Term 1 is moving along quickly. I have been incredibly impressed with the overall work ethic of our students and the positive way they have engaged in so many aspects of school life. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through the arts, camps, leadership opportunities or co-curricular activities, students have approached the term with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose.
It has been particularly pleasing to see students developing greater clarity around what they are expected to know, understand and be able to do in each of their subjects. Clear learning intentions, success criteria and regular feedback are helping students take greater ownership of their progress and build confidence in their abilities. When students understand the ‘why’ behind their learning and what success looks like, they are far more empowered to strive for improvement.
Our focus on maximising student learning growth will remain a key priority throughout 2026. This means continuing to challenge every student at their point of need, supporting them to set meaningful goals, and providing the targeted feedback and instruction required to help them achieve their personal best. I look forward to seeing this strong start to the year continue as we move through the remainder of the term.
Morrisby Year 9 Careers Program
The Morrisby Careers Program, funded by the Department of Education, is a valuable initiative that combines an online questionnaire with a follow-up careers counselling session for our Year 9 students. Over the past few weeks, students have completed the online assessment and participated in individual counselling sessions.
The program is designed to encourage students to reflect on their interests, strengths and possible future pathways. Importantly, it marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation about careers and subject choices — one that should be revisited regularly as students’ progress through Middle School and into Senior School.
Our sincere thanks to Ms Victoria Tortopidis and Mr Phil Newnham from the Careers Team, for their work in coordinating and delivering this outstanding program for our students.
Year 10 Camp
Camp Coonawarra provided a fantastic setting for our Year 10 Camp, with students enthusiastically participating in a wide range of activities. From camp favourites such as the flying fox and giant swing to a variety of other activities, there was no shortage of energy, adventure and fun throughout the 3 days.
A sincere thank you to the staff who generously gave their time to support the camp: Mr Matt Hall, Mr Samuel Zanardo, Mr Josh Halliday, Mr Rishton McCardle, Ms Achala De Alwis, Ms Sharona Jarman, Ms Melissa Chapman, Ms Cailey MacDonald, Ms Elektra Sassos, Mr Tom Grant, Mr Tristan Kent, Mr Mitch Waterman, Mr Jack Metcalfe, Ms Sophie Kondogiannis, Ms Aya Tamir Regev, Ms Madi Muir, Ms Ruby Regan and Mr Tristan Dunkley. Your commitment ensured a safe, engaging and memorable experience for our students.
Special thanks to Mr Callum Hope, Mr Aayush Khosla and Ms Jess Panther for their outstanding work in organising and leading the camp. Your leadership and preparation were instrumental in making the camp such a success – well done!
School Photos
Our annual school photos have now been taken and are ready to order.
Arthur Reed Photos offers a convenient online ordering system, allowing families to view their child’s photos before placing an order. Your unique ordering code was emailed to you this week.
If you have not received your code, please contact the General Office and we will be happy to provide it to you.
For any assistance with the ordering process, please contact Arthur Reed Photos directly on 5243 4390 or via email at customerservice@arphotos.com.au
Student Safety
With the recent commencement of the school year, it is timely to remind all members of our College Community to observe all road laws. In particular cyclists must wear helmets and when students are crossing roads, it needs to be done with care and observing traffic signals and the crossing supervisor if present. Please discuss this with your children and emphasise the need to follow correct road safety practices to keep everyone safe.
Road Closure – Lechte Road
Please be advised that roadworks will take place on Lechte Road between Bicton Street and Roe Court from Thursday 5 March to Friday 13 March. During this period, traffic conditions will be impacted, with the road reduced to a single lane and, at times, fully closed. Traffic controllers will be on site each day from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
To help minimise congestion and ensure student safety, families are asked to avoid this section of Lechte Road during drop-off and pick-up times. Alternative access via Gordon Road or Beaufort Street is recommended.
Be Safe around School Crossings
There are Council Parking Officers attending schools in the area regularly to ensure that vehicles are parking safely and legally. We kindly request parents to be mindful that they will be present and to obey all traffic signage in the area. School Crossing Information Sheet.
Student Parent Teacher Conferences
Term One Student Parent Teacher Conferences will occur on Wednesday 1 April. There are no scheduled classes on this day to enable students to attend. The conferences will take place virtually using Webex between 1-7.30pm. Bookings will open to parents/carers from Friday 20 March at 5pm, and close Monday 30 March at 9am. Further details will be shared via Compass on Friday 13 March so please ensure you have notifications switched on and your email address is up to date.
Accessing Student Learning Task Feedback
As we progress through the semester your student will begin to receive feedback on their assessment tasks. The steps outlined below will allow you to access a summary of all the Learning Task comments and grades your student has received so far for all their subjects. This can be accessed at any point in the semester prior to the formal end of semester report being released.
- Log onto Compass using your parent access details.
- Click on ‘View Academic Reports’
- Click on ‘2026-2026 Semester 1 Current Learning Tasks’
A report will be generated that will include all Learning Task comments and grades currently entered on Compass for your student. Note: if no Learning Task data has been entered a report is unable to be loaded.
Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School