PRESHIL WEEKLY
Welcome to Term 4!
Term 4 is often one of the most enjoyable times in our school year. With warmer weather and more opportunities to be outdoors, it’s a time that energises us, and we have plenty of celebrations to look forward to as a community of learners.
This week marked the first of those celebrations—the final week of regular classes for our Year 12 students as they prepare for their upcoming exams. To commemorate this important milestone, our Year 12s participated in a series of meaningful celebrations, rituals, and rites of passage that were thoughtful, inspiring, and often humorous. It was a wonderful way to honour these remarkable young people as they take their final steps with us. We shared many special moments, and the reflections from the Year 12s to the broader student body were truly inspirational. A particular highlight was hearing how profoundly Preshil has shaped their high school journeys. We wish them all the very best as they focus on their exams, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Valedictory ceremony soon.
For all our other students, Term 4 has begun with the same spirit of inquiry, play, and exploration that defines our learning environment. It’s been a delight to see everyone return from the holidays, reconnect, and embrace the unique atmosphere that makes Preshil such a special place. We’re excited for all the experiences and learning that this term will bring.
In addition, with World Mental Health Day observed yesterday, I would like to remind our community of the SchoolTV resource available on our website. This year’s theme, Meaningful Connections Matter, is deeply aligned with the values we hold dear at Preshil.
SchoolTV: Supporting Youth Wellbeing
Supporting young people’s wellbeing has never been more complex for parents, as they guide their children through a rapidly changing world. While parents always strive to do their best, the overwhelming amount of advice and resources available can sometimes make it difficult to navigate.
At Preshil, we are well-equipped to assist families in this space, and one of the key resources we offer is SchoolTV. SchoolTV is an award-winning online platform that addresses the wellbeing challenges faced by young people today. It provides expert insights through interviews with leading researchers and specialists from around the world, alongside curated resources from key organisations. These resources include fact sheets, articles, apps, books, podcasts, websites, and videos—all easily accessible in one place.
If you haven’t yet explored SchoolTV, I encourage you to take a look. You can access it HERE, and as always, our wellbeing team is available to offer ongoing support and guidance.
Wishing everyone a safe and restful weekend.
Warm regards,
Aaron Mackinnon
Principal

THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Stay Sun Smart in Term 4
As the weather warms up and we head into Term 4, it’s important to remind ourselves and our students about the importance of being sun smart. With increased sun exposure during this time of year, we encourage all students to protect themselves by wearing hats, applying sunscreen, and staying hydrated. To support sun safety, families can visit the Peppercorn Class online merchandise store, where you can purchase Preshil-branded hats. The store also offers a range of other items, including water bottles, keep cups, tea towels, badges, notebooks, and tote bags – perfect for showing your school spirit while staying sun safe. You can access the store via this link: Peppercorns Class Merchandise Store.

Goal Setting and Habits Workshop for Year 9 and 10 Students
This week, our Year 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to participate in a Goal Setting and Habits Workshop, expertly led by Tyson Day from Arrive and Thrive, a passionate career development professional. The workshop offered valuable insights into both personal and educational growth, with Tyson sharing engaging activities and personal stories from his own career journey to inspire new ways for students to shape their futures. Key topics included habit formation, stacking habits for success, and the GROW goal-setting model, with a special focus on managing distractions—particularly mobile phone use and screen time, which are common sources of procrastination. Students explored practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, learning how to build positive habits that will support their academic success and future career goals. The workshop was incredibly well-received, with students actively engaged and eager to apply the lessons to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Year 6 Students Achieve Success in French Poetry Contest
We are proud to announce that two of our Year 6 students, Max Li and Samuel Wong, were state finalists in this year’s Berthe Mouchette French Poetry Contest, hosted by the Alliance Française of Melbourne. Max went on to win the grand prize in his category for Victoria—a truly outstanding achievement! All students in the Sunroom and Peppercorns were given the opportunity to learn and recite a French poem, with 13 students taking on the challenge of performing their recitations in front of an independent adjudicator. Congratulations to all participants, and especially to Max and Samuel for their remarkable accomplishments. We are so proud of all of your efforts.

Preshil’s Spring Concert
Join us for Preshil’s annual Spring Concert on Thursday, 17 October, at Kevin Borland Hall in Arlington, starting at 6pm. Organised by our dedicated Head of Music, Michelle Berner, the evening will showcase the incredible talents of students from Grade 1 to Year 12. With a diverse range of musical styles and performances, including solo acts and ensemble pieces across various instruments, this promises to be a memorable evening of music and creativity. Hosted by Jesse Pollitt, it’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our students’ hard work and passion. We look forward to seeing you there!

Peppercorns Sports Equipment Initiative
The Peppercorns have been hard at work organising sports equipment to help everyone stay active and enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve been having. A cupboard outside the classroom is now stocked with a range of equipment for all students to use during break times. From badminton racquets and soccer balls to downballs, footballs, hockey sticks, frisbees, and more, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, a crate in the front yard is filled with basketballs for shooting hoops, and a portable net is also available for use. Leon has taken the lead in organising the cupboard, saying, “I like the idea of everything having its place so everyone can be responsible and put things away properly.” Aurelia, a dedicated basketball player, has been helping maintain the basketballs: “I make sure there are three of each size packed away every day, and I let Nick know when the balls need pumping.” It’s been wonderful to see students trying out different equipment, organising their own games, and coming together to have fun outdoors.

Year 12 Celebration Day
The Year 12 Celebration Day was a memorable occasion filled with creativity, fun, and heartfelt moments. The festivities included decorating the school, planting a commemorative tree, and organising a spontaneous whole-school dodgeball game. Each graduating student also gave a speech to the entire school, reflecting on their journey. A light-hearted Chupa Chup awards ceremony added to the fun, with prizes recognising quirky characteristics and unique experiences from their time at Preshil. The students also contributed a lasting legacy by painting a mural in the Art space courtyard. The day was marked by gratitude, laughter, and emotional moments of pride and joy. Students, teachers, and graduates came together, creating a positive atmosphere filled with a deep sense of connection and belonging.

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
- Blackhall – Year 12 on SWOTVAC
- 9:15am-11:00pm: Blackhall – Open Morning Tour
- 3:30pm-4:30pm: Blackhall – Homework Club – Gallery Classroom (upstairs in Kalimna)
- 3:20pm-4:20pm: Blackhall – Homework Club – Gallery Classroom (upstairs in Kalimna)
- 6:00pm-7:30pm: Spring Concert (Arlington – Kevin Borland Hall) – All Preshil families welcome!
- No special events


