End of Semester Reflection from the Head of the School
A Semester of Growth, Achievement and Purpose
As Semester 1 draws to a close, it is hard to believe how quickly these first six months of the year have passed. The rhythm of school life is such that the days can seem long and full, yet the weeks move with remarkable speed. Now, with winter well and truly upon us, the end of Term 2 offers a valuable moment to pause, reflect and give thanks for all that has been accomplished across our School community.
This semester has been marked by purposeful work, steady growth and a strong sense of shared endeavour. Across all parts of the School, students and staff have engaged deeply in learning, service, co-curricular life and the many daily interactions that together shape the culture of St Michael’s. We have seen this reflected in the breadth of opportunities and achievements across the semester – in performances and productions that showcased the creativity and confidence of our students, in sporting moments that demonstrated teamwork and commitment, and in academic successes that speak to sustained effort and curiosity.
In particular, the student-led Merry Month of May was a highly successful expression of our community’s values in action. It exemplified the capacity of young people to make a meaningful difference in the world today, and gives us great confidence and hope for the future. At its heart, this work reflects an enduring purpose of our School: to support the growth of thoughtful, capable and compassionate young people – young people who seek not only to succeed, but to contribute, to lead with integrity, and to make the world a better place.
Partnership in Learning and Academic Growth
At this point in the semester, I would also like to acknowledge the collective effort that underpins our students’ learning. I extend my sincere thanks to our staff for the care, professionalism and time invested in assessment, marking and providing thoughtful feedback – work that is essential in supporting each student’s growth. I am equally grateful to our parents for the way you partner with us in this process, supporting your children and engaging so constructively in their learning journey.
Finally, I commend our students for the manner in which they have responded to the demands of the semester, particularly in these final weeks of assessment. In embracing the challenge to strive, to reflect and to be the very best version of themselves, they demonstrate both maturity and purpose. It is in this process – of effort, reflection and growth – that academic wellbeing is realised and achievement takes on its fullest meaning.
A Holistic Approach - Strengthening Learning, Wellbeing and Collaboration
Building on this, a year of planning and preparation came to fruition at the start of Term 1 with the
implementation of our new timetable, daily structure and Enterprise Agreement, designed to better support learning, wellbeing and collaboration. In practical terms, this has included longer learning sessions in the Junior School, increased lesson frequency for VCE students, a refined House structure that strengthens both culture and pastoral care, and more time for staff to engage in professional collaboration.
Early feedback, particularly from our VCE students, suggests these changes are already having a positive impact on both learning and wellbeing. Given the significance of this work, and the investment it has required, we will undertake a formal review, commissioning Professor Therese Hopfenbeck, Director of the Assessment and Evaluation Research Centre at the University of Melbourne, to gather feedback and ensure we continue to refine and strengthen our approach.
Looking ahead, we will begin Semester 2 with our staff engaging in professional learning with Andrew Fuller, a nationally recognised clinical psychologist and expert in adolescent wellbeing and learning, focusing on the integration of wellbeing with academic care. This work reflects the holistic approach to learning that is central to St Michael’s – one that seeks not only strong academic outcomes, but the development of capable, resilient young people of character.
Reflecting on the Wider World and Educational Landscape
I was also pleased to attend The Age Schools Summit 2026 earlier this month. The day brought together educators and policy leaders from across Victoria to consider some of the most pressing questions facing schools today, including workforce wellbeing, evidence-based teaching, the cognitive impact of AI on student learning, curriculum design and the broader purpose of education.
In that same spirit of engagement, I also attended the Independent Schools Victoria Annual General Meeting, where I had the opportunity to speak with the Minister for Education, Ben Carroll, and the Shadow Minister, Brad Rowswell, sharing some of the aspirations and challenges experienced within our own School community. Together, these engagements provided a valuable opportunity to listen, reflect and consider how schools can continue to respond thoughtfully and confidently to a rapidly changing educational landscape.
At the same time, we remain mindful that our local routines sit within a wider world that continues to experience deep uncertainty and suffering. We are conscious not only of those affected by war and conflict overseas, but also of the tensions and social challenges closer to home. As a school community, we hold all those experiencing hardship in our thoughts and prayers. We hope earnestly for peace, for the alleviation of suffering, and for greater understanding in communities where division has taken hold. These realities remind us of the importance of compassion, perspective, and the responsibility we have to educate young people to live with courage, kindness and humanity.
St Kilda Training Depot (Chapel Street Army Barracks)
Earlier this year, I wrote to families about the Federal Government's intention to sell the St Kilda
Training Depot, adjacent to St George’s, as part of a broader divestment of Department of Defence facilities across Australia. Since then, our understanding of this opportunity has evolved significantly.
The Training Depot site could be strategically significant to our campus footprint, and the Board believes it may offer a credible alternative pathway to advance our facilities master plan. Accordingly, we have paused the current work plan.
The Government will run a structured process for the divestment of the Training Depot, though the timing is not yet clear. We understand that the site has heritage and environmental considerations that will require careful assessment, and we will need a clear understanding of these before any decisions are made.
