ELTHAM College Family News May 1

For a complete list of College activities take a look at the calendar on mE.

Events and dates may be subject to change.

Please refer to Junior School Newsletter

Key Dates For Week 5 and 6

Senior School 

Tuesday 19 May - EISM Division 2 Athletics 

Tuesday 19 May - Senior School Soirée 

Thursday 21 May - Morrisby Careers Test (Year 10, 11.10am–1.00pm) 

Friday 22 May - Year 10 Parent Morning Tea (9.00am–10.00am) 

Monday 25 – Friday 29 May - Year 8 Grampians Camp Group 2 (8B & 8D) 

Monday 25 May - EISM Year 7 Sports Grand Finals 

Tuesday 26 May - Morrisby Information & Debriefing Session for Families (Online, 7.00pm–8.00pm) 

Year 10 and Year 11 Examination Period - 11 to 19 June

Year 10 and 11 examinations commence on Thursday 11 June and conclude on Friday 19 June.

Semester 2 subjects commence on Monday 22 June.

Further information will be provided to families in the coming weeks.

GAT - Tuesday 16 June

Students undertaking a Unit 3/4 subject will be required to attend the GAT on Tuesday 16 June. 

Further information will be shared in the coming weeks.

ELTHAM College AGM 2026 – Notice of Meeting 

We request the attendance of Company Members at the ELTHAM College (ABN 31 004 992 750) Annual General Meeting (AGM) to present the annual report. Our AGM will be held on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 online via Microsoft TEAMS commencing at 7.00pm. A link to the meeting will be sent to members closer to the meeting date.  

  On mE you can find the following documents and forms pertaining to the AGM:  

• Agenda for the Annual General Meeting 2026 
• 2025 Annual Report including Financial Statements 
• Minutes of the 2025 ELTHAM College AGM 
• Appointment of Proxy Form (due by 5.00pm Monday 18 May 2026) 

Company Members’ Attendance 

The AGM is an important date on the College calendar and the attendance of Company Members would be greatly appreciated. If you are a Company Member and unable to attend, please take the time to complete an Appointment of Proxy and return by Monday 18 May by 5:00pm. Printed Appointment of Proxy forms should be placed in an envelope marked attention to Stuart Wenn. These can be left at College Reception or posted to ELTHAM College PO Box 40, Eltham, Victoria 3095. 

Nominations for Election as a Director  

 One parent of each family is required to take up company membership, which entitles them to vote or stand for the College Board. Other family members may also apply for company membership. The ELTHAM College Board is elected by the Members.  

There will be two positions available for elected Directors. One position remained vacant from last year’s AGM. One position will become vacant due to the expiry of Directors’ terms. Our current serving Director Ms Bec Lollback has completed her tenure of office, and has decided to offer herself for re-election in accordance with Clause 7.3(d) of the ELTHAM College Constitution. The Board will consist of up to 9 elected Directors. A further 3 Directors may then be appointed by the Board.    

Committees and Working Groups  

 The ELTHAM College Board is supported by two committees, being the Finance Committee and the Risk Committee. These Committees and other Working Groups include members who are Directors, but are also open to members of our community who have a particular skill set in these areas and who wish to support the strategic direction of the College without necessarily being Directors.  

Should you wish to nominate as a Director or as a member of a Board Committee, please contact me at swenn@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au to be provided with a Board Director Nomination Pack. Director nominations, together with a 250-word personal statement, must be received prior to Saturday 9 May 2026.  

We look forward to Company Members’ attendance at the AGM.  

Stuart Wenn 

Company Secretary 

The College observed ANZAC Day through memorial assemblies across both Junior and Senior School, providing an opportunity for reflection and remembrance within our community.

We were honoured to be joined by Naomi Joiner, Mayor of Nillumbik, Ash Graham, President of the Montmorency–Eltham RSL, and ELTHAM College Board members Adrian Morrice and Vanessa Buys.

