Other highlights included our Student Attitudes to School Survey, ANZAC Day Assembly, GAT Information Assembly, and Assessment and Reporting Day for staff. Students successfully completed their examination period, including the GAT, and we commenced course counselling and preparation for 2027 subject selections, which will continue into Term 3.

The term concluded with one of Forest Hill College’s most cherished traditions—the 41st Basketball Marathon. The annual student-versus-staff game remains a crowd favourite, and I sincerely thank the many staff members who volunteered their time to play, supervise overnight, and support the event. Without their generosity and commitment, this wonderful tradition would not be possible. Most importantly, the event continues to raise valuable funds for the deserving Leukaemia Foundation.

Beyond our own campus, Leading Teachers Kim Froelich and Xiaojun Chen have continued to deliver literacy and numeracy extension programs at Blackburn Lake Primary School and Orchard Grove Primary School. These programs are supporting improved outcomes for students in Years 5 and 6, and we look forward to welcoming many of these students to Forest Hill College in the years ahead.

As mentioned in previous communications, staff have been undertaking professional learning with Bronwyn Ryrie Jones, focusing on Responsive Teaching practices. Students will begin to see the impact of this work more broadly in classrooms from Term 4 as we continue to refine our teaching practices to maximise student learning outcomes.

Our revised school uniform is now fully operational and looking fantastic. Many visitors to the College have commented positively on its academic appearance, warmth and comfort. Thank you to families who have already begun transitioning to the new uniform. I look forward to seeing the entire school community proudly wearing the updated uniform by 2028. As a reminder, hair colour must remain natural and tracksuit pants are not part of the approved school uniform.

We have also received confirmation from the Department of Education that Stage 2 of our building works is expected to recommence at the end of the year. This stage will include new Art rooms and a range of refurbishment works that will further enhance our learning environment.

In the coming months, we will continue working closely with our Year 10 students and families regarding our progression policy and the requirements that must be met for entry into VCE or VCE Vocational Major pathways in Year 11 for 2027.

Every Day Counts

Attending school every day means experiencing what matters most—the learning, friendships, opportunities and experiences that help shape a young person’s future.

We understand that there are times when students need to miss school. However, where possible, we encourage families to schedule holidays, medical appointments and other commitments outside school hours to minimise disruption to learning.

If your child is well enough to attend school but is feeling anxious about friendships, assessments or schoolwork, we encourage them to come to school and seek support. Avoiding attendance can often make these concerns more difficult to overcome and may establish patterns that become increasingly challenging to break.

If your child is experiencing difficulties attending school, please reach out to their teacher or Cohort Leader so that we can work together to provide appropriate support.

We recognise that families often juggle many competing demands in ensuring students attend school regularly. If your child is absent, please notify the school via Compass as soon as possible so that we can work together to support their attendance and wellbeing.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout another successful term. I wish all students, staff and families a safe, restful and enjoyable break and look forward to an exciting Term 3.

Warm regards,

Nicky Buckingham
Principal

Basketball Marathon – A great tradition for a good Cause!

Forest Hill College’s Basketball Marathon has run since 1973 in honour of Geoff Davis, a beloved sports teacher who passed in the early 70’s from Leukaemia. Every year, the school comes together to take turns playing basketball across 24 hours and dressing up in order to raise money. This year, our dress-up theme was a beach theme. We started the day with a countdown and the Junior Physical Education classes took it in turns to keep the games going with the Year 7s, 8s, and 9s playing throughout the day, including recess and lunch.

In period five, we had the competitive Year 12 students vs Teachers game. It was a great match, and the TEACHERS were victorious! As is our tradition, the cohort of senior students and some brave and committed staff stayed overnight to support the cause, contributing to the approximate $3,800 that we’ve raised in total. A fantastic effort for a great cause!

State School Spectacular – Student Excellence

We are proud of Year 12 student Noah, who has been selected to be involved in the 2026 Victorian State Schools Spectacular – This is Me.

The Spectacular will be performed twice on Saturday 29 August at John Cain Arena, followed by a television broadcast in December.

Get your tickets now! Tickets are on sale via www.ticketek.com.au/spectacular or by calling 132 849.

Congratulations Noah!

Library News

It has been another busy term in the library during term 2.

We continue to run our lunch time book club every 2 weeks. Students and staff get to bring their lunch and have a chance to participate in fun bookish activities and chat about the books they have been reading.

Our writing mentorship program students had another author workshop earlier this term, this time with true crime podcaster, author, and teacher Vikki Petraitis. The students learnt so much from Vikki about story construction and enjoyed having the chance to discuss her writing experiences with her. The students are now finalising their writing pieces for the anthology that will be published in Term 3.

Helen Farch
Library Technician

Year 10 Food Studies

As part of their studies in Food Year 10 students made and decorated a celebration cake. The result was very colourful and evidence of some great work by our students!

Trish Rambaldo
Food Studies teacher

Soccer Academy Open Day – FRIDAY 10th JULY

Register today to secure your place at our Trial Open Day via https://linktr.ee/futbal_first  or visit @futbal_first

Come and complete a trial Soccer Academy Futbal First Session!

Talk with our staff and coaches, tour our new facilities, hear about our fantastic academic programs and results, and meet with the College Principal.

We look forward to meeting some of our future Socceroos and Matildas!

AFL Ticket Opportunity – Hawthorn Football Club

As a valued school within the Hawthorn Football Club zone, we are thrilled to be in touch with an exclusive $15 Adult General Admission ticketing offer for staff and families of students for our Round 16 match against GWS at the MCG on Friday 26 June. As well as information on KIDS GO FREE for this match.

What to include when sharing the offer (simply just copy the below and paste to your school newsletter or noticeboard, but don’t forget to attach the image in the link below).

How to redeem r16 $15 adult general admission tickets + kids go free tickets

1. Go to TICKETEK website or link here →

1. On “Select date” dropdown, choose option “Fri 26 Jun 2026 7:40pm – Club Members & Public Reserve.”
2. A box below will appear and copy your promo code FHC16 in and click “Unlock tickets”
3. You will be taken to a page where a map will appear. On the right-hand side, click “Find Best available”
4. Select “Adult” ticket (maximum qty 10) and “Children 6-14 years”  (maximum qty 10) for kids go free ticket. Click next and follow steps to check out.
5. General admission seating areas will be posted in the link here →, 24 hours prior to the match.