This is an important opportunity for the School, and we will update families as soon as we have further information.
Looking Ahead to Semester 2
As the term concludes, I hope the upcoming three-week break provides every family with the opportunity to slow down, to rest and to enjoy time in the company of good friends and family. School life is rich and rewarding, but it is also demanding, and periods of rest matter greatly for young people and adults alike.
We look ahead now to the commencement of what promises to be an exciting Semester 2, beginning on Tuesday 14 July. I look forward to all that lies ahead and to welcoming students and staff back refreshed for the term to come.
With every good wish for a safe, restful and restorative holiday break.
Gerard Houlihan Head of the School
Next Page:
• Save the Date - Term 3 Key Events
• Parent Communications in 2026
• Helpful Parent Links
Save the Date – Term 3 Key Events
Prep to Year 6 Winter School Holiday Program
• Dates: Wednesday 24 – Friday 26 June
• View programs and register here
Dance Project Years 7–12
• Dates: 15–18 July
• Venue: Performing Arts Centre, St George's
• Book tickets here
PCA Trivia Night
• Date: Friday 24 July
• Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Venue: Dolly's Café
• Book tickets here
Years 10–12 Play | Fahrenheit 451
• Dates: 29 July – 1 August
• Venue: Drama Studio
• Book tickets here
Geoffrey Ryan Cup
• Date: Wednesday 5 August
• Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Venue: ETU Stadium, Port Melbourne Football Ground
Giving Day
• Date: Thursday 6 August
PCA General Meeting (Online)
• Date: Tuesday 11 August
• Time: 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Prep–Year 6 Co-Curricular Photos
• Date: Tuesday 11 August
• Includes: Junior School Leadership Photos
• All Day
Music at the Centre
• Date: Friday 14 August
• Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre
Centre for Earth and Ethics – Expert Panel Launch
• Date: Thursday 20 August
• Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Venue: PACA
Year 7–12 Co-Curricular Photos
• Date: Monday 24 August
• Includes: Senior School Leadership Photos
• All Day
Junior School Book Parade
• Date: Wednesday 26 August
• Time: 8:30 am – 11:00 am
• Venue: Coleman Courts
Old Michaelian Professional Networking Evening
• Date: Thursday 27 August
• Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Venue: TBC
PCA Father's Day Event
• Date: Thursday 3 September
• Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Venue: TBC
Year 7–12 House Aerobics
• Date: Thursday 10 September
• Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
• Venue: PACA
Year 5–6 House Aerobics
• Date: Friday 11 September
• Time: 1:15 pm – 3:15 pm
• Venue: Gym
Year 6 Musical – Disney's Dare to Dream Jr.
• Date: 16–17 September
• Venue: Performing Arts Centre, St George's
Parent Communications in 2026
To support parent clarity, please note below our channels and frequency for key parent communications throughout the year. Our aim is to continually improve parents’ experience with SchoL, and to share news and achievements in formats that suit the needs of busy St Michael’s families. Feedback and suggestions can be directed to community@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
1. Head of the School Letter – twice per term
At the beginning and end of each term, parents can expect a letter from me, celebrating our community achievements and bringing key ELC-12 matters and opportunities to your attention. I also invite parents to follow me and St Michael’s Grammar School on LinkedIn, where we engage with trending topics in Education, and share the work of our students and exceptional teaching, pastoral and support staff.
• Archive: Letters from the Head of the School, 2026
• St Michael’s Grammar School – LinkedIn
2. The Crest – our bi-monthly newsletter for St Michael’s families
Our Marketing and Communications team collaborate across our community to highlight student achievement, staff expertise and impact, innovations to facilities and resources, parent contributions, key events and more. Feedback on our new format and its content is encouraged. Each family should receive a print copy, distributed in class and tutor groups, every second month within term time. Read the latest edition of The Crest
3. ‘Important Dates’ post on SchoL
Updated each Monday of term, check ‘Important Dates’ on SchoL for upcoming key events requiring attendance and/or planning by families.
4. ELC, Junior School and Senior School Leadership Updates – SchoL
Directors and Deputy Heads of School post regular updates to ELC, Junior School and Senior School families via news posts on SchoL.
Adjusting your SchoL Notifications to improve your experience
Helpful Parent Links
I encourage parents and guardians to review your Notification settings on SchoL by clicking on your profile thumbnail and navigating to ‘Notification Settings’. This better ensures that your experience is tailored to your personal preferences. If you are encountering any difficulties with SchoL or other schoolsupported platforms, please contact our ICT team at support.technology@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
1. SchoL – Forgotten Password
Visit the SchoL login page, and click on the ‘Parents, forgotten your password?’ link below the ‘Sign-in’ button
2. St Michael’s Private Bus Service – View route maps and book for Term 3
Bus Service Homepage – SchoL
3. 2026 Parent Handbook
The 2026 Parent Handbook provides key information to support your child’s learning journey throughout the year. I encourage all parents to download and refer to it as needed. 2026 St Michael’s Parent Handbook
4. Parent Community Association (PCA) Homepage on SchoL
Parent Community Association, SchoL