Executive Principal’s Message
In late August, VSV observed and celebrated Wear it Purple Day, a reminder that every young person deserves to feel safe, supported and proud of who they are.
At VSV, we want our LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families to know that they are valued, respected and belong in our community. Across two days, staff were encouraged to make their allyship visible by wearing purple, both on-site at Thornbury and online through our virtual morning tea on Friday 28 August. The enthusiasm and warmth shown by staff brought our community together around this year’s important message, Colours of Courage.
In the spirit of colour and celebration, August also saw our students embrace the joy of reading through Book Week. Across our sub-schools, students dressed as favourite literary characters, shared their personal reading recommendations and took part in competitions that celebrated the many ways stories can capture our imagination. These occasions provide valuable opportunities to connect beyond the curriculum and online classes, reminding us that belonging can be fostered in many ways, wherever our students are learning.
It is equally important that we continue to listen to our community and understand how our students and families experience their education at VSV. The Department of Education’s Parent/Carer Opinion Survey provides an important opportunity for parents and carers to share what they value about their child’s experience and where we might continue to improve. I encourage parents and carers of full-time VSV students to take the time to complete the survey before it closes on Friday 18 September.
As Term 3 draws to a close, the final months of the school year are now coming into view. For our VCE students, this means preparing for their final examinations and navigating what can be an intense period of study and expectation. In this edition, we share an important reminder that rest and self-compassion are part of effective preparation too. To our VCE students: your effort matters, your progress is recognised, and your worth is not defined by an examination result. We wish you well as you approach this important next step in your learning journey.
Finally, thank you to those families who have already submitted their application to re-enrol for 2027. Applications remain open, and I encourage families to note the following key dates:
Applications close:
- Returning students – Friday 31 October
- New students – Friday 28 November
As always, I thank our students, families and staff for the many ways you contribute to the life of VSV. Whether through visible acts of allyship, sharing a love of reading, providing feedback, preparing for important milestones or simply finding ways to connect with others, these moments collectively strengthen our school community.
Fiona Webster
Executive Principal
