Preshil Weekly – Term 2 Week 4

Welcome to another exciting week at Preshil.

This Weeks Camps

This week, it was an absolute joy to see our Lofties and Sunroom children enjoying their time camping together at Pound Bend in Warrandyte. I only spent a short time with them, but it was clear how deeply this experience was impacting their sense of connection to nature through inquiry and a range of experiences involving stretch, challenge, and newness that many had not experienced previously. From sleeping in tents, fishing, and gathering around a campfire that they themselves had learned how to light.

What was particularly evident was the deliberate pedagogical approach of always looking for ways to elevate self-determination within their experience. One of the children, without realising it, spoke beautifully to this approach in reflecting on the way Derek, from Up the Creek, navigated the days and activities.

Following a conversation circle. One, as you can imagine, full of questions and wonderings. One of the children said:

“I can’t work out whether Derek is very wise or incredibly stupid.”

In our warm way, the query itself was gently challenged, but the camper had said this because Derek would not give them all the answers to their wonderings. Instead, he preferred they learn through activating their imagination and discovery for themselves, which, of course, was the whole point of the experience.

This rather humorous observation speaks deeply to one of our own approaches at Preshil: of ‘leading from behind’. We are not looking for ways for children to imagine what we are thinking, but rather for children to imagine for themselves and create for themselves, with highly skilled adults attuned to pivoting, shifting, and supporting the many directions learning may take.

Our role is not to prescribe a single linear pathway, but to carefully inform and nurture a process rich with possibility, growth, uncertainty, and emergence.

Campus Updates

The Arlington Campus Master Plan was shared with children, staff, and families over the past week, and we are incredibly excited by the shape it is taking. It is a deeply considered piece of work by BaraccoWright, one that understands our pedagogical approach intimately through their own child’s lived connection to the school, from Lighthouse through to the Peppercorns.

The plan honours the UNESCO award-winning architecture and the cultural and pedagogical truths that informed it, while also imagining how we can elevate the campus further through an “everyone wins, no one loses” approach to design as we prepare for the emerging Middle School over the next two years.

Alongside this, the program design that will be shared with the community in two weeks’ time speaks to the excitement we hold for the future of a K-8 campus and, specifically, for what Middle School can become at Preshil.

One of the most resonant ideas we heard while visiting schools in the United States was the notion that young people at this age are simultaneously the oldest possible children and the youngest possible adults. This tension is real. It is not a problem to solve, but something to deliberately design for.

We are very excited about what this can look like at Preshil and what it can offer our young people, and in fact all those interested in reimagining how this age and stage of learning might be more meaningfully supported.

Warmly,
Aaron Mackinnon, 
Principal

Autumn Soirée

Last Wednesday evening, the Kevin Borland Hall at Arlington was filled with outstanding performances from students across all year levels.

Hosted by the charismatic Erin, the concert showcased a wide range of styles including classical, jazz, K-pop, musical theatre and original works. Audiences were captivated by the courage, creativity and talent displayed throughout the evening. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this special celebration of music.

Hide and Seek During Mentor Class

Last week, students took part in a giant game of Hide and Seek hosted by pastoral leaders Carly and Clare during Mentor class.

What began as a playful and fun experience quickly became a competitive and energetic mission filled with teamwork, creativity but most of all, connection.

In the middle of a busy term of classes and assessments, the game offered students an opportunity to reconnect with a sense of child-like fun that can sometimes get lost amongst the routines. Students worked together, encouraging each other, harbouring their friends and keeping hiding spots secret.

Activities like this play an important role in building community and belonging, especially across year levels. Shared moments of laughter and silliness help to strengthen the relationship between students and staff, support and wellbeing and create positive memories connected to school. It was so nice to see the students embracing the chance to simply enjoy being together.

Year 9 & 10 Health Students Baby Egg Experiment

Year 9 & 10 Health students spent yesterday exploring the realities of responsibility, care, and decision making through a hands-on reproductive health activity involving one very fragile “baby” egg each.

Students were challenged to look after their egg for the entire school day, making choices about how they would care for it and manage the responsibility. Some students decided they were not ready to “parent” and made that choice early, while others took the task incredibly seriously. Throughout the day, students could be seen building carriers and “childcare centres” from egg cartons, checking in on each other’s eggs at break times, and bonding over the shared experience.

At the end of the day, the group gathered on the lawn outside Blackhall, where certificates were presented to students whose eggs survived the challenge. Amazingly, only a couple of eggs were broken, and a few even made it safely home before eventually becoming someone’s fry-up dinner.

Kew District Cross Country

Last year some keen children wondered if we could be involved in some of the district sport events. With a bit of behind-the-scenes organising, and some down-the-park training, we got there! Our Peppercorns all attended the event, and 7 competitors took to the 3km course around Hay’s Paddock. Courage was the word of the day, as running 3000 metres can be very daunting.

