End of Term 3

Term 3 ends this Friday with a full day of regular classes. The majority of our Year 12 students have completed trials examinations this week, whilst others have attended their regular work placements. We wish all of our students a restful break and look forward to their return on Monday 5 October for the commencement of Term 4.

Year 12 Students Leaders (Prefects) in 2027

It gives me great pleasure to officially announce the senior Student Leaders for 2027. All students that participated in the Prefect Training Program during Term 3 are to be commended for their efforts in participating to get the most out of the leadership program. The feedback from staff who led parts of the program was very positive. There is much to be excited about for 2027. All the students listed below form the Prefect Group for 2027. The group contains our College Captains, House Captains and a number of other student leaders who will be allocated to Prefect Committees in Term 4 and be charged with the responsibility of leading those teams next year.

College Captains

House Captains

Prefects

Please join me in congratulating the students listed above for offering their service to the College community.

Supervision times for Students on site at Parade College

Before School

Parade College grounds are supervised by staff from 8:20am each school day. Students who arrive before this time are generally not supervised unless they are enrolled in a scheduled activity or class that commences at 7:30am.

After School

Bundoora Campus: Following dismissal, staff supervise the designated bus areas until approximately 3:40pm.

Students may choose to attend the Nash Learning Centre (NLC) after school, where supervision is provided until 4:30pm Monday to Thursday and 4:00pm on Fridays. Students attending the NLC are expected to remain there for the duration of their stay and engage in study or learning activities. Students must not sign in to the NLC and then leave the facility.

Apart from the designated bus areas and the NLC during the times stated above, no other areas of the College are supervised after 3:40pm.

Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that students are not dropped off before supervision commences and are collected promptly at the conclusion of the supervision periods outlined above.

Students should not be left unsupervised on College grounds outside these times.

Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

Milton Parade entry and exit (Bundoora Campus)

Please note that students are only permitted to use the Milton Parade entry and exit point in the mornings and afternoons, prior to classes commencing and after they conclude. During the day this entry/exit point is closed off to ensure our child safety obligations are met. It is important that any students exiting the campus during the day, once signed out, should use the main access points on Plenty Road during the day when the Milton Parade gates are closed. Neighbours in the Milton Parade area may have sharp points/spikes on their fences near this entry/exit point, so students are not to attempt to still exit the grounds this way during the day when the gates are closed.

Respectful communication at Parade College

At Parade College, we value the partnership between our families and staff and understand that concerns will sometimes arise. However, in recent weeks, some staff have experienced aggressive behaviour from parents/carers that has been inappropriate and disrespectful, either in person, over the phone and through email.

While parents/carers are encouraged to raise concerns, this must always be done respectfully and in line with the expectations outlined in the Parade College Code of Conduct. Aggressive, intimidating, or disrespectful behaviour is not acceptable.

All staff have the right to feel safe, respected and supported in their workplace. We ask that all members of our community consider the way they communicate with staff and work with us to ensure that Parade remains a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

On behalf of the staff at the College, we sincerely wish all of our students a lovely break – a time to rest, catch up with family and friends and a time to also study and prepare for Term 4.

As we approach the end of Term 3 and the upcoming holiday break, our Year 12 students are entering the final stage of their secondary school journey with formal classes soon ending and the Unit 3 & 4 VCE examinations soon to commence. We would like to acknowledge the commitment and hard work demonstrated by our Year 12 students throughout the year, as well as the dedication of their teachers who have supported them.

To our Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students, we wish you every success as you prepare to embark on the next stage of your pathway. It was a privilege for the College Leadership Team to view the portfolios you presented and engage in conversations about your learning, achievements, and future aspirations. We were incredibly impressed by the quality of your work and the confidence with which you shared your experiences.

For our Year 12 VCE students preparing for exams, the weeks ahead are an important time to stay focused and maintain healthy routines. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep can have a positive impact on both learning and wellbeing. Remember that your teachers are here to support you, so please contact them if you need assistance as you continue your revision.

To our Year 12 families, thank you for the support and encouragement you have provided throughout the year. As your child approaches this significant milestone, it is important to remind them that while their results matter, they should strive to do their very best. We wish all students, staff, and families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4 and continuing to support our Year 12 students as they complete their final weeks at the College.

