Head of Secondary

Term 3 Reflection

One of the great privileges of working at St Andrews is seeing students learn and grow through experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

I try to see each of the camps that happen at Secondary, and this year I was able to join our Central Australia Camp for Year 9 students. This camp provided the opportunity to see students’ learning, offering students a chance to engage with new environments, challenge themselves, and develop important life skills in ways that simply cannot be replicated at school.

As we journeyed through the heart of Australia, we were surrounded by landscapes of extraordinary beauty and significance such as Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Nitmiluk Gorge. Yet while the places we visited were remarkable, it was the growth I observed in our students that stood out most.

One of the greatest joys of the camp was seeing young people step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. For some, this meant tackling the physical challenges of long walks and unfamiliar conditions. For others, it was engaging with different cultures, asking questions, trying something new such as Kangaroo tail (!) or simply adapting to life away from home. For some students it was the first time setting up, taking down and sleeping in tents. Time and again, I saw students demonstrate courage, resilience, and a willingness to embrace opportunities that initially felt challenging.

These experiences remind us why learning beyond the classroom is so valuable. While academic learning remains important, camps provide a unique environment where students develop qualities such as independence, teamwork, perseverance, and empathy. Some of the most important lessons learned on camp are not found in a textbook. Rather, they emerge through shared experiences, overcoming obstacles, supporting one another, and developing a better understanding of others’ perspectives. For teenagers this can be a particularly challenging lesson; to think about the needs of others before yourself, especially when sharing a tent for two weeks.

As a Christian school, we also recognise the value of providing opportunities for students to appreciate the wonder of God's creation and to reflect on their place within it. The vast landscapes of Central Australia encouraged moments of awe, gratitude, and reflection, enriching the experience for both students and staff alike. The videos and photos students took will hopefully be something they look back upon their time at St Andrews and remember with fondness. I hope the lessons they learned will stay with them forever.

The Central Australia Camp was far more than a trip away from school. It was an opportunity for personal growth, cultural learning, and the development of character. I am incredibly grateful to have shared this experience with our students and proud of the way they embraced every challenge and opportunity presented to them. The memories made, lessons learned, and confidence gained will undoubtedly remain with them long after the camp has ended. Thank you to the students and staff who attended and helped make the camp a meaningful success. And thanks to the parents who supported their child to be away from home and shared in the value that such a large camp provides.

Student Achievements

Rose & Sasha Statkevitch: National Hockey Champions!

Congratulations to St Andrews students Rose Statkevitch (Year 11) and Sasha Statkevitch (Year 9), who proudly represented Victoria at the 2026 Stephanie Boxall National Women’s Ice Hockey Championship back in July, helping their team claim the national title.

Representing your state at a national championship is an outstanding accomplishment, reflecting the countless hours of training, perseverance and dedication Rose and Sasha have invested in their sport. We are incredibly proud of both students and congratulate them on helping bring home gold for Victoria.

Well done, Rose and Sasha!

Year 7 News

We have had a busy Term 3 with students continuing to demonstrate leadership, joy and enthusiasm in the many learning experiences that they have had.

Students have continued to enjoy and benefit from CREWS sessions with the Year 10 students on Wednesday mornings and the ‘Bored Games Club’ every Thursday afternoon and have enjoyed getting together for lunch and conversation every Monday afternoon at the Noodle Club.

They have also been challenged to set goals and look at developing healthy habits that will stand them in good stead against the challenges that they will experience from time to time. The Year 7s have also participated in their first Athletics event in Secondary School.

Earlier this term, the pastoral team ran some special sessions – one for the boys and one for the girls where we looked at the College verse of the year, Psalm 139:14 with excellent reminders on ‘being fearfully and wonderfully made’ for a purpose and recognising that our peers are also ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ and the importance of honouring God through our interactions with them.

Our students have also continue to grow from strength to strength and have now started to plan and lead Year 7 assemblies in their homerooms, starting with Mr Yong’s class this week. Needless to say, they had some very inspiring messages and also led the cohort in worship and devotion. We are also so proud of our students who have experienced success in VEX and have showed grit and hard work in their achievements.

As we come to the end of the term, the Year 7 Pastoral team and I take this opportunity to wish every student and family a safe term break. God bless you.

Year 8 News

What a wonderful term it has been for our Year 8 students! Throughout the term, students have continued to grow not only as learners, but also as members of our school community.

A highlight has been seeing students take on opportunities to lead worship and share devotions during our cohort assemblies. These moments have provided students with opportunities to develop confidence, encourage one another and reflect on what it means to live out their faith in everyday life.

Our Year 8 students have also enthusiastically participated in the many events that make our school community special. From giving their best at the Athletics Carnival, to performing in and supporting the school production Midnight, and participating in the many music events held throughout the term, students have demonstrated commitment, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

It has also been wonderful to celebrate the character of our students through our Year 8 Shout Outs. Teachers have been nominating students who have demonstrated our character strengths, learner attributes and a commitment to serving others around the school. These nominations provide a valuable opportunity to recognise the many positive contributions students make each day—often in ways that may otherwise go unnoticed.

