Hello Preshil community,

Welcome to another edition of the Weekly!

Farewelling Year 12 – A Week to Remember

This week, we had the absolute pleasure of celebrating our Year 12 students during their final week of classes and other rites of passage they shared with the whole community.

Each day brought a new wave of imaginative dress-ups, carefully chosen, and full of wit. There were more than a few double takes from staff and students as our Year 12s impersonated their teachers with uncanny accuracy – method acting at its finest! We commend the entire group for the humour, creativity and care with which they approached their final week. They truly “committed to the bit.”

Today, we arrived with Blackhall interior spaces transformed into curated, gallery-like experiences. All shared in a respectful way that captured the wit and humor of our cohort. I believe this type of expression is only possible in a community built on strong relationships, mutual respect, and a shared value of care.

Our Year 12s now move into a period of preparation for their final exams. We wish them the very best for this final stage of their learning journey with us. We look forward to seeing them over the coming weeks as they return for exams and check-ins with teachers and then their final send off at their Valedictory dinner.

A Vintage Vision – Student-led Creativity

In the theme of celebration, this week also saw students donning their vintage-style green and gold Preshil T-shirts – a nod to the past and a beautiful initiative from one of our graduating students, Will.

As part of his final VCE VM Certificate and Applied Learning project, Will set out to recreate a classic Preshil T-shirt design from the 1970s and 80s. After successfully launching the concept last year, his second round of release has been a complete sell-out. Will, who has been with us since Arlington, has used this project to drive positive change and deepen connection across the school. We are so grateful for his creativity, drive and deep sense of school spirit.

We hope you enjoy some of the highlight photos from this celebratory week, along with glimpses into the rich and varied learning taking place across our campuses.

Warmly,

Aaron Mackinnon
Principal

Activities Program Buzzing with Creativity and Curiosity
This term in Activities, our Wednesday afternoon program is brimming with creativity, curiosity, and connection. At the beginning of each term students select which activities they would like to engage in. Each week, students engage in two hours of hands-on experiences that nurture their passions and broaden their skills — from artistic exploration to physical challenge and scientific discovery.

Pictured are Duke and Odette, members of the Cooking elective, enjoying a feast of fresh Pad Thai made with their peers. Meanwhile, some of our budding scientists were busy analysing deep-sea creatures under the digital microscope — uncovering the mysteries of ocean life up close!

Across the campus, our Activities Program has been alive with energy, imagination, and collaboration. Students have immersed themselves in playwriting, experimental film, claymation, soccer, maths extension, fibre and thread arts, box wars, and so much more.

At Preshil, Activities provide a space for students to explore interests beyond the classroom, discover new talents, and engage deeply with peers through shared passions and projects.

Junior Debating Team – Round 2 Results
Congratulations to our Junior Debating Team on their latest victory!
Arguing as the affirmative against Hume Anglican Grammar in Donnybrook, the team delivered an impressive performance.

James was named Best Speaker of the night, with credit also to Luca and Violet for their strong contributions, and to Hamish and Ethan for their excellent guidance. Well done, everyone!

Celebrating Williams successful completion of VCE VM, Victorian Certificate of Education, and Vocational Major studies
Congratulations to Will for completion of the Preshil History Project in collaboration with the school archivists, Libby and Felicity, focusing on the Courage Document. As part of his Vocational Major community project, he also explored Preshil’s progressive ethos and commitment to authentic, student-centred learning.

His research uncovered the historic, student-led decision to design a school uniform. Inspired by this, the Vocational Major students chose to re-release the original Preshil T-shirts. Will led the initiative — recreating the original design and sourcing a local printing company — and the group later visited the printer as part of their project.

Preshil Library – Alumni Collection
Preshil Library is proud to announce the beginnings of the Preshil Alumni Collection. Housed at Blackhall library, this collection draws on inspiration and the literary output of former students at Preshil and their works.

If you are a former student at the school, or know someone who is, and have work that could contribute to the collection, please get in touch with Che at the Preshil Library (library@preshil.vic.edu.au) or Emma Borland (emma.borland@preshil.vic.edu.au).

With a proud history of progressive education, Preshil seeks to conserve the significant work of our Alumni.

Hatman
Preshil recently hosted the launch of Hatman, the latest genre-defying release from Adam Wallace. Part middle primary novel, part graphic novel, part musical… all heart.

With live readings, songs, and plenty of hats, every guest left with a personalised book bag with a Wallace original cartoon. The night captured everything we believe about learning: that joy, agency and imagination are not extras, they’re essential.

Thanks to Adam Wallace, Drew Lane, Mitchell Groves, Scott Edgar, Lia Scantlebury, and the full team behind Hatman for trusting us to host this unforgettable event.

Year 9 – 12 Spain & France Art and Culture tour
Our epic Art and Culture Tour to Spain and France jets off next year, and only one week remains to secure your place. With everything from galleries to Flamenco lessons, tours of medieval walled cities to Moorish palaces, and many amazing regional and national cuisines to sample, this is a trip you won’t want to miss!

This tour is open to all students in Y9-12 (2026 year groups) and information was provided at the Information Night on the 9th of November and via email, but please contact Aaron or Jay ( jay.blanchard-lewis@preshil.vic.edu.au ) if you have any questions or want to know more about this fantastic opportunity.

Preshil Careers Hub
Discover everything you need to make a successful transition through high school and into the ‘real world’. Sign up to receive our Pathways & Careers Newsletters, access the latest guides on life and money management, work experience opportunities, and parent resources. You can also connect with the Careers and Pathways Team for personalised support. Click the link below for more information on Preshil’s Careers Hub.

Preshil Careers Hub

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday 20 October
All day: Blackhall – Year 12 SWOTVAC Commences
Tuesday 21 October
All day: Blackhall – Year 12 SWOTVAC Continues
1:30pm – 2:15pm: Whole School – Let’s Go Lunchtime Sports – The Cage
Wednesday 22 October
All day: Blackhall – Year 12 SWOTVAC Continues
9:15am – 10:45am: Arlington Open Morning
6:00pm – 7:30pm: Spring Concert – Kevin Borland Hall
Thursday 23 October
All day: Blackhall – Year 12 SWOTVAC Continues
9:00am – 10:00am: Parent Rep Meeting – Hybrid: Blackhall / Online
1:30pm – 2:15pm: Whole School – Let’s Go Lunchtime Sports – The Cage
1:45pm – 2:15pm: Blackhall – Student Leadership and Shark Tank Meeting – Hades
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Teen Health Matters Webinar – Online
Friday 24 October
All day: Blackhall – Year 12 SWOTVAC Continues