VCAA VCE and VET Unit 3 & 4 Written Examinations – Term 4

The first written exam for most Year 12 VCE students is English, scheduled for Tuesday 27 October. However, oral language and music performance exams start earlier, with some exams preceding English. Students must check their individual timetables carefully. In the first week of Term 4, students will receive the VCAA Exam Navigator, outlining all exam rules and procedures. An electronic version is available here:

https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/2026-07/2026-VCEExamsNavigator.pdf

It is strongly recommended that all VCE students and parents carefully read the Exam Navigator.

The lead-up to exams is critical. The first two weeks of Term 4 include formal revision classes, followed by SWOT VAC (starting Monday 19 October). Teachers will be available during regular class times until each subject’s exam date, and students are strongly encouraged to attend school during this period. As exam scores contribute significantly to final study marks, it is essential that students aim to perform at their academic best. Accelerated Year 11 students will continue attending all scheduled Unit 4 classes until their respective exams.

Acceleration application outcomes

The College is currently reviewing applications for accelerated studies in 2027. This process includes consideration of students’ academic results, learning behaviours, teacher feedback, and overall readiness for the demands of a VCE subject. Students and families can expect to receive further information about the outcome of applications in Term 4.

Early Dismissal Dates

Please note the following early dismissal time for students at both campuses:

• Wednesday 16 September (Term 3)
• Monday 19 October (Term 4)

Students will be dismissed at 12.50pm on both dates to allow for Year 7-10 Student Progress Interviews and preparations for the Year 12 Valete (Graduation) Evening.

College Bus services have been changed to accommodate the early school finish time on this date and will depart at 1 pm. The College is not providing student supervision after the 12.50pm dismissal, and the Nash Learning Centre (NLC) and canteen will be closed.

Regular attendance and punctuality remain essential for students in Years 10–12, particularly as courses become more demanding and students begin preparing for end-of-year assessments and examinations. Students who miss classes can quickly fall behind in coursework, practical activities, assessment preparation and the development of important knowledge and skills.

Students should take responsibility for communicating with their teachers when they return, checking what learning they have missed and completing any necessary catch-up work within an agreed timeframe. Accessing lesson materials online can assist, but it does not always replace the explanations, discussion, feedback, and practical learning that occur in class.

For VCE students, satisfactory completion of a unit is based on a teacher’s judgement that the student has demonstrated the required key knowledge and skills. Frequent or extended absences may reduce the opportunities available for a student to complete required work and provide sufficient evidence of learning. Where attendance is becoming a concern, families are encouraged to communicate with the College as early as possible so that appropriate support can be considered.

Unit 3-4 (Year 12) Trial Examinations

Year 12 students (and accelerating Year 11s) will complete their Trial Examinations during the final week of Term 3, marking an important stage in their preparation for the end-of-year VCAA examinations.

Trial exams are designed to give students an opportunity to practise under conditions that closely resemble their final examinations. While they provide useful feedback about current areas of strength and areas requiring further attention, their greatest value comes from helping students refine the way they prepare, manage their time, and respond to questions under exam conditions.

Students are encouraged to move beyond simply rereading notes and begin completing active exam practice. One of the most valuable resources available is the collection of past VCAA examinations, which can be accessed online through the VCAA website. Students should become familiar with the format of their examinations, the types of questions that regularly appear and the amount of time available for each section.

Past exams can be used in several ways. Early in revision, students might complete individual questions or sections while referring to their notes. As the trial exams approach, they should increasingly attempt questions without assistance and under timed conditions. Where possible, completing a full examination within the allocated time is excellent preparation for the demands of the real exam.

Students should also make use of VCAA examination reports and suggested solutions, where available. These provide valuable insight into how questions have been assessed in previous years and often identify common mistakes made by students. Rather than simply checking whether an answer is right or wrong, students should consider why marks were lost and what they would need to do differently next time.

Effective preparation should also be targeted. Students are encouraged to identify the topics, skills, or question types they currently find most difficult and deliberately spend time addressing these areas. Teachers can assist students to identify priorities and provide advice about the most effective ways to revise for their particular subject.

