ELTHAM College Family News May 29 2026

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

Events and dates may be subject to change.

Senior School Key Dates

Saturday 30 May

• Year 10 and Year 11 Formal, 7.30pm–11.00pm

Thursday 4 June

• Year 7 Immunisations
• Year 10 Immunisations

Friday 5 June

• Senior School students are encouraged to wear a FIGHTMND Big Freeze beanie
• Year 10 and Unit 1 Exam Revision
• Year 11 Parent Morning Tea, 9.00am–10.00am

Monday 8 June

• King's Birthday Public Holiday – No School

Tuesday 9 June

• Whole Year 9 Cohort in the City
• Great Victorian Bike Ride Information Evening, 7.30pm–8.30pm
• Year 10 and Unit 1 Exam Revision

Wednesday 10 June

• Year 10 and Unit 1 Exam Revision

Thursday 11 June

• Year 10 and Unit 1 Exams Commence

Friday 12 June

• Year 10 and Unit 1 Exams Continue
• Year 10 and Year 11 Examination Period

Note: Year 10 and Unit 1 examinations commence on Thursday 11 June and conclude on Friday 19 June.

Please refer to the Junior School Newsletter for upcoming events and activities.

These photographs offer a fascinating glimpse into the early days of computing at ELTHAM College.

The first images show the College's very first computer, introduced in 1977, at a time when computers were still a rarity in Australian schools. 

The final image, taken in 1983, highlights how technology was already becoming a more visible part of student learning just a few years later.

While the equipment may look worlds away from the laptops, tablets and digital tools used by students today, these images reflect ELTHAM's long-standing commitment to innovation and preparing students for a changing world.

Do you remember these early computers? We'd love to hear your memories of technology at ELTHAM over the years.

Esmae Boutros

Archivist

This week, communities across Australia are recognising National Reconciliation Week - a time to reflect on our shared history, strengthen relationships, and consider the role we can each play in reconciliation.

National Reconciliation Week is held annually from 27 May to 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 Referendum, when more than 90 per cent of Australians voted to amend the Constitution so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted in the national census and the Federal Government could make laws for Aboriginal people; and the 1992 Mabo decision, which recognised Native Title and acknowledged the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.

The week follows National Sorry Day on 26 May, when Australians acknowledge the lasting impacts of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, now known as the Stolen Generations. National Sorry Day is a time for reflection, truth-telling and recognition of the strength and resilience of Survivors and their descendants.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘All In’, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation; not just during this week, but through ongoing everyday actions, conversations and learning.

As part of the College’s recognition of the week, we were privileged to welcome Tarina Fanning to the Clarke Auditorium at the Research campus on Thursday 28 May. Tarina Fanning is a proud Larrakia and Tiwi woman, educator and advocate with more than 30 years’ experience supporting Aboriginal cultural awareness, understanding and reconciliation across workplaces and communities. A member of the Stolen Generations, Tarina draws on her lived experience and extensive professional background to foster meaningful conversations around history, truth-telling and reconciliation.

Tarina spoke with our Senior School students, sharing her personal experiences, perspectives and knowledge, while encouraging thoughtful reflection and conversation around reconciliation, culture and community. She highlighted the significance of National Sorry Day in setting the tone for National Reconciliation Week, reminding students that meaningful reconciliation cannot occur without acknowledging and understanding the truths of the past. 

Opportunities such as these are an important part of fostering understanding, respect and connection within our College community.

Learning More and Getting Involved

National Reconciliation Week provides many opportunities to engage with local events, learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and support reconciliation in practical ways.

Families may wish to explore the following resources:

Reconciliation Australia – National Reconciliation Week 

National Sorry Day Foundation 

Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education 

Healing Foundation 

Whether through listening, learning, attending community events, supporting Aboriginal businesses and artists, or simply beginning conversations at home, reconciliation is something we can all contribute to together.

Lakshmi Sharma

Head of Science

As part of ELTHAM College's new Service Learning Program, each House has selected a charity to support through student-led fundraising and awareness initiatives.

Nillumbik House has chosen to support FightMND, the organisation behind the annual Big Freeze campaign, which raises awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research and support.

This year's campaign carries particular significance, following the recent passing of Neale Daniher AO, whose tireless advocacy helped transform FightMND into one of Australia's most recognised fundraising movements. His legacy continues through the ongoing work of the organisation and the communities that support it.

To support the campaign, Big Freeze beanies are now available for purchase from Reception for $25, with all proceeds going directly to FightMND.

Year 12 students are invited to wear any Big Freeze beanie throughout next week in support of the initiative. In addition, all students across ELTHAM College are encouraged to wear a Big Freeze beanie on Friday 5 June as part of the FightMND Community Round, joining schools, sporting clubs and communities across Australia in raising awareness for this important cause ahead of the King's Birthday Big Freeze match at the MCG.

