SECONDARY SNAPSHOT SECONDARY SNAPSHOT
TERM 1, WEEK 6 | 6TH MARCH 2026
A MESSAGE FROM MRS REBECCA MATTHEWS
Dear Secondary Families,
As we finish our first week of March, we find ourselves entering an important time in the school year, the NAPLAN season. For our students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, this means a period of preparation and focus as they engage with assessments that help us understand their progress and learning growth. While NAPLAN provides valuable insights, it is important to remember that it measures only one aspect of a child’s learning journey At our school, we continue to celebrate the God-given gifts and talents of every student, academic or otherwise, recognising that each child is uniquely created and deeply valued by God.
Today we also come together to celebrate Harmony Day. This is a beautiful opportunity for our community to reflect on inclusion, respect, and the strength that comes from diversity. From a Christian perspective, Harmony Day reminds us of God’s calling to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34) We are one family in Christ, made richer by our varied backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Days like today give us wonderful opportunities to show gratitude for the many ways God’s creativity is reflected in the people around us.
I also take this moment to thank our families for their continued support, particularly in maintaining high standards with our school uniform. Wearing the uniform with pride reflects unity and respect for the school, for each other, and for ourselves Your vigilance in helping students present themselves neatly and appropriately each day is noticed and appreciated
I would also like to acknowledge families for their support in ensuring students arrive at school on time. We have seen a great improvement in students arriving before the bell, which allows time for them to prepare and settle in for home group and the day ahead.
May the next fortnight be one in which our community continues to learn, grow and walk together in grace and harmony
God bless you and your family too.
Mrs Rebecca Matthews Director of Secondary
NO CHEWING GUM REMINDER
Parents and carers are reminded that students must not chew gum at school. We ask for your help in reminding your children
Career Conversations @ Home
Helping parents have positive career convos!
Online parent seminar Thursday 12th March 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Arrive & Thrive are here to help parents provide positive career conversations to help their young person develop a meaningful career.
91% of teens said their parents are their biggest influence when making career decisions If that feels like a lot of pressure, you’re not alone. Join our webinar to learn how to engage with your young person on all things careers and help them navigate the next chapters of high school and beyond
REGISTER HERE
SCHOOL TV SURVEY
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.
The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.
Survey link: 2026 Wellbeing Barometer Survey
Should this topic raise any specific concerns you wish to discuss in relation to your child, please contact a wellbeing team member at your school.
Kind regards
The Team at SchoolTV
SIBLINGS OF RUNNING CLUB TRAINERS
Primary School-aged siblings who are not participating in Running Club cannot be left at school without parent/carer supervision before 8:15am.
If you are unable to supervise non-participating siblings, they must be enrolled with Camp Australia for before-school care.
MATHS TALENT QUEST (MTQ) 2026
The Maths Talent Quest (MTQ) is a long-standing competition hosted by the Mathematical Association of Victoria (MAV). It provides an exciting opportunity for students from Prep to Year 12 who enjoy mathematics to explore real-world mathematical ideas through an independent or small group investigation.
MTQ encourages students to apply mathematical thinking creatively and rigorously, developing skills in problem-solving, reasoning, communication and investigation
Further information about the competition can be found at:
https://www mav vic edu au/Student-Activities/Mathematics-Talent-Quest
Maths Talent Quest is a rigorous academic competition and requires a high level of commitment and personal responsibility from each participating student. The responsibility to complete the project rests with the student, and all work must be undertaken in their own time, outside of school hours. While projects are student-driven, Mrs Field is available to provide feedback, and students are strongly encouraged to seek guidance early in the process
PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT DATES
Form due: Friday 13th March 2026
Projects due date: TBC around Friday 17th July 2026
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Selection Process (Two-Stage Submission)
Stage 1 – Internal Judging (School Level)
Students will submit their completed projects to Mrs Field. Projects will be judged internally using the official rubric criteria. Only students who fully meet the criteria and rubric standards will be eligible for submission to MTQ.
From this process, two projects per year level will be selected to represent the College at Maths Talent Quest
Stage 2 – External Submission (MTQ)
Selected projects will then be submitted to MTQ for external judging.
Important Notes
Places are limited, as entries are capped according to the school’s student-to-entry ratio.
Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to students within the INSPiRE Program. Only high-quality projects that fulfil all rubric requirements will be submitted to MTQ. Students may work individually or in small groups (recommended group size is 2-3 students)
Register Interest HERE
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Field via SEQTA or email.
We look forward to seeing creative, thoughtful and mathematically rich investigations in 2026!
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS
Term 1
WEEK 7B
Monday 9th March
Monday 9th - Friday 13th March
Student Free Day: Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 10th - Friday 13th March
Outdoor Ed Unit 1 & 2 - Field Trip 1
Tuesday 10th March
Running Club
Wednesday 11th March
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
Swimming Squad
Wednesday 11th - Friday 13th March
NAPLAN
Thursday 12th March
CSEN Senior Rally Day 3x3 Basketball
Friday 13th March
VCE Formal Ticket Sales Close
Swimming Squad
Senior Worship Band Rehearsal
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS
Term 1
WEEK 8A
Monday 16th - Friday 20th March
Monday 16th - Friday 20th March
NAPLAN
Monday 16th March
CSEN Public Speaking Championships - Select students
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals - Select Students
Secondary Chapel Service
Tuesday 17th March
Running Club
Swimming Squad
Wednesday 18th - Friday 20th March
Year 9 Camp
Wednesday 18th March
CSEN Years 9/10 Fortnightly Sport
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
Thursday 19th March
CSEN Secondary Swimming Championship
Friday 20th March
Ride 2 School Day
Senior Worship Band Rehearsal
UPCOMING SECONDARY EVENTS
Term 1
WEEK 9B
Monday 23rd - Friday 27th March
Monday 23rd March
Last Day of NAPLAN
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals - Select Students
Debating
Tuesday 24th March
Student Free Day
Parent Student Teacher Conferences (PSTC)
Wednesday 25th March
CSEN Years 7/8 Fortnightly Sport
Year 9 Morrisby Testing
Secondary Jazz Band Weekly Rehearsals
Whittlesea Tech School
Thursday 26th March
International Day for Epilepsy - Purple Day
Friday 27th March
Senior Worship Band Rehearsal
WEEK 10A
Monday 30th March - Friday 3rd April
Monday 30th March - Wednesday 1st April
Outdoor Ed 9/10 Elective Hike Camp
Monday 30th March
Whole School Chapel Service
Mary Poppins Jr Rehearsals - Select Students
Tueday 31st March
Running Club
Wednesday 1st April
CSEN Years 9/10 Fortnightly Sport
Last Day of Term 1
Thursday 2nd April
VCE Senior Formal
