College Principal’s Report
Our Year 12 students have now completed their exams and final assessments, and this will be celebrated at the upcoming Graduation Night on Thursday 14 December. This significant milestone is not only a testament to their academic achievements, but also a reflection of their resilience and dedication throughout this challenging year. The commitment displayed by these students has not gone unnoticed, and their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all within our school community.
As we bid farewell to the class of 2023, I would also like to publicly acknowledge the efforts and dedication of our teachers, and also your support at home for our students this year. I hope that in partnership we have been able to have a positive impact and I look forward to hearing about our students’ next steps as they leave the Mill Park Secondary college community and step out into the world.
As this the class of 2023 departs the college, we are excited to welcome our Year 10 cohort to the Senior Campus for the first time. Our current Year 9 students are completing their exams and I congratulate them on the way that the majority of students have approached this task. Next week they will begin attending their Year 10 Headstart programs where they will have an opportunity to undertake their new subjects with their new teachers. Students have much more choice in Year 10 studies than they have previously experienced. This is a great opportunity and I hope it sets them up with a positive mindset for next year.
I would like to acknowledge the amazing efforts of our Year 11 students who attended the recent Energy Breakthrough Challenge, participating in the 24 hour ‘Human Powered Vehicle’ race in Maryborough, Central Victoria. I was lucky enough to attend for the weekend and I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it! The technical skills, physical challenges, and level of teamwork and problem solving on display was outstanding. It was so good to see this outcome after the diligent way that this group of students has approached the task as a co-curricular activity across this year. As first-timers we now know what the challenge involves, and I am looking forward to supporting our college to get back on the track in 2024.
I would also like to acknowledge the achievements of one of our Year 7 students, Tanya. Tanya has dedicated herself outside of her schooling to environmental and community work and this has been acknowledged by both the Keep Australia Beautiful Awards, and the Whittlesea Shire Council. Tanya was the recipient of the ‘Young Legend’ award and this is well deserved and a fantastic achievement.
Additionally, I was thrilled to see that one of our current Year 10 students, Zach, has been awarded the Spirit of Anzac Prize for his leadership and community engagement. This was awarded at a ceremony at Parliament House attended by the Deputy Premier and Minister for education, Hon. Ben Carroll MP, and our local member and Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP in a ceremony at Parliament House on Thursday 16 November. This means that Zach will be part of a delegation of students from a number of Victorian schools travelling to Türkiye in 2024 to deepen cultural ties, and mark the impact and legacy of the First World War. IT is a fantastic achievement and I look forward to reporting ion Zach’s progress going forwards.
Next year the school will be raising the profile of student leadership and community engagement more broadly. We will also be reintroducing Debating as an co-curricular activity. Tanya and Zach’s efforts are inspirational and I encourage all students to get involved activities in their community where they can make a difference.
Finally, I would like to note how distressing it is for our school community to see the violence and conflict continue in Gaza and Israel. I know that this impacts some of our families directly, and many of our families and students will be indirectly affected as the war continues and we witness it on our news bulletins. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school if you are concerned for the wellbeing of your child and you think that we may be able to assist.