The extended summer break provides a valuable chance to relax, reconnect with family and friends, and recharge for the year ahead. It is also an ideal time to reinforce the importance of reading. As highlighted in the previous newsletter, regular reading plays a vital role in developing comprehension, vocabulary and critical thinking. I strongly encourage families to support students in reading their prescribed novels in preparation for 2026. Much like rewatching a favourite film, revisiting a text can reveal new details, deeper meaning and fresh perspectives. Talking with your child about the characters, themes or ideas they find interesting is a wonderful way to support this learning.

Below is the reading list for each year level:

Year 7

Things a Map Won’t Show You – Susan La Marca & Pam Macintyre

The Goodbye Year – Emily Gale

Year 8

Runner – Robert Newton

Year 9

Ghost Bird – Lisa Fuller

Year 10

Insight Shakespeare Plays: Macbeth

Year 11

The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Year 12

English – We Have Always Lived in the Castle – Shirley Jackson

EAL – The Memory Police – Yōko Ogawa

The final weeks of the year have been filled with energy, achievement and celebration. From strong sporting performances and an exciting New Zealand STEM trip to Orientation programs and a wide range of activities and excursions, our students have enjoyed many rich opportunities. This has been complemented by terrific VCE results, reflecting the dedication of both students and staff.

On Wednesday 10th December, we were delighted to welcome our future Year 7 students for their Orientation Day. It was wonderful to see them engage so positively, make new connections and become familiar with our school environment. We very much look forward to welcoming these students and their families to Rosehill in 2026.

Our Academic Excellence Awards evening on Thursday 11th December was a highlight of the term. The evening celebrated the outstanding achievements of students across all learning areas. We sincerely thank our sponsors and community partners for their ongoing support. It was a pleasure to see the pride shared by families as students’ hard work was acknowledged. I would also like to congratulate all students who demonstrated commitment and effort throughout the year, regardless of whether they received an award. Your progress and perseverance are valued, and we encourage you to continue striving for your personal best. A special congratulations to our 2025 School Captain and Dux of 2025, Delcine Li. We also acknowledge Ms Singleton for her exceptional leadership in coordinating this wonderful event.

A significant program of maintenance and improvement works will take place over the summer holidays, making January a busy and productive time at the college. These upgrades will further enhance our learning environment and include:

• Installation of new shade sails near the basketball courts
• Resurfacing of external basketball courts
• New carpet and painting across most portables
• Replacement of lighting with new LED fittings
• New roofing for the canteen covered area
• Resurfacing and sanding of gym floors and basketball courts
• Reinstallation of shade sails near Portables 1 and 2
• Repairs to the school carpark
• Installation of automatic gates at the Sapphire Street carpark entrance
• Painting of locker bays in B Wing

I also wish to congratulate our Year 12 students on receiving their VCE results last week. Well done to the Class of 2025. Many students achieved outstanding outcomes, including ATARs in the high nineties, with 99% of the cohort successfully completing their VCE or VCE VM. Our Careers team continues to do an excellent job supporting students to secure positive post-school pathways. The continued improvement in our VCE median score over recent years reflects the strength of our teaching and learning programs and the commitment of our staff. I am extremely proud to lead such a dedicated and successful school community, supported by an exceptional staff who are passionate, committed and outstanding role models for our students.

Finally, a reminder that the commencement of the 2026 school year will be staggered:

• Wednesday 28^th January 2026 - Year 7, 10, 11 and 12 students start
• Thursday 29^th January 2026 - Year 8 and 9 students return

I extend my warmest wishes to you all for a safe, restful and enjoyable summer break, and every good wish for the year ahead. To those in our community who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. On behalf of the staff at Rosehill Secondary College, thank you for the continued support and partnership you show our school. We greatly value this connection and look forward to continuing our shared learning journey in 2026.

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... Minimum Standards Compliance – June 2022.

