Head of Secondary

Term 2 Reflection

Term 2 has been a rich and rewarding season in the life of our Secondary School, with students embracing a wide range of opportunities that reflect both excellence and community spirit.  

At St Andrews, we are committed to nurturing the whole student—academically, physically, creatively, and spiritually—and this term has provided countless examples of students stepping forward with enthusiasm and purpose.

A highlight of the term was our House Cross Country, where students demonstrated perseverance, resilience, and encouragement of one another. Despite the challenging weather, it was especially pleasing to see students pushing themselves to achieve their personal best while also cheering for their peers.

On the global stage, we celebrate the remarkable achievement of our VEX Robotics Program; taking two teams to represent St Andrews at the World Competition in the United States. This opportunity is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and problem-solving skills of our students, as well as the support of our staff. Competing internationally not only highlights our students’ capabilities but also broadens their horizons, encouraging them to think critically and collaborate with peers from around the world.

Closer to home, our students once again impressed at the Generations in Jazz Competition, showcasing their musical talents with confidence and professionalism. Participation in such a renowned event allows our students to perform at a high level while building camaraderie and a love for the arts. We are proud of the way they represented the College with both skill and humility.

For our Year 10 cohort, the Careers Expo provided a valuable opportunity to explore future pathways. Engaging with industry representatives and tertiary providers, students were encouraged to reflect on their God-given gifts and consider how they might use these to serve others in their future careers. This important experience supports informed decision-making as students look ahead to their senior years and beyond.

Finally, the Public Speaking Competition showcased the power of student voice. Participants spoke with clarity, conviction, and courage, addressing a range of meaningful topics. It was inspiring to witness students confidently express their ideas while developing essential communication skills that will serve them well in all areas of life.

As we give thanks for all that has been accomplished this term, we are reminded of the importance of providing diverse opportunities for our students to grow and flourish in addition to the regular rhythms of the Secondary School. We are grateful for the dedication of our staff and the support of our families in partnering with us in this journey.

We look forward to what Term 3 will bring as we continue to encourage our students to pursue excellence and live out our shared values in all they do.

College Captains' Message

Semester One Reflections

Samuel Cheung

Stepping into the position of College Captain this year has been such so much fun and a great learning experience for me. Being in this role has given me both the platform to share my love of Christ and joy that I have found in His salvation to the rest of the school community.

I have always wanted to give back to the school that has raised me, including the students, teachers and staff who have played a role in my life. This role has given me the opportunity to give back the community that has given me so much and to show my gratitude to them.

During VCE camp in Term 1, the student leadership team had an amazing opportunity to organise a game for the rest of the cohort. We worked hard as a team to pull together an “escape room in a box” for multiple groups to race for a prize! It brought me joy to see the teams, including teachers, to work at the puzzles we spent so long designing and refining!

Throughout semester one, we had the chance to run “Students vs Teachers”, a long standing tradition at St Andrews, where a group of predominantly Year 12 students play against the teachers in a sports game. However, this year, we switched it up to allow Years 9 to 12 to play in house teams against the teachers! It was loads of fun and a lot of the school community came to support both side.

I’m incredibly grateful for the experience that God has given me and taking a step out of my comfort zone into a place of leadership. We pray that God will continue to grow and nurture our love for Him and to use us to make a lasting impact our school community.

Talulah Yarlett

Being one of the College Captains this year has been a great experience so far! The role has taught me a lot about organisation, time management, and the importance of continuing to serve the College even through the ups, downs and busy periods of Year 12.

I’ve loved working with the leadership team – such an amazing, passionate group of people who turn up to our weekly meetings ready to chat about upcoming events and what we can do to serve as College leaders!

Something that we’ve enjoyed has been starting a new assembly segment called ‘Gather’. This is inspired by Hebrews 10:24-25a and is all about giving students (and staff!) the opportunity to encourage one another in their faith through testimony and messages on their heart! So far, it’s been really impactful to inspire students through struggles and voice how God is working within our College!

