Parent Newsletter – Issue 6, 2026

The full School Council and Office Bearers are presented below.
The school acknowledges and thanks all current members for their ongoing commitment and the time they continue to contribute to this important role.
We also warmly welcome new members and thank them for taking on this responsibility.
The contribution of departing members is recognised with appreciation for their service and dedication to the school community.

MEMBERS:

Jillian English – DET Representative – Principal
John Box – DET Representative – Campus Principal – Kinnear Campus
Kellie Catanese – DET Representative – Campus Assistant Principal – Barkly Campus
Zachary Malagoli – DET Representative  – Finance Officer
Alison Langley – Parent Representative – (School Council President)
Erika Jonsson – Parent Representative – (School Council Vice President)
Ray Varone – Parent Representative 
Keith Randall – Parent Representative
Sarah Hannah – Parent Representative
Meg Cotter – Parent Representative
Rehan Rahman – Student Representative 
Saskia (Sassy) Mozjerin – Student Representative

Your Public School – It’s all here

In the newsletter last term, I shared the exciting news that we had been selected from a small number of primary and secondary schools to represent Victorian Government schools in the campaign Your Public School – It’s all here.
To support celebrations for Education Week the Department of Education informed me that our school will be showcased on their website and social media channels along with the small number of other schools that participated in the campaign.
The images that celebrate what makes our community unique and special and that highlight the great things happening at Footscray High School may appear on e-newsletters or departmental communications early in Term 2.

2026 Student Attitudes to School Survey

Your child will be invited to complete the survey online during class time using a secure online survey tool. Whilst students can choose if they want to take part, we value our young people having a say and would encourage all students to fully participate.

The survey data will help Footscray High School understand how to continue to improve our school and our students’ learning experiences. The survey will be conducted across the school the week beginning 25th May. More details will be communicated to families next week

Jillian English

Principal

Recently, our Senior VET cookery class was given the opportunity to go out to Harley & Rose located in West Footscray to experiment with new recipes catering for all diets

Students went to the restaurant and discussed details about the menu with the Co owner and Chef Josh Murphy. We had an afternoon of taste testing products we made and Josh had prepared. We discussed the functions of the restaurant itself, eventually finalizing an intricate menu for the soon to come Chef’s Dinner. 

(get your spots while you can!)

During our time there we went over different dishes, trying out desserts and sauces and a diverse array of dips with freshly baked flatbreads from their pizza oven, with some students getting some hands-on experience. We made sure that dietary restrictions are accounted for so everyone can enjoy the creations we are planning.

We’ve been planning with Josh who we met during term one and had many discussions and insights from him for the possible menu items. We managed to have a group overview from our VET horticulture class, to talk about what seasonal crops we can get from our farm ensuring a sustainable source of produce for the chefs. 

The students of Footscray had a great time with Josh at Harley & Rose. We’re getting very excited for the big day and can’t wait for everyone to attend and enjoy the night on the 28th of May. Tickets are almost sold out so get in quick before you miss out!

Tickets available for Purchase via this link.

by Anton M, Ty M, Sean C, Zack P, Sam H

The Year 12 VCE Theatre Studies class is currently in rehearsals for their graduating production of Animal Farm.

Since the beginning of the year, students have taken on the roles of directors, actors, and designers, collaborating to transform George Orwell’s timeless novel into a dynamic stage performance.

Throughout this creative process, the cohort has been refining their theatrical skills, demonstrating dedication, imagination, and a strong commitment to their craft.

We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and maturity our students consistently demonstrate within Footscray High School’s theatre program, and this production is proving to be no exception. 

We invite you to support our students by attending this production. It is set to be a compelling and memorable experience.

Performance dates are May 14, 15 & 16 at the Kinnear Campus Theatre.

Tickets are available now:  https://www.trybooking.com/DLQHG

HEIDE Gallery Art day

Year 10 Ceramics students and Year 11 Art Creative Practise students had the opportunity to visit the iconic HEIDE Museum of Art to learn about the history of HEIDE and the famous Heidelberg school artists.

