School Council Bulletin
School Council President’s Report
Congratulations to all who have contributed to another very successful year for Altona College.
As School Council President, it has been wonderful to witness the achievements of college students and staff as everyone continues to build our culture of success with a genuine spirit of collaboration.
Likewise, I have also been pleased to lead a school council - comprising parents, teachers and community representatives - which is committed to supporting the college’s success in the present, and with a keen eye for excellence in the future.
Our fundraising program was reinvigorated this year, starting off with refreshed mother’s and father’s days stalls and finishing with the Run4Fun colour explosion. With thanks to our fundraising sub-committee, particularly Casey Sperling and Sarah Prismall for their efforts this year in fundraising for various projects, in-particular our plans for a new bike shelter and playground equipment.
It has also been another big year of building and grounds works. We have completed our $3.556M stage two capital works program - you can see the results in our new acoustically fitted classrooms, redeveloped STEM learning spaces, a dedicated arts & technology precinct and a new sensory garden.
However, we’re still not finished. The School Council is advocating for further government investment in the critical infrastructure required to support our growing school, which is expected to exceed 700 students in 2024.
Top of the School Council’s list of priorities is a new gymnasium and performing arts centre, as well as a secondary school library and learning space. We thank the Victorian Government for its investments to date, and will continue to work collaboratively with our local members of parliament to ensure the Altona community has access to a high-quality school environment.
I would like to acknowledge and commend the work, dedication and professionalism of our school staff across our leadership, teaching, wellbeing, administrative and grounds teams.
A special thanks and acknowledgment of our principal Julie Krause’s leadership over her 11 years with the school. Julie has led the school confidently, with professionalism and, above all else, a friendly smile at the school gate, despite extremely challenging circumstances at times including unexpected (but welcome) government funding announcements, a multi-year pandemic and two significant capital works programs. Thank you, Julie - we wish you well in your next chapter.
Similarly, I would like to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes work of my fellow School Councillors, Building and Grounds sub-committee members and any other parents and carers who have volunteered their time to support the college this year. Volunteers are crucial to the fabric of our school community and I encourage everyone to get involved, however you are able.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season, we look forward to seeing you back at the College in 2024 under Nathan Guthridge's leadership.
Kade Dillion