begin building connections with their future school community. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and positive participation shown by students across the day.

We look forward to welcoming these students back next year as members of the St Albans Secondary College community.

A special thank you to our Wellbeing and Transition teams for their planning and organisation. Their work ensures our incoming students have a positive and successful start to their secondary school journey.

Exams

The upcoming exam period is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and reflect on the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the year. Year 11 exams will commence on 4 November, with Year 9 and 10 exams beginning on 18 November.

Attendance at all exams is compulsory. If a student is absent due to illness, a medical certificate must be provided.

To ensure a fair and productive examination environment, students are expected to follow all exam requirements, including arriving on time, bringing the required materials, and following staff instructions throughout the examination period. Detailed information regarding exam expectations has been communicated to students through assemblies and will also be available on Compass.

Families can play an important role in supporting students during this time. Encouraging a consistent study routine, providing a quiet space for revision, ensuring students maintain healthy sleep habits, and promoting a balanced approach to exam preparation can all contribute to student success.

We wish all students the very best as they prepare for and complete their examinations.

Year 12 Graduation and Awards Evening

The College was delighted to host our annual Graduation and Awards Ceremony for the Class of 2026 on Friday 16 October, held at Flemington Racecourse. The night was filled with inspiring speeches, music from our students and staff, the celebration of awards and a fabulous video montage created by our senior leaders.

Our guest speaker and former student, Mursal Rezai shared her inspiring journey from arriving in Australia as a refugee in 2018 to graduating from the College in 2021. Now in her final year of a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business, majoring in Finance, at Swinburne University of Technology, her story is a powerful testament to resilience, determination and the importance of taking every opportunity that comes your way. During her time at university, she has been the recipient of many prestigious leadership awards and is currently working as a Legal Assistant at Victoria Legal Aid in its Summary Crime team.

A special congratulations to our major award recipients:

• The Joseph and Clare Sheen Award for Community Service –Josephine Mai (12D)
• The Long Tan Leadership Award – Mitchel Cauchi
• The Ampol All Rounder – Tina Le
• The VCE-VM Excellence Award – Lachlan Tran
• The VCE Excellence Award (Valedictorian) –Stephanie Truong. 

Many of senior students and in particular our VET music students provided entertainment in the evening. We thank them and our music staff for their work in preparing for this special occasion and for their wonderful performances.

We congratulate all VCE and VCE-VM students of the Class of 2026 on their outstanding accomplishments. We wish them every success in their future pathways. To those students undertaking exams over the coming weeks, we know you will give your best effort and continue to make us proud.

A heartfelt thank you to the Senior Sub School Team for their exceptional organisation of this event, and to all staff who volunteered their time to support our students on this memorable occasion.

 

 

 

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, 29 October 2026

08:55AM – 03:10PM Year 8E & 8I Strathbogie Camp
08:15AM – 03:30PM 2026 African Australian Student Conference Invitation
09:00AM – 01:30PM The Brimbank Young Researchers Program (Session 3)
11:50AM – 12:40PM Emotional Regulation Skills Group
02:20PM – 03:10PM First Nations Connection Space

Friday, 30 October 2026

All Day – Yr 11 Last Day of Classes
08:00AM – 04:30PM Yr 9 CHES Coding Challenge
08:10AM – 03:50PM Yr 8 STEM Edge
08:55AM – 03:10PM Year 8E & 8I Strathbogie Camp
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yrs 7, 8 & 9 Be Bold, Be Heard

Monday, 2 November 2026

All Day – Curriculum Day (Student Free Day)

Tuesday, 3 November 2026

All Day – Public Holiday – Melbourne Cup (Student Free Day)

Wednesday, 4 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 Exams Start
All Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Work Placement
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club
01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 SASC Hub

Thursday, 5 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Work Placement
08:15AM – 03:00PM WMR Yr 7 Girls Volleyball
08:15AM – 03:10PM WMR Yr 7 Girls Softball
08:15AM – 03:10PM WMR Yr 7 Boys Volleyball
08:30AM – 03:30PM Yr 8C Science Gallery

Friday, 6 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Work Placement
08:15AM – 03:00PM WMR Yr 8 Girls Softball
08:30AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 & 10 CHES Mathematical Thinking Activity Day

Monday, 9 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Work Placement
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 10 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Work Placement
09:45AM – 10:35AM Yr 7 & 8 African Youth Academy
11:50AM – 12:40PM Side Kick Mentoring Program

Wednesday, 11 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Work Placement
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8D Strathbogie Camp
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club
01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 SASC Hub

Thursday, 12 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 Exams Last Day
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8D Strathbogie Camp

Friday, 13 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Work Placement
All Day – Yr 11 into Yr 12 Orientation Begins
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8D Strathbogie Camp
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8 Brimbank Tech School
11:00AM – 11:50AM Emotional Regulation Skills Group

Monday, 16 November 2026

All Day – Yr 12 VCE VM Orientation
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 17 November 2026

All Day – Yr 10 Last Day of Classes
All Day – Yr 12 VCE VM Orientation
All Day – Year 1 VET Orientation
08:30AM – 03:30PM Yr 8F & 8J Science Gallery Excursion
09:45AM – 10:35AM Yr 7 & 8 African Youth Academy
11:50AM – 12:40PM Side Kick Mentoring Program
01:30PM – 02:20PM Emotional Regulation Skills Group