Sam and I were also privileged to record an advertisement for the College’s Open Day at Light FM in Term 1. Honestly, I had so much fun in the recording booth and loved this opportunity to represent St Andrews off campus.

Through other events such as Swimming Carnival, Cross Country, VCE Camp and exam season, we’ve had a lot of fun making banners, designing games, writing cards and connecting with the younger year levels. Being a College Captain is a huge experience for which I’m very grateful. We pray that God will continue to use us as we look forward to our final semester of high school!

Secondary School EXPO

Our Secondary EXPO on 14 May was a wonderful evening showcasing all that our Secondary School has to offer and highlighting the many opportunities available for our students to learn, grow, and thrive. A big thank you to our parents, students, and staff whose support and involvement helped make the night such a great success.

Year 7 News

It is unbelievable that our Year Seven students have now begun Semester Two in their first year of Secondary School at St Andrews Christian College. It has been exciting to watch their progress from their very first day to the end-of- Semester One. They have grown in confidence and are coping well with the responsibilities and challenges of Year Seven. As we continue to unpack Psalm 139:14, through homeroom devotions, Visible Wellbeing and the Learning Attributes, it becomes clearer that we are indeed ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ by a loving, faithful and caring God.

In Term Two, our students have continued to lead their own assemblies and worship, and we have been blessed to have more students join the team, which is a wonderful leadership opportunity for them. Students have presented devotions to the cohort, and it is remarkable to see their heart and passion for God. Our Principal, Mr Haines also visited our assembly and the students were very excited to ask him lots of questions as they wanted to get to know him better. Recently they also interviewed their three Homeroom teachers, Mrs Wheelton, Mr Yong and Mr Finger about their faith journey and how they found God.

The Colour Run at the end of last term and the Swimming Carnival were fun events that the Year Sevens thoroughly enjoyed. Their enthusiasm and joy is contagious and their joy in participating is really encouraging.

Our Games Club every Thursday, run by Mr Yong and Mr McPherson have also been a safe and welcoming space for students to unwind, build connection and challenge each other to a game or two. Noodle Club Mondays has also been popular with many students sitting down to have lunch together in their classrooms and they are to be commended on helping to organise and clean up the space too. Our Year Seven students are also completing their Mental Health First Aid Course for Teens this week and next, as we recognise how precious they are and strive to equip them with tools to look after not just themselves but each other.

As we near the end of this term, and the term break coming up, I, along with our wonderful Homeroom teachers, Mrs Wheelton, Mr Yong and Mr Finger take this opportunity to wish all our students a safe and happy break and wish you all peace, joy and togetherness.

May God continue to richly bless you,

Year 8 News

Weekaway Recreation Camp

Our Year 8 Camp at Weekaway Recreation Camp was a wonderful week of friendship, growth and shared experiences. From the moment students arrived, there was a strong sense of enthusiasm as they settled into camp life, participated in team-building activities, and began preparing their Superbook performances. Each day also provided meaningful opportunities for worship, devotion and reflection, as students journeyed through Philippians 4 together.

Throughout the week, students embraced a wide variety of activities, including Bush Day experiences such as fire-making, damper cooking, hut building and environmental bushwalking. Even when wet weather brought some changes to the program, students showed great positivity and flexibility, making the most of time together through indoor games, movies, board games and shared moments around the fire.

A highlight of the camp was the Superbook performances, where students presented creative interpretations of Bible stories with enthusiasm and insight. It was especially encouraging to see the faith, character and sense of community among our Year 8 students throughout the week as they worshipped together, encouraged one another and created many special memories.

Year 9-10 News

Celebrating Everyday Excellence: The S³ Program

At St Andrews, we believe that character is built in the ordinary moments of each day. The Student Success Stories (S³) Program is a meaningful initiative designed to recognise students in Years 9 and 10 who make positive contributions to our school community. Whilst academic achievement is always valued, S³ places particular emphasis on qualities that reflect our Christ-centred vision — Godly character, servant leadership, personal initiative, and the encouragement of peers.

