From the Principal Team

 Listening, Learning and Connecting 

As I reflect on my first few weeks, I would like to thank our students, staff, parents and carers for the warm welcome I have received. It has been a busy and rewarding start, and I have appreciated the opportunity to begin getting to know the College and its community. 

During this time, I have enjoyed visiting classrooms, attending year level assemblies, speaking with students and meeting with staff across different areas of the College. I have been impressed by the pride students have in their school, the dedication of our staff and the breadth of learning opportunities available to our young people. 

It is clear that Viewbank College has many strengths and a strong foundation on which to build. My role is to work with our community to preserve what we do well while identifying opportunities to make our school even better. 

My First Six Weeks: Listening, Learning and Connecting 

As a new Principal, I believe it is important to take the time to understand the school, its people and its culture. For this reason, my focus for the first six weeks is centered on three key priorities: Listening, Learning and Connecting. 

Listening is about ensuring our community has a genuine voice in shaping the future direction of the Viewbank College. Our recent staff and parent surveys are an important part of this process, providing valuable insights into what we do well and where we can improve. 

Student voice will also be central to this work. I will shortly be inviting students across Years 7 to 12 to complete a survey about their experiences at Viewbank College. The feedback gathered will inform a series of student workshops, providing opportunities to explore key themes in greater depth and involve students directly in conversations about the future of their school. I also look forward to hearing directly from families at our Parent and Carer Forum on Thursday 19 November. 

Learning is about developing a deeper understanding of our college's culture, practices and performance. As part of this commitment, I have set myself a goal of visiting 50 classrooms during my first six weeks. These visits will provide valuable opportunities to observe teaching and learning in action, engage with students and develop a stronger understanding of their everyday learning experiences. 

Alongside these visits, I will be examining student learning and wellbeing data, understanding our programs and identifying opportunities to further strengthen teaching and learning. With our School Review scheduled for Term 1 next year, this is an important opportunity to reflect on our achievements and consider our future direction. 

Connecting is about building strong, positive relationships across our school community. I have valued the conversations I have had with students, staff and families, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen these connections. I firmly believe that successful schools are built on trust, shared expectations, and genuine partnerships between students, staff and families. 

Importantly, this process is not simply about gathering feedback. I am committed to sharing the key themes that emerge with our community and explaining how these insights will help inform our priorities and decisions moving forward. 

Looking Ahead 

Over the coming weeks, I will continue gathering feedback, reviewing school data and working closely with our leadership team to identify the priorities that will guide our next phase of improvement. 

My intention is not to introduce change simply for the sake of change, but to build on the considerable strengths of Viewbank College while continually seeking ways to improve student learning, wellbeing and opportunities. 

I believe successful schools are built on a shared commitment to excellent teaching, high expectations, positive relationships and a culture where every student is known, supported and challenged. These principles will guide my leadership as we work together to shape the future of Viewbank College. 

Celebrating the Class of 2026 

For our Year 12 students, the past week has been filled with memorable moments as they marked the end of their formal schooling at Viewbank College. After six years of learning, friendships, challenges and personal growth, it has been wonderful to see our students come together to reflect on their journey and enjoy their final days as a cohort. 

On Friday 16 October, we held our Year 12 Valedictory Evening at Melrose Events in Tullamarine. The evening brought together students, families and staff to reflect on six years of secondary schooling and the personal growth, friendships and experiences that have shaped our students. 

While I am new to Viewbank College and have not shared the full journey with these students, it was a privilege to be part of such an important occasion. 

I would like to sincerely thank Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal responsible for Senior School, and the Senior School Leadership Team for organising these events. My appreciation also extends to all staff who have supported, challenged and guided our students throughout their six years at Viewbank College, and to parents and carers for their ongoing encouragement and partnership. 

While formal classes have concluded, there is still important work ahead for students preparing for their final examinations. I encourage them to remain focused, continue preparing thoroughly and give their very best effort. 

To the Class of 2026, congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. Be proud of how far you have come, embrace the opportunities ahead and continue striving to achieve your personal best. 

On behalf of the Viewbank College community, I wish the class of 2026 every success in their examinations and future endeavours. 

                                                                                                                                            Ian Van Schie, Principal 

 Rachael Smith, Assistant Principal

Anna Crosswhite, Assistant Principal

Penelope Cleghorn, Assistant Principal

Emma Ford, Assistant Principal