Wednesday, 18 November 2026

All Day – Yr 12 VCAA Exams Last Day
All Day – Yr 10 Exams Start
All Day – Yr 9 Sem 2 Exams Start (Core Subjects Only)
All Day – Yr 12 VCE VM Orientation
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8J Strathbogie Camp
12:40PM – 01:05 Times Table Training
01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 SASC Hub

Thursday, 19 November 2026

All Day – Teaching Staff PPD Day (Student Free Day)
All Day – Yr 9 Sem 2 Exams (Core Subjects Only)
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8J Strathbogie Camp

Friday, 20 November 2026

All Day – Yr 9 Sem 2 Exams (Core Subjects Only)
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8J Strathbogie Camp
06:30PM – 10:30PM Yr 12 Valedictory Dinner

Monday, 23 November 2026

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

Tuesday, 24 November 2026

09:45AM – 10:35AM Yr 7 & 8 African Youth Academy
11:50AM – 12:40PM Side Kick Mentoring Program
06:00PM – 07:45PM Grade 6 Welcome Evening

Wednesday, 25 November 2026

All Day – Yr 10 Exams Last Day
08:15AM – 03:10PM 2026 National Titration Off Competition
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club
01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 SASC Hub

Thursday, 26 November 2026

All Day – Yr 10 into Yr 11 Orientation Starts
All Day – Yr11 VCE VM Orientation
01:30PM – 02:20PM Emotional Regulation Skills Group
02:20PM – 03:10PM First Nations Connection Space

Friday, 27 November 2026

All Day – Yr 11 into Yr 12 Orientation Last Day
All Day – Yr 11 VCE VM Orientation

Monday, 30 November 2026

All Day – Report Writing Day (Student Free Day)

Tuesday, 1 December 2026

08:55AM – 09:45AM Emotional Regulation Skills Group
09:45AM – 10:35AM Yr 7 & Yr 8 African Youth Academy
11:50AM – 12:40PM Side Kick Mentoring Group

Wednesday, 2 December 2026

08:30AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 Advance Camp – Cumberland River Holiday Park
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times table Training Club
01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 SASC Hub

Thursday, 3 December 2026

All Day – Yr 10 into Yr 11 Orientation Last Day
08:30AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 Advance Camp – Cumberland River Holiday Park
11:00AM – 12:40PM Bioeyes Incursion (P3 & 4)
01:30PM – 03:10PM Bioeyes Incursion (P5 & 6)

Friday, 4 December 2026

All Day – Yr 10 Last Day (Dismissed 12:40PM)
08:30AM – 03:10PM Yr 9 Advance Camp Cumberland River Holiday Park
11:00AM – 12:40PM Yr 10 Assembly
06:30PM – 10:30PM Yr 10 Formal

Monday, 7 December 2026

08:30AM – 03:10PM Yr 7 & 8 VHAP Masterclass
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training

Tuesday, 8 December 2026

08:45AM – 03:10PM Grade 6 Orientation Day
09:45AM – 10:35AM Yr 7 & 8 African Youth Academy
11:50AM – 12:40PM Side Kick Mentoring Program

Wednesday, 9 December 2026

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8K Strathbogie Camp
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club
01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 SASC Hub

Thursday, 10 December 2026

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8K Strathbogie Camp
08:55AM – 09:45AM Emotional Regulation Skills Group

Friday, 11 December 2026

All Day – Yr 9 Last Day of Classes (3:10PM Dismissal)
08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 8K Strathbogie Camp
01:30 PM – 03:10PM Yr 9 Assembly

Monday, 14 December 2026

All Day – Yr 7 & 8 Activities
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club

Tuesday, 15 December 2026

08:55AM – 03:10PM Yr 7 & 8 Swimming Carnival

Wednesday, 16 December 2026

All Day – Yr 7 & 8 Activities
12:40PM – 01:05PM Times Table Training Club
01:30PM – 03:10PM Yr 11 SASC Hub

Thursday, 17 December 2026

All Day – Last Day Term 4 (2:30PM Dismissal)
All Day – Yr 7 & 8 Activities
08:55AM – 10:35AM Yr 7 Assembly
11:00AM – 12:40PM Yr 8 Assembly

Term 4 has started in typically productive fashion for our Junior School students.

The Year 8 cohort are heading off to Strathbogie for their camps. With the warmer weather there is an increased focus on outdoor activities such as swimming.  Archery also remains as a core activity.  The weather means increased animal activity, with many groups reporting sightings of koalas and echidnas, as well as the usual kangaroos.  Please ensure that permission and medical forms are returned promptly so that all camps can proceed as smoothly as possible.

Our Junior School students were active participants in the Whole School Assembly in week 3.  Audrey Shaw and Nolawi Nigatu spoke with confidence on the challenges faced at Year 7 and the inspiration they draw from the graduating Year 12 students.  Kim Nguyen won an iPad for her excellent attendance and also reflecting the school values.

Starting from week 3 and extending over the next few weeks there will be a number of transition events involving our Year 7 students for 2027.  Many of our Junior School students will be asked to help out at these events.  The transition events are extremely important and so we ask all students to be helpful and respectful when they see the current Grade 6 students on campus.  The early impressions of a school can be very important and we seek to ensure that all students start Year 7 with a positive mind set.

