The Arrow, Term 3. No 3

To the Auburn High School community,

As term three ends there is much to celebrate and key events to look forward to. The articles you will read provide specific information about student success, and programs that continue to provide AHS students with fantastic opportunities.

Want something done, ask a busy person! This saying rings true for many of our students who continue to balance study, hobbies, part time work, and other pursuits. This term we have students taking the lead in activities such as creating new waste management systems in our school building, organising a working bee to prepare our gardens for spring, planting a new garden bed at our Senior Building, proposing traffic management strategies to council and leading celebration days for RUOK day and House Athletics. Connecting with something bigger than oneself, and volunteering time is a valuable experience for all ages. Thank you to the students and staff who are leading opportunities for us all.

Student achievement in NAPLAN is being currently analysed by learning areas. Suffice to say that the current levels of Year 7 students are very high across the board. Our focus is on supporting and stretching the students where needed, creating curriculum that is engaging and working closely with students who need additional assistance. Year 7 data is below: working from left to right, need additional support, at the standard, above the standard.

Likewise our Year 9 data is excellent, as is the academic growth these students have achieved between Year 7 and 9. This is highlighted by the fact that no student in Year 9, who required additional assistance in Year 7, remains in that category. This is testament to the skills and expertise of our staff and the work ethic of our students.

The recent curriculum review and redesign is focused on maintaining academic rigour in Years 9 and 10, while strengthening students’ growth as they transition into the senior years. Student feedback has highlighted the importance of incorporating more real-life scenarios, a wider variety of application tasks, and opportunities for collaboration to support both social development and deeper learning. We are actively refining our curriculum to reflect these priorities.

Each week, staff participate in two hours of professional learning. These sessions may focus on new approaches in teaching, learning or wellbeing; analysis of student data; targeted work in professional learning teams to trial adjustments with specific cohorts; or faculty-based projects where improving student outcomes is the priority. Rather than relying on traditional meeting structures, our sessions often follow our instructional model, creating time for staff to refine lessons, embed student data into practice, and design assessments and feedback.

I would like to acknowledge and thank my leadership team and teachers for their ongoing commitment to our students:

Ella Price – Assistant Principal: Teaching and Learning, overseeing Year 10 – 12

Dannielle Gibson – Assistant: Principal Wellbeing, Belonging & Connection, overseeing 7 – 9

Samantha Francis – Learning Specialist Instructional Practice and Professional Development

Michael Buckingham – Leading Teacher: Leading Agency in Learning

Phoebe Allen – Leading Teacher: Curriculum Year 7 and 8

Andrea Ganotis – Leading Teacher: Curriculum Year 9 and 10

Michaelle Tomolo – Acting Leading Teacher: Curriculum Year 11 and 12

Badi Sheidaee Acting Learning Specialist: Wellbeing and Inclusion

Anna Naylor – Learning Specialist: Wellbeing and Inclusion

Jessica Hayes – Leading: Teacher Student Engagement, Voice and Agency

Ashley Lanfranchi – Leading Teacher: Student Leadership and Community Engagement

Parent partnerships continue to grow, and it has been encouraging to see a number of programs already underway thanks to parent connections and suggestions. Recent examples include Year 12 formal planning and activities, the upcoming Indigenous art activity for Year 12 in Term 4, work experience placements with BMD Engineering, and support in planning facility upgrades. If parents have ideas for projects or ways to partner with the school, I would be very happy to discuss them.

Looking ahead to Term 4, we have several exciting events on the horizon. Our Year 12 celebrations will take place in the first two weeks, with a whole-school assembly on October 20 to mark their final day. Year 9 students will head off on a three-day camp to develop their outdoor skills, and later in the term we will proudly host the 2025 Array Art Exhibition and we will celebrate displays of excellence at the 2025 Auburn High School Awards Night at Swinburne University. These are all fantastic opportunities to come together and celebrate our students.

