Principal's Reflection

Dear families,

I write with so much joy at the beginning of this school year! The start has been stronger than ever before and as I have engaged with students, staff and families, there is an overwhelming sense of optimism, enthusiasm and commitment across the entire school. To our newest students and families, I hope you are feeling welcome and settled by the time this reaches you. It has been a joy to watch our new students settle in and although we encountered a few tears and some very big feelings in the first couple of days, I am pleased to report that all our parents seem to be doing just fine! Our students on the other hand have been nothing short of incredible as they adapt to our ever-changing environment.

Just under 870 students have commenced this year and we are already taking more enrolment enquiries for commencement both this year and next! With a total capacity of 875 students, we are feeling a little squishy, but our careful planning last year has helped us absorb the growth and get a headstart on a few more projects due for completion over the Easter break. These include the very long process of obtaining permits and approval for new shade sails, our extra playground and some additional walls and doors in block B to help contain all the excitement. I have no doubt that more facilities will be on the cards for 2027 and I have already started planning to ensure our environment stays calm, orderly and learning focused.

On that note, many families will notice an increased emphasis on some of the smaller details. Uniform, conduct, attendance (particularly lateness to class) and general engagement will be an important part of our planning this year. Our core focus is on the quality of our curriculum, instruction and support systems, but we recognise that these ‘pre-conditions for learning’ are essential if any improvement efforts are going to stick. Last year I was pleased to report our results were in the highest performance category for both learning and wellbeing (particularly the growth of all learners from their previous years achievement). We intend to extend upon this achievement and in doing so, we will need to support our families and students to attend to the smallest of details to achieve meaningful gains. We have spoken to students about various other team environments where being on time, being prepared and being dressed for the occasion are a minimum standard for participation. Be that a construction site, a sporting team or a local fast-food outlet, many of these places will not compromise on uniform, attendance, conduct and safety. They do this because they believe in their brand, they care about the quality and presentation of their product and they have high expectations for everyone who experiences it. We will be no exception, and I firmly believe that your children deserve no less. It is my responsibility to lead the vision for an ever-improving learning experience (and environment) for our students, a charge I remain deeply committed to.

Having said this, there are always circumstances that require a team to help carry the load, just as there are team members who decide that another team better represents their needs and values. In both of these circumstances, it is my hope that we can offer support and guidance. For this reason, we are continuing to establish support systems where our expectations are being raised. Our bell system has been upgraded and will continue to be calibrated. Our timetable has been adjusted to help students with transitions. Recess and Lunch have been separated so that primary and secondary students have greater access to facilities and a range of wellbeing support options are available to families who seek them. As members of our team, there are many things you can do to support our efforts. They include:

Be familiar with student resource needs and seek clarification and support if you have difficulty supplying what your child needs. We will problem solve with you.
Make a voluntary contribution. Over the years, these have declined and at the same time, families have asked why costs have increased. I can’t subsidise programs while our budget continues to shrink. Your contribution makes a significant difference to all manner of programs and projects.
Consider donating uniform, textbooks and other resources. Call ahead and see what items are needed, these supports can make a huge difference for many students who might not otherwise have access.
Be on board. Sometimes our personal values and beliefs are challenged. The more we can align our thinking and support our students, the stronger our culture becomes. Feedback is useful, but it can also be a source of conflict too. I encourage everyone to be open to the perspectives that challenge us and look for opportunities to align and support, rather than divide and conquer. I will do my very best to honour this intention in my interactions with all of you.

The year is long and there is so much excitement ahead of us. Improvements and growth are all around us, some examples in just the first three weeks include:

Overwhelming numbers of auditions for the production which is already moving at a rapid pace.
A detailed sports program that continues to grow in both structure and participation.
Our year 12 students are planning more strategically than ever before and have made firm commitments to some very impressive academic targets
Early years students are reading at significantly higher than state levels
Mathematics, Science and e-Sports competitions are scheduled (stay tuned)
Cultural celebration plans have already been submitted for approval and camps and excursion bookings are coming in thick and fast.

With this and so much more underway, I am not sure how any of our staff have slept, but it is so energising to see the passion that this year is being met with. I sincerely hope that we can keep the momentum up and that each of you have encountered a burst of energy and enthusiasm in the beginning of your year so far.

I look forward to what the next five weeks brings and hope that our team only grows in strength and confidence over that time.

Warmest regards,

Nathan Guthridge

Principal

Altona College