Dear Yarra Valley Grammar Families,

I take the time to write to say I hope the Easter and holiday break has provided you with time to rest and to enjoy some well‑earned family time away from the routines of school. 

It is a pleasure to welcome everyone back to Term 2 and I extend a warm welcome to the new students, families and staff joining our community this term.  We begin on Monday 20th April, Day 1 Week A. 

From last term I would like to thank the more than 500 students and YOG’s, supported by school staff and parents/carers, who joined the Good Friday Appeal here at School raising $36,887.60 for the Royal Children’s Hospital. A wonderful effort.

Also, on the last evening of Term 1 the Year 12 Formal was held at Leonda by the Yarra, it was a wonderful evening of celebration with everyone resplendent in their formal attire.

As we prepare for the start of Term 2 it is important to reflect how this term is always a purposeful and rewarding time in the school year. With the foundations laid in Term 1, students now have the opportunity to deepen their learning, develop further their confidence and independence and build momentum in both academic and co‑curricular areas. 

Across this term, there will be many opportunities for students and their families to continue to engage with school life. I am particularly looking forward to the ANZAC Service, the Winter Sport Season, the Secondary School Musical – Mamma Mia, Interschool debating, Musical events like Generations in Jazz and the Concerto competition, YOG events – Return to the Patterson and the Pathways Programme, the ELC Parent VIP night, Junior School Learning Expo’s, the Junior Primary Parent Open Literacy morning, Year 11 Social and Presentation Ball, House events such as Athletic Carnivals, Singing competitions, and Festivals of the Performing Arts, Hearing Awareness week, the special 60th anniversary Mother’s Day lunch, Past Parents luncheon, the 30 Year reunion, the Model UN,  classroom learning and Mid-Year exams, just to name a few. 

These shared experiences are an important part of what makes our school community so strong, and we value the partnership we have with families in supporting each child’s wellbeing and learning.

A key focus this term remains student wellbeing and belonging. We know that students learn best when they feel safe, known and supported and we are committed to maintaining a positive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. I encourage you to stay in touch with your child’s teachers and tutors and to reach out if you have questions at any point during the term.

As you know we take great pride in our School uniform and I remind students to wear their uniform well and that they are able to choose either their summer uniform or their winter uniform for the first two weeks of Term 2.  As of Monday 4th May full winter uniform will be worn.

Finally, I would like to thank Mr Andrew Hocking for his fine leadership of the School in Term 1 and all families for the trust and support you have placed in the School. Together, we play an important role in shaping a learning community that reflects our shared values and aspirations for our young people – your children.

I truly look forward to your support this term as we continue to celebrate our 60th anniversary and further our plans to welcome Dr Amy Van Arkkels in Term 3.

I wish all students and families a successful and enjoyable Term 2, and I look forward to seeing many of you in the weeks ahead.

Warm regards,

Julie Hall
Principal