Introducing our Middle School 2026 Captains
I am proud to announce the 2026 Middle School Leaders. Congratulations to each student selected for a leadership position next year. I’m really looking forward to working with them to keep improving our part of the College.
Middle School Leadership 2026 are:
Middle School Captains Annabelle Fallu and Ivy Addison
Music Captain Michael Christofi
Wellbeing Captains Steven Chen and Alice Bell
Drama Captain Sophia Hardy
Sports Captains Flynn Doig and Alice Martindale
Sustainability Captains Sam Bowtell and Molly McKenzie
Bass House Captains Stevie Ford-Kent and Soul van Stokrom
Clarke House Captains Ruby Pedersen and Thomas Simon
McHaffie House Captains Frankie Leary and Bella Oudshoorn
Sambell House Captains Lavenia Hewitt and Cruz James
Being a leader in Middle School is about service, teamwork, and setting a positive example for others. I have reminded our new leaders that while they will be challenged at times, they will also grow, learn, and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our school community. Part of being a good leader is to be gracious and humble in success, and I know they will bring these qualities to the role.
The Real Alice in Wonderland
We also celebrated a major milestone this week with our inaugural Middle School Production, The Real Alice in Wonderland. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs McMillan, the entire cast who performed superbly at both the Matinee and evening shows, our dedicated crew, and every staff member who contributed to the success of this event. The Real Alice in Wonderland, follows two very different Alices, one kind and reflective, the other frustrated and reactive as they journey through a world of challenges and change. Both are shaped by their experiences, but each chooses a different path.
This message is deeply relatable for our Middle School students, who are also navigating change, friendships, and growing independence. The Production reminds us that while our experiences influence us, it’s our choices that determine who we become. It was wonderful to see our students bring this journey to life with such maturity, humour, and heart. See below for full report and photos.
Staff updates
I can also confirm the following staffing appointments for 2026:
Year 5 & 6 Classroom teachers
- 5D – Mrs Donna Driscoll
- 5S – Mrs Jo Savona
- 6P – Mrs Rebecca Burgan
- 6OD – Ms Shona O'Dempsey
Bass House
- House Leader – Ms Melinda Flower
- Bass A Mentor – Mr Brendan Hislop
- Bass B Mentor – Mr Carel Fourie
- Bass C Mentor – Ms Mitsuko Horiguchi
- Bass D Mentor – Mrs Alycia James
Clarke House
- House Leader – Mr Ben Clark
- Clarke A Mentor – Mr Geoff White
- Clarke B Mentor – Mr Lachlan Gale
- Clarke C Mentor – Mr Steve Scott
- Clarke D Mentor – Mrs Jo Savona
McHaffie House
- House Leader – Mrs Melissa McMillan
- McHaffie A Mentor – Mr Travis Thompson
- McHaffie B Mentor – Mr Chris Appleby
- McHaffie C Mentor – Ms Shona O'Dempsey
- McHaffie D Mentor – Ms Cynthia Young
Sambell House
- House Leader – Mrs Donna Driscoll
- Sambell A Mentor – Mrs Megan Webb
- Sambell B Mentor – Mrs Rebecca Burgan
- Sambell C Mentor – Mr Aaron Chaston
- Sambell D Mentor – Mrs Claire O'Brien
A reminder that your child’s Mentor is your first point of contact for any pastoral matters.
Thank you
I want to express my sincere thanks to our Middle School community. Thank you to our students, parents, and staff for your partnership, support, and trust throughout the year.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and restful holiday season.
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Middle School Final Assembly
During the Middle School final assembly for the year, the current Year 8s were farewelled. The Year 8s were supported by their families and peers, as their journey from Prep to Year 8 was celebrated. They were then given a guard of honour - human tunnel style- as they symbolically headed up toward Year 9, where their next adventure will begin.
The Importance of Orientation Day
Orientation Day is a key moment in the school year, giving students a chance to step into their next chapter with confidence. While short in time, it plays a big role in helping students feel connected and reassured. We hope all students especially those who are new to our school had a positive experience, enjoyed a taste of Middle School life, and are feeling more confident after finding out their class, Home Group, meeting some of their teachers, and getting to know most of their classmates. These early connections and moments of familiarisation make a world of difference as students prepare for the transition ahead.
Ralph Arceo
Head of Middle School
Middle School Production - The Real Alice in Wonderland
When I was set the challenge of building on from the successes of Middle School Drama Club and provide an opportunity for interested MS students to showcase their dramatic talents on a slightly bigger scale, I was excited. We knew there was an interest and I was overjoyed (and slightly overwhelmed) when more than 60 students came to the first information session to be part of 'The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland'. Eventually 42 of these eager thespians could clear a path in their busy schedule and make Wednesday afternoon rehearsals a priority.
The dedication and enthusiasm I witnessed during the audition process was a highlight of the year for me, but also incredibly challenging as I had to put the pieces of the puzzle together and cast the show. It was so difficult because they are all so FABULOUS!
Fast forward many months and here we are, ready to entertain you with a twist on a classic tale. You may think you know all there is to know about the young girl who finds herself down a rabbit hole and on a 'mad' adventure, but do you really?
A huge thank you to Mr Carel Fourie who patiently waited and waited and waited for me to share my vision for the set so he could help bring it to life. To Danae, Elyse, Sonia and Alyssa for spending every spare minute.
Congratulations to the cast on creating such a fun and engaging show for your peers and families.
Main Cast: Ella Herbert, Claire Feehan, Sophie Morse, Evie Hollings, Annabelle Schwartz, Sophia Hardy, Jim Hayne,s Zara Hill, Ruby Pederson, Ella Sibson, Ebony Welsh, Avia Scarlett, Archie Webb, Flynn Wright, Lavenia Hewitt, Ariana Ward, Ned Scott, Edith Jamieson, Amelia Ritterman, Matilda Cotton and Emma Simpson.
Ensemble: Isabel Zoanetti, Alexandra Zoanetti, Indigo Northover, Aggie Adrianopolous, Evie Felstead, Sophie Blake, Chelsea Chambers, Charli Pope, Amelia Russo, Liliana Fenwick, Harper Perry, Mia Bowring, James Lamaro, Josie Rhodes, Siyansa Polwattage Perera, Tara Mitchell, Elisabeth Zalunardo, Grace Zalunardo and Carla Sorenson.
Melissa McMillan
Director
Year 5/6 Water Safety Program
Our Year 5/6 students recently completed a two day Water Safety Program in partnership with Cape Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club, gaining valuable skills and confidence. Day one at Foots Beach saw students sheltered from the easterly winds as they learned board paddling, rescue carries, beach signals and explored the rock pools. Day two at Smiths brought far wilder weather, with students hanging on through strong winds to learn about safe wave negotiation, surfing, tube rescues and rock pool jumping. Across both days, students developed their knowledge of basic first aid, recovery positions, ocean life and key water safety techniques.
The program not only prepares students for a safe summer on our beaches but also provides an exciting introduction to our College Surfing Academy.
Ben Clark
