Principal's News
Amy Porter - College Principal
As we come to the end of the year, I want to express how grateful I am to be back at Sandringham College. It is a privilege to serve such a caring and supportive community of teachers, administrators, education support staff and families. At the heart of everything we do are our wonderful students, who continue to grow, learn and challenge themselves as people and as learners every single day. Their energy, resilience and commitment make our work meaningful, and I am incredibly proud of all they have achieved this year.
At the end of this article, I am proud to highlight two of our students who have achieved exceptional outcomes in their Vocational Education and Training studies as part of the VCE Vocational Major pathway. Their achievements exemplify the strength and diversity of learning at Sandringham College. Next week, I will also be sharing our VCE results with the community, and I look forward to celebrating the success of our students across both VCE pathways with all of you.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the staff who are leaving the College at the end of 2025, in particular Peter Hatigan, who has contributed so much to Sandringham College over many years. Peter has served as a highly valued Business Management and Computing teacher, supported students in our Holloway Road Campus library, and most recently led our International and Vocational Education and Training programs with professionalism, care and integrity.
Thank you, Pete, for your outstanding service to the school and for the positive impact you have had on so many young people. On behalf of the entire College community, I wish you all the very best for your retirement.
Staff joining us in 2026
| Name | Role/teaching |
|---|---|
| Lauren Varadi | Domain Leader - Health and Physical Education |
| Emma Broadbent | Science |
| Emma Harris | English Language |
| Ryan O'Connor | Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies/Science |
| Amy Peterson | Vocational Major/Health |
| Jazz Stout | Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies/Physical Education |
| Sebastian Vargas | Percussion |
| Caleb Paine | Piano |
| Alan Lam | Strings |
Staff returning in 2026
| Amy Hooper | Science/Biology |
| Prue Slingsby | Dance |
| Natasha Clarke | Digital Technology |
| Sheridan Briffa | Disability Inclusion |
Staff leaving at the end of 2025
| Name | Reason |
|---|---|
| Kate Li | Science |
| Taylor Rogan | Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies |
| Clementine Ellis | Administration |
| Jared Bernstein | Disability Inclusion |
| Peter Hatigan | International Program/VET |
| James Fagan | Humanities |
| Pat Pekin | Wellbeing |
| Mark Fernandez | Accounting |
| Eimear Donovan | Science |
| Fay Kelly | Administration |
| Paul Kelly | Facilities |
| Lysandra Poulis | Disability Inclusion |
| Isabella De Toffol | Disability Inclusion |
| Sophie Helling | Disability Inclusion |
| Daniela Miesner | Wellbeing |
| Leah Zilberman | Instrumental Music |
| Cristy Savage | Instrumental Music |
| Theo Pike | Instrumental Music |
| Ralema Fairhead | Instrumental Music |
| Caerwen Martin | Instrumental Music |
Celebrating VCE Vocational Major success
Brendan Dower (left) and Callum (centre)
Brendan Dower (left) and Callum (centre)
I would also like to congratulate Year 11 Vocational Major student Callum Rygl, who has been awarded Bluefit’s Victorian Trainee of the Year for 2025. This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Callum’s dedication, professionalism and commitment to his traineeship. As the Victorian winner, Callum is now automatically nominated for Bluefit’s National Trainee of the Year for 2025, and we wish him every success as he progresses to the next stage.
George Kolostoubis graduated from Sandringham College this year after completing his VCE Vocational Major Certificate. A huge congratulations to George for being awarded the 2025 School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year. This is an exceptional achievement and reflects his dedication, work ethic and commitment to excellence throughout the VM program.
George should also be congratulated on his outstanding performance across all aspects of his VCE Vocational Major studies. I look forward to hearing about his continued success as he takes the next steps in his apprenticeship and future career.
As our VM staff member Brendan Dower said, it is "good to see Sandy College hogging all the awards for 2025 and a credit to both Callum and George for representing the school so well".
I wish all families a safe and hopefully sunny holiday break and I look forward to working with you all in 2026.
Warm regards,
Amy