PRESHIL WEEKLY
Hello Preshil community,
Welcome to another edition of the Weekly!
What a week it’s been—and I’m not just talking about Halloween!
I want to begin by expressing my deep pride in our community and unwavering belief in what we do. Preshil will continue to lead in progressive, human-centred education, and moments like this only reinforce that vision.
As we move through this transition, my commitment is to keep communication open and timely. This process is not just a change—it’s an opportunity to grow and strengthen what we offer our students.
What We Heard
Primary School Families – The Introduction of a Middle School
There is significant excitement about the potential to establish a uniquely Preshil space and learning approach dedicated to early adolescence. The continuation of the Arlington experience into Years 7 and 8 offers a tremendous opportunity for our children and families.
This week, I spent time with the Sunroomers to hear their specific questions. They’ve already begun imagining what they want in their future spaces—their ideas have been creative, thoughtful, and filled with optimism.
This direction also aligns with a recommendation from the 2024 Educational Review, which stated:
“A middle school program be established which focuses on the developmental and transition needs of early adolescent students.”
Some concerns raised by parents included:
- Disruption from building works during the transition;
- How the 2027 Year 5s will be supported when they remain at Arlington as Year 7s;
- Ensuring they still have access to a robust high school experience and don’t feel isolated.
We will continue to focus on these areas in future communications as we gather more detail over the coming weeks and months.
Secondary School Families
There was a strong overall sense that this move represents a positive repositioning for Preshil. Many parents could see the potential for greater accessibility and purpose-built functionality that supports our distinct educational philosophy.
Some of the key concerns included:
- The potential 2028 temporary relocation to the Carey Sports Precinct adjacent to Arlington (the former MCC clubhouse/function space). We want to be clear: this is only a contingency plan and would only be used if the new Senior Studio site is not yet ready.
- Doubts around whether the new campus will be ready by 2028, with some anticipating a delay into 2029.
- The potential impact on current Year 9s who may complete their senior years in transitional spaces.
Following our next round of online community information sessions (details below), we will provide a comprehensive roadmap outlining:
- The phases of our transition,
- Community consultation timelines, and
- Key milestones across this next phase of development.
We anticipate this roadmap will be available within the next fortnight and will aim to address many of the broader questions raised so far.
Upcoming Online Sessions
To include all families in the conversation, we’ve scheduled:
- Alumni Session – Wed 5 Nov, 7–8pm
- 2026 K–6 Families – Tues 11 Nov, 7–8pm
- 2026 Years 7–10 Families – Thurs 13 Nov, 7–8pm
Co-Creating Our Future
Design workshops will begin in late November/early December, inviting students, families, and staff to help shape our next campus through three lenses:
- Human – How do we want people to feel in the space?
- Functional – What should the space enable?
- Environmental – What must the space offer?
This is a rare and exciting chance to design a future that reflects who we are—and who we’re becoming.
Thank you for your support, trust, and partnership as we move through this next phase—together.
Warmly,
Aaron Mackinnon
Principal
Valedictory Preparation
The first step towards realising our Valedictory tradition happened yesterday. We have rehung the curtain painted by the children when they were in grade 5 and 6, graduating this year. It won’t be long before our whole Arlington Community sets to work decorating the Kevin Borland Hall for the graduation dinner. The theme this year? It’s a surprise, of course.
2025 Review of the Disability Standards for Education – Consultation
The Australian Government is reviewing the Disability Standards for Education 2005. The Standards set out the rights of students with disability and the obligations of education providers. This review is an opportunity to share what is working, what is not, and what needs to change.
The consultation is open until 21 November 2025. Feedback is being sought from students, families, carers, educators, leaders and organisations. You can take part through an online submission, survey, Ideas Wall or by joining an engagement event.
The review focuses on three key areas:
– How well the Standards are being implemented
– How inclusive decision making and complaints processes can be strengthened
– Whether responsibilities for assessment authorities and course developers are clear
Find the Discussion Paper (full, Easy Read and Auslan versions), supporting information and details on how to have your say here.
Teen Mental Health Matters with The Black Dog Institute
Last week, Preshil welcomed families to an engaging online session presented by the Black Dog Institute: Teen Health Matters. This webinar, led by Clinical Psychologist Dr Sarah Barker, offered parents a clear and practical window into the adolescent experience.
Across the hour, Dr Barker unpacked the rapid physical, emotional, social and cognitive changes that occur during the teenage years, and shared grounded, evidence-based strategies to help adults confidently support young people through this transition.
A strong message from the session was the critical role that parents and carers play — and how small, everyday actions can have a significant impact. Dr Barker invited families to explore the Black Dog Institute’s Parent Hub, and placed particular emphasis on the power of healthy sleep as the foundation for wellbeing, resilience and learning.
One highlight was Sleep Ninja® — a free, research-backed mobile app created specifically to help teenagers improve their sleep. Developed in consultation with young people, families and health professionals, it is the first app of its kind designed purely for adolescents.
Sleep Ninja is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and guides users through six short training sessions to build strong sleep habits. It’s easy to use, supports teens in preparing for quality rest, and is available at no cost on both the App Store and Google Play — a fantastic resource for families to explore.
Thank you to all of those that joined us on the evening!
Term 4 Blackhall Study Support
Now that the term is in full swing and assessment season is here, we’re opening up bookings for 1:1 study support. Students can use this link to book directly through their Google calendar.
Bookings can be made up to one week in advance to keep the process fair for everyone. Times are available before and after school. If a session is no longer needed, please remind your child to cancel the booking so another student can use the slot.
This is a great way for students to get targeted support with their study as assessments approach.
Mid Term Break
Just a quick reminder that next Monday, 3 November 2025, is our Mid-Term break day. The school will be closed and staff are not required to work on this day. Enjoy your long weekend!
Preshil Careers Hub
Discover everything you need to make a successful transition through high school and into the ‘real world’. Sign up to receive our Pathways & Careers Newsletters, access the latest guides on life and money management, work experience opportunities, and parent resources. You can also connect with the Careers and Pathways Team for personalised support. Click the link below for more information on Preshil’s Careers Hub.
THE WEEK AHEAD
- All Day: Mid Term Break
- All Day: Public Holiday
- All day: Blackhall – IB Diploma Exams Continue
- All day: Blackhall – VCE Year 12 Exams Continue
- 10:30am – 11:30am: Arlington – Open Morning
- 7:00pm – 8:00pm: Alumni Session
- All day: Blackhall – IB Diploma Exams Continue
- All day: Blackhall – VCE Year 12 Exams Continue
- 1:30pm – 2:15pm: Whole School – Let’s Go Lunchtime Sports – The Cage
- 1:45pm – 2:15pm: Blackhall – Student Leadership and Shark Tank Meeting – Hades
- 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Blackhall – Year 7 Information Night – Blackhall Library
- All day: Blackhall – IB Diploma Exams Continue
- All day: Blackhall – VCE Year 12 Exams Continue
- 4:30pm – 6:00pm: Arlington – Disco
