LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

As we reflect on 2025, it is clear that this has been a year of progress and growing confidence for Korumburra Secondary College. Last year, we committed to strengthening consistent teaching practices, lifting student voice, and deepening partnerships with families. I am pleased to share that these commitments have translated into real change across the school.

One of the most encouraging indicators of our improvement is the uplift in our Student Attitudes to School Survey data. Students are telling us they feel more connected to their learning, more supported by their teachers, and more positive about their place within our school community. Our students are consistently praised by external organisations for their positive behaviours during incursions and excursions. This reflects the dedication of our staff, the engagement of our students, and the support of our families. Attendance also improved in 2025 compared to last year though we still have work to do. Our VCE results and NAPLAN results were also stronger this year with an overall VCE mean study score of 27 which is a 12.5% increase.

Our Parent / Carer Opinion Survey was a very positive endorsement of our school with all six measures being above the state comparison. In 2026 I would really like a larger sample of parents to complete this survey, so when you get the link please take some time to give us your feedback.

Throughout the year, we re-established our Student Representative Council, which met regularly and had input into the new CrossFit stations design. Their insights have been thoughtful and constructive, and they will play an important role in guiding our work in the year ahead.

Looking toward 2026, our focus will be on deepening this partnership with students. The SRC and student focus groups will help us revise our GPA matrix to ensure it aligns with the behaviours students value. Staff will continue building consistent, positive classroom practices that foster engagement in every lesson.

We will also continue developing our Reconciliation Action Plan, an important step in strengthening relationships with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and embedding reconciliation into our everyday practice. Our new school signs will hopefully be installed in 2026 proudly displaying a collaborative art project reflecting our Bunurong Country heritage.

A major priority for 2026 will be improving student attendance. This year, around 20% of absences were unexplained, and we know students thrive when they attend school regularly. Our goal is to reduce unexplained absences to below 10%. We ask families to partner with us by notifying the school whenever a child is away, and by maintaining open communication to support student wellbeing and learning.

To our students: thank you for your enthusiasm and your ideas. This is your school and we want you to feel a sense of pride and belonging here. To our families: thank you for your support and trust. And to our teachers and ES staff: thank you for your tireless commitment to providing high-quality learning and creating a supportive school culture.

2025 has been a year of growth, collaboration, and renewed optimism. I look forward to working together in 2026 as we continue building a school where every student feels known, valued, and inspired to aim high.

I wish all members of our community a safe and happy festive season, and I look forward to welcoming you back in the new year.