Congratulations, Evan, on your outstanding results.
Contact Information
Phone: 9547 6822
Email: wellington.sc@education.vic.gov.au
Attendance: 9562 4762 or 0484 009 562
IT Helpdesk: helpdesk@wellingtonsc.vic.gov.au
End of Year – Happy Holidays
Is it just me, or does it only feel like yesterday that I was introducing myself and welcoming everyone back to the start of the year? They old adage that time flies when you are having fun is perhaps quite the cliché these days, but with such action-packed year of events, activities, and experiences to enjoy – rather than a cliché, this is the reality of a school such as Wellington Secondary College.
2024 has seen Wellington at its very best and back in full swing with so many moments of joy, that it is hard to capture the highlight. From our House Carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics), Interschool Sport, Camps, Incursions/Excursions, assemblies, Music, Visual Arts and Performing Arts events including the school concerts and the school production; whilst each event is in itself unique, the unifying element is our community. Our students, our staff and our Wellington families – as we care, strive and learn.
At Wellington Secondary College, we are blessed to have such a dedicated community and this year this has been showcased across all our events. As you browse through this edition and possibly previous editions of the Journal and well as the Vanellus (school magazine), take time to re-live some of the many events of the year, but also to marvel at the vast range of student achievement, skill, and talent we have on display here at Wellington.
Children’s University Swinburne Graduation
On Tuesday November 26, I had the pleasure of attending the Children’s University Swinburne Graduation where nine of our students were presented with Awards for participation in this program. Students involved in this program were required to undertake community service-based activities throughout the year and they completed a minimum of 30+ hours of Community Service.
Congratulations to Celeste Rojas, Henry Hua, Nathan Thomson each with 30+ hours. Stefan Battista (110+ hours), John Modouris (130+ hours), Rachel Tran (165+ hours), Arshpreet Rakkar (300+ hours), Joann Jackson (330+ hours) and Tiahna Do (430+ hours)
VCE Results – 2024
Congratulations to all the students who completed their VCE including the students undertaking VCE-Vocational Major this year. Students recently received their individual results, and it is pleasing to inform our community that our students performed exceptionally well. In 2024, our students achieved a median ATAR of 72 and a Median Subject Study Score of 29.
Significantly, we had 34 students make it into the prestigious “90+ Club”. This equated to 16% of our students. This is an impressive achievement and, some of the best results in Wellington Secondary College’s history. Similarly, having 33.8% of our students achieving an ATAR of 80+ means that one third of our students are in the top 20% of our state. Finally, there were over 51% of students achieved an ATAR over 70. This is a great effort and reward for the hard work by teachers and students alike. As we often say, the ATAR is but ‘a moment in time’ – so, for all students the most important element is not the number, but where the number might lead you.
At an individual level we celebrate the Dux for 2024 – Englim (Evan) Yin with an ATAR of 98.9 – a fantastic result. Evan hopes to pursue a career in Laws/Science next year. Evan also received a study score of 50 in Psychology with Mrs Allen – what a great team effort between pupil and teacher. Congratulations!
To all students in the Senior School, we are proud of you and your results. I thank the teachers, wellbeing and support staff who have worked for many years alongside our young people in the Class of 2024. Congratulations!
Ms Huffer and the Pathways Team are available to work through any change of preference issues with all students.
Sustainability Champions
On Monday December 2, we had a visit from our local state member for Mulgrave – Eden Foster MP. Eden met with some of our Sustainability Champions where they discussed the sustainability projects that are in place at Wellington as well as how we can work in partnership for future sustainability projects. A massive congratulations must go to Ms Amaral for her dedication and leadership in supporting our Sustainability Champions and all of the wonderful initiatives they are putting into action.
Grade 6 to 7 Orientation Day – December 10
On Tuesday we welcomed our future year 7s into the college community. We welcomed 252 Grade 6 students who will join Wellington as the Year 7 cohort for 2025. A massive congratulations goes to Mrs Wallis and the Junior School Team for an engaging a “Wellington Way” introduction to our latest cohort of Wellington students. We look forward to getting to know them a lot better at our ‘Wellington Welcomes You’ program in Term One next year.
End of Year Arrangements
Our end of year activities program wrapped up last week. I thank Mr Wyldes for his thorough planning in this popular program. I would also like to thank the staff that supported the program to ensure that our students remained engaged and enjoyed the week. We finished the week with a final assembly where we had a visit from Santa. We wish all the students all the best for the holiday period.
Semester Two Reports were distributed via Compass on Monday December 16, and I urge all students and parents to reflect on the messages contained within them and use these to prepare for next year.
Vanellus
I am pleased to announce that our annual magazine ‘Vanellus’ is now available for purchasing. The final magazine will be released into the new year. This is a great keepsake, and I know as much as it is lovely to reflect on the year at this time; having a copy of the Vanellus is something that you will cherish well into the future. If you are interested in purchasing the 2024 Vanellus they will be available from the general office at a cost of $20, payments can be made via the event on Compass. I sincerely thank all the contributors and to editor in chief Ms McKinnon for her tireless work in keeping the content, the design and the deadlines on track!
