ELTHAM College Family News May 15 2026
Key Dates
Key Dates – ELC and Junior School - 15 May 2026
Key Dates - Senior School - 15 May 2026
College Connections
From the Archives 15 May 2026
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
Reminder: ELTHAM College AGM 2026
ELTHAM College Foundation Appreciation Event
Last week, ELTHAM College hosted a special Foundation Appreciation event to celebrate the generous support of the ELTHAM College Foundation in bringing our new outdoor basketball courts to life.
The event welcomed ELTHAM College ELC students alongside children from the Little Flyers Learning Centres for a morning of basketball activities, games and connection. Guided by ELTHAM College Sports Captains and alumni Annaliese Driscoll (Class of 2021) and Ethan Reytomas (Class of 2024), students enjoyed taking part in fun drills and activities on the new courts.
We were also delighted to welcome members of the ELTHAM College Foundation and ELTHAM College Boards, together with representatives from Little Flyers Learning Centres and Kids on Collins. Their continued partnership and support help strengthen opportunities for students and families across our wider community.
Already, the new courts are providing a vibrant space for activity, play and connection, reflecting the strong community spirit at the heart of ELTHAM College.
Lisa Burleigh
Community Engagement Coordinator
94th ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony for Students
During the morning last week, Tuesday 5th May, ELTHAM College Year 9 students attended the 94th ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony for Students at the Shrine of Remembrance. In attendance with schools from across Victoria, our students honoured the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country.
The annual ceremony provides students with the opportunity to reflect on the significance of the ANZAC spirit while deepening their understanding of the importance of remembrance and national commemoration. As part of the ceremony, Brody Hawley and Christina Deligiaouris proudly represented ELTHAM College in the student wreath procession, walking across the Shrine forecourt to lay a wreath at the Eternal Flame in honour of those who served.
The experience was a meaningful opportunity for students to come together in reflection and remembrance, recognising the enduring importance of ANZAC Day and the values of service, sacrifice and community.
Lest we forget.
Jodie Potter
Year 9 City Campus
Celebrating Community at Our Mother’s Day Breakfast
Last Thursday, ELTHAM College warmly welcomed families, carers and special friends to our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast, bringing the community together for a morning of celebration, gratitude and connection.
Held in the Amplify Common Space, guests enjoyed breakfast together while students presented a beautiful music performance, alongside heartfelt poems and speeches honouring the important role mothers, carers and special friends play in the lives of our students.
From meaningful conversations to polaroid keepsakes and shared moments, the morning was a wonderful reflection of the care, encouragement and connection that shape life at ELTHAM College.
A sincere thank you to our staff, ECCA, student leaders and volunteers whose support and organisation helped make the event such a special occasion for our community.
Dannielle Malee
Events Coordinator
Dreams Takes Centre Stage in Debut Spotlight on Drama Production
Last Friday evening, ELTHAM College audiences were welcomed to our very first Spotlight on Drama production, Dreams - a performance we were incredibly proud to help bring to life as part of the Drama Leadership team.
Spotlight on Drama was created to give Year 10-12 students an additional avenue to develop their acting skills outside of the College musicals, while exploring a range of theatre styles, characters and performance techniques. Throughout the rehearsal process, it was exciting to watch the cast challenge themselves creatively and grow in confidence on stage.
The showcase centred around the theme of dreams, connecting a variety of scenes through ideas of ambition, illusion, passion, freedom, equality and the aspirations people chase throughout their lives. Each scene explored a different perspective on what it means to dream, while giving the ensemble the chance to take on a wide range of unique and memorable characters.
One of the most rewarding parts of the process for us as student leaders was contributing to the creative direction of the production. From helping select scenes to supporting rehearsals and working alongside the cast, it was an incredibly valuable collaborative experience.
The evening was an enormous success, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the audience respond so warmly to the hard work, creativity and commitment of everyone involved. The energy and support in the room made the night a memorable celebration of student performance and collaboration.
We would like to sincerely thank Suzie Thomas for her leadership and dedication throughout the production, along with Karl McNamara, Michelle Hall and Nicole Howard for their support behind the scenes. Most importantly, thank you to our incredible castmates, whose creativity, enthusiasm and hard work brought Dreams to life on stage.
We are excited to see Spotlight on Drama continue to grow in the future and look forward to many more productions to come.
Josh Smith and Nate Clarke
2026 Drama Captain and Drama Leader
ELTHAM College Alumni Class of 2024 Reunion
We are excited to invite our Class of 2024 alumni back to ELTHAM College for a special reunion evening this May.
