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In an article in the Age newspaper 13 May, 2025, Footscray High School was identified as one of the top 25 most improved public schools in the state for VCE outcomes over the last 4 years. The article highlights that the school has improved its median VCE study by 4% from 2020 to 2024.
This is a great achievement and highlights the high-quality teaching and learning that is occurring in our school every day. You cannot achieve strong VCE results without a sound foundation in our Year 7 to Year 10 teaching and learning program. We attribute this outstanding outcome for our school community to the great work across the school.
Footscray High School is thrilled to announce our much-anticipated Chef’s Dinner, a showcase event celebrating the culinary talents of our senior students. This extraordinary evening will take place on Thursday 29 May at Kinnear Campus and promises to be an unforgettable dining experience for our school community.
The Chef’s Dinner is more than just a meal—it’s the culmination of months of hard work, creativity, and skill-building in our Food Studies and Hospitality programs. Students have designed, prepared, and will serve a multi-course menu that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients grown on our school farm. With guidance from our expert staff and industry mentor, Howard Stamp, owner and chef of Bar Thyme, they’ve curated a dining journey that rivals top-tier restaurants.
I am pleased to announce that the upcoming Chef’s dinner is officially sold out. The support from the school community has been outstanding—it’s a chance to support our students and experience the kind of excellence that defines Footscray High School.
Footscray High School extends a huge congratulations to our talented VCE Theatre Studies students on their outstanding production of Lord of the Flies.
Performed to a captivated audience over two evenings, this bold and powerful adaptation showcased not only the depth of talent among our senior drama students but also their incredible commitment, creativity, and teamwork. From the intense performances and imaginative set design to the haunting lighting and soundscapes, every aspect of the production was student-led and professionally executed.
A special thank you to our dedicated Performing Arts staff for their expert guidance, and to the backstage crew whose behind-the-scenes work helped bring the production to life.We are so proud of everyone involved—Lord of the Flies was not just a performance, but a triumph of storytelling and student excellence.
At Footscray High School, we proudly recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions of our Education Support Staff on Education Support Staff Appreciation Day.
These dedicated professionals are the quiet achievers who help our school run smoothly every single day. From administrative staff, integration aides, IT support and technicians, to science lab technicians, food studies assistants, technology assistant, canteen and library staff, mental health practitioners and wellbeing coordinators, and facilities teams—they are the backbone of our school community.
Thank you for your commitment, your compassion, and the countless ways you support our staff, students, and families.
Jillian English
Principal
Over the past two weeks, our Year 9 students from the Barkly and Pilgrim campuses have been actively engaged in the exciting Discovery Program. This rich and varied learning experience allows students to explore creative, technical, and scientific subjects, ensuring comprehensive exposure that caters to diverse interests and aptitudes.
Students have had hands-on opportunities in Chemistry, conducting engaging experiments and deepening their understanding of the world around them. In the Performing and Visual Arts, creativity has flourished as students express themselves through drama and visual design projects. The Technology component has introduced them to innovative thinking, while Humanities sessions have sparked thoughtful discussions around culture, society, and global issues.
This program supports academic planning and fosters personal development, helping students discover their passions and potential career paths. Our Year 9s have truly embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity!
Systems Engineering teacher Michael Antony, after presenting the technology subjects on offer, and showing their pathways to VCE studies, and beyond, engaged the students in activities related to Energy Transferring Systems. A range of Year 12 projects were on display, including two Top Design projects. Air Blowers, Sound Generators, Blackline Tracking Robots, Powerful Catapults, Air Cannon and more were used hands-on as energy converters.
The final teacher-directed activity was to construct a stiff and pointy rocket using 110gsm paper, writing their names on them, and then ‘firing’ them at 45-degree angle using a double rubber band. The owner of the farthest-falling rocket won a personal gift from the teacher.
We were thrilled to have the fabulous artist Matin in our Art Making and Exhibiting class recently for a special live watercolour workshop and demonstration! It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to observe professional techniques, explore the unique qualities of watercolours, and gain valuable insights from an experienced artist.
Students got to do two Live Paintings whilst observing as Matin showcased essential watercolour techniques, including 1st and second washes. layering, wet-on-wet, and different brush effects.Students also learned about the characteristics of different watercolour papers, pigments, and brushes—and how they influence the final artwork.
We had a great day of tennis with some very close matches but just beaten by both Keilor & Rosehill High Schools.
Proud of our team consisting of Flynn, Mark, Eney, Oscar, Bond & Harry. All these boys came to most of the training sessions held in term 1 before school. It showed as they developed a connection and strategy when approaching matches.
