Senior School – Beyond the Classroom, Towards the Future
Senior School is about more than academic achievement. It is a time for students to deepen their understanding of the world, challenge themselves in new environments and connect their learning to future aspirations. Throughout the semester, students have participated in a diverse range of experiences beyond their regular studies, including sub-school and subject camps, on-site Connect Days focused on study skills and habits, subject seminars and workshops, and a live performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Theatre Studies students. Here we share reflections of the experiences that have brough out Senior School students together.
Term 1
Senior School Connect Day
It was fantastic to see our Senior School students on site for Connect Day. There is something powerful about having our young people physically together — the energy shifts, conversations deepen, and relationships strengthen. This day was intentionally student-led, designed in direct response to student feedback about voice and agency. Seeing that intention come to life was incredibly affirming.
The result was tangible. Students left feeling more connected — to one another and to VSV. That does not happen by accident. A huge thank you to the following staff members:
- Fatma, Peter, Catherine, Joe, and the Senior School Student Coordination Team
- Melek and Deanna, Caroline Hart, and the Wellbeing Team
- Xiaohan, Paul, David, Lachlan, and Jordan
- Karen and Lib on Reception
- David, Stephen, and Steve for the set-up
- Ryan, Adam, Theraze , Luke and Tristan for supervision and yard duty
And to everyone who contributed behind the scenes — planning, preparing, adjusting, and supporting — thank you. Days like this reflect the strength of our collective effort.
When student voice is genuinely heard and acted upon, connection grows. Thursday was a strong example of that in action.
Outdoor & Environmental Studies (OE&S) Unit 3 & 4 Camp
Our recent OE&S Unit 3 & 4 camp at 15 Mile Creek once again proved to be a highly valuable and engaging experience, building on the success of the past two years. Fifteen students, accompanied by Jarrod Paine and Cat McHattie, undertook a paddle along the mighty Murray (Dunggala) River. Throughout the camp, students explored the river environment, developing observations of how both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people have connected with Country from Dreamtime to the present day. We extend our sincere thanks to JP, Cat, and the outstanding staff at 15 Mile Creek Outdoor School for their continued support in delivering such meaningful learning experiences for students.
Outdoor & Environmental Studies (OE&S) Unit 1 Camp
Our Unit 1 OE&S students took part in a five-day adventure at Rubicon Camp, led by teachers Russell and Scott. The program provided an excellent introduction to outdoor learning, combining practical skills, teamwork, and personal growth.
Students began by developing navigation and campcraft skills before heading into the bush for remote camping. A highlight of the week was the alpine hike across the Mt Baw Baw plateau, where students were tested in a tough environment. Back at Nayook, they built their confidence through hands-on wilderness first aid training, preparing for real-world outdoor scenarios. The rafting experience on the Upper Yarra River tested teamwork and risk management, while the final high ropes course provided a fun end to the week.
The camp was a fantastic opportunity for students to build skills, confidence and connections in the stunning Victorian outdoors.
VCE History Seminar
In early March, the VCE History teaching team hosted an all-VCE History seminar, bringing together 51 students for a collaborative session focused on strengthening historical thinking and key VCE skills.
The seminar was led by Peter, Lidia, Sandra, Eros, Lucy, Adele, Scott, Anne, and Emel, who facilitated activities that helped students build their historical understanding while connecting with others across the cohort. It was also a valuable opportunity for students to connect with others who share their interest in History.
Term 2
Unit 1 Dance
Early in Term 2, 27 Unit 1 Dance students attended an exciting excursion to the renowned Chunky Move dance company in Southbank.
The day provided students with a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of contemporary dance through practical workshops led by experienced industry professionals. Students participated in a contemporary dance class with Kyle Shanks, followed by an improvisation workshop facilitated by Aimee Schollum, both of whom have worked extensively with Chunky Move.
Thank you to everyone involved in supporting this wonderful learning opportunity for our Dance students.
Senior School Camp
Students and staff enjoyed a fantastic Senior School Camp at Lady Northcote Discovery Camp. Set against the backdrop of sensational late-autumn weather, the camp provided students with a wonderful opportunity to challenge themselves, build connections and enjoy a range of outdoor experiences. Students participated in an exciting variety of activities including the giant swing, leap of faith, climbing wall, vertical challenge, milk crate stacking, archery, low ropes course, hiking and campfire activities. The camp encouraged teamwork, resilience, confidence and plenty of fun along the way.
A sincere thank you to the staff who attended and supported students throughout the camp experience: Isobel (Camp Coordinator), Kristy, Deanna, Jordan, Daniel, Judith, Alice, Luke and James. Their care, enthusiasm and commitment helped make the camp such a positive and memorable experience for all involved.
