Principal Team Editorial

I remember stepping foot into the school for the first time in late 2017, not long after I had been appointed to the substantive position of Principal.  I was excited but nervous about the time ahead, and genuinely hoping that I could make a positive difference. 

Some may be surprised, and others possibly not, but I don’t always feel entirely at ease in social situations, especially when meeting people for the first time and talking to people I don’t know. Therefore, walking in to an already great school, with 100+ staff, thousands of students and staff and many other community members, was a really intimidating experience. It left me with a sense of doubt about whether I should actually be here in the first place; a feeling I’m sure is shared by all first time Principals. 

In particular, the first six months were pretty hard.  In the absence of strong and established, long term relationships, it is reasonable that people are cautious, sceptical and not entirely supportive in the first instance, when the Principal begins to dip their toe into the waters of change. But slowly, incrementally, that began to change. I was able to grow into the role thanks to many capable and supportive leaders, teachers, students and School Council members, who listened and often brought me in, when maybe I could have been left out. 

There have been ups and downs and challenges along the way. I would have done many things differently, but also look back with pride when I reflect on some of the more courageous decisions that I made which could have easily been avoided (because they seemed too hard).

Six years later, I leave with plenty of evidence that this school is on the right path with NAPLAN and VCE outcomes the best in many years, student, staff and parent opinion data exceeding state and similar school measures in almost every area, and a strong reputation (not only within our local community, but also a recognition across our system) that we are getting many things right. 

What I am most proud of during these six years is the growth that I have seen in individuals. I can think of specific students, who have come to us from other schools (where things didn’t go so well!) and they have thrived in our environment with the care and support of our teachers and leaders. 

I have seen many examples of teachers and leaders whose influence has amplified in recent years with their leadership being consequential to the outcomes of our school. In particular, I have worked closely with APs that have flourished and pushed the boundaries of what is possible, driving us to be better every day in a collegiate environment that balances challenges with fun. 

Having sat on interview panels for positions in our school and on panels for Principal positions at other schools, I can tell you (from first hand experience) that the calibre of leadership at this school is exceptionally high, particularly at Middle and Assistant Principal level. I firmly believe that our staff and our leaders are our strength and the core to our success, with our Educational Support Staff strongly within that core, supported by exceptional leadership within this level as well.

As a teacher first, some of my favourite moments at this school will be what I have experienced with students. My favourite student of all time (I won’t name them!) is currently in Year 9 and when I hear “Hey Murphy!”, I turn and head in that direction knowing that I am about to experience what will be a highlight of my day. Our students at this school are an exceptionally likeable and talented bunch! They really do shine with the right care and attention and they do us proud time and time again. We are lucky to work here because of them. 

I think this job will be the highlight of my working life. Before working here, I hadn’t lived or spent much time in this neck of the woods, but I will always feel a connection to this community and be keen to see what the future brings. I would like to say thankyou to everyone who has supported me during my time at this amazing school!

Finally, I’m hoping you’ll remember my reflections from the start of this story and think about what the new Principal who walks into the role will be thinking and feeling. I’m hoping they will do it their way and you will give them time, listen and bring them in. I have no doubt that we are only beginning the start of something that can be truly exceptional!

Farewell to those Leaving

I would also like to take some time to thank and farewell the following staff who are leaving us at the end of this year. 

To Eric Bott, Sara Gallego-Gil, Bonita Gu-Yang, Peter Kelly, Jake Leopold, Sophie Lee, Nelum Liyanage, Michelle Lam, Tess Murnane (taking a years leave), Mark Oudshoorn, Tigi Wijentunga, Leona Ma, Lushi Lin, Di Seehusen, Tanya Bradley, Paula Grinbergs and Rohan Spong, thank you for your contribution to our school community and good luck!

Kevin Murphy

Principal