Join us for a relaxed catch up with friends and staff as we hear about the adventures, experiences and pathways our graduates have taken since leaving the College.
Date: Friday 29 May 2026
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Venue: Platform 3095, 965 Main Road, Eltham
Cost: $30 per person, including finger food and two beverages. A subsidy from the Alumni Association has already been applied to ticket pricing.
Registrations close promptly at 5pm on Friday 22 May 2026. Please register here.
We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2024 back to the ELTHAM community.
Senior School News
Senior Sport Grand Final Success
Congratulations to our Senior Sport teams on an outstanding day of competition on Wednesday 6 May, with ELTHAM College winning four of five EISM Grand Finals.
Our Girls A Basketball team delivered a strong performance, defeating Plenty Valley 41–34 after maintaining composure in a tightly contested second half. Mietta Franzmann was awarded MVP after an exceptional game, while Freya Duckworth also made a significant contribution at both ends of the court.
The Senior Boys A Basketball team claimed a hard-fought 32–27 victory over Nunawading Christian College, with Hamish Freiberg named MVP for his outstanding performance.
The Boys Softball team also celebrated a strong Grand Final win, defeating Melbourne Rudolf Steiner 22–14, with Bailey Stewart named MVP.
Final results included:
- Boys A Basketball: ELTHAM 32 def. Nunawading Christian College 27
MVP: Hamish Freiberg - Boys B Basketball: ELTHAM 70 def. Kilvington 33
MVP: Nathan Halley - Girls A Basketball: ELTHAM 41 def. Plenty Valley 34
MVP: Mietta Franzmann - Boys Softball: ELTHAM 22 def. Melbourne Rudolf Steiner 14
MVP: Bailey Stewart
Congratulations to all students and staff involved on a fantastic achievement for ELTHAM College Sport.
Brent Wallace
Head of Sports
Year 7 Students Inspired by Author A.J. Betts
This term, Year 7 students have been exploring the dystopian novel Hive by acclaimed Australian author A.J. Betts as part of their English studies.
On Tuesday, students had the exciting opportunity to take part in writing workshops led by A.J. Betts herself, encouraging them to develop their own futuristic stories and creative ideas. Students also attended a presentation where they asked thoughtful questions and learned about the inspiration behind Hive. Interestingly, the idea for the novel began with something as simple as a drip falling from a tunnel that Betts drove through in her hometown of Perth.
Next week, students will begin creating 3D board games to showcase their understanding of the text in a hands-on and imaginative way. A.J. Betts has asked for photos of the finished projects and is looking forward to seeing the creative work produced by our Year 7 students.
Kylie Price
Head of Literacy
Year 8 Students Embrace Service Learning in the Junior Library
Our Year 8 students have recently embraced a rewarding Service Learning opportunity in the Junior Library, choosing to give up part of their lunchtime to support younger students within the College community.
Whether assisting with reading, helping to organise resources or simply offering a friendly and reassuring presence, our Year 8 students have demonstrated a genuine commitment to giving back. The initiative has provided a valuable opportunity for students to build connections between the Junior and Senior School while gaining an introduction to volunteering and the positive impact small acts of service can have on others.
It has been wonderful to see the pride, confidence, and enjoyment students gain from participating, while also fostering important qualities such as empathy, responsibility and community spirit.
Penny van Gelderen
Year 7 & 8 Coordinator
Year 9 Students Map Melbourne’s Past, Present and Future in Award-Winning Project
Melbourne’s rich history came alive for Year 9 students this term as they embarked on an ambitious integrated unit exploring the city’s most significant people and places. The highlight of the program was a special visit from renowned cartographer Anton Thomas, who led hands-on mapping workshops that inspired students to think about the city in new and imaginative ways.
For their major assessment, students were challenged to create original maps depicting Melbourne across three-time perspectives: Then, Now, and Beyond. The results were outstanding. From intricate historical recreations to bold futuristic visions, the collection showcased the creativity and curiosity of the entire cohort.
Anton Thomas, impressed by both the artistic skill and the depth of research on display, selected one standout map in each category to receive the Anton Thomas Cartography Award for 2026. This year’s winners were:
· Luke Bell — Then
^ Luke Bell
· Jessica O’Donnell — Now
· Harriet Bourne — Beyond
^ Harriet Bourne, Molly Murphy & Jessica O'Donnell
The student body also had its say, voting Molly Murphy as the recipient of the People’s Choice Award, a testament to the impact her work had on her peers.
The project not only strengthened students’ understanding of Melbourne’s evolving identity but also celebrated the power of visual storytelling. Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding work and for helping map the city’s past, present and future.