There are many important dates in Term 4, including several student-free days.  Please note 2 November is a Curriculum Day, 3 November is a Public Holiday and 19 November is a student-free day.  Please read Compass and emails for further announcements.

 

Mr Craig Moore – Junior Sub School Leader

As we welcome back our Middle School students and families for the final term of 2026, we look forward to another busy term of learning and activities as students prepare for the end of the school year.

In week 9 of term 3, our Year 9 students participated in the City Experience Program, a week dedicated to developing skills outside of the classroom. The program aligned with the Humanities curriculum and required students to complete a field research assignment. Students explored Melbourne through a range of activities, including visits to IMAX, Old Melbourne Gaol and Luna Park. The program provided students with the opportunity to learn more about Melbourne, build their independence and gain confidence navigating the city on foot and with public transport.

Over the school holidays, five Middle School students participated in the Italy Study Tour. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience a different culture, explore historical landmarks and further their learning outside of the classroom. We look forward to hearing about their experiences and the memories they have made.

As we begin term 4, we remind all Middle School students of the importance of maintaining strong attendance and continuing to be proactive in their learning. Year 9 and 10 students will be preparing for their end of semester exams, which begin in week 7. These assessments provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and growth throughout the semester and will be followed up by the final semester reports before they finish the year. We encourage all students to attend classes regularly, arrive on time and make the most of the remaining weeks of learning.

The Middle School would like to welcome everyone back to term 4 and encourage all students to finish the year strong. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and successes as we approach the end of another school year.

 

Mr Andrei Alexandrescu – Middle Sub School Assistant Leader

Term 4 has commenced with some significant milestones for our Year 12 students as they celebrate the end of their secondary school journey. It has been a busy and memorable few weeks, with the VCE VM interviews, Year 12 Awards Evening and Celebration Day providing opportunities to recognise our students’ achievements and reflect on their time at St Albans Secondary College.

VCE VM Interviews

On Monday 12, Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October 2026, our Year 12 VCE VM & VPC students participated in their portfolio interviews, showcasing their work and achievements across the VCE VM & VPC programs, VET studies and work placements. Students spoke confidently and professionally about the skills and experiences they had gained and shared their plans for 2027. The interviews were a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their personal growth and achievements, which were clearly reflected in their portfolios.

Congratulations to our Year 12 VCE VM & VPC students on their efforts and the way they represented themselves throughout the interviews. Thank you also to the staff who volunteered their time to participate on the interview panels.

Last Day of Classes and Year 12 Awards Evening

Our Year 12 students attended their final classes on Friday 16 October 2026 before being dismissed at 11:50am after uniform signing, to prepare for their Year 12 Awards Evening held at The Atrium, Flemington Racecourse.

Our 2026 Awards Evening was a joyous occasion, with students, families, distinguished guests, community members and staff coming together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.

Our keynote speaker was Ms Mursal Rezai, a proud alumna of St Albans Secondary College, who shared her remarkable journey since leaving the College. Originally from Afghanistan, Mursal grew up in Pakistan after her family fled the war, before arriving in Australia in 2018. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Finance) at Swinburne University of Technology. Since graduating, Mursal has received several prestigious awards, including the Western Chances Dream Big Award, Rotary Young Achiever Award and Swinburne Emerging Leader Award. Her speech was inspiring and heartfelt, encouraging students to believe in themselves, take opportunities and to step outside of their comfort zone. We sincerely thank Mursal for returning to the College and volunteering her time to address our school community.

We were also treated to musical performances from our talented music students. We would like to thank Mr James Orchard and Ms Melrose Tran for their time and effort in preparing the students and coordinating the performances.

Many students were recognised for their academic achievements, leadership and contributions to the school and wider community. Congratulations to all our award winners!

We also welcomed back a number of past students and staff who joined us for the Year 12 Awards Evening. It is always a pleasure to reconnect with our former colleagues and students, hear about their achievements and see the different pathways they have pursued since leaving the College. We are proud of their successes and appreciate their ongoing connection to the St Albans Secondary College community.

We would also like to sincerely thank Mr Jennings, the PCOs, all staff who assisted on the evening, and everyone who contributed to making our Year 12 Awards Evening such a success.

Year 12 Awards Evening Photographs and Recording

Professional photographs were taken throughout the Year 12 Awards Evening, capturing many special moments from the celebration.

Families wishing to purchase photographs can access the images through HM Photos. Please refer to the photography flyer below for further information on how to view and purchase images.

If families experience any difficulties accessing or purchasing photographs, please contact the College or HM Photos for assistance.

A link to the recording of the event will be shared on Compass as soon as it’s made available through Encore Technologies.

School Captains and Student Leadership Team

The Senior Sub School would like to sincerely thank our 2026 School Captains, Stephanie Truong and Josephine Mai and the Student Leadership Team, Mitchell Cauchi, Angelina Huynh, Tina Le, Tamara Penaia Te’o, Richard To and Lachlan Tran for their outstanding leadership and contributions throughout the year. Their enthusiasm, reliability and willingness to contribute have been greatly appreciated. It has been a pleasure working with them, and we thank them for the positive example they have set for their peers and the wider school community.

As we prepare for 2027, we welcome our new student leaders, College Captains Nazrawit Costantinos and Ezekiel Ong, along with the Student Leadership Team, Charmel Beltran, Thien Doan, Ishmeet Hehar and Rudolf Solis. Congratulations to these students. We look forward to working with you.