Connect Day, by Sophia A, Year 12
“I recently attended the Term 2 Senior School Connect day, held on May 21st 2026. Students had the option of attending in-person at VSV, or online via a Teams meeting. As an in-person attendee I had the opportunity to connect face-to-face with other students, listen to presentations delivered by the SRC and Senior School leadership, and take part in activities that matched the theme of the day (Study Skills and Looking After Yourself). These activities included a grounding and mindfulness session to teach students calming techniques, a “blurt battle” where students practised using the “blurting” study technique, and a Kahoot to test our knowledge of healthy study habits.
My favourite activity of the day was the game at the end, “The Trials of Equilibria”. In this game, students worked together in groups to crack codes, solve puzzles, and figure out the best course of action in scenarios related to healthy study habits and making it through the “quest” to complete schoolwork.After the activities and presentations were over, students and teachers were invited outside for a barbecue lunch, and students then had the opportunity to meet their teachers face to face.
For me, the day was a great opportunity to meet my teachers, see old friends, make new ones, and learn more study skills and strategies. I can’t wait for the next one!”
Ancient History Ancient Rome Excursion
In week 8, the Year 11 and 12 Ancient History teams (Emel, Adele, Peter, and Sandra) went on an excursion to the Melbourne Museum to see the Ancient Rome exhibit (Rome: Empire, Power, people). We had a total of 35 students attend on the day.
We had a Rome workshop with the Museum first which allowed the students to explore some ancient coins and discuss ancient propaganda, artefacts, and key knowledge regarding ancient Rome.
Students then had time to explore the exhibit in their own time. Many connections were formed throughout the day, and many regrouped from the previous seminars.
Year 12 Aghort camp
Around 30 Year 12 Agriculture and Horticulture students came from all over the state, up to 8 hours away, to attend a two-day camp in Gippsland.
They visited a research farm where they learnt about photovoltaics in Ag, methane reduction in cattle and modern technologies for stock management. Then spent time on farms where they saw a robotic dairy in action, learnt about animal welfare, farm management and diversification, then an orchard for apple production.
Like all VSV camps, the highlights for many were the friendships that developed and the fun they had back at the accommodation playing pool and table tennis, listening to 80s music, and beating their teachers in card games.
Thanks to Sarah D for providing such a great experience for our students, and also to Famie and Ron P for first aid, laughs, buggy driving and chair provision.
Unit 3 Drama Ensemble Performances
Last Wednesday evening’s Drama Unit 3 Ensemble performances at the Kew Court House were a reminder of what our students can achieve when creativity, commitment and collaboration come together. Our students put in an incredible amount of hard work with the intensity particularly evident in recent days and weeks.
This year’s stimulus material proved especially challenging. In the early workshops, students were openly wondering, “Why are we doing this?”, a fair response to complex material connected to the 50-year anniversary of the Whitlam Dismissal. What followed was exactly what great learning looks like. Our young artists leaned into the challenge, immersed themselves in the ideas and ultimately transformed that initial uncertainty into original and compelling theatre. Each ensemble brought a unique and thoughtful interpretation, resulting in performances that were engaging, creative and, at times, genuinely funny.
Thank you to our dedicated teachers Catherine Mayer and Tara Komaromy for their expertise and guidance throughout the process, and to Sarah Seymour, who stepped at the last minute. Sarah didn’t hesitate to support the program and brought a grounded, practical approach along with a wealth of Drama experience that greatly benefited students in those final days. We also acknowledge Instructional Leader Jared Webster for his leadership of the Learning Area. A sincere thank you to our other supervisors and to Lachlan McGregor from the AV team, whose technical support helped bring each performance to life. We also extend our appreciation to Taran Ablitt, our Industry Guest and Technical Supervisor, who worked closely with the students.
Congratulations and thank you to all involved.
Year 11 & 12 Visual Communication Design Excursion
In May, 25 VCE Visual Communication Design students attended the Top Designs exhibition at Melbourne Museum. This gave the students a better understanding of the Year 12 School Assessed Task (SAT) and the variety of directions they can take as well as how it all comes together in the end. After gaining some inspiration, students and teachers enjoyed lunch together in Carlton Gardens, then took part in some drawing activities.
With the term holidays only days away, the midpoint of the year offers a natural moment for reflection. While attention often turns to what lies ahead, it is equally important to recognise the progress already made. Throughout Semester 1, our students have demonstrated commitment, resilience, curiosity and growth in many ways — both inside and outside their studies. As Semester 2 approaches, we encourage students to take time to celebrate their achievements, reflect on their goals and look ahead with confidence. Success looks different for every learner, and each step forward is a valuable part of the journey.