We congratulate the Nillumbik House Captains and Leaders for championing this initiative and thank our community for supporting their fundraising efforts.

Oliver Ashkar

Nillumbik House

Last week, Year 7 students participated in a profoundly moving and impactful incursion delivered by Dolly’s Dream, focused on empowering young people to build kindness, resilience, and safe digital habits. Through powerful storytelling and real-life perspectives, students were encouraged to reflect on the lasting impact of bullying and the importance of choosing respect, empathy, and responsibility in both face-to-face and online interactions.

The session created space for honest reflection and meaningful conversation, with students demonstrating maturity as they engaged with sensitive and thought-provoking content. Key messages around digital safety, bystander responsibility, and the power of speaking up resonated strongly, reinforcing the shared commitment we hold as a school community to wellbeing and respectful relationships.

This incursion was a timely and important reminder that our words and actions matter. We thank Dolly’s Dream for their work in supporting young people and helping schools continue these vital conversations beyond the classroom.

Please click on the link to continue the conversation at home. https://elthamcollege.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-do-it-dolly-day

Penny van Gelderen

Year 7 & 8 Coordinator 

On Thursday 28 May, Junior School students travelled to Doncaster Athletics Track for the annual House Athletics Carnival.

Students competed enthusiastically across a range of track and field events, including the 100m, 200m, hurdles, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus, vortex throw, shuttle relays, 800m and 1500m. The day also featured some fun challenges, including the ever-popular parachute challenge.

Despite the wet weather, students embraced the opportunity to represent their House, demonstrate sportsmanship and challenge themselves across the various events. There were smiles, laughter and plenty of ribbons awarded throughout the day as students celebrated both individual and team achievements.

A special thank you to Anthony Panou for his organisation of the event and for ensuring the carnival ran smoothly.

Congratulations to Evelyn House, which claimed the 2026 Junior School House Athletics Carnival title with 615 points. Nillumbik finished a close second on 599 points, followed by Ross on 535 points and Bell on 488 points.

Well done to all students for their enthusiasm, participation and House spirit throughout the day.

Alisha Bennett
Digital Marketing & Content Assistant

Congratulations to the ELTHAM College Year 7 Boys Soccer Team on their fantastic Grand Final victory over Alphington, winning 2–1 at Darebin Soccer Centre.

After losing twice to Alphington earlier in the season, the boys delivered an outstanding performance filled with determination, resilience and teamwork against the ladder leaders. Hunter Harrington gave ELTHAM College the lead early in the second half before Alphington equalised in the final minute of regular time to send the match into extra time.

The team continued to fight hard, and in extra time Hunter Harrington set up Luke Oldfield for the winning goal to secure an incredible Grand Final victory for ELTHAM College.

A special congratulations to Hunter Harrington, James Pritchard and Sebastian Alexander, who were recognised among the team’s best players on the day. We also thank coaches Phil Mullett and Hudson Young for their support and guidance throughout the season.


Brent Wallace

Head of Sports

This week, our class 7B Science learned about paper chromatography. We used markers on paper and put them in water to spread the colours up the sheet of paper.

Our findings show that lots of colours are made up of more than one colour, we can tell this because when the colour spreads there are more than just one colour on the sheet.

As you can see on the paper we had to spread out the colours so they will not mix, if we were to mix, the colours would be all over the place.

We learned that the water gets soaked into the water and the water particles get a section of the paper more wet until it reaches the colour and it gets split into all the different colours that the colour makes up.

Thank you Lakshmi for helping us do this experiment it was really fun and very enjoyable.

Caspian
Year 7 Student

Solveig Yen takes to the stage in ‘Away’ with Hills Act Theatre.

Year 12 student, Solveig Yen, has been busy rehearsing with the Hills Act Theatre Company located in Healesville for her role as Meg in ‘Away’ by Australian playwright Michael Gow.

Set in 1968, Away follows three Australian families as they navigate loss within the complexities of family life during a time of great social and economic change.

The school year comes to an end, and three families can't wait to leave on completely different holidays - or so they think! In a race to escape the past, they all find themselves in the midst of a raging tempest (the Shakespearean kind). When the winds settle will they find themselves and each other again amidst the flotsam and jetsam of their belongings?

Solveig plays the role of teenager Meg and will hit the stage of The Memo in Healesville this Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May.

Solveig has shown wonderful dedication as she has juggled her Away commitments with her VCE Drama Ensemble performance and the commencement of Les Misérables rehearsals this month.

We wish Solveig every success and congratulate her on putting herself forward for an extension activity in the performing arts beyond the college.

Break a leg Solveig!
 

Nicole Howard

Performing Arts Coordinator

Throughout May, students in Years 7–12 celebrated National Careers Week by exploring a wide range of career pathways and opportunities.

Activities across the College encouraged students to think about their future aspirations, discover new possibilities and consider the many pathways available beyond school.

