Principal's Report

Farewell Mr. Gordon Poultney

It is with a heavy heart that I share with the school community that Mr. Gordon Poultney passed away last week. Gordon joined Horsham College in 1999 as a Mathematics and Digital Technology teacher. He had numerous roles over the years, including Year Level Coordinator, Mathematics Learning Area Head, Timetabler, Leading Teacher – Professional Development, Learning Specialist – Teaching Model, and Learning Specialist – Numeracy. Gordon was passionate about teaching and loved helping students learn.  He had a particular interest in developing students’ problem-solving skills and stretching them beyond what they thought was possible. 

Gordon’s calm presence, alongside his wit and wisdom, was only surpassed by his absolute love of life, and steadfast determination to get every ounce of joy out of the life he led. He was an avid climber, traveler and paraglider, and these interests took him far and wide across Australia and the world. 

As a school community, we pass on our condolences to those who love Gordon, and hope that we can embrace his lesson of work hard and enjoy life as much as possible. 

Headstart Year 11 and 12 2025 and End of Year

The Headstart programs for students will finish Friday of this week for Year 11 into Year 12, and next Friday for Year 10 into Year 11.  The programs are an opportunity for students and staff to begin the learning for the year ahead and understand the expectations of VCE and VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) at Horsham College.

I would like to thank the staff who have prepared lessons and worked collaboratively to prepare for the year ahead to ensure a smooth transition for 2026.

Once the Headstart programs are completed the teams in Years 7 to 9 will begin preparing students to transition to the following year level.  Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 in 2026 will receive their 2026 elective choices.

Whilst every effort is made to provide students with their top preferences, this is not always possible, which is why we requested back up preferences on subject selection day. 

End of Year Awards Ceremony: Alternate Programs, Years 7-11 & Year 12 Graduation Evening 

Our end of year awards ceremony for students attending Alternate Programs is Thursday the 11th of December in the Trade Training Centre. Year 12 Graduation Evening will be held on Monday 15th of December at the Town Hall, and students in Years 7-11 will be held on Tuesday 16th December in the College M-Wing. 

Each of these events are a great night to celebrate the success of our 2025 students, and I look forward to seeing many members of our school community and celebrating and acknowledging our students and their achievements. 

End of Year Dates 

Please note the following important dates for the end of the school year:

• November 17th to 28th – Year 11 to 12 Headstart 

• December 1st to 5th – Year 10 to 11 Headstart

• December 9th  – Year 7 Statewide Transition Day

• December 11th – Alternate Programs (Reengagement) Awards

• From December 15th – End of Year Activities

• December 15th - Year 12 Graduation & Awards Night

• December 16th - Year 7 to 11 Awards