OURS Week 7 Term 1

OURS Week Term 1 2026

OURS Week – Term 1, 2026

Our Students Continue to Exemplify the Impact of the Melbourne High School Experience

In recent weeks, a range of activities has highlighted Melbourne High School students’ curiosity, creativity and commitment to their academic studies, personal development, cultural learning and music performances. From research presentations to First Nations studies and Chorals rehearsals, our students continue to inspire their peers and the wider school community through both their achievements and their engagement.

Melbourne High School Student Selected for Top Talks

Earlier this month, one of our Year 12 students, Ryan Almazi, had the opportunity to present at Top Talks, a prestigious event celebrating outstanding research by students who completed the VCE Extended Investigation Units 3 and 4 the previous year.

Hosted at the historic State Library of Victoria, Top Talks forms part of the VCE Season of Excellence, which recognises exceptional student achievement across the state.

Ryan was selected as one of only a small number of students across Victoria invited to present. His research explored the evolving role of high‑stakes testing in education — a topic of clear relevance to contemporary conversations about assessment and learning.

During the event, Ryan delivered a concise and engaging presentation outlining his research question, methodology and findings, followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience. The quality of the research, combined with the confidence of the student presenters, made the session both inspiring and thought‑provoking for attendees, including members of our current Extended Investigation class.

This achievement would not have been possible without the guidance and support of Ms Anna Pilkington, Ryan’s Extended Investigation teacher, who taught, mentored and supported him throughout the research process. Being invited to present at Top Talks represents significant recognition of the depth, rigour and originality of a student’s work. Ryan’s achievement reflects both his commitment to independent research and the strong culture of academic inquiry fostered at Melbourne High School.

Year 9 Students Bring First Nations Stories to Life

Just as our senior students continue to demonstrate excellence in research, our Year 9 students have recently been deeply engaged in exploring First Nations histories and cultures through the Wominjeka Project. Introduced four years ago, this project provides an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience that brings First Nations stories to life.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures is one of the cross‑curriculum priorities in both the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and the Australian Curriculum. Through collaborative research and displays, Year 9 students explored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and knowledge systems.

Working in groups, students investigated topics ranging from traditional hunting tools, such as spears, to culturally significant artefacts like the possum‑skin ball used in the game of Marn Grook. Their work revealed not only the practical ingenuity and historical significance of these objects, but also the deep connections to Country and community that they embody.

The project culminated in an evening event where parents were invited to listen to their sons present their research findings. This year, the evening concluded with all Year 9 students joining together in a mass singing of Yothu Yindi’s Treaty — a powerful and moving moment.

The word Wominjeka, from the Wurundjeri language of the Kulin Nation, means “welcome” and expresses an invitation to come together with purpose and respect. Looking ahead, the school is establishing links with First Nations communities in Central Australia, with a first visit planned later this year. This will offer students a meaningful, personal learning experience that builds on the strong foundations of the Wominjeka Project.

We extend our sincere thanks to Ms Anna Pilkington and the team of staff, whose passion, knowledge and commitment continue to guide this important initiative and whose work fosters cultural understanding and sensitivity that will resonate far beyond the school walls. Yirramboi ngulum (thank you in Wurundjeri).

Some examples of student work from Ms Simpson’s Year 9 Class

Chorals Rehearsals in Full Swing

Rehearsals for the four Houses — Como, Waterloo, Yarra and Forrest are well underway.

Each day during recess and lunchtime, the voices of Melbourne High School students can be heard throughout the Twenties Building as they refine their performances under the guidance of their House musical leaders. The energy and enthusiasm on display reflect the pride students take in this long‑standing House tradition.

Chorals Competition Day will be held on Thursday, 19 March 2026, commencing at 9:30 am at the Melbourne Town Hall, 90–130 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Parents and members of the school community are warmly invited to attend.

Millgrove – Recent Camps (9E and 9M)

All Year 9 and 10 students spend a week at Millgrove, our Outdoor Education Centre. This experience is an important part of our personal development program, supporting the growth of character strengths and personal dispositions that help our students thrive, both at school and beyond.

My thanks to Ms Megan Wilson, Mr Sam Owen, our Form Teachers, Outdoor Education trainees and Year 11 mentors, who run the activities and oversee the program with care, energy and professionalism.