Around the Grounds

Happy Friday, everyone

Your first whip around the grounds for 2026 is here. In a few short weeks, our new students have stepped right into the fold, and existing students have come back to find their familiar corners of campus. And from there, we've hit the ground running....

To Read: Peachy gets real about our camps program and talks about value in the unexpected. Read his article here. 
To Know: Labour Day is March 9 — no school, don't forget. 

First Days of 2026

Whichever year you're in, there's a first of some kind. First early morning for 2026, first uniform, first locker, first locker that locks, first laptop, first assembly, first PE in the pool (P.E. not pee, come on), first bus ride, first Google Doc, first storytime, first favourite teacher, first worst teacher, first afterschool icypole, first missing lunchbox lid, first giant school shirt, first dried up gluestick, first in the canteen line, first Around the Grounds for 2026. Here is a dizzying carousel of firsts!

Maybe it's a new school, maybe it's the same school and a new campus. When Year 7s join the senior school, it’s our Year 9s who step up as leaders and mentors - now that the Year 10s are based in the Futures Studio, Year 9s head their Homesteads. The vertical learning structure means they are (partly!) responsible for teaching the Year 7s the ropes. Friendships are built, interests are shared, and there are always sibling connections in there for good measure. It's a brilliant system, like a family. 

Inaugural Threads of Belonging Exhibition and Bursary.

Another first for Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery and Woodleigh. 
Our very own Emma Cleine and Sophie Perez set about making a change. With funding cuts to the Arts on the Mornington Peninsula threatening our beloved creative culture, there was the impetus to invite Australian artists from across the country to contribute to the unconventional exhibition format. A format that unites very different artists and voices to strengthen arts education for our kids. Artworks were all the same price, the same size and anonymous. From graduates to Archibald prize winners, the proceeds will fund a bursary for an artist to spend two weeks on campus this year, immersing students in real-world practice and connecting them with a strong arts community. 

Homestead Night

The weather for Homestead Night was horrible; it was steaming hot and pouring with rain. We packed everything up and moved indoors, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of the evening. Much like the High School Dance in Grease, the gym really did shape up and do the job.  Fewer disasters and better food. Ollie, in Year 12, sang, and parents met and mingled. Homestead is the heart of our school, and seeing parents come together to see how their children find connection and belonging within it meant the night a great success.

Penbank Fish

Beats sitting in a classroom on a hot day. Pool, ice poles, friends and cold water. And some swimming, of course. There are some very talented fish at Penbank, and some very talented cheer squad enthusiasts.

Senior Swimmers!

Homestead against Homestead, they swam for their lives. It was fun-filled chaos. Some serious swimmers and some questionable displays of silliness. 

Homestead 3 took the trophy, but every year level had strong swimmers and some PBs. For some, it was a day of competitive swimming, for some, it was cheering your heart out, and for some, it was a dip with friends on a hot day. Everyone looks forward to Homestead Swimming. 

Foundation and Year 6 Buddies

It speaks for itself, really. The big kids and the little kids, all learning and making friends, sharing stories. Our Buddies remember each other for years to come.  

Until we go around the grounds again next week...