Wishing all families, staff and students are wonderful term 3 break,

Ross Pritchard

Over the past fortnight, we have had several opportunities to come together as school and year-level communities.

Our House Athletics Carnival is, of course, a chance for students to showcase their athletic abilities and participate in activities that challenge and extend their physical skills. Beyond the competition, the day is a memorable opportunity for us all to gather in the sunshine as a school community. Students connect and socialise with peers within and across year levels, while also forming relationships within their vertical school houses. I feel a deep sense of pride in the way students participate, step outside their comfort zones, and celebrate each other’s successes.

While we sometimes reflect on whether the focus should be more strictly on athletic performance or encouraging students to train harder, sustaining an emphasis on community, resilience, and connection continues to yield remarkable results. Our students not only thrive socially but also excel competitively, reaching division level and winning multiple years in a row. It’s a reminder that the outcomes we strive for often come naturally when we show care and courage toward ourselves and each other along the way.

Celebrating Our Communities

Each term, our student leaders dedicate significant time to preparing celebration assemblies for their cohorts. These assemblies are an important tradition, allowing us to pause and recognise both individual and collective achievements, whether in academic excellence, growth in learning behaviours, or students reaching 100% attendance. They also provide an opportunity to connect back to our Year Level Statements and Auburn Learner Qualities.

In today’s social climate, 21st-century skills are critical to leading happy and successful lives. It was inspiring to see our student leaders highlight peers they believe exemplify these qualities, even outside of school life.

Student Voice & Agency Across the School

Reflecting on my own high school experience, many years ago, I often wonder how much my teachers considered what I could contribute to classroom improvement. While we didn’t have laptops or PowerPoints back then, I probably had insights that could have made our learning experience better.

At Auburn High School, students now have this opportunity through Teach the Teacher, a student-led professional learning initiative for teachers. Each semester, students analyse important feedback. This term, the Student Attitudes to School Survey (SASS), to provide insights that enrich the learning experience for all. Their approach is impressive every time.

2025 Term 3 Approach:

• Step 1: Students reviewed SASS feedback, identified a focus area, and triangulated this with Term 3 PIVOT surveys and SASS focus groups, answering the question: What do all three sources of feedback reveal about our focus? The evidence showed that students see teacher questioning as a key opportunity to make classrooms more inclusive, engaging, and responsive to their learning needs.

• Step 2: Students worked with Ms. Hayes, Leading Teacher for Student Voice, Agency & Engagement, to identify evidence-based strategies they wanted teachers to
•  implement.
• Step 3: The Teach the Teacher team developed resource sheets and video examples to demonstrate effective classroom strategies.
• Step 4: The team delivered a well-prepared, high-quality professional learning workshop, guiding teachers through the feedback, strategies, and practical implementation in classrooms.

Thank you to the entire team for your time, preparation, and thoughtful contributions. Your work is valued, appreciated, and integral to creating enriching learning environments for all AHS students!

2026 Student Leadership Opportunities (Applications Open Term 4)

Take a moment to look at the leadership opportunities below and start to consider if you are ready to apply! There was a wonderful workshop run on Thursday 18th September where our current leaders provided tips to students interested in a 2026 leadership position, stay tuned for more opportunities in the coming weeks. Applications will open in Term 4.

2026 School Captain (Year 12 only)
The School Captain is a key leadership role at Auburn High School, representing both the student leadership team and the wider student body. Captains are expected to model and encourage peers to live our school’s vision and values: Diversity, Aspiration, Respect, and Excellence. School Captains foster school pride, house spirit, and a positive culture. They lead assemblies, coordinate activities with other House and School Captains, and promote participation in events such as carnivals, exhibitions, competitions, and other extracurricular activities. Captains also take leadership roles in philanthropy, environment, communication, sports, STEM, and the arts.

