Principal's Reflection

Dear families,

Welcome to Term 4! It’s hard to believe we are already in the final stretch of the year, and as always, this term is packed full of celebrations. Hats are on, the days are getting longer and the energy around the College is building toward a big finish.

Farewelling our graduates

This term belongs to our graduates (both Year 6 and Year 12) in so many ways. Year 12 revision is ending and exams commence next week. This group has set some very impressive academic targets and has worked hard to understand how an ATAR is built, not earned. I could not be prouder of the commitment they have shown. Please join me in offering support and encouragement over the coming weeks. Our graduation celebrations will occur later in the term, and I look forward to sending them off in style.

A return to predictability

Many families will be aware that the long-running industrial dispute has now been resolved. Staff voted to accept the new agreement, which has now passed through Fair Work. At a school level, this means that workforce planning, strategic planning and budgeting are all being undertaken on a delayed timeline. There is also a degree of uncertainty about exactly how the new arrangements will be implemented. I want to thank families for their patience and flexibility through a year of disruption and often very short timelines. I also want to thank our staff, who continued to pursue excellence for our students through it all. It is a relief to return to a more predictable state of being. We will soon be able to give our full attention to our unwavering focus on Achievement, Wellbeing and Engagement for all learners.

Celebrating our performance

Each year the Department releases a School Performance Report comparing every government school against a range of learning and wellbeing measures. I am thrilled to share that Altona College has again been placed in the High performance group overall. Only 4 of the 21 schools in our similar schools group achieved this. In the learning domain, most schools like ours sit in the Medium category, while we have maintained our place in High.

A few highlights worth celebrating:

• Growth that stands out. Every one of our students (100%) who moved from Year 5 to Year 7 achieved medium or high growth in NAPLAN Reading. In Numeracy, 87% of students achieved medium or high growth from Year 7 to Year 9, compared with 71% across similar schools.
• Strong secondary results. 75% of our Year 9 students were Strong or Exceeding in NAPLAN Numeracy, well above similar schools (62%). Only 2% needed additional support, compared with 11% across the state. Our Year 7 readers (81%) also sat well above similar schools (69%).
• Writing. 90% of our Year 3 students were Strong or Exceeding in Writing, compared with 78% across the state.
• Senior success. 98% of our VCE and VCE VM students completed their certificate, and our mean English study score sat above similar schools.
• Feeling safe and challenged. Our secondary students reported improvements in managing bullying, school connectedness, emotional regulation and stimulated learning. Four of these five measures are now in the High category.

These results reflect the daily work of our students, the expertise and care of our staff, and the support of families who back our high expectations at home. They are also a reminder that our school has grown from under 600 students to over 860 in just four years without losing its focus on quality. When we attend to the small details together, the big picture takes care of itself. Thank you all, and please take a moment to celebrate with your children. They have earned it!

Let it go… on stage!

After the winter flu season forced a rescheduling, our Frozen Jr cast took the stage last week. What a show it was! The talent, commitment and inclusive culture of this group has been a highlight of my year. Like many other younger siblings who attended, my own children were mesmerised by the opportunity to meet Elsa, Anna and the rest of the cast! Thank you to the staff, families and students who have given so much of their time to make it happen.

Playground update

As promised, our long-awaited playground broke ground over the September holidays and works are now nearly complete. Our first inspection has been completed, and a few minor adjustments to mulch and edging are needed before we open (hopefully next week). The yarning circle is also moving again after rain delays, and we remain hopeful it will be ready before the end of the school year. I thank everyone for their patience. This one has been a marathon, not a sprint!

Looking ahead to 2027Planning for next year is in full swing. We will again have two Prep classes and six Year 7 classes, and I continue to work with our regional and central offices on the facilities needed to support our growing cohorts. Several new staff have been appointed for 2027, the senior timetable is being built, and transition and orientation programs for our incoming Prep and Year 7 students are underway. If you know of a family planning to join us in 2027 who has not yet been in touch, please encourage them to contact the office as soon as possible, as most year levels are now full.

SunSmart reminderA gentle reminder that hats are required for F–6 students during outdoor play and activities this term, and we strongly encourage them for all other students and staff. We are hoping to trial sunscreen stations around the school, and long-sleeve uniform items remain a flexible option for sun protection. A small habit now can make a big difference over summer.

Coming up

• Student-free day – Monday 2 November
• Melbourne Cup public holiday – Tuesday 3 November

With so much happening across so few weeks, I encourage everyone to keep an eye on Compass, pace themselves, stay healthy and enjoy the celebrations ahead. Thank you, as always, for being part of our team.

Warmest regards,

Nathan Guthridge

Principal

Altona College