The Cheltonian

From the Principal 

New Build

We are thrilled to see the commencement of construction on our brand-new Year 7 Learning Centre and Administration building. This project, overseen by HLC Constructions, will deliver seven state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative learning spaces designed to support a modern, dynamic, and engaging learning environment for our newest students. Alongside this, our new Administration building will provide a central, welcoming space for families and visitors.

 

Once these works are completed, we will turn our attention to the refurbishment of our current Administration building, which will be transformed into a dedicated Wellbeing Hub—a space that reflects our commitment to student wellbeing and support services.

 

Construction teams are now on the ground and working, and the majority of the work is expected to be completed this year. If all goes to plan (fingers crossed!), our Administration Team will relocate before Christmas, and our 2026 Year 7 students will commence Term 1 in their new learning environment.

 

School Review 

Alongside our facilities upgrade, the College recently completed its School Review. This thorough process affirmed the great strides we’ve made, particularly in relation to student learning growth. We were especially pleased with the strong improvement in Numeracy at Year 9 and sustained achievement across VCE results. These improvements are a testament to the hard work of our students and staff and the increasingly effective use of data and evidence-informed practice across the school.

 

A particular highlight has been our intentional focus on reading and comprehension, which has contributed to a noticeable lift in NAPLAN reading results. This is an achievement we are proud of, and we will continue to embed a culture of reading and literacy across all subject areas.

 

Our new Strategic Plan provides clear direction for the next four years. It places strong emphasis on:

  • Building consistency in teaching and learning through our college-wide instructional model.
  • Strengthening teachers’ capacity to use assessment to drive improvement and support all learners.
  • Deepening our commitment to student voice and agency—empowering students to take ownership of their learning, set meaningful goals, and reflect on their progress.

Annual Public Meeting

The Annual Public Meeting, where I will read from the Annual Report, will be held on Tuesday 20th May at the College from 5.30pm-6.00pm.  The Annual Report is currently being endorsed by the Department and will be made available in the coming weeks. A Compass News Feed will be sent to families upon receipt of the endorsed report with more information about the meeting.

 

The Exchange

And finally, we’re excited to see the energy and enthusiasm building around the upcoming Avenues Exchange. Our students and staff are fully engaged in the training and preparation ahead of welcoming the Avenues School from Adelaide in the final week of term. This exchange is a highlight of our school calendar and a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together, build lasting friendships, and broaden perspectives.

 

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We look forward to sharing more milestones with you throughout the year.

 

Karl Russell

Principal