Our students also represented the College at a number of ANZAC services across the local area, continuing this important tradition of respect and community connection. This included including the Montmorency–Eltham RSL Dawn Service at the Eltham War Memorial (see below for more detail), the Friends of Kangaroo Ground War Memorial Park Service at 10.30am and the ANZAC Day Community Service at 10.30am at the Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub-Branch in Montmorency.

Students will also represent the College at the upcoming Melbourne Legacy ANZAC Commemoration for Students on Tuesday 5 May at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

ANZAC Day: Dawn Service

In the quiet of dawn, members of our College community gathered at the Eltham War Memorial for the Montmorency–Eltham RSL Dawn Service, standing together in reflection and remembrance.

ANZAC Day is a time to honour the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of those who have served, and to recognise the legacy they have left for future generations. As the sun rose, our students joined the wider community in paying their respects, demonstrating a deep sense of gratitude, humility and connection.

We extend our sincere thanks to the students and staff who attended the service, representing the College with dignity and respect.

Together, we remember.

Thank you to all staff and student volunteers who supported our College Tour that took place on Wednesday 29 April. Your contribution helped create a warm, welcoming and authentic experience for prospective families across the campus.

Around 100 people attended on the day, including approximately 50 prospective students. It was particularly encouraging to see strong interest from families considering 2027 and 2028 entry. 

Our student volunteers played a key role in bringing the College to life, generously sharing their experiences and helping visitors gain a genuine sense of the community. We extend our thanks to our Year 8 students — Archie, Atharva, Olivia and Chloe — for their support at the registration desk; to Ryan and Llewellyn for their work in the Observatory; and to Xavier and Isaac for their contribution in the Chemistry Lab. We also thank our student leaders who served as Student Guides on the day: Mietta, Tristan, Caelan, Surpriya, Alex and Abigail.

If you know someone who may be considering ELTHAM College for their family, our next College Tour will be held soon. Further information is available via our website:

https://www.elthamcollege.vic.edu.au/admissions/college-tours-and-experiences

Janelle Turner
Admissions

On the evening of Thursday 30 April, ELTHAM College welcomed more than 200 members of our community from across Melbourne for an evening of astronomy and exploration.

A highlight of the night was a presentation by guest speaker Dr Rebecca Davies, Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology. Dr Davies shared an engaging and accessible look at our place in the universe, including how scientists can understand the composition of distant planets through their light, and how far the Voyager space missions have travelled into interstellar space.

The presentation sparked strong interest across all age groups, with some great questions - from gravitational lensing around black holes to the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Afterwards, families headed out to the oval for guided star tours. Highlights included viewing the craters of the Moon - with discussion around NASA’s Artemis mission - as well as Jupiter and its moons. Guests also had the chance to learn how to use both the College’s telescopes and robotic telescopes located around the world.

A big thank you to the ELTHAM staff who helped make the night possible and supported the event on the night with their time and expertise. It was great to see so many people come together to share in the wonderful experience of star gazing!

Nathan New, Physics and Tristan Wood, College Captain

This follows Channel 9 Melbourne reporter's Scherri-Lee Biggs segment on our very own Tristan Wood, which you can watch here: ELTHAM College Observatory on Channel 9 News

Tristan also appeared on Weekend Today, which you can watch here: ELTHAM College on the Weekend Today Show

ELTHAM College has a rich and vibrant history in Performing Arts, and we are excited to launch our new Performing Arts Instagram page this week. We invite our community to explore our past and be part of what’s to come.

Follow along to keep up to date with the latest productions, rehearsals, and all things drama, music and theatre.