S³ is deeply aligned with our school's core frameworks. It reflects our Pedagogical Framework's commitment to nurturing students who walk with God and serve others, as well as our Graduate Profile, which envisions young people who give glory to God through their actions and lead by example. The programme also supports our Visible Wellbeing Framework by acknowledging students who demonstrate strengths such as kindness, creativity, courage, and teamwork.

Recognised students receive an S³ Certificate, presented during Year Level Assemblies — a wonderful opportunity for our broader community to celebrate these moments together. Any staff member is welcome to submit a nomination at any time.

We encourage everyone to remain attentive to those quiet acts of faithfulness that so often go unnoticed — because at St Andrews, every positive contribution matters.

Year 10 Excursion to VCE & Careers Expo 2026

On Thursday, 30 April, Year 10 students attended the VCE and Careers Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Students explored diverse future paths, engaging with Victorian and interstate tertiary providers, private institutions (like NIDA and JMC Academy), employers, and emergency services (including Victoria Police). This valuable excursion provided firsthand insights into subject selection, training pathways, and career opportunities.

Key Highlights of the Day:

• Students gained crucial insights for VCE subject selection and career pathway decisions from hundreds of exhibitors.
• Representatives from major universities and TAFEs offered insights into courses and campus life.
• Exploration of private education opportunities, including NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts), Collarts (Australian College of the Arts), Carlton College of Sport, Melbourne Cricket Education Academy, Richmond Football Club, LCI Melbourne, and JMC Academy.
• Engagement with recruiters for apprenticeships and traineeships.
• Direct interaction with Victoria Police, the Australian Defence Force, and Ambulance Victoria to discuss unique training opportunities.

This experience provided students with a clear look into post-secondary options, assisting in the development of their future career goals.

Year 10 Driver Education Program

Learning to drive is one of the biggest milestones of a teenager's life. To help our Year 10 students prepare, we are organising two road safety and driver education programs: 'Road to Zero' Experience and METEC Driver Training Experience.

Term 2: 'Road to Zero' Experience

On Tuesday 16 June, students visited the award-winning 'Road to Zero' complex at the Melbourne Museum. Developed by the TAC and facilitated by knowledgeable educators, the interactive exhibits and virtual reality activities allowed students to explore vehicle safety and road physics, linking real-world science to trauma prevention.

Term 4: METEC Driver Training Experience

On Friday 23 October, students will participate in practical and theory sessions at the METEC Driver Training Centre in Bayswater North. Practical sessions will feature dual-control cars driven on 5 km of closed, sealed roads, featuring realistic intersections, traffic lights, roundabouts, and rail crossings.

Both excursions equip our students with critical, life-saving skills and a deep understanding of responsible driving.

VCE News

VCE Formal

On the evening of 12 June, our VCE students gathered at the beautiful Cargo Hall for a memorable and joy-filled Formal. Set against the stunning backdrop of Melbourne’s waterfront, the venue provided the perfect setting for students to celebrate this special season of their lives together.

Students arrived dressed elegantly and looked fantastic as they enjoyed an evening of friendship, laughter, and celebration. The Formal offered a valuable opportunity for students to step away from the demands of study and assessment, and simply enjoy spending time together as a cohort. Throughout the night, there was a wonderful sense of community as students shared conversations, took photos, enjoyed the atmosphere, and created memories that will no doubt be remembered for years to come.

The dance floor was full for much of the evening, with great music keeping the energy high and providing plenty of opportunities for students to celebrate together. It was encouraging to see students from across the year level connecting, supporting one another, and enjoying the occasion in such a positive and respectful manner.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the evening was the way the night concluded. As the Formal came to an end, students gathered together to sing songs of praise to Jesus. In the midst of a night of celebration and fun, it was a beautiful reminder of the faith that unites our school community and the importance of giving thanks to God for His goodness and faithfulness.

The VCE Formal was a wonderful occasion that celebrated the friendships, character, and community that have been built throughout their years at the College. We extend our thanks to the staff and organisers who helped make the evening such a memorable success, and we look forward to continuing to support our students as they journey through the remainder of the year.