Planning For 2025
Please note the following dates:
Further specific details for each day will be distributed via Compass as needed.
As I sign off for the year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and relaxing break. Like me, I am sure you are all looking forward to spending some time with loved ones and perhaps even some overseas travel. I thank you all for your ongoing support of our community and I look forward to welcoming you all back for, what I know will be, an exciting and action-packed 2025.
Mr Chris Knight
Principal
With this year’s end of year whole-school Early Commencement Program, we ran our inaugural Year 10 Design Challenge. This program enhanced the ECP experience for our Year 10 students as they transition into the seriousness of the senior schooling years.
This year’s challenge was to create an educational video. This challenge prompt was intentionally open-ended so that students could showcase their areas of interest. While some groups got off to a slow start, with a frantic flurry the week was over and it was time for them to show off their hard work at the concluding expo. Prizes were awarded to three groups, as their effort, creativity and passion could be clearly seen in their final videos and presentations.
Well done to Theodora Rozakis, Katarina Nedic, Paige Bakes (How to be sun-smart), Emily Heng, Shani Prasad, Sara-Teina Dean (How to travel on public transport), Lina Phan, Christina Channa, Sophia Ha, Sereyraksa Eng, Raksah Kang and Christopher Chen (How to convince your parents to say yes). However, all of the students who made the most out of this opportunity and demonstrated resilience throughout the week are all winners in our eyes.
I hope everyone has a safe break and are ready to tackle 2025.
Ms Teresa La
Director of STEM
From Wednesday December 4 to Friday December 6, my friends and I went to Golden Valley Adventures Camp. My camp experience was wonderful as the employees there made us feel very welcome, especially Curtis. There was also tons of fun activities such as the giant swing and zip line. They also had great cabins and food and the teachers who came with us were lovely as well. I had heaps of fun hanging out with my friends and would one hundred percent go again.
Dev Walia
8J
My time at Golden Valley Adventure Camp will never be forgotten; I had the opportunity to take part in enjoyable activities with my friends, like the giant swing, zipline, vertical challenge, archery, hut building, and low ropes course.
My favourite activity was the water balloon fight with the teachers and students; it was a fun and refreshing way to cool off on a hot day, and we ended up getting soaked. Additionally, we had the chance to take photos with our cameras, capturing great memories to look back on. The friendly staff and the exciting night activities made the experience even more special, leaving me with lasting memories I will always treasure.
Gianna Lee
8E
The days at Golden Valley Adventure Camp were an unforgettable experience. Though camp had its ups and downs—like the stinky kangaroo poop and the annoying flies—it was packed with adventures, from the national park hike to the giant swing, vertical challenge, and many more. Many of these activities pushed me outside my comfort zone, but once you step out of your comfort zone, you’re filled with the thrill and adrenaline of the activities—especially the giant swing.
Additionally, camp wasn’t just about the fun activities; it was also about making new friends and spending time with them. Shoutout to one of the camp staff, Chris, for being one of the coolest and funniest people I met at camp. In the end, camp gave us unforgettable memories with friends and an opportunity to meet new people.
Camont Choeung
8E
In 2024, 16 Monash schools have signed up to the inaugural Actions for Earth: Schools Sustainability Challenge. A Sustainable Monash initiative, the challenge is designed to encourage, acknowledge and celebrate local schools and their environmental actions.
The Schools Sustainability Challenge focus on general sustainability, waste and recycling, water, energy and biodiversity and gardening. Our College came out in second place, after Clayton North Primary School. It would be wonderful to see all schools achieving First Place to competitions like this. This would mean that we are all working together to achieve those environmental goals essential to our species survival.
Ms. Naomi Ryan, as the Biodiversity and Recycling Educator at Monash City Council, presented us with an award and prize. Most of the Sustainability Champions across all year levels were present for the photograph. Improving sustainability in our school requires a team effort, and some staff members voluntarily helped throughout the year to complete some of these projects. A big thank you to you!
Ms Bruna Amaral
Science Teacher / Sustainability Coordinator
A few Yr 8 students created a presentation explaining climate change from a scientific perspective and what could be done by the Victorian Parliament to reduce its impact.
The State Member for Mulgrave, Ms. Eden Foster, mentioned these students during a Parliament Session and visited our school to talk about sustainability and climate change issues. Some of the Sustainability Champions had a chance to meet with Eden and talk about some of the issues they are concerned about.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDJa76PBrLN/?igsh=MWRlb3d2OG81d2szMw==
Ms Bruna Amaral
Science Teacher / Sustainability Coordinator
As we start to prepare for the 2025 school year we have recently reviewed our uniform policy. I have attached our updated policy and picture guide for people to use when purchasing uniform for 2025.
Changes of note are as follows;
Thank you and enjoy the upcoming holiday period.
Mr Brendan Dwyer
Assistant Principal
