Principal Report

Welcome 

A warm welcome back to all students and families. Already we are 3 weeks into a busy and vibrant Term 1. I have really enjoyed meeting families at 3 BBQ/Information Evenings for VCE, Year 9 and Year 7. As a College we value opportunities to connect at these informal occasions. 

For the Year 9 families, I hope you enjoyed hearing all about our new subject that has an inter-generational focus. We have trialed an abridged version of this in 2024 and 2025 and have now expanded this program, including in our core subject offerings at Year 9. Seeing the positive impact that this has had on our students in the last 2 years has been a personal highlight for me.

Our first College Assembly for the year was a wonderful opportunity to not only present our Year 12 students with their badges, but to formally welcome our Year 7 students to the College.

Our Year 7 students have settled in well to Secondary School life and will be embarking on their Transition Camp next week. As a staff, we are enjoying getting to know our newest students and look forward to seeing them expand their social connections on camp.

All students have settled back into school routines enjoying new classes, new subjects and new challenges. 

Welcome New Staff

We welcome the following new/returning staff to Norwood for 2026:

• Sarah Pike: English
• Calvin Tran: Mathematics
• Abby Merton: English/Humanities
• Abbey Sampson-Smith: English
• Isabelle Lombardi: Mathematics/Science
• Khai Za Thang: Mathematics/Science
• Ebony Forlano: Mathematics/Science
• Nathan Agache: French
• Susan Tahin: Quicksmart Literacy
• Sam Brereton: IT Technician
• Maria Camila Camperos Galdino: Instrumental Music (strings)
• Jessica Oostermeyer: Humanities/English (returning from leave)
• Elise Warren: Arts (returning from leave)

College Direction

As a College, we are focused on the following 2 goals for 2026:

1. Enhance the learning growth for all students.

2. Optimise the engagement and wellbeing of every student.

School Council Membership

Membership of School Council offers parents a unique position to be involved in the governance of their child’s school. Council members are exposed to a broad range of decision-making from finances to educational programs and major events such as Camps and Tours. Reflection and discussion at Council provides us with variety in opinions and experiences as Council has staff, parents and students as members. This year we have a number of vacancies in the following membership categories:

• 4 Parent 
• 3 Department of Education
• 0  Students 
• 3 Community 

Details regarding the Election Process are included below. Parents are encouraged to consider being a part of this important decision-making body. Interested parents/carers should contact Lucia Churchward via the General Office.

Form 2: notice of election and call for nominations

Following the closing of nominations, a list of the nominations received will be posted at the school.

The terms of office, membership categories and number of positions in each membership category open for election are as follows:

Following the closing of nominations, a list of the nominations received will be posted at the school.

If the number of nominations is less than the number of vacancies, a notice to that effect and calling for further nominations will be posted in a prominent position at the school.