We’re excited to share the fantastic work of our year 7 Humanities students for their Sustainable Cities Dioramas as we finalise our geography unit. This project involved students collaborating in groups to design and plan their own liveable city based on the concepts and strategies learnt in class. They used recycled materials from around the school and their homes to create their dioramas, focusing on the liveability factors that make cities a good place to live for different demographics.

It was amazing to see the creativity of the students, with some groups including sustainable energy systems, efficient public transport networks, shopping districts, multi-purpose sporting stadiums, and expansive green spaces.

Annabelle Ryan

HUMANITIES TEACHER

On Thursday 11th December, the Rosehill Secondary College community proudly came together for our annual Awards Evening—a highlight of the school year and a celebration of the extraordinary achievements, growth, and talents of our students. We were delighted to welcome the families and friends of our award recipients, whose support plays such an important role in our students’ success.

The evening opened with beautiful musical performances from our wonderful students, supported by the dedicated work of our music teachers. Their contribution created a warm and celebratory atmosphere as guests entered the auditorium. A Welcome to Country grounded our gathering in respect for the traditional custodians of the land, followed by an introduction from our 2025 College Captains.

Across the program, awards recognising academic excellence, learning growth, leadership, community service, creativity, and contribution to school life were presented to students from Years 7 to 12. The DUX awards, specialist subject awards, Arts and Design accolades, and many others showcased the breadth of achievement within our college. The gallery exhibition of Visual Art, Media, VCD, and Design work was another highlight, reflecting the creativity and capability nurtured in our arts programs.

We extend our deepest appreciation to the sponsors whose generosity made these awards possible. Their ongoing commitment to supporting student achievement is invaluable to our school community.
This year, we proudly acknowledge:

• Community Bank East Keilor – Year 7–12 DUX
• Pennisi Real Estate – Anthony Prior Encouragement Award & Sam Pennisi Encouragement Award
• Pippo's Pizza – Pippo's Pizza Award
• Van & Ute Hire – Van & Ute Hire Award
• Australian Defence Force – ADF Long Tan Leadership Year 10, ADF Long Tan Leadership Year 12, ADF Future Innovator Year 10, ADF Future Innovator Year 12
• Atelier Art Supplies – Year 7–12 Visual Art Awards
• Ampol – Ampol All Rounder Award
• CSL – CSL Excellence in Science Award
• Keilor East RSL – Keilor East RSL Encouragement Award
• Moonee Valley Foundation – Moonee Valley Foundation Awards
• Lowes - College Captain
• School Sport Victoria - School Sport Victoria Academic & Sporting Achievement Award

We sincerely thank each of these partners for their continued support and for helping to recognise and encourage the outstanding achievements of our students.

The 2025 Awards Evening was a vibrant celebration of learning, creativity, leadership, and community. We congratulate all award recipients and acknowledge the efforts of every student who contributed to making this year a successful and rewarding one. As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with pride in what our students have accomplished and excitement for what lies ahead.

Virginia Singleton

AWARDS COORDINATOR

Over the past few weeks, our Year 7 STEP Maths students have taken their learning to an exciting new level through a focus on student agency. As part of their new topic, students were given the opportunity to step into the role of teacher, taking responsibility for delivering each Learning Goal to their peers.

In pairs, students developed creative and engaging lessons that showcased not only their mathematical understanding, but also their ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively and think critically about how others learn. From interactive activities to real-world examples, each pair demonstrated impressive diligence, organisation and enthusiasm throughout the process.

This initiative aligns with the STEP feedback sessions which ran during out STEP Digital Portfolio Celebration and will culminate in students providing their own Glow and Grow statements. These reflections allow students to celebrate their strengths while identifying areas for further development—an important step in building confident, self-aware learners.

We are incredibly proud of the maturity and creativity shown by our Year 7 STEP Maths class, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to take ownership of their learning.

Stephanie Barbaro

ENRICHMENT INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE LEADER

Reflecting on the year that was.

New beginnings, also have their endings. As we say goodbye to our Year 9s of 2025 these reflections have been summed up in their own thoughts and feelings.

