The Times – Term 4 Issue 1 2025

Ms Kay Peddle – Principal

As we approach the end of an outstanding year at Pascoe Vale Girls College, I am incredibly proud for all that our students, staff, and families have accomplished together. It was wonderful to be able to acknowledge student achievement across the school at the College Awards Evening on Thursday 4 December. 

At PVGC, we believe that true success comes from a balanced focus on both learning and wellbeing. By providing an environment where students are intellectually challenged and emotionally supported, we ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive. This holistic approach strengthens academic growth, builds mental and physical wellbeing, and fosters positive, meaningful relationships.

Throughout the year, our students have achieved success from Year 7 to Year 12 and built strong foundations for future learning and pathways. They have developed discipline, time management, critical thinking, and resilience—skills that support academic success and equip them for life beyond school. They have also grown as leaders and communicators, developing confidence and independence that will help shape well rounded capable young people. 

Whether through classroom achievements, artistic expression, sporting success, public speaking, House activities, student leadership, or community service, our students have continued to show what it means to strive for excellence while supporting others. Our formal and co-curricular programs have played a significant role in strengthening academic outcomes, enriching wellbeing, and preparing students for future opportunities. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to take on new challenges inspire us every day.

I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our teachers and support staff. Their commitment to engaging learning, student wellbeing, and adapting to evolving educational needs has been truly commendable. Because of their efforts, our students are supported, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our families also play an essential role in the success of our school. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and involvement. The collaboration between home and school is important and we value the support you provide. 

Our focus on learning and wellbeing continues to create meaningful pathways for students throughout their secondary journey—and our school data reflects the strength of this approach.

Key highlights include:

• Post-school pathways: Over the last four years, the proportion of Year 12 students progressing to university or TAFE has increased annually. Our 2025 Dux achieved an ATAR placing them in the top 6% of the state.
• Senior school completion: VCE and VCE VM completion rates remain higher than those of similar schools, our network, and the state.
• NAPLAN performance:
  • Year 7 Literacy mean scores in 2025 were higher than the state average.
  • A greater percentage of students achieved at the exceeding or strong proficiency levels in Year 7 and 9 Literacy compared with schools in our area.
  • Proficiency levels in Year 7 and 9 Spelling and Numeracy continue to rise.
  • Growth from Year 7 to Year 9 is higher than similar schools and the state.
• Attitudes to School Survey: In 2025, student perceptions of teaching practice, motivation and interest, self-regulation and goal setting, perseverance, confidence, connectedness, student voice and agency, school safety, social engagement, and high expectations for success were all higher than state averages.
• Staff Survey Results: School Climate, Professional Learning, Leadership, and Teaching and Learning all exceeded similar schools, our network, and the state.

As a result of this collective achievement, Pascoe Vale Girls College has been recognised as a High Performing School in the North-West Region—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects our unwavering commitment to improvement and our focus on placing students at the centre of every decision we make.

This year has brought so many highlights that have created a positive, dynamic learning community. As we look ahead to the coming year, we remain committed to fostering achievement, inclusion, and engagement. We have exciting projects and initiatives ahead that will enrich student learning and continue to strengthen our college community.

The 2026 College Calendar will be available on our website and will include all key school dates and events for the year.

We wish all families a safe, happy, and restful holiday season. We look forward to another year of achievement, growth, and success in 2026

PVGC Alumni Program 2025 – Inspiring Students!

Our 2025 Alumni Program has been a huge success! Throughout the year, former students returned to share their stories, career pathways, and honest advice — inspiring students from every year level.

Highlights

• Inspiring Kick-Off: Mya Surgers set the tone for the year at the Year 11 & 12 Connect Session
• Career Sparks: Manolya Ilanli, Maryam El Ali, Ash Ozdemir, and Katie Tran lit up conversations around Law, STEM, and Health careers
• Career Expo Energy: Eman Obeid and Farah Peerbux brought real-world insights that truly resonated
• Milestone Moments: Alumni stepped back into classrooms and events for Science Week, Criminal Law & WoW programs, and the Year 12 Graduation Farewell

Student Takeaways

• Curiosity and persistence matter most
• There are endless pathways in law, STEM, and beyond
• Believe in yourself and try new things

Students walked away inspired and excited for what’s ahead — and 2026 promises even more alumni, insights, and stories!