Whole School Assembly and Year 12 Celebration Day

On Monday 19 October 2026, our Year 12 students came together for the Whole School Assembly and their much-anticipated Celebration Day.

Students arrived in an impressive array of creative costumes, bringing plenty of excitement and enthusiasm to the occasion. They made a grand entrance at the Whole School Assembly, where they were farewelled by the College community, who came together to celebrate their achievements, reflect on their journey and wish them well for the future.

Following the assembly, students continued their celebrations, spending time with friends, capturing memories in the photo booth, revisiting their reflections from their first day of Year 7 and enjoying a pizza lunch together.

The Senior Sub School would like to congratulate our Year 12 students on their behaviour and cooperation throughout the end-of-year celebrations. We thank them for the positive way they represented themselves and the College and wish them every success with their upcoming examinations and future pathways.

 

Year 12 VCE Examinations

With the celebrations now behind us, our Year 12 VCE students are preparing for their final VCAA examinations, which start this Tuesday, 27 October.

We recognise the considerable effort students have put into their studies throughout the year and encourage them to remain focused, prepare thoroughly for their examinations and make the most of the support available to them in the final stretch.

We request that students check Compass or the pinboard outside the Senior Sub School, for their seat and row numbers for each exam, and that they familiarise themselves with the VCAA examination rules: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce/examination-rules

Students should also check the date and times of their exams through the VCAA Navigator: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/2026-07/2026-VCEExamsNavigator.pdf

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our incredible Year 12 teachers for their ongoing dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting our Year 12 students throughout the year.

We wish all students the very best with their examinations and look forward to celebrating their achievements when results are released in December.

Year 11 VCE VM – The Smith Family’s Work Inspiration Program

As part of The Smith Family’s Work Inspiration Program, 20 selected Year 11 VCE VM students spent two days, Wednesday 21 and Friday 23 October, exploring different industries and learning about career opportunities. Students visited Stack Data Centre, Melbourne Airport and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Head Office, where they had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and gain an insight into the day-to-day operations of these organisations.

Students also participated in small group discussions with experienced personnel, who shared their career journeys and answered questions about their roles.

We sincerely thank The Smith Family for providing our students with this valuable opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the world of work.

Year 11 VCE Examinations and Orientation

Our Year 11 VCE students are approaching the end of their Unit 2 studies and preparing for their upcoming examinations.

The Year 11 examination period will run from Wednesday 4 November to Thursday 12 November.

We encourage all students to establish a study timetable, complete revision activities and seek assistance from their teachers where required.

Following their examinations, students will participate in the Year 12 Orientation Program from Friday 13 November to Friday 27 November, providing them with an introduction to their Unit 3 and 4 studies and an opportunity to prepare for the academic year ahead.

We wish all Year 11 students the very best with their examinations and look forward to supporting them as they transition into Year 12.

Year 11 VCE VM – Work Placement and Orientation

Our Year 11 VCE VM students will also be preparing for their transition into Year 12 through their work placement and orientation programs.

Instead of completing exams, VCE VM students will complete work placement from Wednesday 4 October to Friday 13 October 2026. Students are expected to have organised their own work placement and returned their completed contract to the Careers team by the end of this week.

The Year 12 Orientation Program will start on Monday 16 November to Wednesday 18 November. Students completing Year 1 of their VET will have orientation on Tuesday 17 November. The VCE VM Orientation Program is aimed to provide students with an introduction to the Year 12 VCE VM curriculum, expectations and project opportunities for 2027.

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner

Our Year 12 students will have one final opportunity to celebrate together at the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner on Friday 20 November 2026, at the Luxor Function Centre in Sydenham. We remind students who have not yet purchased their tickets to do so as soon as possible.

The evening is a final opportunity for students to enjoy dinner, dancing and time with their friends and teachers as they celebrate the end of their secondary school journey.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the Class of 2026.

 

Ms Marlene Cassar – Senior Sub School Leader

14 Days. Five Incredible Cities. Thirteen Students. Three Teachers. Countless Unforgettable Memories!

In September, I had the pleasure of accompanying thirteen very excited students from St Albans Secondary College, assisted by Ms Janet McKenzie and Mr Nick D’Aglas, to travel to Italy on the SASC Italy Study Trip. What followed was an unforgettable adventure filled with history, art, culture, food, laughter, friendship – and, of course, plenty of gelato!

From the moment we arrived in Rome, it was clear that this was going to be a very special trip. After a long journey from Melbourne, the students were soon walking through the ancient streets of one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.

Rome – Walking Through History

Our Roman adventure began with the magnificent Colosseum and Roman Forum, where students were transported back almost 2,000 years as they explored the remains of the heart of Ancient Rome. We continued to Palatine Hill before discovering some of Rome’s famous landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Of course, there was also time to enjoy that essential Italian experience – a delicious gelato in the sunshine!

The following day brought one of the great highlights of the trip: the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s extraordinary ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and walking through the magnificent basilica gave students the opportunity to see the Renaissance and the history they had studied in the classroom come alive before their eyes.

Rome wasn’t just about the famous landmarks, however. We also spent time wandering through its quieter streets, discovering beautiful piazzas, fountains, churches and hidden corners. These were often the moments when students really began to feel what everyday life in Italy was like. Students had the opportunity to eat at a variety of restaurants where they ordered their, meals, asked questions and described their food all in Italian!

