Today marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. The theme for 2026 is “All In” — a call for every Australian to commit fully to reconciliation every single day, not just during this special week. Reconciliation requires all of us to step up with action, listening, learning, and respect.
On this day in 1967, over 90% of Australians voted ‘Yes’ in one of the most successful referendums in our nation’s history. The vote removed discriminatory references from the Australian Constitution, allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be counted in the census for the first time and enabling the Commonwealth to make laws specifically for First Nations people. This was a major milestone for recognition and rights.
At Virtual School Victoria (VSV), acknowledgement of important date encourages us to keep strengthening our commitment to cultural safety, inclusion, and awareness in our practice. Whether you pause for a moment of reflection, or discuss the importance of truth and healing in your classrooms, together we can help ensure our Koorie communities feel seen, heard, and valued.
VSV is a unique school community, and this edition of VSV Life provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the values that shape who we are and how we learn and work together every day. As you read through the stories highlighted throughout this special Education Week eNews edition, I hope you will see our school values of Growth, Empathy, Respect and Collaboration brought to life in meaningful and authentic ways. These values are far more than words on a page. They guide our interactions with students, families and colleagues and underpin the culture that makes VSV such a special place to learn and work.
One of the great strengths of VSV is the way we create connection and belonging in an online environment. Whether through online assemblies, Connect Week activities, camps, excursions, seminars, clubs or virtual classrooms, our staff continue to find innovative ways to engage students and build community across Victoria. We know that relationships matter, and our commitment to supporting students both academically and personally is evident in the many examples shared throughout this edition.
I continue to feel incredibly proud of the professionalism, care and creativity demonstrated by our staff, as well as the resilience and growth shown by our students. These qualities reflect the values framework developed collaboratively by staff, students and families in 2018, which continues to guide our daily practice and decision-making at VSV.
As we continue to strengthen our school community, I would also encourage all students to participate in the Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS). Student voice is critically important to us. The feedback provided through the survey helps shape future planning, improve learning experiences and ensure we continue to meet the needs of our students in meaningful ways. I strongly encourage every student to take the opportunity to share their views and experiences.
Thank you to all students, families and staff for the important role you play in making Virtual School Victoria such a vibrant and connected learning community.
Warm regards,
Mal McIver
Acting Executive Principal