Just as importantly, students should establish sustainable routines during the lead-up to exams. Regular study across the week is generally more effective than relying on lengthy last-minute sessions. Maintaining appropriate sleep, exercise and breaks will also help students sustain their concentration during what can be a demanding period.

Following the trial exams, students should carefully review their results and teacher feedback. The trials are not the end point of preparation but an opportunity to identify what needs to happen next. With several weeks remaining before the VCAA examinations, students will still have considerable time to strengthen areas of weakness, practise exam technique and build confidence.

We encourage all students to approach the trial examination period positively and to make full use of the support, resources, and expertise available to them at school.

Nano Nagle Tutoring Program

The Nano Nagle Tutoring program, which sees high-achieving Old Paradian students from the Class of 2025 tutoring our current VCE students, continues through the trial exam period and Term 4. Updates are regularly shared via SIMON/PAM. The program is open to all Year 10-12 students and runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3.30pm to 4.25pm in the VCE Study Centre (MQ28). Students who attend are welcome to receive help or simply study in the area. This is a great opportunity for VCE students to get extra assistance in meeting the demands of the final years of their schooling. This year’s tutors have excelled across English, Literature, all Mathematics subjects (General, Methods, and Specialist), all Science subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology), and a broad range of other VCE subjects.

Edrolo

As students begin to prepare for their end-of-year examinations, they are encouraged to make regular use of Edrolo as part of their revision program.

Edrolo is an online learning platform that provides video lessons, revision materials, structured notes, quizzes, and practice questions. It allows students to revisit key concepts at their own pace, pause and replay explanations, check their understanding and identify areas requiring further revision.

Used alongside classwork, teacher feedback, and practice examinations, Edrolo can help students consolidate their knowledge, strengthen their confidence, and develop effective independent study habits. Students are encouraged to use the platform regularly rather than relying on it only immediately before an assessment or examination.

Edrolo is available in the following VCE subjects:

• English (Units 3-4)
• General Mathematics (Units 1-4)
• Mathematical Methods (Units 1-4)
• Specialist Mathematics (Units 3-4)
• Biology (Units 1-4)
• Chemistry (Units 1-4)
• Physics (Units 1-4)
• Psychology (Units 1-4)
• Physical Education (Units 1-4)
• Health and Human Development (Units 1-4)
• Accounting (Units 1-4)
• Business Management (Units 1-4)
• Legal Studies (Units 3-4)
• Food Studies (Units 3-4)
• Media (Units 3-4)
• Visual Communication Design (Units 3-4)
• History Revolutions (Units 3-4)

Families can support students by encouraging them to include Edrolo in a consistent and balanced revision timetable as examinations approach.

Missing a SAC (VCE assessment task)

Students who are absent for a SAC are reminded to obtain a medical certificate, to present to their teacher upon their return. Generally, missed SACs are rescheduled to Thursday afternoons and can go as late as 5.15pm, so students should avoid scheduling part-time work or other commitments on this day. Rescheduled SACs are generally held in Room MQ26.

Acceleration Application Outcomes

It was encouraging to receive many applications for acceleration into a Unit 1-2 VCE subject for Year 10 2027 students. The Acceleration Panel has been convened to review all applications. The outcome of these applications will be emailed to families early in Term 4.

The letter will offer one of three different outcomes, which are explained below:

• Recommended: the student has met the criteria and will be enrolled in the accelerated subject for which they applied.
• Pending: the student has met some of the criteria; however, further evidence is required. A decision will be made in Term 4 after the Semester Two examinations.
• Not recommended: the student does not meet the selection criteria.

As we enter the final stages of Term 3, there has been a real sense of positivity around the Preston Campus. With spring in the air and the warmer weather settling in, it has been great to see staff and students making the most of the sunshine, getting outside during recess and lunch and connecting with one another. It has been a great way to finish the term.

Work Experience and Work Placement

Our Year 10 and 11 students have recently had the opportunity to undertake Work Experience, giving them a chance to step into a workplace and experience first-hand what it is like to be part of a team. For many students, it has been a valuable opportunity to develop their confidence, communication skills and understanding of workplace expectations. It has also been great to hear about the different experiences our students have had and the skills they have developed along the way. We kindly ask that students return their Work Experience or Structured Work Learning forms on time as this makes processing the forms incredibly difficult when they are received last. This then has a flow-on effect where employers cannot receive information about the placement in a timely manner.

