The next chapter

This term marked an exciting new chapter at Sandringham College as we successfully transitioned into a new era within our two-campus structure. Bluff Road campus now became a year 7&8 subschool and Holloway Road now has a year 9 &10 sub school and also Year 11 & 12 subschool. This significant move comes from the growth and development of the college and our desire to open up even more opportunities and support programs for our students. After spending six years having the privilege of being Campus Principal at Bluff Rd, I feel excited to return to Holloway Rd to commence this new journey in the history of the College. Of course, this move required careful logistical and strategic planning to ensure minimal disruption to students' learning and daily routines. Behind the scenes, extensive student-focused planning played a vital role in preparing for this change, ensuring a smooth and positive start for all. Special thanks must go to Assistant Principal for Operations and Assessment Michael McGowan for all  the incredible work he has done to ensure this transition was smooth and efficient. He led a team who worked tirelessly to ensure both campuses were ready for this change, including logistical details such as lockers, desks, tables and chairs were relocated in a short amount of time so as not to impact student learning. 

To celebrate this milestone, we hosted farewell assemblies at each campus, offering an opportunity to reflect on our shared journey and embrace the new possibilities ahead. Adding to the festivities, an ice cream truck visited the Bluff Rd campus, treating students and staff to a well-deserved celebration to say farewell to the campus as students relocated to Holloway Rd. 

Orientation programs were key to helping students settle into their new campuses. Through these programs, students explored their new environments, met their teachers, and established routines, setting the tone for success and expectation in their next stage of learning. 

Special recognition goes to our senior school students, whose maturity and readiness to embrace this new structure have been truly commendable. They have welcomed the two new year levels to the campus with open arms, showing support and a wonderful sense of community. The campus has been a buzz with learning, mentoring and guiding others forward to create the new “norm”. At the end of Headstart we had year level celebration assemblies to mark the end of the year, set the tone for holiday expectations and celebrate some outstanding work in 2024. I look forward to working with all students as they move through their final journey in their senior school life.

A big thanks to all those families that attended our "inside working bee" at Holloway Rd on Sunday November 24th. You came, you painted, we laughed and we got the job done! Your incredible assistance with this task is truly appreciated. 

The families that attended were the:

Barutcu

Skinner

Wyatt

Winterburn

Taylor

Wilson

Khan Niazi

Hakkenness

Cowan

Subhawickrama

Fotakis

Tonini

Bingham

Millward

Sims

Haines

Apologies to anyone else who came but didn't make it on the sign-in list.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the outstanding leadership and teamwork demonstrated by David Hall and Cody Gunn throughout 2024. As Campus Principals at different times throughout 2024 at Holloway Road, they stepped into pivotal roles seamlessly—David now serving as Acting College Principal during Amy Porter’s absence, and Cody stepping into David’s role as Campus Principal. Their collaborative approach and dedication, alongside the unified efforts of the entire Principal Team, have been instrumental in guiding the College through a successful year. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible Office Staff and Executive Administration team, particularly Kerry Haley, Ruth Dower, and Dave Laursen. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes, working beside the Principal team, are vital to the smooth running of our College. From managing rigorous timetables and ensuring effective staffing to overseeing the daily operations of the school, their dedication and work is the backbone of our success, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to excellence. 

As we move into 2025, we are excited to welcome new members to our Principal team who will further strengthen our college community. Joining us are Assistant Principals Olivia Grant (11 & 12) , and Mansha Rajasekhar  (Teaching and Learning) whose fresh perspectives and dedication will enrich our leadership. They are of course joined by the highly experienced Michael McGowan (Operations and Assessment) and Michelle Lynch (7& 8 and Inclusion) and Ned Vasey ( 9 & 10), bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight to the team.

We are incredibly proud of the collective efforts that have made this transition a success and look forward to all the opportunities our new structure will bring. Thank you to all students, staff, and families for your support in making this possible. Together, we’re building an even stronger future for Sandringham College!

I would like to wish all families across the college best wishes for the festive season and hope you enjoy a wonderful and safe break.

Vivienne McElwee

Campus Principal