• Tuesday 9 June – Les Misérables Tickets on Sale
  We anticipate strong interest. Families are encouraged to book early. Ticketing information will be shared in May.
• Tuesday 16 June – Night of Rock (7.00pm, HMPAC Littlefield Music Centre)
  Featuring rock bands from both Junior and Senior School.
• Thursday 25 June – Music Showcase Concert (7.30pm, HMPAC Clarke Auditorium)

ECCA Parents Trivia Night

The Trivia Night is back! Last year's event was 80s themed and the costumes were elite. By popular demand we are bringing this fun parent-only night back for the end of Term 2. This year our theme is...Lights, Camera, Trivia! (Hollywood-themed)

Saturday 20 June, 6:30pm – 10:30pm at Swipers Gully Training Restaurant
Cost: $55 per person, includes finger-food and 2 alcoholic drinks per person

This is an 18+ event only

All ELTHAM College alumni are welcome to attend the AGM coming up later this month.

This is also a great opportunity to nominate for a spot on the committee if you'd like to get involved in keeping our alumni community connected!

Tuesday 19 May – Alumni Association AGM (7.00pm)

Further details available via the College website:
Alumni - Eltham College

This excerpt from the 1984 ELTHAM College Prospectus offers a fascinating snapshot of the College’s educational philosophy just ten years after opening.

Long before contemporary branding statements and tagline culture, schools often expressed their values through detailed statements of purpose and educational aims. While the language reflects its time, many of the themes remain familiar today: personal growth, creativity, community responsibility, wellbeing and the development of the whole student.

It is always interesting to look back at how ELTHAM College articulated its vision in earlier decades and to reflect on the enduring ideas that continue to shape College life.

Esmae Boutros

Archivist

ELTHAM College is very excited for the return of this event which showcases the creativity of musicians from the Junior School.

The concert will feature the following ensembles:

Voci Songsters Junior Percussion Ensemble Paganini Strings The Intermediate Concert Band The Midnight Fury Rock Band Year 3 - 5 Rock Band Orff Ensemble Intermediate String Ensemble

This concert is general admission seating with no cost but families are asked to reserve their seats by booking tickets here.

Date: Thursday 14 May, 6.30pm HMPAC Clarke Auditorium

During the Easter holidays, 30 of our students took on one of Australia’s most iconic wilderness adventures — the Overland Track in Tasmania. This remote six-day hike stretches approximately 70 kilometres, beginning at Ronny Creek and finishing at the stunning Lake St Clair.

It is a journey that challenges both physical endurance and mental resilience, and this year’s group rose to the occasion in remarkable fashion. The expedition was made even more memorable by Tasmania’s famously unpredictable weather.

Group A set off under clear blue skies and, on their very first day, successfully summited Cradle Mountain. From the peak, they were rewarded with breathtaking views of the landscape they were about to traverse — a truly unforgettable start to their journey.

However, conditions quickly shifted as later groups began their hikes. By the time Group C departed, colder weather had set in and snow was forecast. Temperatures dropped significantly, transforming the rugged wilderness into a snow-covered landscape. For many students, this became a highlight of the trip — an opportunity to experience Tasmania in a rare and memorable way.

As the snow continued to fall, all groups were directed into huts on Saturday evening for safety. Overnight, around 20 centimetres of snow blanketed the region. Students and staff awoke on Sunday to an incredible winter scene, with pristine white landscapes stretching as far as the eye could see.

Despite the challenging conditions, the spirit of teamwork and determination never wavered. Students, staff and fellow hikers worked together to navigate the track safely and support one another through the most demanding moments. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, cooperation and a positive mindset.

Completing the Overland Track is no small feat, and every student who took part should be incredibly proud of their achievement. The experience not only tested their limits, but also created lasting memories and friendships that will stay with them for years to come.

A sincere thank you to Vincent Bradley, Geraldine Sinclair and Shane Chellingworth for their support in delivering this program.

Guy Mitchell
Outdoor Education 

Tuesday 19 May, 6.30pm & 7.30pm HMPAC

On Tuesday 19 May the ELTHAM Music Department will host our first Senior School Soirée for 2026. The Soirée offers an important performance opportunity for our young musicians. Performing before an audience is an important part of the process of learning a musical instrument and it also provides parents and peers an opportunity to hear what the students have accomplished in their music lessons.