We are always keen to build connections with local businesses and members of our community who may be able to offer work experience opportunities or are looking for apprentices or trainees. If you or someone you know may be able to support one of our students in this way, please contact Tegan Hopkins at the College. Opportunities such as these can make a significant difference in helping our students explore pathways and develop valuable workplace skills. Please reach out via email to tegan.hopkins@parade.vic.edu.au

Year 10 ERPP

Students will be participating in the RIJI program in Term 4. They will have the opportunity to sit down and go through a mock interview and then receive feedback on how they went. This will be held on October 22.

Year 12 VCE VM

We would also like to wish our Year 12 VCE VM students all the best as they approach the final stages of their schooling. The coming weeks are an important time as they work towards completing their studies and finishing the year positively. We encourage them to remain focused, attend regularly, and make the most of the support available to them as they work through the end of this term and into the beginning of Term 4.

Students completed their WRS portfolio interviews this term. The feedback from College Leadership has been incredibly positive. Leaders have mentioned how well prepared the students were, as well as how well spoken they were when they spoke about their time at Parade. This has been a highlight for both leaders of the College and our students who are finishing this year.

PDS in Action

One of the highlights of Term 3 has been seeing our students put their Personal Development Skills (PDS) into action through a range of student-led activations.

Students planned and ran activities for their peers, including a Longest Kick Challenge, Push-Up Challenge, sausage sizzle, and a highly popular pancake station. These activities gave students the opportunity to develop their planning, teamwork, communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills while contributing to the wider campus community.

It was pleasing to see students taking ownership of their activities and putting their PDS skills into practice. These experiences provide an important link between what students learn at school and the skills they will need in the workplace and beyond.

Well done to Nathan Shoesmith and his 12C Personal Development Skills class for an excellent result with their Community Support Campus Garden Improvement Activity. The class purchased and planted new plants, and mulched the space, helping to spruce up a garden at the entrance of the Preston Campus.

The project was significantly supported by the fundraising efforts of Domenica Rinaudo’s 12B PDS class, with the finished garden being enjoyed by students and staff across the campus last week.

This is another great example of how hands-on, purposeful learning is fostered at Preston, giving students opportunities to work together, apply their skills in real-world contexts and make a positive contribution to our campus community.

A Focus on Punctuality in Term 4

As we look towards Term 4, one of our key areas of focus will be punctuality, particularly at the start of the school day.

Being at school and ready to begin learning on time is an important part of establishing positive routines and ensuring students do not miss valuable learning time. When we return in Term 4, we will be placing a strong emphasis on students arriving at school and getting to tutor group on time.

We will continue to work with students and families to support this expectation and help all students finish the year strongly.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for their support throughout Term 3. We hope everyone enjoys a well-earned break, and we look forward to seeing our students return ready for a positive final term.

Year 12 Information

Please see below the list of important dates. A reminder to all students to pay the VTAC fee by 28 September.

For a full list of cancelled, amended, and new courses, visit VTAC Course Updates. 

Year 10 Information

All Year 10 students are required to complete Work Experience between 16 and 20 November. All students are required to complete the Work Experience Arrangement Form that has been emailed to them. These forms are due Friday 18 September.

Students can submit their form to their Careers teacher, or to Mrs Bult ebult@parade.vic.edu.au or Ms Barnes jbarnes@parade.vic.edu.au.

Nolan Celebration Day

This year, Nolan Celebration Day was a hit, it is always great seeing students get into house spirit through free sausages and drinks. As we had lots of sport activities set up in the background, it was a great all-round time to have our cohort relax as we approach the stressful end of the year, whilst keeping active through activities like tennis, soccer and footy. Overall, it was a great experience for all year levels!

Nolan House - Treacy Cup Winners 2026

As much as I would love to say that it was fate that brought Nolan to victory in the Treacy Cup this year, I must acknowledge all the hard work and effort the students in our cohort made this year. Whether it would be getting up early to participate in Brekky Van, or help at lunch times in the garden, there was always a Nolan student to be seen. 

