A message from Tracy
Updated: Wednesday 11 November 2026
Dear Families,
Firstly, I want to thank the many families and members of our College community who have reached out with kind words and support over the past 24 hours. It has meant a great deal to me as I step into the role of Acting Principal.
I know the ongoing Enterprise Agreement negotiations have been difficult for our College community, and that the uncertainty and disruption have been frustrating for many families. I want to acknowledge the patience and understanding you have shown, particularly as we have worked through the impact of protected industrial action on College operations.
Although I have only been in the role publicly for a day, there is already important progress to share. I am very conscious of the need to move quickly, and I want to keep you informed as that work continues.
Last night, members of the College Board and College Leadership Team met with the bargaining team. It was a constructive meeting, with some important conversations about where things stand and how we move forward. The Board shared the College's financial position in detail, and there was a shared desire to make progress more quickly.
Board Chair Renee Bowman has committed to attending every bargaining meeting until an agreement is reached, with fellow Board members making themselves available as required. I think this is an important step that reflects how seriously we are taking the need to get this resolved.
2026 Salary Increases
Today, I advised all staff that the Board and I have made the decision to proceed with a 5% salary increase for all staff for 2026, backdated to 1 February. We informed the bargaining team of this decision at last night's meeting. The increase will be paid without any conditions attached. This applies to all staff employed at the College at the time of payment being made. This increase also applies to base salary, Home Group allowance, Exemplary allowance, and annual leave loading.
The increase and backpay will be paid no later than the last staff day of 2026, although we are working to get this into our staff accounts sooner if we can.
For our teachers, the College has also committed to ensuring that their total earnings for the 2026 calendar year are no less than what they would have received under the Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA), including any applicable 'one-off' additional payments. Where there is a shortfall in particular teaching levels, the College will make up the difference.
For our Educational Support Staff, the 5% increase is confirmed. We recognise there is still work to do in comparing ESS roles with VGSA classifications, and both parties have agreed to progress this urgently.
For our Instrumental Music Teachers (IMTs), the 5% increase will also apply to ensemble allowances. We have recently commenced discussions with IMT representatives to work through their outstanding claims, and these conversations will continue.
This does not resolve everything, but it is an important step forward. We recognise the impact these prolonged negotiations have had on our community and want to see an agreement reached as soon as possible.
Where to from here?
The Independent Education Union (IEU) has sought assistance from the Fair Work Commission through conciliation, a process the College fully supports. We hope this will help both parties work towards an agreement sooner, alongside the ongoing bargaining process.
The College has also requested another bargaining meeting for Tuesday 17 November and has made it clear that we are willing to meet more frequently and for longer if that will help move things forward.
There is still work ahead of us, and I don't want to suggest otherwise. However, I do want families to know that the Board and College Leadership Team are working hard to bring these negotiations to a conclusion.
Further notified industrial action
The College has received notice of further protected industrial action, including a work stoppage on Friday 13 November and Monday 16 November, from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm.
Our Heads of School and College Leadership Team have been working through the arrangements needed to support students and minimise disruption to learning and scheduled activities.
Details of the arrangements can be found here.
I realise our community has received a great deal of communication about these negotiations, and I wish I could tell you that everything has been resolved. We're not there yet.
What I can promise is that we will continue to keep you informed as things progress. Transparency is important to me, and I want our families to understand what is happening and the work being done to find a way forward.
I also want to acknowledge our amazing staff. Despite everything that has been happening, they continue to show up each day for your children, our students, with the same care and commitment that makes this College so special. I see how much they give, particularly during such a difficult time, and I am doing everything I can to ensure they receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve.
Thank you again for the warmth and encouragement you have shown me over the past day, and for your continued patience as we work through this together. I care deeply about this College and our people. I am committed to moving forward, with our focus firmly on our students and getting back to the core of who we are as an Overnewton community, that we all know and love.
Yours sincerely,
Tracy Fielder
Acting Principal