Westbourne Grammar School

Finishing among the top 11 schools in Australia, Year 12 VCE Legal Studies students Constantine, Kyriaki and Tanvi achieved an outstanding result in the Bond University National High School Mooting Competition.

Competing against more than 80 teams from across the country, the team progressed to the Semi-Finals in a competition that challenges students to act as advocates in a simulated appellate court proceeding. Presenting legal arguments in a hypothetical case before a panel of judges, they demonstrated exceptional legal reasoning, advocacy and problem-solving skills while responding persuasively to complex legal questions.

This impressive achievement reflects their dedication, teamwork and passion for the law, and highlights their commitment to excellence.

As part of our Year 8 elective program, students can choose the exciting new F1 STEM Racing course, where they explore the science and engineering behind high-performance racing. From investigating forces, friction, and aerodynamics to developing CAD designs, manufacturing prototypes, analysing performance data, and working collaboratively in racing teams, students gain valuable STEM skills through hands-on learning.

Last week, our F1 STEM Racing students proudly showcased their designs and projects to fellow Year 8 classes, sharing their creative solutions and engineering processes. It was fantastic to see students confidently presenting and justifying their design decisions using scientific and technical knowledge.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding professional achievements of two of our dedicated staff members, Helen Chan and Rebecca Ratu, who have recently achieved national certification through the Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) HALT accreditation process.

The Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation is a rigorous, evidence-based process that recognises and promotes the highest standards of teaching excellence. Certified by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), these titles are reserved for expert practitioners who demonstrate a profound impact on their students, their colleagues, and the wider school community.

Our Newest HALT Recipients:

Helen Chan (Head of EAL, P-12) has been officially recognised as a Lead Teacher. This accreditation acknowledges her as an exemplary leader who guides her colleagues in improving their practice and is instrumental in initiating and leading school-wide programs that enhance student learning outcomes.

Rebecca Ratu (House Coordinator – Strathmore) has been awarded accreditation as a Highly Accomplished Teacher. This recognition highlights her status as an expert practitioner who consistently shares her deep knowledge with others and contributes to the professional learning of her peers to improve educational opportunities for all students.

Achieving HALT status is a significant undertaking that requires a deep commitment to reflection, peer observation, and the collection of extensive evidence against the National Professional Standards for Teachers.

Please join us in congratulating Helen and Rebecca on this prestigious achievement and for their continued dedication to excellence at our school.

We're proud to celebrate a fantastic achievement by Nav, one of our chefs in Central, who has been named the winner of the Chartwells Culinary category at the National Star Awards.

Known for his skill, care and dedication, Nav plays an important role in supporting our school community each day. This award is a fitting recognition of the high standards he brings to his work and the positive impact he has on students and staff.

Congratulations Nav!

In challenging conditions and one of the most closely contested carnivals in recent history, Westbourne was crowned ACS Athletics Champion at Monday's carnival held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.

Congratulations to all students on their outstanding performances. While the results were exceptional, they are only part of the story. These achievements reflect the countless hours of training, dedication and preparation that took place long before competition day.

We are equally proud of the way our students stepped up, filled events when needed, and represented themselves, their families and our school with pride, determination and exemplary sportsmanship. Their commitment, resilience and character were evident throughout the carnival, making them outstanding ambassadors for our community.

Thank you to our dedicated coaching staff, led by Mr Geard and Mr Robinson, and supported by alumni Alesha Sayner (Class of 1999), Olivia Yacono (Class of 2020) and Harvey McInnes (Class of 2025), as well as Errol Hart and Seb Panakkal.

Notable Alumni Award nominations are now open!

Since its introduction in 2017, the Notable Alumni Award has recognised graduates whose achievements, leadership and contribution to the community reflect the values of a Westbourne education.

We invite nominations for alumni who are making a positive impact in their profession, industry or community and whose story can inspire current and future generations of Westbourne students

To nominate, please email [email protected], including:

• The name of the nominee

• Their graduating year (if known)

• A personal overview of the nominee, including their passions, experiences and qualities

• Examples of how they have achieved success in their chosen field

• How they exemplify the qualities of an admirable and inspiring role model for today’s students

If you would prefer to make your nomination by phone, please email [email protected] and we will arrange a call back.

Please submit your nomination before the end of July.

Our Year 5 students recently welcomed the talented team from 100 Storey Building, an organisation dedicated to inspiring creativity through the arts.

During an engaging poetry workshop, students explored rhyming words, metaphors, the five senses, and cultural influences to spark their imaginations. Using images, words, phrases, and a variety of poetic styles, they crafted unique and meaningful personal creations.

It was wonderful to see our students express themselves creatively and develop their confidence as young writers and artists.

We're excited to invite all Westbourne alumni to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate with fellow members of the Westbourne community at our upcoming alumni social. This term we are excited to be gathering at a new venue - The Junction Hotel in Newport.

Whether you're catching up with old friends, expanding your network, or simply keen to revisit cherished memories, we'd love to see you there.

📅 Thursday 25 June 2026

⏰ 6:30pm – 8:30pm

📍 The Junction Hotel, 15 Hall Street, Newport VIC 3015

We look forward to welcoming you back for a wonderful evening of connection, conversation, and celebration.

Please RSVP by registering via the link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1592753

Our Senior School Athletics Carnival at Newport Athletics Track was a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their talents, challenge themselves and embrace the excitement of track and field competition.

Throughout the day, students participated in a wide range of events while representing their Houses with pride. Whether competing for a personal best, trying a new event or striving for House points, every student contributed to the positive and energetic atmosphere that made the carnival such a success.

A highlight of the day was the annual Year 12 Dress-Up Parade, with our graduating students bringing creativity and school spirit to this much-loved tradition.

Congratulations to Pascoe House, who were crowned champions with 961 points, ahead of Derrimut (918), Hudson (902), Strathmore (875), Flinders (719) and Molland (711).

📷 Image Credits: Zoe and Ez (Year 12)

Our annual Piano Concert was a wonderful celebration of talent, dedication and musical excellence, featuring 48 students from Years 3–12 across two simultaneous performances.

Students impressed audiences with confident and expressive performances, showcasing months of hard work and preparation. Highlights included a dynamic two-piano performance of Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance and an energetic rendition of Perpetual Commotion by a newly formed Year 7 ensemble.

A sincere thank you to our dedicated piano teachers for their guidance and support. Congratulations to all performers on an inspiring evening that reflected the strength of our vibrant piano program.