Naples and Pompeii – History, Culture and Pizza!

Our day trip to Naples and Pompeii was another memorable adventure. In Naples, students explored the historic centre, enjoyed the lively atmosphere of its piazzas and, most importantly, experienced authentic Neapolitan pizza!

We then travelled to Pompeii, where the past suddenly felt remarkably real. Walking along the ancient streets, past homes, temples and marketplaces, students gained a fascinating insight into everyday Roman life and the catastrophic eruption that buried the city.

Firenze – Renaissance Masterpieces Come Alive

Next stop was Florence, the spectacular home of the Renaissance. Walking through the historic centre, past the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and River Arno, students were surrounded by the very art and architecture they had been learning about in class.

The San Lorenzo Market was particularly exciting. Students had the chance again to practise their Italian with local vendors, browse the stalls and shop for souvenirs – putting their classroom language skills to genuine use in the real world.

A visit to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery was another highlight. Standing in front of masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci was an experience that simply cannot be replicated in a textbook.

And then came Pisa! Students had the obligatory photographs attempting to “hold up” the Leaning Tower, while also exploring the beautiful cathedral and baptistery surrounding it.

Venice – A City Like No Other

From Florence we travelled north to the magical city of Venice. There was something incredibly exciting about arriving at Santa Lucia station and suddenly finding ourselves surrounded by canals, bridges and boats instead of cars and buses.

Using our Vaporetto passes, students explored the city and its famous Rialto Bridge, discovering the extraordinary maze of canals and magnificent palaces along the way.

The following day we visited the spectacular Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica, learning about Venice’s fascinating political, religious and artistic history. Students then had the opportunity to explore further, including the Rialto Markets, while continuing to put their Italian skills into practice.

Milano- Finishing in Style!

Our final destination was Milan, Italy’s famous capital of fashion, design and cuisine. After another train journey, students explored the city before visiting the breathtaking Milan Duomo.

Standing beneath its enormous Gothic façade, surrounded by thousands of marble statues and soaring spires, was a fitting way to conclude our Italian adventure.

Students and teachers also had the amazing opportunity to attend the Giorgio Armani exhibition to celebrate Fashion week in Milan.

More Than Just a School Trip

While the incredible places we visited will undoubtedly remain in our memories, what made this trip truly special was the students themselves.

Over the course of our journey, students navigated airports and train stations, ordered food, communicated with locals, used Italian in authentic situations, learned to manage themselves in unfamiliar surroundings and, most importantly, supported one another.

There was plenty of laughter, plenty of walking, plenty of pasta and gelato, a few tired feet – and an enormous number of photographs!

But there was also a wonderful sense of independence, resilience, friendship and confidence that grew each day.

For our students, Italy was no longer simply a country they had studied in an Italian classroom. They had walked through Ancient Rome, stood beneath Michelangelo’s masterpieces, explored Pompeii, admired Renaissance art, tasted authentic Neapolitan pizza, travelled by Vaporetto through Venice and stood beneath the magnificent Duomo in Milan.

They had experienced the language and the Italian culture for themselves.

As we said arrivederci to Italy and boarded our flight home, we knew that we were leaving behind far more than a collection of famous landmarks. We were bringing home memories, friendships, stories and experiences that our students will hopefully treasure for many years to come.

A particular thanks to Signora McKenzie and Signor D’ Aglas for their assistance, enthusiasm and expertise.

Thanks Italy, for an unforgettable trip! – Grazie Italia, per un viaggio davvero indimenticabile!

 

Signora Piera Bentley – Italian Teacher

The Year 9 MAV Maths Games Day comes to St Albans!

The end of Term 3 saw over 150 Year 9 students from schools across the state coming to St Albans Secondary College for a fun-filled day of mathematical problem solving and competition!

This is the third year in a row that St Albans Secondary College has hosted the Year 9 MAV Maths Games Day, with the students participating in a variety of activities including Team Problem Solving, Head-to-Head Games, and even a Mathematical Relay race.

The competition was fierce, with teams battling it out right until the end. SASC did well to hold our own against strong competition from private and selective entry schools, with one of our teams finishing in the top 10!

We thank all of the schools for coming along to enjoy the fun, and thank the teachers, including our own Maxine Nguyen and Gloria Yi, for their support in making sure the day was a success.

Think you’ve got what it takes to represent St Albans next year? See below one of the problems from the day. (The solution is at the end of the article).

Three regular polygons; a triangle, a square, and a hexagon, all have the same perimeter.

Write the ratio of their side lengths in the form a:b:c in simplest form, with a, b, and c being the side lengths of the triangle, square, and hexagon respectively.

See you all next year where we’ll aim to take out the top prize!

 

Mr Joseph Vincent – Learning Specialist Numeracy | Maths

 

Solution: 4:3:2

Yr 10 Geography Fieldwork Trip to Torquay

Our Year 10 Geography students recently enjoyed an engaging fieldwork excursion to Torquay, where they explored the stunning coastline at Bells Beach, Jan Juc and Torquay Main Beach.