2026 House Captain (Years 9–12; Year 7 & 8 opportunities will open next year)
House Captains represent their House and the school, modelling our values of Diversity, Aspiration, Respect, and Excellence. Their role is to encourage participation in events and lead assemblies, while coordinating activities in areas such as philanthropy, communication, environment, wellbeing, sports, STEM, and the arts. House Captains are expected to lead by example and foster a positive atmosphere within the school. Public speaking skills are essential, and captains will receive support through workshops and practical opportunities to develop these skills.

2026 Semester 1 Tutor Group Leader (Years 7–10)
Tutor Group Leaders build inclusive, fun, and connected communities within their Tutor Groups. This semester-long leadership role requires students to act as positive role models in accordance with the school’s vision and DARE values. It is an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and make a meaningful impact on their everyday learning environment.

And just like that, Term 3 has now come to a close!

I’ve had the privilege over the last three weeks as Acting Assistant Principal (Senior School) to celebrate the achievements and immense growth that our senior students have made over Term 3 through Year Level Assemblies. 

Together, we have been Thinking Beyond, reflecting on how each year level’s Auburn Learner Quality (ALQ) has been developed over the year, and how it can guide our students through Term 4, the following year and beyond.

For our Year 12 students, this time of year can be particularly challenging.  Students are reminded that their character will place them in great stead to tackle the challenges that lay ahead – the more immediate and expected challenges of the end of Year 12, or those unexpected challenges that lay further ahead in life.  They have now officially finished all of their assessments and have now moved into a period of deep revision and active practice.  In the second week of the Term 3 break, students will sit trial exams in full VCAA conditions, to help refine their examination strategy, focus their revision priorities and continue to develop their character.  The first two weeks at the start of Term 4 will be characterised by a number of student-led celebrations, culminating in our Year 12 final whole-school assembly, Celebration Day and Valedictory Evening at Hawthorn Arts Centre on Monday 20th October.  When the going gets tough, the tough get going.  Knowing ourselves deeply, greeting challenge as a source of growth and embracing the opportunities that come from uncertainty is the true test of our character.

During our Year 11 assembly, our Year 11s explored the essential role that critical thinking plays in their school lives and beyond.  Critically evaluating their growth in performance through the My Learning Growth tool, utilising the full range of learning resources in their studies, and developing logical study and revision plans are all ways of supporting us to think deeply about our learning and about ourselves.  In Term 4, students will have three short weeks of their normal programs, before we move into revision (weeks 4, 5 & 6), end of year exams (weeks 6 & 7), and then commence Headstart in week 8.  A number of our Year 11 students are also taking an accelerated subject, and need to think of ways to balance their studies for both their core program with the demands of their Units 3&4 exams during this time.  Students have been asked to challenge their own assumptions: To start Term 4 as though they are already in Year 12.  It takes a great deal of critical thinking indeed to intentionally shift our opinions of ourselves as learners, and to say to ourselves “today, not tomorrow”.

Our Year 10 students have certainly risen to the challenge, and we can see them communicate proactively, curiously and with determination.  Our Year 10s embraced the value of communication through the Senior School Expo and their course counselling over Term 3 to make informed subject and pathways decisions that reflect their own individual values.  On a day-to-day basis, the Year 10 team has witnessed students leveraging active communication to get the most out of their learning, to build relationships with others, and to proactively reach out for support.  The jump from Year 10 to Year 11 is significant, and so too is the need for help seeking.  Moving into Term 4, the revision period, end of year exams and the commencement of Headstart will certainly challenge our Year 10s to communicate early. As in any community, you are not doing this alone.  Communicating clearly and proactively can help you shape your future.

On behalf of the entire senior school team, I would like to thank our senior students for all that they have achieved, the immense contributions they have made to our community, and the contributions yet to come. We are just so proud of the fine, young learners you have already become, and we can’t wait to celebrate your continued growth as both learners and citizens in Term 4.

We look forward to a positive end to Term 3 for all our students and wish everyone a safe and restful holiday break.