Bodkin Celebration Day

It was wonderful to see all Bodkin students come together to celebrate being a united House of Parade College. During Wellbeing period on Friday 28 August, all students congregated on Waterford Oval where they enjoyed each other’s company. A BBQ was provided as well as events and competitions like kicking an AFL football into a bin, soccer kick to hit the crossbar, relay events, chocolate toss, and board games were participated in. This continued the goal of building the culture and relationships in Bodkin House. It was fantastic to see students and staff interact with one another, participate in some fun activities, and build stronger bonds within and across year levels. A big thank you to the Bodkin House Student Leaders and Staff for organising, cooking the BBQ, and running the events on the day.

Year 9 Development Day- Mancave and the Student Wellbeing Team

In Term 4, our Year 9 students will take part in a dedicated Development Day, hosted at the Preston Campus, designed to support their growth as young men and provide them with practical skills for navigating relationships, wellbeing, and the challenges of adolescence.

The day will combine workshops delivered by The Man Cave, with personal development sessions facilitated by the College Wellbeing Team. The Man Cave is a preventative mental health and emotional intelligence organisation that works specifically with boys and young men. Through interactive activities, videos and facilitated discussion, students will explore issues including mental health, masculine identity, gender equality, and inter-generational connection.

Alongside this, students will participate in College-led wellbeing and development activities focusing on friendship, personal values, and the way we treat one another. Together, the sessions are designed to encourage students to think more deeply about the kind of person they want to become, the relationships they build and the support structures they create around themselves.

Adolescence can be a challenging time as young people begin to establish their identity, develop greater independence, and navigate increasingly complex friendships and social expectations. This Development Day gives students an opportunity to explore these topics away from the usual classroom environment, while reinforcing the College's emphasis on positive relationships, respect, and resilience.

Students will alternate between The Man Cave program, and the College wellbeing workshops throughout the day, allowing every Year 9 student to experience both components. More than simply providing information, the day is intended to encourage reflection, honest conversation, and greater emotional awareness, while giving students strategies they can carry into their friendships, families, classrooms, and wider community.

We look forward to providing our Year 9 students with this valuable opportunity to connect with one another, strengthen their understanding of themselves and others, and continue developing the skills and values that will support them as they move through adolescence and into young adulthood.

OPA Liturgy

On Friday 4 September, the Old Paradians Association hosted a liturgy for the Year 12 students, bringing in guest speakers and treating us to a sausage sizzle afterwards. It was an eye-opening experience that showed us the possibilities available after Parade College. The experiences shared by the Old Paradian speakers really illustrated the importance of maintaining connections even after graduating. Additionally, a video reel featuring photos from our time at Parade reminded all of us of the impact this journey has had on us. This liturgy has personally made me keen to join the Old Paradians Association and stay in touch after I graduate, as I am sure it has for many other Year 12 students.

Yacob Abraham Year 12 H06

Awareness of the “Tap Out” Trend

Parade College remains committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and informed environment for all students. Recently, schools across Australia and internationally have reported incidents linked to a concerning social‑media trend commonly referred to as the “Tap Out Challenge,” also known as the blackout challenge, choking game, or fainting game.

This trend encourages young people to restrict another person’s breathing or blood flow until they lose consciousness, often while being filmed or observed by peers. Although it may be portrayed online as a harmless game, it carries significant and immediate risks, including head injuries, seizures, neurological damage, and in extreme cases, fatal outcomes.

At Parade College, thankfully we have not seen widespread engagement with this behaviour; however, we believe it is important to proactively educate our community about emerging online trends that may place students at risk.

Why we are sharing this information:

• To ensure families are aware of current social‑media trends influencing young people
• To support conversations at home about safe decision‑making
• To reinforce our College’s commitment to student wellbeing and safety
• To encourage students to speak up if they witness unsafe behaviour

What families can do:

We encourage parents and carers to have calm, open conversations with their son or daughter about:

• The dangers of participating in or observing risky online challenges
• Peer pressure and strategies for stepping away from unsafe situations
• The importance of seeking help if they feel uncomfortable or concerned

If your child reports any involvement in or exposure to this trend, please contact a member of the Student Wellbeing Team (House or Wellbeing leader) so we can provide appropriate support.