Students had a curator lead talk through the modern and contemporary art collections and the outdoor sculpture gardens.

Our senior students engaged in discussions about artworks at HEIDE and were able to explore the grounds and gather inspiration for artworks they will explore back at school. 

The staff at HEIDE were impressed with the outstanding behaviour of our students as well as their keen interest in artworks and insightful comments and contribution to discussions.

This excursion continues our ongoing practice of educating our Art students through real world, art industry, experiences and serves as fantastic inspiration and valuable knowledge for their studies in Art.

Malisa & Beth

During May, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 will be focusing on developing their Career Action Plans as part of their ongoing career education program

Throughout the month, students will be encouraged to reflect on what they have achieved so far and explore future possibilities. 

This process will help students better understand their interests, strengths, and values, and how these connect to potential career pathways.

Year 7 students will begin by identifying their skills, personal qualities, and learning preferences, laying a strong foundation for future decision-making. 

In Year 8, students will broaden their understanding by exploring different industries and occupations, including the skills and qualifications required for various roles. 

Year 9 students will take a more targeted approach, linking their subject selections to potential career goals and considering pathways into senior secondary education and beyond.

A student’s Career Action Plan is a dynamic, student-owned document that supports reflection, goal setting, and planning. It encourages students to consider their motivations, clarify their goals, and identify the steps needed to achieve them. 

This ongoing process helps build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make informed decisions about the future.

Parents and carers are encouraged to engage in conversations with their children about their interests and aspirations, as these discussions play an important role in supporting career development. 

Your life experience makes you are the Career experts. 

A beautiful day trackside at Newport for our 2026 Athletics Carnival. 26 degrees not a cloud in sight for a great spectacle of student talent on and off the track.

With students demonstrating their abilities on the track in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. In the field events in shotput, discus, triple jump, long jump and high jump. Student bands rocked the track and the VM sizzled the snags, it was day of house colour, unity and respect for the whole school community. 

Congratulations to the 1st place getters who will advance to the divisional athletics in September. 

Big congratulations to our winning house of WurruWurru 352 followed by silver place Ngamayi 329 and in the bronze Yaluk 300 points. 

Thanks to all the students, staff and families for the support in a wonderful whole school event. 

Go FHS! 

Our senior netball girls played on Thursday 30/4 at Altona Sports Centre.

We had a slow start to the tournament, losing to eventual champions Strathmore (20-10), but performed strongly throughout the day, defeating Sunshine 18-15 and Buckley Park 29-7. 

All team members are in year 11 so looking forward to getting the squad back together in 2027 for another crack.

State Swimming

Yan Lee, Elli M, Georgia A and Annaliese W for getting 4th place at State swimming last Thursday the 23rd of April. 

Fantastic effort for 3 of the girls to race up in age into the 17yr relay. FHS is very proud of your achievements girls. 

Special shout out to Elli M who raced 2 individual events on the day 50m Butterfly and Freestyle. 

Well done gals. 

On March 25th 2026, the Western Chances Scholarship program proudly welcomed their newest scholarship recipients from Melbourne’s west and Geelong at The Edge, Federation Square. 

This included three of our FHS students: Katie, Jasper, and Marley (in attendance) and 9 others students!
It was an incredible night of celebration as we award certificates and mark the beginning of their Western Chances journey.

Western Chances was established in 2003 by Terry Bracks AM and was modelled on a successful scholarship program delivered by Chances for Children in Mildura. Having worked as a teacher in Victorian state schools, Terry knew that financial barriers often prevented young people completing their education and fulfilling their potential.
They now award hundreds of scholarships annually, to high achieving and motivated young people from the six municipalities in Melbourne’s west and the City of Greater Geelong. Through new and renewal scholarships, opportunity programs, and ongoing support. Each recipient is supported on their educational journey for as long as they remain eligible. Scholarships provide funding for small items that have a big impact: things like textbooks, laptops and internet access, maths calculators and specialist equipment. In addition to scholarship support, Western Chances facilitates a range of excellent and potentially life-changing opportunities via their education, business and community partners.