The soiree is open to students who learn an instrument at ELTHAM College as well as those who study their instrument outside of school.

If you would like your child to perform at the upcoming Senior School Soirée please complete this SURVEY no later than Friday 1 May at 5.00pm so that we can plan the program.

Please note this is our first Senior School Soiree for 2026. There is another opportunity in Semester 2, and we encourage students to perform at one of the soirees throughout the year.

VCE and Careers Expo

The VCE and Careers Expo will be held this Saturday 2 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This major careers and education event is particularly recommended for students in Years 10–12, with Year 9 students also able to benefit.

Running from 9.00am to 3.00pm, the Expo brings together representatives from universities, TAFEs, employers and apprenticeship organisations. Students can also attend study skills sessions, including exam preparation strategies, and gain valuable advice on tertiary pathways and career planning.

Tickets are available for $15 at vceandcareers.com.au.

Attention Year 12 students - Australian National University Early Offer Applications

ANU ((Australian National University in Canberra) Early Offer applications close Friday 8 May.

Any Year 12 student considering applying for courses at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, please note their Early Offer applications close next week on Friday 8 May. 

Please note students who miss this deadline may still apply in Term 3 for ANU courses via the regular (ie non-Early Offer) application process.

Please see Margie if you need any help with your application.

Margie Jordan

Lifework Coordinator

SchoolTV - Special Report

Bullying can have a profound and lasting impact on a young person's wellbeing, sense of belonging and confidence. It is not always visible and can include social exclusion, verbal abuse and online harassment, often occurring repeatedly over time. Research shows that bullying can increase the risk of anxiety, low self-esteem, social withdrawal and difficulties with learning and peer relationships.

For parents and carers, it can be difficult to know how best to respond. However, recognising the signs, listening without judgement and maintaining open communication can make a significant difference.

Do It For Dolly Day is a national reminder that kindness matters and that everyone has a role to play in creating safe and inclusive communities. 

This Special Report provides practical guidance to help families understand bullying, support their child and promote empathy, respect and positive relationships, ensuring no child feels alone.

From the e-safety Commissioner: Support for neurodivergent families 

Every young person deserves to feel safe, confident and empowered online. For many neurodivergent young people, the digital world can be a powerful place to connect deeply, explore interests, and thrive in ways that work for them. 

Our ‘Using your neurodivergent mind to thrive online’ page is designed for neurodivergent young people, including autistic young people. It offers practical guidance on online safety, building good digital habits, and using personal strengths to navigate the online world with confidence. 

Community Webinar: Communication (Part 1)

Families are invited to take part in Communication (Part 1), an interactive webinar exploring how we can better understand and support communication with autistic individuals.

This 45-minute session provides an opportunity to listen, share and learn alongside parents, carers, teachers and others supporting young people. Topics will include different ways autistic people communicate, the importance of being an effective communication partner, and how communication supports meaningful connection.

The webinar will be co-facilitated by Positive Partnerships in collaboration with Communication Spectrum.

Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026
Time: 7.00pm – 7.45pm
Format: Online
Cost: Free

OR 

Date: Friday 15 May 2026
Time: 12.00pm – 12.45pm
Format: Online
Cost: Free

Register here: https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/workshops-online-learning/webinars

For every generation, vaccines work

April 24 – 30 2026

Vaccines have long been one of the most powerful tools in public health. Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives – not by accident, but because ordinary people made the decision to protect themselves, their children and their communities from diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus. 

Today, newer vaccines against malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola, and mpox are saving even more lives, and helping people at every stage of life live longer and healthier thanks to scientific advancements. 

During World Immunization Week, let’s show the world that some family traditions are worth passing on. Under the theme, “For every generation, vaccines work”, World Immunisation Week will promote how vaccines have safely protected people, families, and communities for generations – and continue to safeguard our future.  