Parade College continues to monitor emerging online behaviours and works closely with students, staff, and families to maintain a safe learning environment.

Parent Resources

As a busy Term 3 draws to a close, here some of the events that have been happening in the Music department over the past weeks.

Year 12 VCE Recitals

On 26 August, our Year 12 Music class recently performed their full VCE recitals for an audience of their families. With their performance exams coming up in the following weeks, this was an important occasion for them to prepare. We wish them all the best for their final studies and preparation.

Instrumental Music Soiree

Each year, the Music department hosts an Instrumental Music Soiree that brings together all students who learn an instrument in the program, affording them an important opportunity to perform for their peers, families and friends. We had over well over 100 performances across all our instruments, and in multiple spaces throughout the College. A massive thank you to our instrumental staff who helped put this event on and ran their performance spaces.

ACC Battle of The Bands

Following on from the Concert Band and Vocal Day, students from Parade College travelled by bus to St Mary’s College in St Kilda to participate in a Battle of The Bands all day workshop. This day focuses on guitar, bass guitar, drums and has a general contemporary music focus. There was also the much anticipated Battle of The Bands afternoon competition, and we will announce the winner in our next Newsletter.

Upcoming Events

• Year 12 Valete Graduation – Monday 19 October, Moore Hall
• Carols Under the Cross - Wednesday 25 November, 7.00pm, Rivergum Theatre

Please do not hesitate to contact the Music department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.

VCE VM Scholarship

Parade College is delighted to offer a VCE VM Scholarship for 2027. This scholarship is available to new students who enrol in our VCE Vocational Major program (VCE VM) in Year 11 2027 at our co-educational Preston Campus, and who demonstrate the potential to be outstanding contributors in their chosen field of interest within one of the following VCE VM Programs at Preston:

• Sport Academy
• Business Academy
• Applied Learning Pathway

Successful applicants must display a strong desire and willingness to make a valuable contribution to the College community. For further information about the scholarship and application process, please visit Scholarships at Parade College.

Summer Uniform

A polite reminder that the commencement of Term Four means the return of summer uniform for our students. Please note that the Uniform Shop at Bundoora Campus will be closed during the School Holidays. However, Academy Uniforms in Thomastown will be open as usual. To order online, visit Academy Uniforms – Parade College.

Family Tours

Our Family Tours are a fantastic way for prospective families to see our College in action. The remaining 2026 tour dates are outlined below:

Bundoora Campus - for families with students in Year 4 and up.

• Friday 30 October
• Thursday 19 November

Preston Campus - for families with secondary school aged students in Year 9 and up for entry in Years 10-12.

• Wednesday 28 October

Bookings can be made online: Book a Family Tour - Parade College.

On Friday, 23 October, the Old Paradians’ Association will host its annual OPA Hall of Fame Evening at the Novotel Melbourne Preston, commencing at 6.30pm.

This year, we are delighted to induct two outstanding Old Paradians into the OPA Hall of Fame in recognition of their exceptional achievements and contributions to their respective fields.

Bill Gibbins AM (1963)

Bill Gibbins AM is the founder of the Jericho Cup, Australia’s longest flat horse race. Held annually at Warrnambool Racecourse, the event honours the Australian Light Horsemen and their horses who served during World War I.

Bill was also the founder of the successful trucking company FCL, and has been a committed philanthropist throughout his life, supporting a wide range of charitable organisations, including Wheelchairs for Kids.

In 2021, Bill was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his significant service to horse racing and to people living with disability.

Joe Montemurro (1987)

Joe Montemurro is the current Head Coach of the Australian CommBank Matildas.

From a young Old Paradian with a passion for football, to leading one of the world’s most respected women’s national teams, Joe’s journey is an inspiring example of ambition, perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

It would be wonderful to have members of the Parade College staff and community join us for this special evening as we celebrate the achievements of two exceptional Old Paradians who have made a significant contribution to their respective fields.

In addition to the induction of Bill and Joe into the OPA Hall of Fame, we will also be presenting Angelo Mazzone with the OPA Tenete Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Old Paradians’ Association.

We will also make a special presentation for Leanne Thomas, who will be recognised as an Honorary Old Paradian for her significant contribution to Parade College and the Old Paradians’ community.