Students witnessed firsthand the impacts of coastal erosion and investigated the range of soft and hard engineering strategies being used to protect the coastline from erosion and rising sea levels. The excursion also provided an opportunity to examine indicators of wellbeing for coastal residents, including access to recreational facilities, natural environments and essential services, while considering how the region caters for the thousands of tourists who visit each year.

A highlight of the day was a visit to the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, where students discovered how chocolate is made, sampled some delicious creations and explored the positive contribution that food, tourism and enjoyable experiences can make to people’s wellbeing. The excursion was a fantastic opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with real-world geographical issues, while enjoying a memorable day along Victoria’s beautiful Surf Coast.

 

Mr David Logue – Humanities | History

Year 11 Health and Human Development students recently received a firsthand look into the world of healthcare when Chelsea Somerton, a Critical Care nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, dropped by to talk to the class.

Chelsea shared her personal journey through high school, her subsequent pathway into the nursing profession, and the profound life changes that come with navigating early parenthood.

From VCE Uncertainty to Critical Care

Chelsea connected with the students immediately by reflecting on her own VCE experience. She candidly shared that while she always enjoyed learning about health, she was unsure of which career path she wanted to pursue.

It was only after exploring different options that she discovered nursing. Her journey served as a reassuring reminder to our students that it is entirely normal not to have your whole life mapped out in Year 11. Chelsea eventually found herself as a critical care nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where she helps patients through their most critical moments.

Navigating the Challenges of Parenthood

Beyond professional insights, Chelsea gave the class a heartwarming look into her personal life by introducing them to her son, Tate. Speaking openly about becoming a first-time mother, she detailed the steep learning curve, responsibilities, and unexpected challenges and enjoyment that come with caring for a newborn. Chelsea discussed how she and her partner have had to adapt some of their daily routines and overall lifestyle to accommodate the realities of becoming parents.

An Engaging and Interactive Experience

Inspired by Chelsea’s honesty, the Year 11 students asked insightful questions, querying her on everything from her nursing career, pregnancy, labour/birth and the day-to-day realities of parenting. The classroom dynamic was further brightened by little Tate himself, and the students thoroughly enjoyed interacting with him. By linking textbook theories of health professions and lifestyle adjustments to Chelsea’s lived experiences, the visit left a lasting impression on the Year 11’s. We extend a huge thank you to Chelsea and Tate for spending time with our school community!

 

 

Ms Meaghan Hocking – Personal Health, Development and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Following their victory in the Keilor Division Interschool Basketball Finals in August, eleven Year 9 and 10 students travelled to the Altona Sports Centre on Friday 23 October to compete in the next stage of the Intermediate competition, the Western Metro Region Championships.

St Albans faced a challenging draw, coming up against both Maribyrnong Sports Academy and Western Heights College, teams featuring several state and national level players. Despite the tough opposition, the St Albans boys competed with determination, resilience and enthusiasm throughout the day. Led by the team’s spiritual leaders, Will Do and Aguer Lual, there were many moments of exceptional play and teamwork.

While the final results did not fully reflect their effort and competitiveness, the team demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and represented the College with pride. Their commitment, attitude, and support for one another were evident throughout the competition.

Congratulations to the following team members, who should be extremely proud of their achievements:

• Will Do
• Aguer Lual
• Ezekielle Cedeno
• Adoor Dhieu
• Nathan Duong
• Tien Hoang
• Soren Lopez
• Andy Luu
• Gurrick Rattu
• Harkeerat Singh
• Jimmy Truong
• Coach – Mr Simon Lynch

 

Mr Simon Lynch – Physical Education

 

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SASC INTER Girls Shine at Western Metropolitan Region Table Tennis Finals!

Congratulations to Manaal Waqar, Manha Waqar, Nyah Tao, Emily Cauchi and Kathlyn Phan, who proudly represented St Albans Secondary College at the Western Metropolitan Region Table Tennis Finals after defeating all their local schools to qualify.

The girls performed magnificently in the round-robin stage, defeating Maribyrnong Sports College (6–0), Footscray High School (6–0) and Western Heights (4–2). Winning an impressive 16 out of 18 matches, the girls finished on top of their group and progressed to the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals, the girls continued their outstanding form, defeating Suzanne Cory High School 4–2 to secure a place in the grand final!

Despite falling short against Bayside Secondary College in the final, the girls achieved a personal best result for the team, finishing runners-up in the Western Metropolitan Region!

A massive congratulations to all five girls for their fantastic teamwork, sportsmanship and determination throughout the competition. You have done SASC extremely proud! 🏓🏆

Mr Steven Vo and Mr Rob Lakovski – Coaches

 

Steven Vo – Maths

A Battle of Hearts and Minds

On Tuesday 15 December, St Albans Secondary College’s debating students went head-to-head in an entertaining and thought-provoking in-house debate on the topic: “That all eligible adults should be required to donate their organs after death.”

The topic was suggested by House Leader Captain Erica Shaw, who joined Susan Ma and Eleanore on the affirmative team. Taking the opposing view were Yenny, Travis and Helena, who put forward a number of carefully considered arguments against compulsory organ donation.

With such a challenging topic, there were no easy points to make. Both teams had to think carefully about the balance between individual choice, the needs of others and the ethical questions surrounding what happens after we die. The negative team in particular developed some thoughtful arguments and delivered them with confidence.

In the end, however, the affirmative team took the chocolates, winning over the audience with a combination of strong arguments and some very persuasive appeals to the heart.