Michael Buckingham

The Phoenix Hardcopy Purchase

We are excited to announce that Auburn High Schools Phoenix Yearbook is back in hardcopy for the first time since 2020!

Don’t miss your chance to own a printed keepsake filled with memories, photos and highlights from 2025. A wonderful way to look back on the year and celebrate our amazing school community! 

The 2025 Phoenix Yearbook is now available to purchase through your Compass account for $35 per copy.

• Year 12s will receive their Phoenix Yearbook during their final exam week (around 19 November 2025).

• All other year levels will receive their copies in tutor groups starting the week of 24 November 2025.

2025 Phoenix Cover Design Competition

French Binational Program

In French Literature, our Year 7 French Binational students have been exploring the theme of metaphors to describe animals. Through a creative writing task, students experimented with imagery and figurative language to bring animals to life in new and imaginative ways. This activity encouraged them not only to develop their language skills, but also to reflect on how metaphors can express feelings, character traits, and relationships between humans and animals. The students showed great creativity and originality in their work – well done to all!

Senate Delegation Visit

Recently, Auburn High School had the honour of hosting a short visit from a Senate delegation, under the direction of our French Consul, Madame Paule Ignacio.

This visit provided an excellent opportunity for the delegation to meet representatives from several primary and secondary schools offering a French program in Victoria, including Camberwell Primary School, Caulfield Junior College, Fitzroy Primary School, Glen Eira College, as well as a representative from the Association of French Teachers of Victoria. Discussions focused on the importance of French language education in our state and highlighted some of the challenges schools face in recruiting high-quality teaching staff from France. We were proud to showcase Auburn High School as part of this important dialogue and look forward to continuing our strong partnerships within the French education community.

French Partial Immersion Program

The Year 7 FPIP enjoyed an immersive language activity called “l’hôtel”. The classroom was transformed into a restaurant where students took on the roles of various characters, each with their own compelling reason to visit Paris. Whilst “meeting” the other guests from the hotel at the restaurant and being served by their “waitress” (Madame Boyer), “Inspector” Azar ( the language assistant) burst through the door announcing a burglary at the local jeweller and started interrogating the hotel guests who were all suspects! Luckily, the culprit, Madame Delafontaine (Coco Lewis) was found out and the jewellery recovered from her handbag! It was quite a day to close our unit on crime stories and embark on the reading of Arsène Lupin, le Bouchon de Cristal.

French Specialist Programs Pre Orientation

On Monday 15 September, we had the pleasure of welcoming our 2026 French Specialist Programs students! They participated in a range of classroom activities during their morning at AHS. In the classroom, depending on their selected FSP program, students were able to get a taste for French Advanced, Maths, Humanities and Science. In Science, students learnt about laboratory safety rules and how to use a Bunsen burner safely. Congratulations to all who received their Bunsen burner licence on this occasion! They also started to become familiar with some of the lab equipment and used measuring cylinders to measure volumes accurately.

We look forward to welcoming them all again in Term 4 during our next Transition event, and of course at the start of the 2026 school year!

Wear It Purple Day

Auburn High School is proud to celebrate Wear It Purple Day once again on Friday 29th of August. This National Day of Significance recognises and supports LGBTQIA+ young people, promoting the message that every student has the right to feel safe, supported, and proud of who they are.

The 2025 theme is “Bold Voices, Bright Futures”, a reminder of the power young people have when their voices are heard, and their futures are valued.

The AHS community celebrated the day with a range of fun and meaningful activities, including an art competition, bake sale, mindful colouring, and nail painting. All money raised will go towards Minus18, an Australian charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth.

As always staff also joined in the fun by wearing purple or rainbow accessories on the day and help to create a community where every young person feels they belong.

R U OK? Day

Last week our school community came together to recognise R U OK? Day, a National Day of Action that reminds us to check in with our friends, colleagues, and family, and start conversations that can make a real difference.

