It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the school year for 2025! Whilst we are now in the full swing of Headstart, and students being introduced to their 2026 subjects and Teachers, I hope there are moments in the coming weeks where students can reflect on their learning year and consider:

• What has worked well this year? i.e. a learning strategy, a social emotional skill developed, a co-curricular involvement.
• What could be even better in 2026?

College Assembly
As the year draws to a close we came together as a whole College community on Tuesday 25 November for a College Assembly which shared and celebrated recent College highlights. Our guest of honour was former student and Olympic Bronze basketball medallist Ezi Magbegor. The student leaders prepared insightful interview questions for Ezi about her experiences balancing her education with her elite sport, overcoming mental barriers and social pressures, and her memories as a student of Penola. We are very grateful to Ezi for her willingness to visit and connect with Penola during her time back in Australia.

Uniform reminders
The holidays are a chance to rest and recharge as well as become organised for the 2026 year. We ask students and families to please work together to ensure all required materials are obtained such as books/stationary/laptop and checking that all uniform items are in appropriate condition. Students and families are reminded:

• Any additional piercings other than one small stud/sleeper in each ear lobe must be clear and flat. A “fresh” piercing is not an acceptable excuse for not abiding by the College piercing rules.
• Hair styles are to meet College requirements including no flamboyant styles e.g. no lines/patterns shaved in, no stark contrast in side and top lengths, and only natural hair colours (no pink, green).
• When buying school shoes families are asked to be mindful of companies that market their products as “school shoes” but do not meet the College requirement of a school shoe.

If you have any questions about the above or any other uniform query please do not hesitate to contact your child’s year level coordinator.

Supports for families
Below are some helpful numbers if over the holidays should your child or someone you know be needing support:

Kid’s Help Line: 1800 551 800 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5-25.

Nurse on Call: 1300 606 024 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Expert health advice from a registered nurse.

Parent Line: 13 22 89 Phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old - confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues.

Headspace: 8338 0919 with locations in Craigieburn and Glenroy, , free support for young people aged 12 to 25, their families and friends. Headspace can assist young people with a range of issues including students who are feeling down, stressed or can't stop worrying, wanting to talk about, relationships, finding it hard to deal with school, university, TAFE or work etc.

Wishing all students and families the very best for 2026 and thank you for all your contributions to our College.