If you’re an alum and would love to get involved, reach out at alumni@pvgc.edu.au.

Explore the World of Law at Phi Finney McDonald

Earlier this term, our Year 10 and 11 students swapped the classroom for the city and stepped inside Phi Finney McDonald, one of Australia’s top litigation law firms — and what an inspiring day it was!

The team welcomed us with energy and enthusiasm. Students got a front-row look at how lawyers fight for fairness, build major cases, and create real change for communities. A panel of young lawyers and paralegals shared their own journeys, showing that there’s no single “perfect path” — just curiosity, determination, and a willingness to work hard.

Students toured the office, saw teams in action, and discovered roles they didn’t even know existed. They asked insightful questions about career pathways, work experience, and what it really takes to succeed in law.

Many left thinking: “Maybe law could be my thing!”

Student Takeaways

• It’s okay not to have it all figured out. What matters is curiosity, persistence, and willingness to explore.
• Learn from mistakes and never give up. Success comes through resilience.
• There are many paths in law. From HR to specialised legal roles, there’s a huge range of opportunities.
• Believe in yourself and try new things. Confidence and courage open doors.

A huge thank you to Phi Finney McDonald for opening their doors to our students. Experiences like this spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire our students to imagine exciting futures — perhaps as the next generation of lawyers!

PVGC Awards Night 2025

Year 7 Academic Excellence Awards:

Hadia Khan – 7E
Mara Nacionales – 7A
Vanshika Duddugunta – 7A
Sanaree Hikkaduwage – 7A
Sahej Sandhu – 7D
Rawan Al – Obaidi – 7E
Aishani Mukherjee – 7A
Hiba Qaiser – 7A
Angela Tran – 7A
Melanie Da Silva – 7E

Year 8 Academic Excellence Awards:

Sara Bracken – 8A
Hannah Broderick – 8A
Maryam Gulab – 8A
Sai Akshaya Kunta – 8A
Jaismeen Mangrha – 8A
Anjelina Mourkakos – 8C
Hannah Palakat – 8A
Amaaya Saheed – 8A
Iris Santos – 8A
Isa Shelly – 8A 

Year 9 Academic Excellence Award Recipients: 

Nur Inshirah Binte Nor Ashraf – 9A 
Asma Mohamed Hazzan – 9A
Bedour Moukhaiber – 9A
Rufaida Khaled – 9A
Ayesha Ahmed – 9A
Mira Katoub 9E
Fatina Maldisa – 9A
Sarah Kurian – 9A 
Salwa Nadiri – 9A
Nicholas Jeremic – 9A

Middle School Citizenship Awards Recipients:

Reem Rabah – Year 7
Nayyab Nayyirah – Year 7
Huyen Khanh Vy La – Year 7
Irha Arshad – Year 7
Rabiah Parker – Year 8
Olive Prescott – Steed – Year 8 
Kaylah Osman – Year 8
Helena Lijin – Year 8 
Amelia Dimos – Year 9
Marya Issa – Year 9

The Glenroy Lions Middle School Dux Award Recipient: 

Aminah Alan – Year 9

The Glenroy Lions Encouragement Award Recipients:

Nola Sathyan – Year 7
Samira Abdallah – Year 7
Rukena Newroz – Year 8
Merve Ozcan – Year 8
Aliyah Kid – Year 9
Sarah Rahim – Year 9
Stephanie Amirsonis – Year 10
Alisha Elakkoumi – Year 10
Zahra Amiri – Year 11
Yasmine Houssein – Year 11

Year 10 Academic Award Recipients:

Samira Abdallah – Cooking for a Crowd
Aaliya Ahsan Ahmed – 11 Chemistry, 10 Japanese
Sumaiya Ahmed – The Great Outdoors
Nitya Aryal – Computer Science
Ishmal Asif – 21st Century Science
Ayesha Asim – Criminal Law
Berra Aysel – Foundation Mathematics
Ruby Carmichael – Food Glorious Food
Charlotte Hays – 11 Health & Human Development, 11 Legal Studies, 10 English Enrichment

Zobia Naseem Javed – Changes in Society

Ishaal Khan – Social Psychology, Civil Rights
Ansley Kuriathu – Health & Human Development, Media
Annika Maguire – 11 Modern History, 10 Psychology for Life, 10 Mythology- Heros & Monsters