We would be delighted to have you join us for what promises to be a memorable evening celebrating achievement, service and the enduring connection between Parade College and its alumni.

To book your ticket, please visit:

https://events.humanitix.com/2026-annual-hall-of-fame-dinner

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with members of the Parade College community.

National Science Week 2026 provided an opportunity for students at Parade College to explore, question and celebrate the world of science. This year’s theme, “Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All,” encouraged students to consider how scientific ideas can grow when curiosity, creativity and knowledge are shared.

A highlight of the week was the Year 7 to 9 Science Fair, organised by our Academic Prefect team. Students were challenged to develop their own scientific investigations, models and research projects, putting their classroom knowledge into practice while exploring questions that interested them.

Among the projects, Year 8 Akshar Bapodra 12 was awarded the Science Fair winner for his investigation, “How Insulation Shapes Home Temperature.” His project explored how different insulating materials can influence temperature within a home, demonstrating how scientific investigation can be applied to everyday problems. Congratulations to Akshar, as well as Year 7 Aiden Abraham L11, Year 8 Kobi Brazier T19, Year 8 Marco Sterich T18 and Year 8 Ronav Ramjutton H16, who participated in the Science Fair and contributed to a fantastic display of student curiosity and creativity.

The week also brought Science into the heart of the College with the return of the Smoothie Blender Bikes. Students powered their own smoothies through pedal power, providing a fun demonstration of energy transfer while bringing students together during lunchtime.

National Science Week was a wonderful reminder that science is not simply something that happens in a laboratory. It grows through questions, experimentation, collaboration and the willingness to explore an idea. This week, our students showed that the seeds of scientific curiosity are certainly growing at Parade.

As we continue to the second half of the year, time is moving quickly, especially in the Arts space at the College. We congratulate all cast and crew on a successful show of ‘Clue: High School Edition’ in partnership with Mercy College. We also give a big thanks to support from families and staff. Without the contributions, patience, understanding and hours invested into our students and the performing arts, we would never be able to produce such high quality shows. We encourage and invite students to get involved in next year’s musical production Shrek in partnership with Santa Maria College. Auditions will be held in Term 4.

However as one door closes, another opens and we have our Art and Technology Exhibition opening Week 1 Term 4; ‘PURPOSE’. Students were invited to enter the competition to name the expo and design the poster, congratulations to Year 9 student Aaron Lay T16 on his winning design. The exhibition opens in Greening Auditorium on Wednesday 7 October in the evening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, with snacks and nibbles, closing Tuesday 13 October. Families of students with pieces in the exhibition will be notified and we hope to see you at the opening. Last year was a great success and, as a College, we were bursting with pride, especially as Year 12 2025 student Alex LaRocca won the Best in Technology Award and went on to be successful in Top Designs. Hopefully, we may have more students successful for the 2026 school year in Top Designs, Top Screens or Top Arts.

Lastly, whilst the business of the year hits its peak, we congratulate Mr Kyle DiPastena, Media and English Teacher- he was selected to be on the panel for the ATOM Awards (Australian Teachers of Media) where he will be judging entries from Media creatives across Australia in multiple categories. “ATOM Awards… celebrates excellence in screen content, recognising outstanding achievements across education, industry, and emerging creative practice throughout Australia and New Zealand. As the second-longest-running screen awards program in Australia, the ATOM Awards have a proud history of championing innovation, creativity, storytelling, and media literacy… students, educators, independent creators, and industry professionals are recognised alongside one another.” Congratulations Mr Di Pastena, we look forward to seeing the winners and look to whether some of our VCE students may be successful in the categories that they have entered.

Congratulations to all our students in both the Visual and Performing Arts spaces, we wish them all the best as they head into Term 4 with final assessments and for some, final exams.

On Wednesday 26 August, eight enthusiastic Year 8 budding mathematicians represented the College at the annual Maths Games Day. Competing against students from a range of schools across Victoria, our teams worked collaboratively to solve challenging mathematical problems, test their reasoning skills, and apply creative thinking in a fun and engaging environment. The day provided an excellent opportunity for students to deepen their appreciation of mathematics while building teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Below, one of our participants reflects on their experience of the day.