Harper Vendy’s reflective commentary on the Year 9 camp as “an unforgettable experience…fun… messy, a leap of faith, feeling scared, but proud that I made it that far.” Year 9 has been about these unforgettable moments, with lows, highs and through challenges, we as your coordinators are proud of who you are, proud that you have made it to the end of 2025.

Over the year we have seen students who began the year a bit unsure of how to find their place in Middle School. The glue to bind this new two-year path in Middle school started with empathy – so much is packed in this 7-letter word.

How does one find empathy? Is it in a quiet word, a lending hand, or is it a loud shout of support, filled with conviction and confidence?

As your Year 9 coordinators we have seen this growth in empathy. You have become more aware of each other, more patient, more willing to listen and support your peers and your coordinators.

We have seen you face your fears by building trust and gaining confidence, take more responsibility for your learning, have listened when you have asked more questions and seen a real sense of pride in all that you do!

From Rosefest community giving, to the academics: NAPLAN and Morrisby testing, your Year 9 Exams, your academic journey of 2025, and finally to the great outdoors: the Year 9 Summit Camp and City Experience. In every action a RIL value: respect, initiative and learning. Some of your reflections echo the following sentiments:

“I learnt about respecting others… I didn’t want to participate… but it was a lot better than I thought it would be.” Year 9 is a bit like this, an unknown territory, our own perceptions and fears, all rolled up into one, and it has been about learning to “conquer our fears” together.

Your resilience and independence, and willingness to give things a go even when it’s hard, has been noted in so many ways.

We have seen students step up as quiet leaders, helping others, checking in on friends, and showing real kindness. You have all modelled empathy through such moments, and it has not gone unnoticed. We didn’t have to look far for real life heroes.

You have shown us in your quiet ways that heroes exist, if we care to look for them.

You have supported each other and built a stronger sense of our Rosehill community. Take this leap of faith as you move into year 10 be proud that you have made it this far! Congratulations!

Ms Santi and Ms Lee

YEAR 9 COORDINATORS

Rosehill is very proud of being a leading school in implementing the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework for promoting positive and respectful relationships in our school.

A much-loved feature of the SWPBS is the merit and reward system where students receive RIL cards for displaying Rosehill’s values of Respect, Initiative and Learning.

From humble beginnings in the early days, under the stewardship of Gladys Mora, the RIL Shop has evolved and grown enormously, and become deeply embedded in student life and Rosehill culture.

Thanks and Farewell - Gladys Mora

Our community would like to reflect on Gladys’ legacy at Rosehill, and to thank her for her amazing work as a passionate educator, an esteemed colleague, and much-loved friend to many.

For 15 years Gladys has supported and guided students, built friendships, and had a real impact on countless students’ lives. Gladys is one of those educators who really does make a difference by truly celebrating the small and big successes of all her students.

Even though her work might have happened quietly, her impact was deeply felt.

Rosehill would like to extend a sincere thank you to Gladys for her exceptional commitment to making the RIL shop the enormous success that it has become. We congratulate Gladys for taking the RIL shop from a small project into something epic that students love and look forward to, and which is a core part of our students’ lives and memories.

Our Rosehill community and students will miss Gladys’ smiling face and positive energy in the RIL Shop, but we wish all the very best for the future.

Colleen Hart

LEADERSHIP -STUDENT AGENCY

We are excited to share the progress of a very special project taking place here at Rosehill. With the generous support of British Paints, made possible through the wonderful Jason at Dulux Group, we have begun transforming an area of our school into a dedicated safe space for our students.

High school can be a challenging time, and many young people experience moments where they may feel alone or without a place to belong. This project aims to create a welcoming, supportive environment where students can sit, connect, and feel seen.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Virginia and her talented team of artists, who have been working tirelessly to bring this vision to life. We are also incredibly proud of Year 7 student, Bastian Stopka, whose beautiful mural design will soon sit behind the seating area and complete the space. His creativity and hard work reflect the spirit and talent within our school community.

Behind the scenes, Shane, Jim and Dave have been the quiet heroes, patiently handling endless requests and putting in the hard yards to make this project possible. We truly appreciate everything you’ve done.