Susan Ma was the standout performer of the day, delivering an articulate, passionate and exceptionally well-considered speech. Her ability to combine logical reasoning with genuine emotion made her a particularly compelling speaker.

Congratulations to all six students who took part, and thank you to everyone who came along to support the event. It was another great example of our students being willing to challenge ideas, think critically and put themselves out there.

 

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A Close Contest on Life’s Biggest Question

On Tuesday the 20 October, our Debating Program hosted a fantastic in-house debating event, with an excellent turnout of students eager to watch and participate in an evening of thoughtful discussion.

The debate tackled the philosophical topic, “That life has no inherent meaning,” challenging speakers to explore one of humanity’s biggest questions. A special thank you to Ms Burke, who joined the soirée and offered students some particularly poignant insights to consider, adding another layer of depth to an already engaging debate.

Representing the Affirmative team were Susan Ma, Lina Dhingra, and Mr Marinelli, while Phuoc Le, Dennis Ha, and Noah Mai argued passionately for the Negative. Both teams delivered well-constructed arguments, confident rebuttals, and impressive teamwork throughout the contest.

Our adjudicator, Allan Cheung, praised the quality of the debate, ultimately awarding the victory to the Affirmative by the narrowest of margins, just one point separating the two teams.

Congratulations to all of our speakers for an entertaining and thought-provoking evening, and thank you to everyone who came along to support our debaters. We look forward to seeing even more students get involved in future debating events.

 

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

Fashion Awards Australia is in its 30^th year. St Albans Secondary College became involved with the award almost 14 years ago, when we were the first school invited to parade at the Australian Gown of the Year. The parade was for professionals but through our former AP, Ms Meadowcroft, we attended an excursion to the judging of the Australian Gown of the Year.

Guy Barton, the organiser of the event, was delighted to meet our aspiring fashion students and invited them to take to the runway. Little did we know that the parade would be televised nationally and throughout Asia Minor. This resulted in an invitation to participate in a national school’s competition.

In 2012 we took our fashion students to their first ever Fashion Awards Australia competition. Our students took to the stage in some poorly assembled apparel and sadly received an encouragement award. Those awards reserved for those who really try but fall short of the end goal.

Since then, Mr Bowden and Mr D’Aglas have worked tirelessly to procure funding and establish St Albans Secondary College’s reputation as a fashion school. To date we have won 12 ‘Carringbold Cups’ for best school with 9 of those being consecutive titles, a new record for Fashion Awards Australia. Prior to this achievement, Ballarat Grammer had won 4 consecutive competitions. What makes us so successful?

Our success is due largely to the passion of our staff, students and program sponsors, who generously donate funds annually to enable our students to achieve their best.

We do have a secret weapon, the aesthetics that are developed through the blending of varied cultural groups within our school. When young student designers- Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese, First Nations, European and Sudanese- critique each other’s designs something truly unique and original emerges.

 

 

Mr Nicholas D’Aglas – LAL Arts | Art | Staff Development Leader

Meet our new MAC Director – Ms Lela Seely

We are thrilled to welcome Ms Lela Seely into the role of MAC Director at St Albans Secondary College.

Ms Seely joined SASC in 2024 as an English and VCE VM Literacy teacher, bringing a unique combination of educational experience, cultural knowledge and professional performance experience to our College.

Originally from a Canadian and Aotearoa New Zealand background, Ms Seely spent 3.5 years teaching in Ōtara, Auckland, before moving to Melbourne. She is also a professional dancer specialising in hip hop, heels and commercial dance, bringing a wealth of performance experience and a genuine understanding of the discipline, creativity and collaboration that sit behind great performing arts.

Since joining SASC, Ms Seely has already brought this passion for dance into the College, working with our Dance students and supporting our students involved in the Victorian State School Spectacular.

As MAC Director, Ms Seely is excited to bring her experience as an educator and professional dancer together, creating opportunities for our students to perform, create, collaborate and develop confidence through the performing arts.

We can’t wait to see the energy, creativity and new possibilities Ms Seely brings to MAC in 2027!

Meet our new MAC Producer – Ms Tania Segura

We are excited to welcome Ms Tania Segura into the role of MAC Producer at St Albans Secondary College.

Ms Segura is a passionate educator, creative practitioner and performing arts professional, bringing together almost three decades of experience in education with a lifelong commitment to dance, performance and the arts.

With a background in dance, choreography and performance, Ms Segura has been teaching dance in Melbourne for more than 20 years and is the co-founder and a lead instructor of a dance school specialising in Cuban dances.  Her work in dance has connected her with diverse communities and performers both locally and internationally.

As an educator, Ms Segura is passionate about creating inclusive and engaging opportunities for young people to discover their creativity, build confidence and find their voice. She is particularly excited about the possibilities MAC can offer our students as a space for collaboration, creativity, performance and connection.

In her new role as MAC Producer, Ms Segura is looking forward to working alongside Ms Seely, SASC staff and students to develop an exciting and diverse program of performing and creative arts opportunities throughout 2027.

We can’t wait to see the ideas, energy and creativity that Ms Segura brings to MAC as we begin an exciting new chapter for the school production at SASC!