By building trust, sharing accurate information, and strengthening confidence, we can support families to make informed decisions that protect themselves, their children, and generations to come. 

Influenza vaccinations are now available through your GP or Council Immunisation Service for a fee of approximately $25 and are recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. 

Parents of Year 7 & Year 10 students 

Banyule City Council will be attending ELTHAM College to administer the vaccinations for the Secondary School Immunisation Program. 

Immunisations will be held on Thursday 4 June 2026 for both year levels. 

All Year 7 and Year 10 parents are to complete the consent link below whether your child is to have the immunisation at school or elsewhere. 

Year 7 Consent Link – Gardasil and Boostrix

Year 10 Consent Link – Meningococcal ACWY

More information on vaccines can be found via the consent link or here. 

Alicia and Megan
School Nurses

Congratulations to Noah and Sophie, who participated at the Victorian State Swimming Championships last week at MSAC. Noah finished 3rd in Under 12/13 Boys 50m Breaststroke event and Sophie finished 6th in the 9/10 girls 50m Breaststroke event. An outstanding effort, we are all very proud of you. 

"This is my third year representing ELTHAM College at SSV State Swimming Championships at MSAC. This year’s race was breaststroke and it gave my first podium finish. I came 3rd in Victoria, a medal to hold on to for life. I was able to share my exciting experience with Sophie by taking her to the indoor warm up pool to warm up, teach her some techniques and I walked her to marshalling and stayed by her side until her race. Not longer after, my heat was up. Whilst I was nervous on the blocks, I was racing against friends from other swimming clubs and we all wished each-other good luck while we were standing next to each other as we had the top 3 seeded times for the race. I did my cross and the cheering went silent. ’Take your marks’, BEEP! I dived in with all my power, fully focussed and used every strength in my body to try and beat my personal best. The three of us touched the wall seconds apart and stepped out of the pool hugging and high fiving each other with so much happiness as this was a race we had anticipated since the start of the year."

From Noah 

"MSAC was crowded with people flooding into the chairs. We got a spot down the front, and I went to warm up. I did a few half laps of the pool, while Noah gave me tips on how to improve my breaststroke. We went back up to the parents and realised it was almost time for my race! We rushed down to the marshalling area and made it to my race just in time. My heart pounded in my chest, my palms were sweating. The announcer called out “test run, test run, repeat, this is a test run.” The loud alarm blared into my ears. Then the whistle chirped and everyone stood up on the diving block to get ready for their dives. After that, the announcer said “take your marks” followed by another loud alarm. I leaped off the diving block and swam my breaststroke; as soon as it started, it ended. I hit my hands firm onto the white brick wall. I looked up onto the board and saw that I came 6th. I walked back to where the parents were. They congratulated me with smiles on their faces. After both mine and Noah's races were over, we took photos and I went back to the car beaming with glee. It was a long day." 

From Sophie

Congratulations to Evelyn on their outstanding performance at the ELTHAM College Senior School Athletics Carnival, held last Wednesday 22 April finishing in first place.

This was a remarkable achievement, reflecting not only strong individual performances across track and field events, but also the collective spirit, determination and support shown throughout the day.

From the track to the field, Team Evelyn demonstrated a genuine sense of connection and encouragement, embracing each challenge and contributing to a positive and inclusive team environment.

Congratulations to all our staff and students across each House who made the event run smoothly on the day. 

We congratulate ELTHAM College student Jacob Guyett on his outstanding performance at the recent Australian Athletics Championships.

In his first national championships, Jacob competed across an extensive program of 12 sprint events, achieving excellent results in both team and individual competitions.

Team Results

• Silver – 4 x 100m (U13 Little Athletics) 
• Bronze – 4 x Swedish Medley (U13 Little Athletics) 
• Bronze – 4 x 100m (Men’s U14 – Athletics Australia) 
• Bronze – 4 x 200m Mixed (U14 – Athletics Australia) 

Individual Results

• 5th in Australia (100m) with a personal best of 12.19 
• 6th in Australia (200m) with a personal best of 24.75 

A highlight of the championships was Jacob’s qualification for the 100m final in the senior competition, where he placed 5th against older athletes — a significant achievement.