Aamna Memon – 11 Physics, 10 Science of Plastics, 10 Visual Communication & Design
Chloe McConnell – Fashion & Design, Music
Farah Mustapha – General Mathematics
Kristy Ngo – Studio Arts, Gothic Ghouls
Feyza Ozcelik – PE for Life
Sally Phan – English as an Additional Language
Mikaela Reyes – 11 Biology

Maria Siddiqa – Science
Carla Spagnuolo – English
Khadija Syed – Humanities
Manal Taleb – World of Work

Year 11 Academic Excellence Award Recipients:

Maimoona Aiyaz – 12 Physics, 12 Biology
Haniya Asif – English Language
Hiba Atif – Food Studies
Leila El Helou – Ancient History
Lucy Humphries – General Mathematics
Dilni Jothiratnage – 11 Specialist Mathematics, 11 Mathematical Methods, 12 Psychology
Serene Khoder – VCE VM Numeracy
Shae Kirk VCE VM – Literacy, Personal Development Skills
An-Nhien (Annie) Le – Japanese
Sumaya Merhi – Psychology
Chennie Palasol – Business Management, Product Design & Technology, Music Performance

Esther Peri – Sociology, Literature
Helia Pour Mosavi – English and English as an Additional Language

Alana Roolker – 12 Outdoor & Environmental Studies
Zamzam Taleb – VCE VM Work Related Skills

The Glenroy Lions Senior School Dux Award Recipients:

Dilni Jothiratnage – Year 11
Chennie Palasol – Year 11 

The Glenroy Lions Performing Arts Award Recipient: 

Alina Veskovic – Year 12

Bob Eunson Award to the 2024 Dux:

Yasemin Bolat

Yasemin achieved an ATAR of 94.85, which is incredible & means she was in the top 5% of the state of Victoria. In 2023, Yasemin achieved an A for BIO & A+ for CHE while completing her Yr11 studies. In 2024, Yasemin achieved a B+ for ENL, C+ for Spec Mathematics, a B for MAM & a B for PHY.

The Pascoe Vale Rotary Sports Ambassador Award Recipient:

Lara Kahraman – Year 8 

The Pascoe Vale Rotary Senior Arts Award Recipient:

Lizbeth Santos – Year 12

The Pascoe Vale Rotary VCE-VM Achievement Award Recipient:

Shae Kirk – Year 11

Kathleen Matthews-Ward – State Member for Broadmeadows Awards presented by Natalie Naidu, Kathleen’s Office Manager

Kathleen Matthews-Ward Community Spirit Award Recipient:

Arissa Berryman – Year 9

Kathleen Matthews-Ward: Career Development Award Recipient:

Zamzam Taleb – Year 11 

Helen Jackson Scholarship sponsored byKathleen Matthews-Ward Recipient:

Dilni Jothiratnage – Year 11

Kathleen Matthews-Ward: COLLEGE VALUES/LEADERSHIP AWARD Recipient:

Jazelle El Dannaoui – Year 9

Kathleen Matthews-Ward: RESILIENCE AWARD Recipient:

Charlotte Griffiths – Year 10

Kathleen Matthews-Ward: COMMUNITY SERVICE ST JOHN’S AMBULANCE AWARD Recipient:

Noor Khodr – Year 9 

Debating awards sponsored by Mr Anthony Cianflone State Labor Member for Pascoe Vale

Debating Award sponsored by Mr Anthony Cianflone Recipients:

Arfa Memon – Year 9

Maryam Gulab – Year 8

ADF Long Tan Award Youth Leadership Award Recipients:
Merleen Subin – Year 10
Meharpreet Kaur – Year 12

ADF Future Innovators Award Recipients:

Mikaela Reyes: Year 10
Elise Keles-Huseyin: Year 12

Kwong Lee Dow Award Recipients:

Aamna Memon – Year 10
Farah Mustapha – Year 10

Ampol Best All Rounder Award Recipient:

Elise Keles-Huseyin – Year 12

Acquisitive prize Recipient:

Wadiah Jasim – Year 12

JFC Excursion

On the 22nd of October, a few representatives from the Pascoe Vale’s Students Leadership team visited John Fawkner College to learn about the other school’s leadership team experience. After some introductory games, the members of their leadership team explained the mechanics of how they operate. Later, we took a tour of their school, which was followed by a collaborative discussion of how to make International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day more meaningful at John Fawkner. All in all, we had an enjoyable and informative day. We thank John Fawkner for welcoming us, and Ms Ferguson for organising the visit.

