Hello Preshil community,

Welcome to another edition of the Weekly!

This week, it was an absolute pleasure to welcome Brendan Murray to our community as the Acting Head of Campus at Blackhall. Brendan brings with him a wealth of experience, particularly in creating accessible and inclusive learning environments grounded in strong relationships and skilful, differentiated teaching. He has already made a meaningful impact in our senior spaces, and we’re excited about the partnership ahead in the coming weeks and months ahead.

We also celebrated our Spring Concert this week. I am immensely proud of the opportunities we provide for our young people to express themselves creatively. Events like this reflect the power of our community to come together and support our young people, with creativity and self-expression shining as guiding lights. A heartfelt thank you to our team of educators who held space so beautifully for our students to shine.

It was also SWOTVAC Week for our 12s, and a highlight was seeing them in their newly tailored study lounge — a space they’ve designed to support focused preparation for upcoming exams. We wish them all the very best with the commencement of their exams next week.

Warmly,

Aaron Mackinnon
Principal

Spring Concert
On Wednesday, October 22, Kevin Borland Hall came alive with music as performers of all ages showcased their talents for our community. Featuring a few debut performances, students showed both courage and artistry in expressing themselves, while wholeheartedly supporting and encouraging their peers. Each performance reflected genuine growth, creativity, and a love of music. Our sincere thanks go to our incredible instrumental team and staff who supported and attended on the night. And to everyone who came along to encourage our young musicians – thank you all for helping make the evening so special!

Round 3 Final Junior Debate for 2025
Yet again the year 7 and 8 Debating team were amazing. We were up against Lyndale Secondary College. Preshil were the affirmative team debating “That parents with children under 18 should get an extra vote in government elections”.

Preshil were defeated by 1 point in this final debate. However in true sportsmanship the two teams congratulated each other in the chat.

It was a tough topic and the adjudicator congratulated everyone for a close result. Thank you to Hamish and Ethan for your commitment to supporting our junior team in these debates. Well done.

Sylvies Super Cookie Events
We’re thrilled to celebrate Sylvie’s incredible initiative: her very own Cookie Program! What is the beginning of a small idea, has quickly risen to the occasion, with Sylvie planning to bake record numbers and sell homemade cookies to raise funds for community causes close to her heart.

Congratulations, Sylvie, for showing how passion and purpose can come together, one cookie at a time!

Preshil T-Shirts
T-shirts, hoodies and more that celebrate creativity, agency and our golden eagle — no uniform required. Designed for school days, gigs, galleries and weekends. Available now and in kids sizes. Wear it your way.

Purchase here.

The Final Stretch
This is the time of year when everything starts to ramp up. Deadlines, expectations, and even our emotions. Good things can start to feel heavy when they all come at once.

For many people, this final stretch feels like a blur. There’s the juggling act of work, family, relationships, health. The pressure to end the year well, to wrap things up neatly, to reflect meaningfully, to be present and productive, all at once.

If you’re feeling tired, you’re not alone. If you’re struggling to focus or keep up, you’re not doing it wrong. It just means you’re human.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but we don’t have to sprint toward it. We can walk. We can breathe. We can arrive in one piece, with enough energy to enjoy the exhale.

Some simple ways to look after yourself in the weeks ahead:

Slow down now, not later. Don’t wait for burnout. Rest early and often.
Go to bed a little earlier. Let your body catch up to everything it’s holding.
Say no a little sooner. Protect your time and energy.
Breathe a little deeper. Even 30 seconds can help your nervous system reset.
Be honest about your capacity. You don’t have to do it all. Some things can wait.
Let go of perfection. Done is sometimes enough. Simple is often better.
Return to the small, steady things. A quiet morning. A walk. A meal made slowly. Remember: these aren’t indulgences, they’re how we stay grounded.

Whatever this time of year holds for you, try to meet it gently. You’ve made it this far. That’s already enough.

Updated Menu for Term 4
We’re pleased to share an updated lunchtime menu for Term 4. An added Mexican Inspired Salad with Corn Chips and Tortellini Pasta Salad has been added – perfect for the warmer months. And the Simple Salad Roll is back due to popular demand! The subsequent courses now include a Raspberry Jelly Cup and a Bag of Grapes, to take advantage of the seasonal produce.

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 27 October
All day: Blackhall – IB Diploma Exams Begin
Tuesday 28 October
All day: Blackhall – IB Diploma Exams Continue
All day: Blackhall – VCE Year 12 Exams Begin
9:15am – 10:15am: Blackhall Open Day
10:15am – 2:30pm: Arlington Kindergarten Excursion – Darebin Parklands
1:30pm – 2:15pm: Whole School – Let’s Go Lunchtime Sports – The Cage
Wednesday 29 October
All day: Blackhall – IB Diploma Exams Continue
All day: Blackhall – VCE Year 12 Exams Continue
Thursday 30 October
All day: Blackhall – IB Diploma Exams Continue
All day: Blackhall – VCE Year 12 Exams Continue
9:00am – 10:00am: Arlington 2026 Prep Expo
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
3:45pm – 4:45pm: Arlington 2026 Kindergarten Expo
Friday 31 October
All day: Blackhall – IB Diploma Exams Continue
All day: Blackhall – VCE Year 12 Exams Continue