It has also been a joy to see students focused on their learning and working hard throughout the term. While there have certainly been challenges along the way, students have continued to develop their independence, perseverance, and responsibility as learners.

We are proud of the way our Year 8 students are growing and look forward to seeing them continue to learn, serve, lead, and grow as they journey through the final term of this year together.

Year 9 News

Central Australia Camp

Term 3 has been a season of remarkable experiences, personal growth and joyful community for our Year 9 students. Their extraordinary 12-day journey from Melbourne to Darwin took them through the heart of Central Australia, providing opportunities to step beyond the familiar, embrace new challenges and discover more about themselves, one another and God’s creation.

From the awe-inspiring landscapes of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon to the cultural experiences at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and Lilla Aboriginal Community, students developed a deeper appreciation of Australia’s natural and Indigenous heritage. Their journey through Alice Springs, the Western MacDonnell Ranges, Katherine and Kakadu National Park provided countless opportunities for exploration, learning and reflection.

Throughout the camp, students demonstrated resilience, independence and a willingness to embrace each new experience, while developing a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of God’s creation. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their independence, strengthen their relationships and deepen their appreciation of the world around them.

Main Ridge Dairy excursion

As part of our Year 9 Humanities unit on Biomes and Food Security, students recently had the opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom with a fieldwork excursion to Main Ridge Dairy

Students were welcomed to the working dairy farm, where they explored the realities of food production and some of the environmental and food security challenges faced by farmers. Students had the opportunity to speak with one of the farm managers, asking questions about food security, sustainable farming and their experiences working in the industry.

Students also spent time working in groups throughout the beautiful farm environment, collecting information and observations to support their Fieldwork Assessment. A highlight for many was getting up close with the farm's newest arrivals – the baby goats!

The excursion provided students with a valuable real-world perspective on the ideas explored throughout the unit and helped them connect classroom learning with the people, places and processes involved in food production.

Year 10 News

Mill Valley Ranch Camp

Our Year 10 students enjoyed a memorable week at Mill Valley Ranch. Horse riding was a particular highlight, with students developing confidence, empathy, responsibility and trust through caring for and working with the horses. Bonfire MasterChef, archery, canoeing, mountain biking, crate climbing and low ropes activities further challenged students to demonstrate teamwork, perseverance and courage.

The Cowboy Chapel and daily devotions provided valuable opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences, strengthen their faith and recognise God’s presence throughout their journey. The week concluded with “St Andrews Got Talent”, celebrating the creativity, individuality and God-given gifts of our students.

This camp was a wonderful expression of our commitment to developing students who are courageous, resilient, compassionate and grounded in faith. We celebrate the way our Year 10 students embraced these opportunities, supported one another and grew together as a community.

Year 11 News

Year 11 Business Management Market Days

As part of the Year 11 Business Management course, students undertook a practical business project where they put their classroom learning into action. This year, students worked through an ideation, research and planning process to develop their own business ideas and decide what products they would sell at school.

Across our four Market Days, five student-run businesses sold a range of products, including bubble tea, lolly bags, nachos, ice-cream sandwiches and chocolate-covered strawberries.

The students worked hard to develop, market and run their businesses, gaining valuable hands-on experience in areas such as product development, marketing, finance, customer service and business operations.

It was wonderful to see our school community get behind the Year 11 students and support their businesses. Together, the students made around $3,000 in profit as a class, with $1,290 donated to our Mission Service Learning Fund as ‘company tax’ from their earnings.

This project gave students the opportunity to experience the rewards and responsibilities of running a business, while using their success to make a positive impact beyond our school community.

Year 12 News

Preparing for the Future

Term 3 is an exciting time for Year 12 students to finalise their post-school plans, submit VTAC applications, and prepare for final exams.

To support our Year 12 students with their VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) applications and course selections, we organised a series of supportive events. On 10–11 June, students initiated the process by creating their accounts and completing their personal details. We then hosted a VTAC Information Evening on Thursday 6 August for students and parents, which outlined key dates, preference strategies, and the offer system. The process concluded on Friday 7 August with a hands-on workshop at school, where all students successfully finalised their applications.

An alternative way to enter university is to secure an early offer. We are thrilled to share that several Year 12 students received early offers to their chosen university courses. They can now relax and enjoy finishing Year 12 studies, knowing their spot is secure. Congratulations!

VCE Higher Education Studies challenge high-achieving students with university-level learning. Students complete two first-year university units during their Year 12 studies. Three students are completing university extension studies this year. Amy Zhu is studying Mathematics (Linear Algebra & Calculus) at The University of Melbourne, Jordan Lee - Criminology at Deakin University and Joshua Tan - Psychological Science at Deakin University. Congratulations to all three students on their outstanding Semester 1 results! We wish them continued success in Semester 2.

On Thursday, September 3, we welcomed representatives from Camp Coolamatong to the College during lunch. They connected with our Year 12 students to share exciting opportunities for leadership, volunteering, and post-school pathways. Camp Coolamatong also launched their upcoming Schoolies Camp. Running at the end of November, this camp offers a safe, fun, and deeply rewarding alternative for students looking to celebrate their graduation.

It has been a privilege to support students as they navigate their post-secondary options and build their educational and professional futures.