Fatimah Alhaydari

SRC Captain

Alberti House Picnic Day

Picnic Day returned in Week 1 of Term 4, bringing back one of the most loved events on our school calendar. Alberti Leaders worked gave up their lunchtimes to sell raffle tickets in the lead up to the event, giving students the chance to win a picnic basket packed with goodies to share with friends.

Congratulations to Assiya Said (8D), the lucky winner of our picnic basket raffle! In addition to the prize draw, an incredible 200 Chupa Chups were given away throughout the day.

We were lucky to enjoy sunny weather, and it was wonderful to see so many students spread across the oval with their picnic rugs, sharing delicious food and relaxing together. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant as everyone made the most of the lunchtime event.

A huge thank-you goes to all the amazing staff who helped supervise and share in the fun. As always, PVGC Picnic Day was a highlight of the term, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it such a memorable event.

House Halloween Event

2025 Westfield Local Hero 

Congratulations to Nessryn Tabiaat for being awarded the 2025 Westfield Local Hero. Nessryn, an alumni of the college who is now our first aid attendant was recognised for making a positive impact to the local community through her leadership with the St John Ambulance program at the school. 

The $20,000 grant will be used for a CPR lab to provide free CPR training within the local community.

College mural – Celebrating Nature

It has been wonderful to see our mural coming to life through the incredible work of Melanie Capel.

Melanie worked with Year 12 Art Making and Exhibiting students to create a thoughtful design that captures student themes with strong links to our local environment through the species and colours in the project. 

Melanie is a painter and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) from RMIT and holds a Masters of Arts Management.

Over the last fifteen years she has developed her practice to incorporate finely detailed oil paintings and large-scale exterior murals.

Examining our relationship with the botanical world around us with a focus on immortalising a sense of place, she uses native flora, colour and avian species to activate walls and canvases to draw attention to the fragility and vibrancy of our landscape.

Melanie has been commissioned to create many public artworks and established Arts Eleven Projects to manage significant arts projects. 

https://www.melaniecaple.com

College Swimming Carnival – Important update for 2026

The Department of Education has introduced new compliance requirements for all schools regarding swimming events and swimming carnivals. After reviewing this information and engaging in thorough discussion, the PVGC School Council has made the decision to discontinue the current format of our annual swimming carnival.

In its place, the college will implement an interschool swimming team selection process. This will allow interested students to trial for the opportunity to represent the college at interschool competitions, fully aligned with Department policy.

Additionally, the college is exploring new ways for students to participate in engaging physical activities within their House groups. Further details on these opportunities will be shared with students and families as plans are developed.

We thank our school community for its understanding and support as we adapt to these updated requirements.

The Aust Ballet Ed & Outreach Workshop

This term, nine Pascoe Vale Girls College students joined Glenroy College students to participate in an inspiring two-day workshop with The Australian Ballet Education and Outreach Team. Held at the fully equipped Department of Education Performing Arts Spaces in Collingwood, the workshop immersed students in the world of ballet and contemporary dance through a series of engaging classes and creative activities. Our students took part in specialist-led choreographic sessions which included body awareness and safe dance practice, design and production understanding. Students collaborated to develop original choreography which they later performed. Students were also fortunate to witness a performance From The Gadhu, a captivating First Nations–led contemporary duet inspired by the cultural symbolism of whale migration. This powerful performance highlighted the deep connections First Nations people share with the land, oceans, and their ecosystems. Overall, the workshop was a fantastic experience for students that left them full of enthusiasm and inspiration for performing arts!

St John Ambulance program

The St John members have plenty to celebrate this term. Our members successfully completed the Healthcare badge, where we learned how to properly don and doff personal protective equipment (PPE), explored acute and chronic conditions, and collaborated in teams to treat various conditions while practising our full patient assessment, radio, and documentation skills.

As part of the Healthcare badge requirement, students had to interview a healthcare professional about their role. The Pascoe Vale division was fortunate to interview Nur, a pediatric emergency department nurse. We discussed the pathways to becoming a nurse, her responsibilities, day-to-day duties, and how the emergency department operates.