Highlights included:

• Exploring displays featuring unique and unexpected careers

• Participating in the "Guess the Unusual Jobs" competition with peers and staff

• Learning how different subjects connect to future careers

• Hearing from teachers about their own career journeys and pathways into education

• Attending a presentation from a university representative about tertiary study options and how leadership and community involvement can support future opportunities

• Contributing to interactive displays showcasing students' dream careers

• Exploring library resources highlighting careers across a variety of industries

• Viewing noticeboard displays featuring external career development opportunities and programs

Congratulations to Baylan Lawler (Year 12), who submitted the highest number of correct answers in the "Guess the Unusual Jobs" competition and won a $25 voucher to spend at the school canteen.

Students were challenged to identify a range of unusual careers, including:

• Golf Ball Diver

• Odour Judge

• Futurist

• Foley Artist

• Water Slide Tester

• Parabolic Flight Crew Member

• Genetic Counsellor

• Ethical Hacker

• Snake Venom Milker

• Hippotherapist

The competition sparked plenty of discussion and highlighted the diverse range of careers available across emerging, creative, scientific and specialist industries.

Career development is an ongoing journey, and families play an important role in helping young people explore their interests and aspirations. Parents and carers are encouraged to continue the conversation at home by sharing their own career experiences and discussing the pathways their child may be considering.
 

Year 10 Students Explore Future Pathways with Morrisby

As part of their career development journey, Year 10 students recently completed the Morrisby Careers Test, a nationally recognised assessment designed to help young people better understand their strengths, interests and potential career pathways.

The Morrisby Profile provides personalised insights into future study and career options, helping students make informed decisions as they begin considering subject selections and post-school opportunities.

To support this process, students and families were also invited to attend an online presentation delivered by a Morrisby representative. The session provided guidance on interpreting Morrisby results and exploring the wide range of pathways and careers identified through the assessment.

The Morrisby Careers Test forms an important part of the College's career education program, encouraging students to reflect on their interests, abilities and aspirations as they plan for the future.

Image: Year 10 students completing the Morrisby Careers Test.

Margie Jordan

LifeWork Centre

Students interested in animals, conservation, environmental science and wildlife careers are invited to attend the 2026 Careers Expo at Melbourne Zoo during the July school holidays.

The expo provides a unique opportunity to hear from industry professionals, explore a range of career pathways and learn more about working in the conservation, environmental and zoological sectors.

Dates: Thursday 9 and Friday 10 July 2026

Time: 9.00am–2.30pm

Location: Melbourne Zoo

Cost (includes Melbourne Zoo admission):

• Child: $28.50 for one day or $57 for two days
• Adult: $54.50 for one day or $109 for two days

Please note:

• Attendance requires a ticket for each day.
• Presentation sessions are included with expo admission but must be booked.
• Workshops are available for an additional $10 per session.
• One parent or guardian may attend per child.

Places are limited and expected to fill quickly. Families interested in attending are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Register here.

All Year 7–12 students are invited to join the ELTHAM College team for the 2026 Great Victorian Bike Ride.

A parent information night will be held on Tuesday 9 June at 7.30pm in the Library Auditorium.

All are welcome to attend and find out more about this wonderful event. 

The Great Victorian Bike Ride is a five-day cycling adventure and is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of Victoria’s most beautiful regions while building friendships, resilience and confidence. The ride is not a race, and students of all experience and fitness levels are welcome to participate.

ELTHAM College has proudly participated in the event for more than 25 years, with many students returning year after year. Parents are also warmly encouraged to take part if they would like to join the experience.

Event Details

Dates: Monday 23 November – Friday 27 November 2026

Itinerary: Bendigo, Castlemaine, Trentham and Creswick

Distance: Approximately 350km

Further information about the event can be found on the Bicycle Network website:

https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/great-victorian-bike-ride/

Peer pressure is a normal part of growing up. As children and young people develop friendships and a sense of identity, they are naturally influenced by the attitudes, behaviours and expectations of those around them.

Today, peer pressure extends well beyond the classroom. Social media, messaging apps and online communities can expose young people to constant comparison, instant feedback and perceived expectations about how they should look, behave and perform. While peer influence can often be positive and encouraging, it can also create pressure to conform, take risks or make choices that do not align with a young person's values.

Helping young people recognise and respond to peer pressure is an important part of building resilience, confidence and healthy decision-making skills. Open conversations at home can encourage children and teenagers to reflect on their friendships, seek support when needed and make choices that feel right for them.

Families play a vital role in helping young people navigate peer influence. By maintaining strong connections and creating opportunities for open and judgement-free conversations, parents and carers can support their child to develop the confidence to make positive choices both online and offline.

For further information and resources, families are encouraged to access this week's SchoolTV Special Report: Responding to Peer Pressure.

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. 

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

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.

Tickets available via Humanitix.

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.