We look forward to unveiling the finished space in early 2026, once the weather and schedule finally allow us to bring everything together.

Thank you to everyone involved for helping us create a place where every student can feel safe, valued and supported.

Brooke Gualtieri

LEARNING SUPPORT COORDINATOR

2025 was a big year for Student Leaders at Rosehill. Student Leaders across all year levels strengthened our school’s culture by demonstrating our values – responsibility, initiative and learning and representing their peers through active student voice.

Leaders have participated in a range of student-voice activities, including surveys, leading assemblies, planning days, the Year 7 Peer Support program, year-level leadership meetings and meetings for the re-established whole-school Student Representative Council (SRC).

We celebrated the re-establishment of the Rosehill SRC at our Awards Night on Thursday 11 December. This incredible achievement has been led by our School Captains Hugo Bliss and Delcine Li. Their effort, commitment and drive can be seen in everything the SRC and Student Leaders achieved this year.

Hugo and Delcine have been inspiring leaders in our school community. They now take their skills and experience into the wider community as they move into the next stage of their lives. On behalf of all Rosehill Student Leaders, we acknowledge the legacy they have left and thank them for their dedication to improving our school.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 School Captains, Alexandra Homatopoulos and Nethasha Silva. As we saw during Awards Night, Alexandra and Nethasha are both passionate about building on the work of our current Student Leaders and creating even more opportunities for all students in our school.

We would also like to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful contributions from all students who took part in Student Leadership programs in 2025:

• The Year 12 leadership team
• House Captains
• Peer Support mentors
• Global Student Voice leaders
• Year-level leaders
• Open Day and Open Evening volunteers
• RIL Shop volunteers.

You stepped up, used your voices and made a real difference. Your efforts matter, and we are incredibly proud of you. Everything achieved this year happened because of your hard work.

To show the scale of what Student Leaders accomplished this year, here is a summary of their 2025 activities.

Initiatives and activities

Easter Egg Sale

Student Leaders sold Cadbury Easter Eggs at the Swimming Carnival, Athletics Carnival and in the yard for the Good Friday Appeal, raising $1,062 for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

IDAHOBIT Day

Leaders created a pledge wall to give LGBTIQA+ students and their allies a way to show support for an inclusive school environment.

Big Freeze at Rosehill Secondary College

An out-of-uniform day with a BBQ lunch and an ice-bucket challenge featuring teachers. The event raised $1,600 for FightMND, founded by 2025 Australian of the Year Neale Daniher.

Cupcake Stall

Leaders baked and sold cupcakes at school and at the Performing Arts ‘Pink Room’ concert, contributing $800 to Rosehill’s donation to the Cancer Council.

Multicultural Day

An out-of-uniform day celebrating cultural attire, with a BBQ lunch and dessert stall that raised $1,660 for All Together Now, a charity promoting racial equity in Australia.

R U OK? Day

Leaders partnered with the Wellbeing team to run activities encouraging students to check in with each other and have meaningful conversations.

Polished Man Nail Painting

A lunchtime BBQ and nail-painting activity that raised $236 for the Polished Man Foundation, showing solidarity against violence toward women and children.

Remembrance Day Ceremony

Year 9 leaders ran a memorial service for Year 7 students and baked Anzac biscuits to mark the occasion.

Representation in the Wider Community

International Women’s Day Breakfast

Year 10 leaders represented Rosehill at a community breakfast celebrating International Women’s Day.

Anzac Day Dawn Service

The School Captains laid a wreath on behalf of the college.

Global Student Voice Forums

Local and international students formed a new leadership team to promote cultural diversity and attended two Department of Education forums to present their ideas and achievements.

National Council of Women Victoria – “My Vote, My Voice”

Six students were among only ten schools invited to present speeches in the Legislative Council at Parliament House on the value of Australian democracy.

VicSRC Congress

Four students represented Rosehill at one of Victoria’s largest student-voice events, contributing to discussions about issues facing young people.