Message from our 

Campus Principal

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a term can pass, and this one has been no exception. Students are now preparing to begin their 2026 classes, with our Year 10 cohort already having commenced their Year 11 studies at the University Campus. Headstart is an incredibly important week for building strong foundations—getting to know new classes, teachers, expectations, and routines. Student attendance is vital, and it is also a key transition period for many new students who join us at this time.

It was fantastic to see our Year 10 students celebrating their year at their formal earlier this week.  It stood out in that environment how much this cohort of Year 10s have bonded and it was bittersweet seeing them go off to the next stage in their journey at the University Campus.  It was also a pleasure celebrating our Campus Awards, bringing together the whole campus for the first time since Covid to conduct the awards together.  Congratulations to all of our recipients.

With Headstart at the Morwell Campus commencing on Monday—where students will begin familiarising themselves with their 2026 classes—our 2026 leadership team is now finalised and ready to support a strong and successful start to the new school year.

Campus Leadership Team 2026

• Campus Principal: Dan Swallow
• Assistant Principal: Daniel Murphy
• Year 7 Team Leader: Ross Johnson
• Year 8 Team Leader: Elisse Burke
• Year 9 Team Leader: Jeff Derkacs
• Year 10 Team Leader: Sheryl Tangi

Please don’t hesitate to contact any member of this team if you have questions or concerns regarding 2026. They are committed to supporting your child’s success. We are also well supported by a dedicated group of Principals and Learning Specialists across the College who lead teaching and learning to ensure the best outcomes for all students.

On Friday 5th December, we look forward to welcoming our 2026 Year 7 students to Morwell Campus for their three-day Orientation Program. This is an exciting milestone for students and often an anxious one for families. Orientation provides students with a positive and informed introduction to secondary school, helping them head into the holidays feeling confident and prepared for next year. To ensure the best possible experience, only Year 7 students will be onsite on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th of December.

Please note that these days do not mark the end of the school year. Activity Days, the College Awards, and our annual Gumbuya World trip will follow. We encourage families to keep an eye on Compass notifications and the dates listed in this newsletter to stay up to date as we move into the end-of-year period.

As this is our final newsletter for the year, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Learning Community for your support throughout 2025. I wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas and a happy New Year, and I look forward to an exciting 2026 ahead.

Mr Dan Swallow

Morwell Campus Principal