“I felt like I was going to fall over but at the end I felt great.” – Woody

“It was great fun and it was tiring.” – Aamir

“We did really well for our first time at event such as this. It was fun.” – Mico

Road Smart Interactive Comes to Preshil

Students in Years 9 - 12 recently participated in the Road Smart Interactive road safety program delivered at Preshil in partnership with Museums Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission.

Adapted from the award-winning Road to Zero experience at Melbourne Museum, the incursion used immersive technology and interactive activities to encourage students to think critically about road safety and their role in reducing road trauma.

Throughout the program, students explored how road environments can be designed to protect all users, experienced virtual reality simulations, investigated the impact of speed and crash forces on the human body, and tested their understanding of road user behaviour through quizzes and collaborative challenges. They also designed safer vehicles and examined road safety initiatives from around the world using interactive digital tools.

The workshops encouraged meaningful discussion around safe decision-making, distraction, peer influence, and shared responsibility on the roads. By combining technology, problem-solving, and real-world scenarios, the program aimed to empower students to make safer choices as drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The Peace Cafe is Getting a New Look

Do you purchase sushi from our social enterprise, The Peace Cafe, in support of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre?

We’re excited to share that a fresh new look - and a more efficient ordering system - is on the way, thanks to the research and work of our fabulous trainee teacher, Jack Allen.

To prepare for the relaunch, The Peace Cafe will be taking a short one-week break before our big reveal. We hope these improvements will make ordering even easier while helping us continue to raise vital funds for people who need it most. Watch this space!

Great Book Swap

We’re excited to be hosting a Great Book Swap on Tuesday 26 May in support of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

We are now calling for book donations to help stock the swap. You can drop off any books still in good condition to the box in Reception at Arlington. Should you wish to make an online contribution, donations can be made below.

Thank you for helping us share the joy of reading while supporting an important cause.

Study Without Stress Program

This week marked the completion of the Study Without Stress program for a small group of Year 11 - 12 students at Preshil.

Delivered by our Head of Wellbeing, Natalie Kisilevich, the evidence-based program supported students in developing practical strategies to manage the academic pressures of Years 11 and 12, while building resilience, self-awareness, and confidence.

Across the Term, students explored topics including stress management, procrastination, perfectionism, exam preparation, and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns. Through discussion, reflection, and skills-based activities grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), students practised strategies designed to support both their learning and emotional wellbeing.

Working with a small group of seven students created a thoughtful and supportive environment in which participants demonstrated considerable courage and maturity. Students consistently showed up willing to engage with vulnerable thoughts and experiences, openly share challenges, and practise skills that at times felt unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Their commitment to the process, and to supporting one another, was something to be deeply proud of.

Grow Your Mind at Arlington

Our Grow Your Mind character strength focus for this fortnight is Bravery.

At Preshil, we often describe this as Courage, which means doing the right thing even when it feels difficult or scary. As children develop courage, they learn to stand up for others, ask for help when needed, try new things, and step outside their comfort zones even when they feel unsure.

At Preshil, courage also means having the confidence to question, think critically, share ideas, make mistakes, and learn from them. We encourage children to participate actively and respectfully within our community, while feeling safe to be themselves and explore unfamiliar ways of thinking and making.

Each day, classes take part in our “Grab Five” wellbeing approach — short, consistent sessions that include mindfulness, positive self-talk, simple activities, reflection, and gratitude. These small moments help build a shared language around emotions, relationships, and wellbeing across the campus.

Lincoln Square Housewarming - RSVP Extended

We warmly invite you to visit Lincoln Square, our new Senior Studio campus which will open in 2028.

At this gathering you'll be entertained by our students performing live music, hear from Principal, Aaron Mackinnon, about the vision for the campus, and connect with families, alumni and staff. Come along to celebrate this new chapter in Preshil style - with creativity and courage! This is your chance to see the site before it undergoes transformation into our built-for-purpose campus ready for Year 9-12 students in 2028. 

When: Saturday 30 May 2026 4:30PM – 6:30PM
Where: 23-31 Lincoln Square South, Carlton, VIC, 3053 

RSVP: By 21 May, so we can secure catering 

Emma Borland Exhibition

We’re proud to celebrate Preshil Applied Learning Coordinator and alum Emma Borland on her upcoming exhibition, The Lennox opening at the Murray White Room on Saturday 16 May.

Emma’s creative journey, from student to educator and exhibiting artist, reflects the curiosity, creativity and individuality we value so deeply at Preshil.

Congratulations, Emma, on this exciting achievement. We can’t wait to see your work on show.

When: Opening 12pm – 3pm Saturday 16 May. On until 30 May.
Where: The Lennox, 208 Lennox Street, Richmond.

Classroom Cuisine Menu Term 2

We're pleased to share the updated Classroom Cuisine menu for Term 2.

Get started on classroomcuisine.com.au