This result reflects Jacob’s commitment to his training and his ability to perform at a high level across a demanding schedule. We congratulate him on this achievement and look forward to his continued development in the sport.

For all information regarding the Sport program including Carnivals, EISM Fixtures, Team Lists, Training Sessions and Seasonal Sporting events please visit the ELTHAM College Sports page on mE link below.

2025 sees us move to our new improved newsletter, which is now available fortnightly.

Key Dates and more timely information will be shared via the mE app. If you have not already installed the mE app on your phone and enabled notifications, we ask our families to do so.

Parents can access this information from the Information for Families page on mE and by clicking on the mE App tile. 

Reminder: Mother’s Day Breakfast

A reminder that bookings are now open for our Mother’s Day Breakfast, to be held on Thursday 7 May.

Join us for a special morning celebrating the parents, carers and significant people in our students’ lives, with a light breakfast, student music performance and photo opportunities.

Time: 7.30am – 8.30am

Location: Amplify Common Space, Research Campus

Bookings are essential via Humanitix.

Tickets are now available for DREAMS, ELTHAM’s first Spotlight on Drama performance.

Featuring a cast of Year 10–12 students, this one-night-only production explores the dreams we chase, the illusions we live, and the realities we can’t escape.

Date: Friday 8 May
Time: 7.30pm
Location: Clarke Auditorium

We encourage our community to come along and support these talented students. 

ELTHAM students can take advantage of $10 tickets.

Book via Humanitix.

A reminder that RSVPs for the 2026 Year 10 & Year 11 Formal close Friday 8 May.

Students are invited to come together for an evening of celebration in a formal setting, with a three-course meal and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Date: Saturday 30 May 2026
Time: 7.00pm – 11.00pm
Location: Manningham Hotel, Bulleen
Cost: $120 per person

We encourage families to finalise bookings ahead of the deadline to avoid missing out.

Book via Humanitix.

ELTHAM College's book club, A Novel Bunch, continues its literary journey around the world. Our next stop takes us to North America as we dive into Tom Lake by Ann Patchett on Monday 11 May at 7.30pm in the Senior Library. Parents and carers across all year levels are warmly welcomed to join us in this shared reading experience, and new members are always invited to embark on our journey as we explore all seven continents throughout the year. To RSVP or if you have any questions, please email ecca@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au.

Jacqui, Heather, Laura and Donna.
A Novel Bunch Coordinators

Step into a dazzling night of Hollywood glamour! Join us for an unforgettable night of food, drinks, trivia & plenty of fun to raise funds for A Big Group Hug.
Come dressed in your best Hollywood style, whether its Oscar-glam or your favourite movie character! Prizes on the night for best dressed.

Saturday 20 June – Lights, Camera, Trivia! (Hollywood-themed Trivia Night)
6.30pm – 10.30pm, Swipers Gully Training Restaurant
Cost: $55 per person (includes finger food and two alcoholic drinks)
18+ event

Parents can access their Year Level Group pages, with information about events and year level chat, on mE.

Child Safety at ELTHAM College

All staff at ELTHAM College are responsible for providing a safe environment and the protection of children and young people within our care, including promoting physical, emotional and cultural safety. All staff are responsible for reporting information about suspected child abuse. All staff share in the responsibility for the prevention and detection of child abuse and promptly raise any issues or concerns about a child’s safety. All staff are required to follow the School’s Child Safe policies and Child Safety Code of Conduct.

ELTHAM College takes a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and is fully committed to ensuring that its strategies, policies, procedures, and practices meet all Child Safe Standards as specified in Ministerial Order No. 1359 (2022).  All applicants should refer to our Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct found at Policies - Eltham College.