Throughout the day, students and staff participated in a range of activities designed to strengthen connection and wellbeing. Staff began the morning with a morning tea, creating a warm space to pause, connect and reflect on the importance of looking out for one another.

The day was filled with opportunities for students to connect and contribute. At lunchtime, the courtyard was alive with activity — from enjoying a Sausage Sizzle to joining in games and mindfulness activities. A highlight was the creation of a mural in the student entrance, where students shared their own ideas about how to support friends, practise self-care, and build on our Seven Pillars of Wellbeing: Relationships, Self-care, Health, Resilience, Sense of Belonging, Purposeful Growth, and Safety.

These student-led contributions showed the many ways our young people are actively working to support each other and strengthen wellbeing across the school. The activities encouraged students to think about the importance of checking in, offering a listening ear, and being there for others during life’s ups and downs.

R U OK? Day was a reminder that you don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. A simple “Are you OK?” can be the start of a conversation that helps a friend feel supported. And while we marked the day together as a school, the message is clear: every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?

7 Pillars of Wellbeing – Taking care of yourself and others over the term break

Relationships:

• Spend time with friends and family: Social interaction is important for mental and emotional health.
• Volunteer or participate in community activities: This can help you feel connected, build social confidence, and make a difference.
• Explore new interests and hobbies: This can help you stay engaged, entertained, grounded, and even opens the opportunity to meet new people.
• Be mindful of screen time: Limit your time on social media and make sure to disconnect from all technology for a few waking hours every day.

Self-care and resilience:

• Practice relaxation techniques: Try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
• Practice gratitude: Taking time to appreciate the good things in your life can help improve your overall wellbeing.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say no to things that are causing you stress and prioritise your wellbeing.

Health (Nutrition):

• Eat a variety of nutritious foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats: These can negatively impact your health and energy levels.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Consider meal prepping: This can help ensure you have healthy meals readily available.

Health (Physical Activity):

• Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Find activities you enjoy: Whether it’s walking, running, dancing, swimming, cycling, or playing sports, make sure you’re moving your body.
• Make time for nature: Spending time outdoors can be beneficial for both your physical and mental health.

Health (Sleep):

• Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night: Adequate sleep is crucial for physical and mental wellbeing.
• Establish a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Stick to doing the same series of wind down activities each day. This can help you brain and body prepare for sleep.

Purposeful growth:

• Engage in hobbies and activities you enjoy: This can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Set goals: Set an achievable goal for each of the 7 pillars of wellbeing.

Safety:

• Look out for each other: whether you are heading away with family or going to parties with friends, ensure you are looking out for each other and communicate that you are a safe and supportive person

Year 7 and 8 Emerging Leaders Forum at Melbourne University

On a rainy Friday in Week 4 of Term 3, our team of ten Auburn High School Year 7-8 students travelled to Melbourne University to participate in the Emerging Leaders Forum.

We began our work preparing for this excursion last term. We were involved in online sessions where we studied the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals. We examined how we, as young leaders, can target these issues at our own school. The AHS team picked SDG 6 – clean water access and sanitation – as our goal.

Limited access to water can put students at risk of dehydration – which can lead to lower learning outcomes, increased mental stress and a rise of plastic bottle usage which promotes littering and an unhealthy environment.

Our school has recently made progress installing several drink tap stations around campus, which are useful for both staff and students. As a team of emerging leaders, we considered ways that we could encourage more students to use these taps, bring re-usable water bottles, and promote regular hydration among students.

Attending the Emerging Leaders Forum helped us connect with other schools who are examining similar issues and taking leadership. At the excursion, we had a chance to interact with and learn from a number of other school students around Victoria.

A highlight of this program was hearing from the guest speaker who spoke about her journey in music and leadership, showing how creativity can be a powerful tool in leadership. We concluded the day with a tour of the university and a group photo. Overall, the experience was memorable and left us with new perspectives on leadership and how we can implement them at our school.

