Low morale threatens to destroy the school's poorly performing soccer team until Christina seeks help from George, a former professional player, who is reluctant to become involved. Hartley's new debating team, composed of Rose, Con, and Chaka, debate another school on the merits of Australia becoming a republic.

George, Nick, and Effie are devastated by Ireni's sudden and tragic death. Steve's disclosure to Nick of information regarding his mother's car accident leads Nick down a path that ends with him assaulting a police officer.

Their friends try to get Rose and Jack together for the school dance. Yola and Southgate are locked in a storage cupboard. Con arranges for Jodie to perform at the dance.

Stella's daughter Katerina shows up unexpectedly and starts making life uncomfortable for both Nick and her mother. Rose's father forbids her to continue dating Jack.

Con pressures Jodie into entering a televised rising stars ""StarQuest"" contest but then must come up with a new act when she refuses to perform. A bet with Steve drives Rivers to break in to the school to steal an exam. Danielle applies for a job at a gym hoping to please Nick.

Nick's election as class captain puts him in direct conflict with Southgate when he is made to come down on his friends for violations of school policies. Con discovers that the new woman in his life has a child. Sides form up when the issue of installing condom machines in the school bathrooms is raised.