Principal's Report
June
We’ve come to the end of a successful Semester 1 at Collingwood College. We hope families have some down time together during the school holiday period. We look forward to you returning to school on Tuesday 14th July.
End of Semester 1 Reports
Families will receive an end of semester report in primary and secondary school that documents achievements and progress in this semester. It’s important to keep in mind that industrial action from the Australian Education Union (AEU) was in place for it’s members during Term 2. There was a ban on comments for reports for assessment completed in Term 2. This may explain some missing elements in the semester report. However, all students will have been provided this feedback in class time. All reports will contain the summative assessment against Victorian Curriculum Standards for this semester. During Term 3, both secondary and primary school students will have an opportunity to meet their teachers in parent/teacher/student conferences and discuss their development in learning and further explain the semester report.
Staffing update for Term 3
Sam Maricic, our Food technology and Health teacher is departing to take up an opportunity at Albert Park College. We wish Sam all the best. Sam’s classes are being replaced by current Year 12 Food Studies teacher Thuy Linh Nguyen from Fitzroy High School. Fitzroy High is replacing Sam’s Health and Human Development class, with Corrina Pellegrino - currently at CAS will be taking some of the remaining junior Food Technology classes. Corrina is working at CAS as a Food teacher and will be bringing these skills to the main campus.
Lillian Louie - Grade 1 and 2 teacher. Lillian joins us from California and comes with great experience in the early years. We are excited to have Lillian join us in Term 3 to teach in our main program in Semester 2. Lillian replaces April and Sue.
Sue Rundle and April Jones - Grade 5 teacher - replacing Alison Seabrook. Sue will be working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, April will take the class Thursday and Friday. Sue and April are Steiner trained teachers who we are excited to take up the vacancy created by Alison’s departure.
We are looking forward to these rearrangements of current staff and new appointment of Lillian, ensuring that we run a successful Semester 2 program across our school.
Senior Program Information Night at Wurun Senior Campus
On June 11 we held our annual Senior Programs Evening at Wurun Senior Campus. This evening is always a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vibrant culture of Wurun. Each pathway and subject was represented on the evening, with both students and staff providing insights into our teaching and learning program. It was fabulous to have our home school families in attendance, and to also see new faces who we hope will join us at Wurun in 2027.
Work Experience - Year 10
Our Year 10 students have experienced the world of work over the past fortnight. It’s an important step in the process of thinking about future careers and pathways, subject selection for Year 11 and 12 and broadening their own skills and thinking in relation to work. The entire Year 10 team and teachers have put in a phenomenal amount of support alongside our careers advisor - Nicky Smith, to secure different work experience placements. From Biba Academy Hairdressing, Department of Transport, Monash Law Clinics, Wynns Locksmiths and Acacia Fitzroy Creche, the placements are giving our students a variety of opportunities in a range of industries. We thank all in the community who are hosting our students and providing this important life experience.
MYP Showcase - Year 7 - 9
Our MYP showcase was the first time we’ve had the opportunity to display the full breadth of the program. The displays were a clear reflection of the amazing teaching and learning that is happening in classrooms each day. Parents commented and shared of how they enjoyed having the opportunity to see samples of their child's work and seeing the full range of capabilities being tested via the MYP curriculum. It was also fantastic to share these displays with our primary school students - it’s given them further inspiration and excitement about possibly what’s to come for them in the future. Thanks to Emily Wearne and Sarah Adams for organising the choir and drama performance. To have live performances was a great addition to our showcase evening.
Building Works Update
The school has continued to receive updates in the progress of investigations into the top floor of the school. This has included - structural, plumbing and fire services investigation. We have been assured by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) that a report is completed that outlines the priority areas for improvement and rectification. It is now being priced by a quantity surveyor to outline the potential cost of these proposed improvements.
We expect to have been given the opportunity for consultation about which of these options are best for the school to undertake to ensure the long term safety and use of our main building. In due course, when we are able to, we will share more information regarding this process.
The Science relocatable building is now installed and being used by our students in the secondary school. It is great to see our Year 7 - 9 students having access to a science laboratory that meets their learning needs and program requirements.
AEU Industrial Action Update
We were informed on Friday 19th June that the AEU has rejected the government’s pay and conditions offer. We’ve not been informed of any further action at this stage, but should this change, we will notify the community as soon as we can.
Community Cup
Collingwood College was proud to once again be part of the Community Cup, with our biggest and most successful Kids Zone yet.
Prefect weather and a fantastic community atmosphere, the day showcased the creativity, generosity and spirit of our school community. Visitors enjoyed a wide range of activities including slime making, face painting, flower crowns and wand making, bracelet and keychain creation, watercolour painting, rock painting, Jaffa Smash and our popular French speaking stall. The Kitchen Garden seed giveaway was also a huge success, with seeds disappearing in record time.
A highlight of the day was the incredible contribution of our students, families and volunteers. It was wonderful to see so many students giving their time to support the event and engaging positively with the wider community.
Our Kids Café was once again a crowd favourite, offering an impressive selection of baked goods generously donated by families. Thank you to everyone who contributed.
The Kids Zone welcomed strong community participation, with 375 activity cards purchased throughout the day, helping to create a vibrant and engaging space for children and families.
We extend our sincere thanks to all students, families, staff, volunteers and members of our marketing team who contributed to the event's success. The positive feedback received from visitors and organisers reflects the strength of our school community and its commitment to supporting events that bring people together.
Dollshouse
Grand Opening of the dollshouse and Ruby Hoppins exhibition!! It was fantastic to see it lit up and shining!! Additional promotion about the origins of the dollhouse can be found in the domain article below. Many thanks to Hannah Marshall and Ruby Hoppins for their dedication and love to get our dollhouse up and running.
https://www.domain.com.au/news/the-history-of-victorias-smallest-house-1498557/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ6SctmAcnc/
Swing into Spring is back September 2026!
We are excited to announce that Swing into Spring is back for 2026 on Sunday 13th September 11am - 4pm. We are having our first meeting Wednesday 15th July at 4pm (after the Wednesday Market) in Meeting Room 1 at Collingwood College. Everyone is welcome to come and join us to help support the event.
Kind Regards,
Angela Watters and Chris Millard
Principals