We also celebrated Lauren Fisher’s graduation from Year 12 this year. Lauren has been a dedicated leader of our youth division for the past three years, and we are all proud of her achievements. In addition to her leadership, she has received several awards for her academic performance. Lauren has successfully completed her nationally recognised Provide Pain Management course and is well on her way to becoming a First Responder next year. The division is excited to announce that she will be joining us next year as a leader. 

Noor Khodr was awarded the St John Award at our Awards Night for her dedication this year. Noor joined St John this year and has demonstrated exceptional commitment, with almost 100% attendance! She is always actively involved and has made significant progress throughout the year.

Our other members were awarded their certificates at the Middle School celebration assemblies!  

We look forward to seeing our lovely members join us next year and start welcoming new members in 2026. 

As Term 4 comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible journey of our Year 7, 8 and 9 students. This term has been filled with academic progress, creative exploration, and personal growth. Each year level has demonstrated resilience, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of community.

We are proud of the many awards and recognitions earned by our students this term, from academic excellence to contributions in leadership and service. These achievements reflect the dedication and effort of both students and staff.

As we head into the holidays, we encourage students to rest, recharge, and reflect on their accomplishments. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, ready for fresh challenges and opportunities.

Ms Santomartino

Middle School Leader

Sussex House Lunch and Learn

On October 15th a group of Year 9 students kindly volunteered to help Sussex Neighbourhood House in Pascoe Vale with their Lunch & Learn activity as part of ‘Get online week’. This is a national initiative that helps older Australians feel more confident using technology in their daily lives thus closing the digital divide between generations. From using social media to accessing Mygov accounts to explaining “the cloud’’ these students shared their knowledge with some local residents, showing patience and care.

Middle School Assembly

Aspiration Award Recipients – Year 9

2025 Italian Dante Alighieri Poetry Recitation Competition Participants

Aspiration Award Recipients – Year 7

Certificate of Recognition Recipients 

It has been a jam packed term for Senior School. This term, we celebrated Year 12 Celebration Day and Year 12 Graduation Day, and completed Year 11 Exams and the Year 12 (2026) Orientation. Our Year 10 students also finished their exams and took part in the Year 11 (2026) Orientation.

Thank you to all staff, parents, guardians, and the wider school community for your support during this busy time of year.

We wish everyone a well deserved break.

Year 11 Exams

Year 11 Orientation

Year 12 Celebration

Year 12 Graduation

SPECTRUM Art and Design Exhibition

Our 2025 Art and Design Exhibition, SPECTRUM, was a standout celebration of creativity across the school. The event showcased an impressive range of student work from Art, Technology, and Fashion subjects across Years 7–12, transforming our exhibition space into a vibrant display of talent and innovation.

Congratulations to all students whose work was selected for display, and a special well-done to our award recipients. Your hard work, creativity, and dedication made SPECTRUM a tremendous success!

Year 10 Cake Decorating

Year 10 Food Glorious Food students have been creating their own edible garden. Buttercream roses, sunflowers and hydrangeas were the focus for this class. Some students were able to practice making  fondant roses to add to their garden. Many now have a greater appreciation for the art of cake decorating.

Year 7/8 Sports

Year 9 Surf Camp

On the 25th–26th of November, the Year 9 Outdoor Education class headed to Torquay for an unforgettable surf camp. After a 90-minute bus ride, we wriggled into our wetsuits and hit Torquay Beach, where the incredible team from Torquay Surfing Academy taught us the basics. Afterwards, we explored the main shopping strip, soaking up the local vibe while gathering supplies for dinner and breakfast. By the time we reached our campsite, the simple task of pitching tents felt like a full-body workout through our tired bodies, but we managed it. With camp set up, we took an evening walk to Bancoora Beach, “Banny” to the locals. The shoreline was filled with natural artefacts from delicate shellfish skeletons to seaweed, where we also learned about tide cycles. Sadly, there was a lot of rubbish polluting the area. But we did our best to clean up as much as we could. Later, in our tent groups, we cooked healthy dinners ranging from steaks to pasta. Nutritious, delicious, and very well earned after a long day, we ate as a group happily. The next morning greeted us with rain, but it didn’t matter, we were still just as excited to go on a morning surf. We headed back into the surf, still smiling. Soon enough, it was time to go home. Exhausted from an adventurous trip, most of us drifted off to sleep on the bus ride. Despite the weather, the trip was packed with fun moments, challenges, lasting memories, and mozzie bites all over me. With memories I’ll cherish, I’m already wishing I could head back to the beach and surf with my friends again.

