Welcoming our 2026 Year 7s
Our transition process for incoming students is well underway. This term, we welcomed families who have sought enrolment at AHS and wanted to participate in the application process for our SEAL program or French Specialism Programs. This selection process is due to be completed this week. We have been so impressed with the skill and character displayed by our aspirational students. I look forward to welcoming our 2026 Year 7 students and families at our ‘Getting Started at AHS Information Evening’ on Tuesday 16th September, 6:00pm.
High Expectations in the Junior School
“Just as an athlete prepares with the right equipment, training and rest before competing, students achieve their best when they come to class well-prepared and ready to learn.”
At AHS, we know that success is built on strong foundations. By establishing these effective habits, our students position themselves for success both in learning and in life.
Setting up for a successful day of learning starts well before the day begins. Some students have established strong habits in the areas suggested below and others may have an area or two to focus on. Picking one to improve can have a significant impact on building helpful routines, we encourage you to review the suggestions below and have a conversation with your child about how they can build the necessary habits that enable them to be most successful:
- When students have a good night’s sleep, a nutritious breakfast and staying hydrated provides the brain with the energy needed for clear thinking.
- When students are on time for class, prepared with learning materials, in uniform and with phones stored in lockers they take the necessary steps to be ready to learn.
- When students face challenges in the classroom and choose to take a deep breath and ask for help, their persistence build resilience and confidence.
- When students reach out to their Tutor Group Teacher or our Wellbeing Team for support with challenges outside of school, they are supported to manage these challenges.
2026 Year 8>9 & 9>10 Course Selection
Over the past fortnight, Year 8 and 9 students have been engaged in subject selections and course selection interviews. The level of thought and effort students demonstrated during this process has been impressive. Many are excited about the diverse, cross-curricular opportunities available in Years 9 and 10 that were introduced to students as part of our Reimagining Curriculum Project.
Students have shown aspiration and ambition through their choices, with some selecting to accelerate into VCE, others opting to study a language, and many extending themselves through advanced numeracy pathways. Many have displayed creativity and courage to select subjects that may be new or outside what they have studied previously.
Learning Behaviour Reports also closed last week. For some students, these reports outlined goals for growth in areas such as attendance, learning behaviours and academic achievement, all integral foundations to being accepted into aspirational subject options. Where these goals have been met, families can expect further communication from the Year 9 & 10 Curriculum Team regarding re-counselling appointments.
Student Attitudes to School Survey – Focus Groups
Each year, students across Victoria complete the Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS) which provides valuable insights into their experiences of learning, wellbeing and connectedness at school. At AHS, we believe authentic engagement occurs when students are fully involved cognitively, emotionally and socially in both their learning and school community.
To build on these insights, our Year Level Leaders facilitated focus groups with students to unpack the survey results. During these sessions, students:
- Reflected on how they have embodied their year level statements as a community,
- Celebrated areas of strength highlighted in the survey, including learning, social interactions and school connectedness and
- Engaged in open conversation about areas for further growth.
The feedback from each focus group is invaluable. It not only informs improvements at each year level but helps shape whole-school strategic planning and future directions. Exciting initiatives that have been implemented in response to previous years feedback are below:
I look forward to sharing 2026 actions with you shortly!
Year Level Community Day Out – A New AHS Junior School End of Year Tradition
Our students have worked incredibly hard this year: building friendships, showing resilience, and striving for academic growth. To celebrate these achievements, we are excited to introduce a new Junior School tradition: Year Level Community Day Out to finish the year with energy, fun and connection!
This new initiative was inspired by an outstanding display of student leadership, with Tom B from 7G presenting the idea to the Principal Class Team. His proposal highlighted the importance of celebrating together as a community, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to life. I was so impressed to see an authentic display of student voice and agency come to light.
Each year level will come together for a special end-of-year excursion, providing one final opportunity to connect with peers, enjoy shared experiences, and celebrate everything that has been accomplished in 2025.
Thursday 11th December
- Year 7 Cohort will spend the day at Gumbuya World
- Year 8 Cohort will spend the day at Funfields
Friday 12th December
- Year 9 Cohort will spend the day at Luna Park
Details of the excursions, including venues and arrangements, are now available on Compass. If you have any questions, please reach out to the relevant Year Level Team.