As we launch into another exciting year at Parade College – Preston Campus, it has been wonderful to see students return with energy, enthusiasm, and a readiness to embrace the opportunities ahead.

We welcome our new Year 11-12 Wellbeing Leader, Ms Jo Pentony who has joined us at Preston from the Bundoora Campus. For any wellbeing or academic questions or concerns, please contact your child’s Tutor teacher in the first instance.

Our Year 12 students began the year with an important and engaging session on consent, delivered by Elephant Education. This presentation encouraged thoughtful discussion and reinforced the importance of respect, responsibility and informed decision-making as our students move into adulthood. It was a valuable way to set the tone for the year ahead.

Work Learning Period timelines have now been sent home, with the Term 1 placement scheduled from March 23 – April 2. These placements provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, employability skills, and industry knowledge. Even volunteering at organisations such as St Vincent de Paul Society (St Vinnies) offers meaningful opportunities for students to develop communication skills, initiative, and an understanding of workplace expectations. We encourage families to support students in securing a placement that aligns with their interests and future pathways. Students are also able to visit the ‘School to Work’ portal where businesses advertise placement opportunities. The forms were due on Monday February 23 so please send these in ASAP.

Attendance continues to be a significant focus. At Parade Preston, we emphasise that being present and punctual matters. Signing out early can mean missing key information, class discussions, or assessment preparation. Days absent from school can lead to students falling behind in both VCE VM and VET coursework. Likewise, signing in late can create habits that are difficult to break beyond Year 12. Establishing strong routines now sets students up for success in employment, apprenticeships, and further study. Missing 1 day of school a fortnight can add up to 4 weeks in a year being missed.

School Based Apprenticeships (SBATs) offer an exceptional pathway for students wishing to complete their Year 12 certificate while commencing an apprenticeship. This allows students to gain industry experience and a head start in their chosen trade. While these opportunities can take time to establish with host employers, they are incredibly worthwhile. If your child is interested in pursuing an SBAT, I encourage them to see me in my office to discuss the process and next steps. It was great to see a student, James Louis last week who initially started his SBAT at Parade College in 2025 and is now in full time employment.

Mr Paul Watson has been meeting with students to discuss sporting opportunities over the last few weeks. Students are reminded to be accountable for managing their commitments and ensuring they are aware of when they are required to leave campus to attend their sporting activities and reach out to Mr Paul Watson to seek opportunity to represent the College.

It was also a pleasure to welcome Tom Montgomery-Scobie to our first College Assembly for the year, where he was recognised for Outstanding Achievement within the VCE VM program. Celebrating the success of our students highlights what is possible through dedication and perseverance. Tom is now heading into a Horticulture course, proof that VCE VM keeps doors open to different career and pathway options after Year 12. If your child would like to discuss pathways or future plans, Ms Bult is available every Thursday at Preston Campus to meet with students and provide guidance and support. Students are also very welcome to visit me, Ms Hopkins to discuss pathway options too.

A reminder to families that students should now have all required materials listed on the Campion Resource List and must ensure they are fully enrolled in their VET subjects. Being organised early in the year supports a smooth and successful start.

Finally, we acknowledge that mobile phones can be a distraction in learning environments. We appreciate your ongoing support in reminding your child that phones do not belong in classroom learning spaces and should be kept away during lessons.

We look forward to a productive and rewarding year ahead and thank families for their continued partnership.