Year 9/10 Sports & Outdoor Ed

Year 10 The Great Outdoors Woodland Park Bushwalk

Year 10 Great Outdoors Marine Camp

65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art

Celebrating the brilliance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art while confronting the dark heart of Australia’s colonial history and proclaims the importance of Indigenous knowledge and agency. 

Year 7 HUMA were lucky to meet artist Naomi Hobson (Southern Kaantju/Umpila) from Coen in the central Cape York Peninsula on their whole day excursion to the University of Melbourne. Hobson’s Life on the River series, 2024 features in our photos. Life on the River series was one of six art works studied in detail. After lunch and a walk around the grounds of the university, students completed their own drawings in response to the exhibition.

The school was so lucky to be gifted a copy of the catalogue, featuring 400 works of art, which everyone can access through the library. Our school was well supported with expertise provided by the Ngarrngga unit, part of the Education department at the University of Melbourne.

“Me, and the class of 7A, went out to Melbourne Uni, more specifically, the Potter Museum of Art, where we got to see all sorts of Aboriginal art, as part of our history unit in Humanities! We got to see some absolutely amazing works, with interesting meanings and ways to interpret them, and we got to learn some more cool Aboriginal Culture! I can’t even explain how awesome it was!”

– Daneen 7A

Year 8 Japanese Excursion

On Friday the 21st of November, we had an excursion to watch a Japanese movie called Belle. We took the train to Parliament station, then walked to Kino cinema where we watched the movie.

It was an animated film inspired by Beauty and the Beast, in which a young girl called Suzu becomes a famous singer in a virtual world, under the name Bell. A dragon ruins her concerts, so throughout the movie she tries her best to find out who he is.

Watching the film helped us learn more about Japanese culture, and it showed us how everyday Japanese conversations sound. It was also a fun day out since we got to spend time with our class.

Anjelina 8C

Year 9 Japanese Excursion

Term 3 Annual Music Gala

At the end of Term 3 we held our annual Music Gala that showcases our talented students in the performing arts. From soloists to ensembles to dances to the orchestra – it was an amazing night. A big thank you to all of the instrumental music teachers for helping to prepare the students.

Unit 3 and 4 Chemistry Incursion

During mid-September, our Unit 3 and 4 VCE Chemistry students participated in two on-site Monash University Outreach Workshops, on Instrumental Analysis, Chirality and Medicines, to meet the Key Knowledge Outcomes of Unit 4 Area of Study 1. Students engaged in an interactive outline of instrumental analysis data and how molecule chirality affects the biochemistry of human pharmaceuticals. This workshop included the building of molecular models of substances (see photos included below). Students engaged with a real drug discovery scientist, Dr. David Manallack, to explore modern day chiral medicines.

Ms. Carolyn Drenen

Learning Area Leader – Science; STEAM Co-ordinator; Teacher of Chemistry and Science 

Yr. 7 SEAL Biotechnology Excursion

On Tuesday October 28th, our Year 7 SEAL students attended the Gene Technology Access Centre in Parkville and participated in a series of activities to explore how medical technologies are creating better lifestyles for people who are limb different or have lost a limb. They became biomimicry innovators, gaining insights from nature to bridge the gap between humans and machines. Students also explored anatomy and biomechanics of the arm to design a robotic limb that meets the needs of limb different individuals.

Many thanks to Ms. Anna Petrocchi, who took time out from her regular classes to help accompany her SEAL students on this excursion.

Photographs of the activities that were completed during the excursion are included.

Ms. Carolyn Drenen

Learning Area Leader – Science; STEAM Co-ordinator; Teacher of Chemistry and Science

Yr. 9 Science Around Us ‘Ink vs Algorithm + Detect.AI + Distraction Exhibition Tour’ Excursion

On Wednesday November 26th, our Yr. 9 ‘Science Around Us’ students attended the STEM Centre of Excellence at the Science Gallery Melbourne for the ‘Ink vs Algorithm, Detect.AI and Distraction Exhibition Tour’ Excursion. During this excursion, students participated in a range of activities which supported collaboration, creativity, critical and design thinking about the system capabilities, limitations and ethical challenges of using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in our everyday life. Our students were also treated to an interactive viewing of the Science Gallery’s latest exhibition about ‘Distraction’.