Well done and good luck in your local club pennant seasons for the rest of 2025.
25 degrees in May treated the seniors to a ripping day out. Senior soccer enjoyed themselves but no real threat to an unbeaten Lakeview.
AFL boys had a win and a draw, losing on percentage to get through to regionals. Great games by Gus C and Reuben L, giving the lads every chance.
Badminton no team won, but some elite individual performances with some great action shots, thanks to Robbie.
Netball was also competitive and looking very sharp in their new dresses. Thanks to Western Wells for the donation and constant support in making our sport program appealing and professional.
We would love your donations for the whole school production of Mamma Mia later this year. If you have any of the following at home, please contact Doris Kovacevic (10182236@footscray.vic.edu.au) to arrange drop off.
Male and female ALL sizes welcome.
Disco-Abba-sparkle-style clothes/beachwear/bright/boho/floral/patterns/blue beachy towels/flippers/goggles/resort wear/wedding guest outfits/wedding hats/beach hats/sarongs/priest costuming/mens suits in small sizes-any colour preferably not dark.
Wedding bouquets/folding-reclining chairs/beach chairs/beach umbrellas/taverna or Greek style chairs small tables.
We’re thrilled to celebrate the successful launch of a new chapter in our learning community, as we welcome back former students Ava Harpur, Lara Likar, and Linh Ta as tutors at Kinnear Campus.
This initiative continues a proud tradition of inviting high-achieving alumni to return and share their knowledge, mentorship, and lived experience with our current students. It’s a powerful way to build connection and celebrate the cycle of learning and giving back.
We’re especially encouraged by the number of year 10 to 12 students who have embraced this valuable opportunity. It’s great to see so many taking advantage of the support on offer, reflecting the positive impact our alumni are having on school culture and the learning environment.
Tutoring is available to all Kinnear students every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in the library — no bookings required, just drop in!
Continue reading to find more information on our wonderful tutors:
Ava Harpur (2024 DUX)
Hi! My name is Ava and I graduated from Footscray High School in 2024, having studied at Footscray from year 7 to 12. Over the course of two years I completed VCE maths methods, biology, chemistry, physics, specialist maths, and English language. My best and favourite subjects were chemistry and biology however I will do my best to help with the others.
I am well aware that VCE can be tricky and overwhelming at times so I am more than happy to help, whether it be with coursework, preparing for SACs and exams or just questions about VCE and studying in general. These VCE help sessions are productive yet casual so don’t be scared to come along! See you on Tuesdays in the VCE centre.
Linh Ta
Hi everyone! I’m Linh and I’m excited to be your tutor! I’m 18 years old and studied at FHS from Year 7 to Year 12. I consistently achieved high marks in many of my classes and ended up with an ATAR of 84.75.
As someone who initially struggled in year 12, I understand how tough and stressful this last year of high school can be. However, with time management and consistency, achieving a desirable score is possible. Whether you need help with EAL, Psychology, Japanese, Accounting, time management, study or revision techniques, I’m here to help in every way I can.
As someone who comes from a Vietnamese-speaking background, I’m happy to support Vietnamese-speaking students, as well as any international students to navigate their ways in the Australian education system! With my academic background and personal experience, I hope to make your academic journey less stressful and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to seeing you all!
Lara Likar
Hi! My name is Lara and I’m currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts course at the University of Melbourne, primarily in the areas of International Relations and English. I’m excited to offer assistance in subjects such as Literature, English, History Revolutions and Global Politics.
Over the past few weeks, the year 10s were given a design brief to research and cook a meal as they discovered that weekly grocery bills have gone up as much as 30% in 2025.
The students were given constraints of the meal coming under $10, which is in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, including seasonal produce and was enough to feed a family of 4. The students had access to the kitchen pantry items commonly found in a home. The year 10s had 2 periods to walk to and shop at Footscray Market and 2 periods to cook their chosen meal once they arrived back at school. There were delicious aromas coming from the kitchen all week!
Well done year 10!
– Brigitta Clifford, Alison Downes, Kate Letexier, and our amazing CRT, Danielle Milfsud
Students from Footscray High School’s Horticulture Program recently visited the iconic Flemington Racecourse for an afternoon of hands-on learning. The visit offered students the opportunity to gain expert knowledge in rose pruning, turf management, and ornamental garden care. These new skills will be brought back to the school’s Farm, where plans are underway to create a new rose garden.
The excursion also introduced students to career pathways in horticulture, highlighting local job opportunities and training options in the industry. The experience helped students connect their classroom learning with real-world applications, deepening their understanding of horticultural practices. The trip marks a growing connection between education and industry in Melbourne’s west.