The Emerging Leaders Forum was a valuable opportunity that explored various topics such as developing leadership, teamwork, and intercultural communication skills, as well as working on issues in our own local communities.

Written by Joanna and Aashna (Year 8) and edited by Ms Allen

Pictured: The team of Year 7-8 students with Ms Peña representing Auburn High School at the Emerging Leaders Forum in August

Auburn High School Interschool Debating Team

Over the past couple of months, I as the debating captain have helped to run the Interschool Junior Debating Program for years 7-8 students (otherwise known as the JSP). This program involves an external competition in which representatives of Auburn High School debate at an interschool level at Camberwell Grammar School. Debating is a challenging extra-curricular opportunity that encourages creativity & critical thinking. One way that I have supported the team is to provide the debaters with consistent feedback both after the formal debates and during training sessions to ensure the team is able to improve each week. 

On Wednesday the 10th of August, we had our round two debate. It was fantastic to see that our team won and our second speaker, Jenica Yong (Y7), was given the best speaker award! It has been pleasing to see these debaters learn and grow over time and I am very happy to lead an enthusiastic group of individuals. I hope to see them grow to become even stronger debaters and look forward to seeing them develop overtime. 

By Pasquale Lotrionte, 11D

AMC Achievement – Congratulations Philip and Jack!

We’re delighted to celebrate outstanding student success in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC). This year, Philip earned a Prize Award, one of the highest distinctions offered in the competition, and Jack achieved a High Distinction for exceptional performance. These awards recognise advanced problem-solving, creativity, and persistence on a challenging, non-routine mathematics paper sat by students across Australia and beyond.

The AMC is designed to stretch students’ thinking, asking them to apply mathematical ideas in unfamiliar contexts. Philip’s Prize Award and Jack’s High Distinction reflect not only strong mathematical reasoning, but also the dedication they have shown in preparing, practising, and learning from feedback.

We also congratulate all students who took part. Entering an enrichment competition like the AMC takes courage and curiosity—qualities we value highly. A warm thank-you to our Maths staff for their guidance and encouragement, and to families for their ongoing support.

These achievements embody our school’s values of Aspiration and Excellence. We look forward to building on this momentum through our maths enrichment opportunities and next year’s AMC.

Well done, Philip and Jack—your success inspires our community!

Auburn High School Wins the State Final of the Science and Engineering Challenge!

We are thrilled to announce that Auburn High School has won the State Final of the Science and Engineering Challenge!

This incredible achievement follows our earlier success at the regional event, where students competed against a strong field of independent and government schools. After taking out first place there, our students advanced to the Victorian state final in Ballarat, and once again came out on top.

The Science and Engineering Challenge, founded by the University of Newcastle in partnership with Rotary Clubs and Deakin University, challenges Year 9 and 10 students with a series of innovative, hands-on STEM activities. These include designing wind turbines, building load-bearing bridges, powering simulated cities, and engineering traditional fish traps.

Our students once again showed outstanding creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking throughout the day, earning the highest overall score in the state. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they continue to demonstrate our DARE values.

We now look forward to representing our school at the National Final in Newcastle later this year, competing against the best teams from across Australia.

Congratulations to our amazing team and best of luck for the nationals!

Auburn High School has had an outstanding few weeks in sport, with students achieving excellent results across both athletics and interschool competitions.

On Thursday 11th September, Auburn High School was crowned Division Athletics Champions, a fantastic achievement for our school community. A special mention goes to Elea Vagedes and Ollie Chappel, who dominated the track and field, each winning more than three events on the day. Their efforts, alongside the determination of the whole team, contributed to this overall victory.