Photographs of the activities that were completed during the excursion are included.

Ms. Carolyn Drenen 

Learning Area Leader – Science; STEAM Co-ordinator; Teacher of Chemistry, Science and Mathematics

GTAC L’Oréal-UNESCO ‘Women in Science’ Excursion

This excursion allowed a few of our Science students to celebrate three trailblazing female scientists from Australia and New Zealand at GTAC, all of whom recently received prestigious Fellowships and vital funding to fuel their ground-breaking work. During this program, these scientists shared their research, their experiences as women scientists and their pathways, in an engaging and digestible 3-minute thesis followed by opportunities for our students to ask questions and network.

Students also interacted with GTAC STEM coaches (who are practicing research scientists) via a ‘research showcase’, with interactive activities using research grade equipment. These STEM coaches also shared their study pathways. 

Photographs of the activities that were completed during the excursion are included.

Ms. Carolyn Drenen

Learning Area Leader – Science; STEAM Co-ordinator and Teacher of Chemistry and Science

VCE Vocational Major Class of ’25

Congratulations, Year 12 VCE VM!

Congratulations on reaching the end of an amazing year! Throughout 2025, you’ve shown incredible commitment, especially through the many fundraising events you organised. Your hard work and dedication have made a real difference, supporting members of our community in meaningful ways. You should be incredibly proud of all you’ve achieved.

In Personal Development Skills, we’ve focused closely on building interpersonal skills, and it has been wonderful to see how each of you has grown in confidence, teamwork and communication over the year.

We wish you all the very best for next year and beyond. May the skills, resilience and compassion you’ve developed continue to guide you in everything you do.

Well done, Year 12 VCE VM!

Mrs Clark and Mr Faltes 

Year 12 VCE VM Personal Development Skills Teachers

Year 12 VCE VM Community Project Wrap Up

Congratulations to our Year 12 VCE VM class on completing their community project! In their own time, students met with Melanie the CEO of Helping Hands they were very excited to hand over a cheque for $1020 

THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND THE PVGC COMMUNITY, WE MET ALL OUR GOALS.

We are thrilled to share that together we:

• Raised $1020
• Collected bags of clothes & shoes
• Gathered 100 egg cartons
• Dropped off 4 boxes of non-perishable items

Please join us in congratulating our Year 12 VCE VM students!

Mrs Clark & Mr Faltes 

Year 12 Personal Development Skills Teachers

Year 12 VCE VM Mock Interviews 

On Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October, our Year 12 VCE VM students took part in their Mock Interviews here at the college. 

Throughout the sessions, students demonstrated courage, curiosity and strong reflective skills, all of which will support them as they prepare for life beyond school. It was especially rewarding to see them return to class eager to share their experiences and insights.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our wonderful volunteers from Merri-bek Youth Services—Liam, Tom, Lilli, Steph, Louis, Cav and Mim whose time, expertise and encouragement were invaluable. Their feedback offered students genuine guidance as they navigate the transition from school to work in 

Mrs Clark and Mr Faltes

Year 12 VCE VM Work Related Skills Teachers

Disability Inclusion at Pascoe Vale Girls College

Inclusive schools support stronger learning, engagement and wellbeing for all students. The Department of Education’s Disability Inclusion initiative has replaced the previous Program or Students with Disabilities (PSD) model, and is helping us better understand what students need to learn and thrive. This includes:

• a new funding and support model
• a strength-based Disability Inclusion Profile to identify student needs
• more training and coaching for teachers and staff.

New Funding and Support

The updated model provides additional investment to help us support students with disability and diverse learning needs, including autistic students and students with learning difficulties.
Our school can use this funding for: 

• teacher and staff training
• expert advice
• extra staffing to plan and deliver adjustments
• equipment and learning resources.

The Disability Inclusion Profile

The Disability Inclusion Profile helps identify each child’s strengths, needs and any adjustments they may require. 

As our school transitions to Disability Inclusion over the next two years, some families may be invited to attend a Profile meeting. If we believe a profile will benefit your child, we will contact you to arrange a suitable time to discuss the process in more detail. You are also encouraged to reach out to the Wellbeing and Inclusion Leading Teachers – Grace Gowers and Jack Nichols. Meetings include people who know your child well and are supported by an independent, trained facilitator. Families will be fully supported to participate in the process.