Evan Watts
Head of City Campus
Exploring Immunology: Year 10 and 11 Biology Students Celebrate Day of Immunology
Last Thursday, a group of Year 10 and 11 Biology students attended a full day program at the Gene Technology Access Centre as part of the 2026 Day of Immunology celebrations.
Throughout the day, students participated in a range of hands-on workshops exploring immunology, disease outbreaks and vaccination research. They used techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis and microscopy, while also learning how scientists track and control the spread of disease.
Students also heard from Dr Anne Hahn from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and spoke with researchers about careers in medical science and immunology.
The excursion was a fantastic opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with real-world scientific research and applications.
Alison Tolle
Science
Wellbeing
SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating IDAHOBIT
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) emphasises the importance of educating children about diversity and inclusivity.
IDAHOBIT is celebrated annually on May 17 and serves as a global day to promote tolerance and combat discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community. It was established in 2004 to mark the removal of homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organisation.
It's important that we all play a crucial role in guiding children to respect and accept people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Recognising IDAHOBIT helps families send a strong message against discrimination, underlining the value of diversity and the harmful impacts of stereotypes and prejudices. Biases can often originate from the media, societal interactions, and peer groups, necessitating active intervention from both parents and caregivers to address and mitigate these influences.
It is through creating inclusive environments that we can support diversity and inclusion and play a vital role in raising awareness to demonstrate solidarity with LGBTQIA+ students, staff and other members of the community.
The celebration of IDAHOBIT portrays an ongoing commitment to creating a world free from prejudice and discrimination. It is a call to action to instil values of empathy, respect, and inclusivity in the next generation, ensuring children grow up to be compassionate advocates for equality. This should not merely be a one-time conversation, but a continuous journey of education, acceptance and discussion.
https://elthamcollege.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-idahobit-au
For Further Resources:
https://www.idahobit.org.au/resources
https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Community/Diversity-and-inclusion/LGBTIQA
https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/events/idahobit-2025-and-beyond-championing-lgbtqia-inclusion
https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/events/lgbtqia-book-chat-idahobit-day
Sports Report
Sport Updates on mE
Family Reminders
Family News and the mE App
ECCA
Year Level Family Catch Ups
Parents can access their Year Level Group pages, with information about events and year level chat, on mE.
Lights, Camera, Trivia!
Join ECCA for a Hollywood-themed Trivia Night on Saturday 20 June at Swipers Gully Training Restaurant.
Gather your table, dress in your best Hollywood-inspired outfit and enjoy a fun evening of trivia, entertainment and prizes, all while raising funds for A Big Group Hug.
Saturday 20 June
6.30pm – 10.30pm
Swipers Gully Training Restaurant
Tickets are $55 per person and include finger food and two alcoholic drinks.
18+ event.
Book via Humanitix.
Community Notices
Community Notices and Events 15 May 2026
Edendale Repair Café
Saturday 16 May from 10.00am to 12.00pm, Mummery Room
Edendale Community Environment Farm is hosting its monthly Repair Café at Edendale Farm, Eltham. The volunteer-run initiative encourages community members to repair household items rather than send them to landfill, helping reduce waste while learning practical new skills.
Visitors are invited to bring along one item for repair, including clothing, homewares, toys, tools, garden equipment and small furniture. Volunteer repairers will work alongside attendees, sharing advice and repair techniques throughout the process.
Simple electrical repairs and safety checks are normally available when a qualified electrician is present, however this service will not be available during May.
Sustainable House Day - The Nillumbik Trail 2026
Sunday 17 May 2026, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Tickets: $15 per adult for the day
Funds contribute to Renew's costs of delivering the national event.
Considering how to make your home more sustainable and energy efficient? Explore open houses across Nillumbik on Sustainable House Day. Hear from local homeowners about their efforts to make their homes more comfortable and less expensive to run. You’ll be inspired and gain endless information and tips to help you on your journey. Book your tickets now!
Register here: https://www.cleanenergynillumbik.org.au/shd2026
This event is supported by Nillumbik Shire Council.
Electrification Speed Date
Saturday 30 May 2026, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Edendale Community Environment Farm, 30 Gastons Rd, Eltham VIC 3095, Australia
This is a FREE event with bookings required.
Thinking about solar, batteries, heat pump hot water, electric cars, induction cooking, energy efficiency, or reverse-cycle heating and cooling? Book your spot at the Electrification Speed Date and get FREE, one-on-one expert advice tailored to your home.
Register here: https://www.cleanenergynillumbik.org.au/esd2026
This event is supported by the Community Electrification Engagement Program, a Program delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.