Welcome to the final school term of 2025.

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Ms Frances Snow for her exemplary leadership as Acting Principal during my absence overseas. It is reassuring to know the school was in such capable hands.

Additionally, I extend my thanks to Ms Ann Anderson for her dedication as Acting Assistant Principal throughout this period, while simultaneously managing several VCE senior classes. Your commitment is greatly appreciated, Ann.

Year 12

As we approach the concluding days for our Year 12 students, we extend our best wishes for their future endeavours. Our VCE VM students have now completed their course, marking the culmination of thirteen years of schooling.

However, for the majority of VCE students, their journey is not yet complete. The term break proved to be a busy period with trial exams conducted during the second week of the holidays. The feedback from these assessments plays a crucial role in refining examination strategies and preparation. The upcoming three to four weeks are pivotal, and I encourage all students to maintain their dedication until the final exams. Teacher support remains readily available every day at the school or via email.

Please remind students of the importance of maintaining good health through balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and taking time to enjoy some outdoor activity between study sessions. I look forward to celebrating the successful completion of secondary education with our students at the Graduation Dinner scheduled for late November. Best wishes to all for the forthcoming examinations.

School Activities

Several Junior Sport teams have demonstrated outstanding performance in the first few weeks of this term. Congratulations to all participants, and we wish the advancing teams continued success in the next rounds of competition. My sincere thanks also go to the staff who generously volunteer their time to coach and support these events.

While we are deeply engaged in planning for 2026, there remains much to anticipate for the remainder of this year. Below is an outline of key events scheduled for Rosehill Secondary College this term:

• Year 12 English Exam – 28^th October
• Year 11 Visits to RMIT and Victoria University
• Annual Year 9 City Experience (Week 4)
• Numerous interschool sporting events
• PAT Testing
• Term 4 Interim Reports (Week 4)
• Year 11 Exams
• Year 10 Exams
• Year 9 Exams
• Year 11–12 Orientation Program (Weeks 7 and 8)
• Year 10–11 Orientation Program (Week 9)
• 2026 Subject Confirmations (late November for Years 7–10)
• Science Camp to New Zealand (Week 9)
• Grade 6 Orientation (Week 10)
• Year 12 Graduation
• Whole School Excursion Day for Years 7–9
• Awards Night
• Year 7–9 Activities Program

Mural

As Ms Snow shared with us last term, we are delighted to celebrate the completion of our new school mural — a remarkable work of art created by Australian Aboriginal artist Simone Thomson, in collaboration with a group of Koorie students, most notably Year 12 student Remi Watters.

Proudly displayed at the main entrance to our performing arts space, the mural embodies the theme of meeting and gathering. It stands as a vibrant reflection of community and connection, honouring the rich cultural heritage of the land on which our school stands.

The artwork pays tribute to significant local symbols — Steele Creek, the Maribyrnong Saltwater River, the Manna Gum Tree, and Bunjil the Eagle — a powerful and sacred figure in First Nations culture, especially for the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation.

Through its dynamic imagery and radiant colours, the mural captures the spirit of gathering and yarning circles, symbolising unity, storytelling, and the sharing of culture through music and dance.

This extraordinary piece not only enhances our school’s environment but also deepens our connection to Country. It reminds us that we are part of an ongoing story — one that celebrates heritage, culture, and community, and the strength that comes from coming together.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Arthur Soumalias

PRINCIPAL

School Policies have been updated in line with Department of Education and Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority requirements. Parents may review these on the school website https://www.rosehillsc.vic.edu.au/under Our School > Policies > Minimum Standards Compliance – June 2022.

Year 11 VM visited the Salvation Army Education Centre in the City for a workshop on Homelessness. The purpose of the program is to heighten the awareness and understanding of homelessness in Australia and to encourage students to empathise with those who are experiencing it.

The program run by The Salvation Army has two components. The first involves running practical lessons in their Education Centre exploring the impact, cause, effects, and stereotypes of youth homelessness. The students were then taken on a 60-minute guided city walking tour highlighting the areas where the homeless “sleep rough”.

The students learnt that:

• there are 121,437 homeless people in Australia
• most of these people are male, under the age of 25
• there are 300 rough sleepers in the CBD
• the main cause of homelessness is domestic violence followed by lack of affordable housing.
• 60% of homeless people have no addictions or mental health issues, that is why intervention programs are so important

On our walking tour we visited several locations where people try and find some temporary shelter, including Parliament gardens (where, ironically, the backdrop is 5-star hotels and the Paris end of Collins St). The distinction between rich and poor was evident on this tour. We discussed the challenges the homeless faced on a nightly basis and how fear from violent attacks is uppermost on their minds.

The Salvation Army excursion is a confronting one for our students. It exposes them to people who have had challenging lives – some, through no fault of their own. In addition to understanding the homelessness issue, we feel this experience highlighted the need for tolerance and compassion towards those less fortunate than ourselves.

Vicki Handris

VM COORDINATOR