Our interschool sport teams have also been busy representing Auburn HS with pride. We had strong participation in hockey, table tennis, and basketball, with some incredible results:

• The Year 7 Boys Basketball team fought hard all the way to the grand final, narrowly missing out in a close match to Templestowe college.
• The Year 7 Boys and Girls Table Tennis teams both won their division, showcasing great skill and teamwork.
• The Year 8 Girls Table Tennis team also secured the division title. We look forward to seeing them represent Auburn at the regional competition!

Congratulations to all our students who represented Auburn High School. Your hard work, commitment, and sportsmanship continue to make our school proud.

Celebrating Student Voice and Cultural Diversity at AHS

On Thursday 11th September, I had the pleasure of accompanying six of our students: Elijas, Mischa, Martin Nguyen, Elle, Jan Chan and John Nguyen, to the International Education Division (IED) for a Student Voice Project presentation.

The Student Voice Project is a state-wide initiative that brings together both international and local students from government and non-government schools across Victoria. Its primary aim is to foster a sense of welcome and inclusion for international students within school communities, while also nurturing intercultural understanding and global perspectives among local students.

This vision came to life on Tuesday 29 August, when Auburn High School came alive with colour, music and energy for Culture Day. Students and staff took part in a vibrant fashion parade, showcasing both traditional and modern outfits from around the world. We were also treated to live music performances by our talented students and a bake sale filled with delicious treats generously prepared by students and families. All funds raised were donated to support migrants and refugees as they build new lives in Australia.

At the forum, our students spoke about the planning and implementation of Auburn High School’s Cultural Day celebration, a project we have been working on for the past six months. Our students were recognised with Certificates of Achievement and the award for Best Designed Slides, while Auburn High School received a Certificate of Appreciation.

We are so proud of our students’ commitment, creativity and teamwork. Their efforts not only showcased the best of Auburn High School but also highlighted the power of student voice in shaping inclusive, connected and vibrant school communities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this project such a success.

Jean Zhang,

International Student Coordinator

Microsoft Windows 10 End of Support and Device Upgrades Suggestion

Dear Parents and Carers,

We would like to kindly inform you of an important change regarding student devices, particularly for those using Self-Managed Device (BYOD) computers.

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its End of Support (EOS) on 14 October 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, feature improvements, technical support, or bug fixes. While these devices will continue to function, they will become increasingly vulnerable to security risks and system issues.

What This Means to You

The AHS Student 1-to-1 Laptop Program allows families to choose either the School-Managed Device option or the Self-Managed Device (BYOD) option.

All School-Managed Devices chosen by families have already been deployed or upgraded to Windows 11 and are compliant with the Department of Education’s cyber security standards. No further action is required at this stage.

Families who have opted for a Self-Managed Device (BYOD) are fully responsible for ensuring their child’s device meets the Department’s minimum requirements for operating systems and cyber security standards.

What You Need to Do Next
If your child is using a Self-Managed Device (BYOD) that is currently running any version of Windows 10, you will need to check whether it is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11 before Windows 10 reaches its End of Support (EOS):

• Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Download and Install
• Free Upgrade to Windows 11

If your child’s device is not eligible for a free upgrade, or if the hardware is not supported by Windows 11, we strongly recommend planning for a replacement device before Windows 10 reaches its end of support. This will ensure students can continue accessing online learning tools securely and without disruption beyond the cut-off date, while remaining compliant with the Department’s minimum requirements for device access to the school network.

For guidance on transitioning to Windows 11, we recommend visiting Microsoft’s official support page for further information.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school’s IT Team at [email protected].

IT Department

Auburn High School

Library – Ebooks & Audiobooks!

Students and Staff are reminded there are almost 4000 titles of Ebooks and Audio Books on the Eplatform available on the Auburn Digital Library via Compass.

To log in to the Auburn Digital Library, Students use your numerical Compass number for the User Name and eight digit date of birth for the Password. Staff use your TO number for the User Name and click I cannot login to reset the Password.

The EPlaform Digital Libraries App can also be downloaded from your App Store on to your device.