Welcome to the last Preshil Weekly for the Term and Semester.
What a first half to the year it has been. It feels like a long time ago that we started 2026 by announcing the exciting news of the Lincoln Square purchase, and began the work of preparing both campuses for the long-term strategic plans ahead.
This semester we have shared so many wonderful experiences together.
We see our children and young people actively engaged in meaningful learning that extends well beyond the acquisition of skills or knowledge. It is, amongst many other things, about relationships and community. Young people figuring out who they are and how they can interact in the world around them. How they can be valuable contributors, not just passive consumers. Authentically connected, with the autonomy and drive to engage with meaning and purpose. To do this well, we need outstanding teachers and school staff. It is such a pleasure being in the company of such a talented Preshil team. A team determined to reflect and refine what we do as we commit to a child-centred approach to our practice and stance.
Debating, Theory of Mind, the school production, music performances, science inquiries, school camps, formals, art exhibitions, Housewarming and culminating in the wonderful Winter Solstice tradition. These are all part of what makes Preshil such an incredible place to be and, honestly, what sets us apart from so many other options available to young people.
We welcomed a number of new families to our community this semester, and likewise we will have a similar intake of new families next term. We are genuinely excited by this growth and the richness it brings to our community.
The end of Term 2 is a moment where our bodies feel and need a pause. Rest and rejuvenation. I hope this mid-year break provides all of our families and teachers the recharge they need. We will be back and ready for the second half of 2026.
Warm Regards, Aaron Mackinnon
Campus Development Page on the Website
We now have a Campus Development page on the website that will keep you across all of the capital projects expanding across both Arlington and Lincoln Square.
We hope this provides clarity for our community on the steps moving forward, and a platform to celebrate the accomplishments already made.
The page also includes a link to our capital fundraising page through Raisely. This will remain active as the place for families who wish to contribute to our capital campaign, which is a DGR foundation and qualifies for tax benefits.
Our annual Winter Solstice celebrations brought the Arlington Campus to life with an incredible evening of creativity, music and community spirit. With a fantastic turnout from families across both Arlington and Blackhall, the campus was buzzing from beginning to end.
Guests enjoyed warming cups of soup and hot chocolate while being treated to wonderful musical performances that showcased the talents of students from both Arlington and Blackhall. The evening was a beautiful celebration of our vibrant music program and the joy of performing together.
One of the highlights of the night was seeing the children's imaginative handmade lanterns glowing as they took part in the much-loved annual walk around the Arlington Campus. Their creativity and enthusiasm lit up the evening, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Events like these remind us of the strength of our Preshil community—coming together to celebrate creativity, connection and shared experiences.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy and care to make this special evening possible. We are so grateful to all who helped create such a memorable event for our community.
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Arlington Big Day In
On Thursday 18 June, ten Arlington children took to the stage for our Term 2 Big Day In Concert, sharing their musical offerings on piano, harp, drum kit and voice.
The performers demonstrated commitment, courage and deep focus as they performed for their peers and the wider school community. A special thank you to Aamir, who took great care in his role as MC and helped ensure the concert ran smoothly, and to Martika for her wonderful accompaniment of our singers.
We are also incredibly proud of the Arlington children, who were an enthusiastic and respectful audience, offering encouragement to the performers and helping create a supportive and appreciative atmosphere throughout the concert.
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Year 7 & 8 Camp
Our Year 7 and 8 students had a fantastic four days at Candlebark Farm in Healesville, embracing every aspect of camp in their own way. From campfire cooking, making s'mores and damper, riding the super swooper, canoeing, bush walks, games and plenty of laughter, students challenged themselves, built new friendships and strengthened existing ones.
A highlight was our visit to Healesville Sanctuary, where students got up close with Australia's unique wildlife and learnt about conservation efforts. It was wonderful to see students supporting one another, stepping outside their comfort zones and creating memories that will last well beyond camp.
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Childrens Ground Raffle Winner
This week, we were delighted to announce the winner of the Children's Ground Fundraising Raffle. Congratulations to Preshil's Theatre Director, Laurence Page, who was the lucky recipient of the prize. The winning ticket was drawn by Sariaha.
The raffle was organised by Preshil's Reconciliation Leaders, with invaluable support from our Vocational Major students. Through their thoughtful planning, enthusiastic promotion and collective effort, they raised an impressive $426 for Children's Ground—an organisation that partners with First Nations communities to create lasting change through education, health, employment and cultural strength.
Thank you to everyone in the Preshil community who purchased tickets, donated and supported the fundraiser. Your generosity has helped make this initiative a wonderful success while contributing to the important work of Children's Ground.
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Celebrating Our Creative Faculty: Kade Brown Quintet
We are delighted to share an upcoming performance by Preshil Music Teacher Kade Brown, an acclaimed pianist, composer and leading voice in Melbourne's contemporary jazz scene.
One of the great strengths of a Preshil education is learning alongside practising artists. We are delighted to invite families to experience Kade's work as a performer and composer, and to see firsthand the creative practice that inspires his teaching.
When: 6pm 9 July Where: Bird's Basement, Melbourne
Chess Australia Pty Ltd is pleased to offer weekly Chess Club lessons every Thursday, led under the supervision of International Master and FIDE-accredited trainer Leonid Sandler, former captain of the Australian Women’s Chess Olympic Team.
We’re excited to announce some new additions to the Preshil merch collection! Beanies and tracksuit pants are now available. Perfect for keeping warm and showing your Preshil spirit throughout the cooler months.
