Preshil Weekly – Term 4 – Week 7

Valedictory Evening 2025, Celebrating Our VCE VM and VPC Graduates
Congratulations to Preshil’s recent VCE Vocational Major (VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) graduates. Their ongoing commitment to applied learning has been a hallmark of their success, and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievements at our Valedictory Evening last Friday.

Through the deeply personalised structure of the Vocational Major Program and the Victorian Pathways Certificate, each student was able to pursue their individual areas of interest, cultivate confidence in their own learning pathways, and demonstrate meaningful engagement with real-world, community-connected projects. Their accomplishments reflect both intellectual curiosity and the authentic, student-centred ethos of Preshil.

We congratulate these graduates for their dedication, creativity, and integrity, and we look forward to seeing the pathways they continue to build beyond school.

We’re headed way down Hadestown!
We’re thrilled to announce that in 2026, Preshil will stage Hadestown: Teen Edition, one of the first Australian schools to do so, at the iconic Chapel Off Chapel.

This is no ordinary school musical. With special approval to perform this genre-defying, mythic masterpiece, our students will take on a production that’s as bold and beautiful as they are.Earlier this year, some of our students had the unforgettable experience of seeing Hadestown live, and they were absolutely thrilled. Next year, they get to bring it to life themselves.

Auditions will be held next month with callbacks and the cast announced before the end of term Four.

We can’t wait to see what magic our students create. It’s an old song, from way back when, and we’re going to sing it again. And again……watch this space….

Debating Opportunity and Update
Preshil is proud to announce that the registration for the VST program is now open.

The Victorian Schools team (VST) is a mixed year level group that represents the state at the National Schools Debating Championships (mid-late May in Brisbane) and some even go on to represent Australia at the World Championships.

The first round of trials will be held on Sunday 7 December at Melbourne Grammar School. On the day, students will be required to attend from either 9:00am-3:00pm or 10:00am-4:30pm and compete in two secret topic debates in randomly allocated teams.

At the trials, we select a squad of debaters who will go into training for the Championships. The top 24 debaters from the first round of trials will be required to attend a second stage of trials on Sunday 8 February, location TBC. Students selected for the Victorian Schools Team Squad will then be required to attend weekly training sessions on Sundays in South Melbourne in February–April.

COST: $15 per student (Applications to waive this fee can be made via the sign-up form)

Students can register their interest via the link in their school email, or by contacting Emma Borland ([email protected]) as soon as possible. Registrations close Monday 1st December. We often reach capacity before the deadline, so please encourage interested students to register as soon as possible.

Kindness Project Novel
On World Kindness Day, November 13, the Peppercorns had the special joy of speaking with author Deborah Abela about her novel, The Kindness Project. Teacher Nick got in touch with Deborah after reading the novel to the class and resonating with it’s messaging and its access to entry points for conversations around the current wellbeing needs in Year 6, like being new, being different, having friends, how we view our non-friends, worries and family dynamics. 

Thank you Deborah for visiting. If you’re interested in reading Deborah’s novel, The Kindness Project is now available.

Sylvie’s Crafted Cookies: Where Community Connects
Each Thursday at Blackhall, our Vocational Major program is enriched by the delicious aroma of Sylvie’s Crafted Cookies. As part of her transition towards VCE VM, Sylvie has taken the lead in planning, preparing, and sharing handmade treats for her peers, a thoughtful contribution that has quickly become a highlight of the week.

More than just cookies, Sylvie’s initiative creates a small but meaningful pause in our busy school rhythm. Students and staff gather, connect, and enjoy a moment of warmth and community, thanks to her dedication, creativity, and care for others.

We are proud of Sylvie’s commitment to her project and grateful for the joy her cookies bring to Blackhall each week.

Summer Sol Save The Date
We’re please to share details for this years Summer Sol! Join us on Friday December 5th from 3.30pm – 6.30pm at the Kevin Borland Hall & Classrooms Arlington Campus.

Preparations are well under way and we look forward to seeing you there!

Extended Invitation to the 2025 Architecture Student Exhibition at Melbourne Polytechnic
We extend the invitation to our Preshil community to the opening of the Melbourne Polytechnic Bachelor of Applied Architecture Student Exhibition. Among the teaching cohort for the Bachelor of Applied Architecture is Preshil alum Peter Hogg.

When: Thursday, 27 November 2025, 6pm – 9pm
Where: Ground Floor, Collingwood Campus, Melbourne Polytechnic, 20 Otter Street, Collingwood

Preshil Alum Polly Borland Opens Her Latest Exhibition, Puffs
Known for work that is both visually arresting and deeply psychological, Polly continues to challenge form, perception and the body in bold new ways. Congratulations, Polly. We’re proud to see another former student shaping the world with such uncompromising originality.

Details on the exhibition can be found below if you would like to check it out:

When: From 6pm Wednesday 26 November 2025
Where: Sullivan+Strump, 107–109 Rupert St, Collingwood

Preshil T-Shirts
T-shirts, hoodies and more that celebrate creativity, agency and our golden eagle — no uniform required. Designed for school days, gigs, galleries and weekends. Available now and in kids sizes. Wear it your way.

Purchase here.

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.