 

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our dedicated CPR (Connect, Protect, Respect) Ambassadors who made a remarkable impact this year in our school. These inspiring students have been actively promoting the core values of our wellbeing initiative, embodying the spirit of connection, protection, and respect in their roles. They have highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive school environment, and the enthusiasm they bring to their roles is truly admirable. Their work during the mental health week lunchtime activities was incredible and helped to encourage more connection and engagement with the celebrations.

Our CPR Ambassadors have supported the big day in event for Grade 6 students that are attending SASC next year, they have presented at the Brimbank youth symposium day and to our principal team and helped with wellbeing initiatives for parents at the Term 3 parent teacher meetings. Our senior CPR ambassadors have spoken at assemblies about coping skills; some have provided mentoring to our junior CPR ambassadors and others have created translated mental health resources for our parent and student community.

 

We are also delighted to announce that our ambassadors have officially completed their training and certification process in teen mental health first aid which supports them to deliver continuous wellbeing support to their fellow students. Our ambassadors are looking forward to an end of year celebration and reflecting on how we can improve the CPR program for our school community next year.

A heartfelt thank you to all our CPR Ambassadors for your outstanding leadership and dedication. Your efforts are a powerful testament to the impact of leading with empathy, connection and respect. Keep up the fantastic work and we hope to see you joining in 2027!

Next year we will be continuing the CPR program and hope to include more student lead mental health initiatives within our school community. If you think you have the leadership qualities and passion to be a good CPR ambassador, please nominate yourself. Senior students currently in Years 9-11 need to hand in a nomination form by the end of this term and year 7-9 will be selected through their learning manager class elections in Term 1 2027.

For any students that think they may need wellbeing support, don’t hesitate to connect with these knowledgeable and inspiring Ambassadors. It is wonderful to report that the CPR Ambassador Leadership program has been even more successful this year and we look forward to making it even better and with more student voice in 2027.

2026 Junior Sub School CPR Ambassadors

2026 Middle Sub School CPR Ambassadors

2026 Senior Sub School CPR Ambassadors

 

Ms Dotti Schillinger – Mental Health Practitioner and Ms Bronwyn Anderson – Mental Health Nurse

Our Inclusion lunchtime programs have been such a hit already this term! We have introduced Singing Club, become obsessed with our new games in Games Club and Outdoor Club, created some decorations for the Library and Halloween, and are working hard on creating Communication Cards for our event on 30 October (see Alessandra, Speech Pathologist’s, ALBA entry below).

Check out the posters around the school for club details. We’d love to see you there! First in best dressed.

 

Ms Zoe Austin – Inclusion Support Coordinator

 

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AAC (Argumentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness Month

October is AAC Awareness Month! AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC includes the many different ways people communicate when speech is difficult or not always accessible, such as communication cards, communication boards, gestures, signs and speech-generating devices.

Communication is a human right. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) recognises the right of people with disability to communicate in the way that works best for them. AAC gives people different ways to express themselves, communicate their needs and have their voice heard.

This month, we celebrate and raise awareness of the different ways people communicate and encourage everyone to listen, be patient and give people the time and tools they need to communicate.

To celebrate, on 30 October we will be giving away a variety of communication cards at the front of the library! Come along and mix and match your own communication card set, made by our staff and students in communication card club on Fridays. Check out a variety of themes, including Pokémon, Round the Twist, emojis and more!

 

Ms Alessandra Oliva – Speech Pathologist

What an unbelievable turnout for today’s House Dodgeball showdown!

The atmosphere out on the COLA was absolutely electric from the opening whistle to the final throw. Massive shoutout to every single student who stepped onto the court to compete, packed the sidelines, and brought the deafening noise. The sheer energy, hype, tactical dodges, and rocket throws made today one to remember.

A huge thank you to our incredible staff. Whether you were refereeing, keeping score, managing the crowd, testing your reflexes out on the court, or cheering passionately from the sidelines as spectators, today simply couldn’t have run without your support.

Most importantly, to our Year 12s: thank you for bringing the energy, leading from the front, and leaving it all out on the COLA today. Seeing you all out there having an absolute blast together before the finish line was truly special.

A massive congratulations to our VCE VM students on officially wrapping up your coursework, projects, and high school journey! You’ve put in the hard yards, developed incredible skills, and earned this milestone. We are super proud of everything you’ve achieved.

And to our Year 12s heading into VCE exams: take that same intensity, grit, and focus straight into the exam room. Trust your preparation, back the work you’ve put in all year, and finish strong.

 

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

This scholarship program commenced in 2019 to reward creatives who demonstrate the values of our school whilst excelling in performing or visual arts.

The program is designed to enable students to access exhibition programs, materials and equipment to benefit their aspirations in the performing and visual arts.

$1,000 scholarships are available for the following Year 11 subjects

• VCE Art making and Exhibiting
• VCE VCD
• VET Music
• VET Fashion

In addition, we have the annual Arts Whole School Scholarship.

Up to $1,000 in prizes for students who contribute to the Arts within the wider school and school community. Students not necessarily enrolled in the arts but contribute to the arts within the wider school context.

Arts Whole School Scholarship rewards the efforts of students who organise activities such as arts clubs, exhibitions, performances, MAC or other events that contribute to and enrich our enjoyment of the arts across our school.

Teacher nominations and student applications enable us to identify recipients for this scholarship program. Nominations occur in Semester 1 of each year.

 

Mr Nicholas D’Aglas – LAL Arts | Art | Staff Development Leader