Principal Report

Welcome back!

The school year has begun on a positive note, and it feels like we’ve had a great start to 2025. We commenced with two student-free days, allowing our staff valuable time to collaborate, refine planning, and ensure a consistent approach to teaching and learning. This preparation has helped set the stage for a smooth and successful year ahead.

In Week 3, I had the pleasure of attending our Year 12 camp at Anglesea. Despite the sweltering 38-degree heat, our students were fantastic, demonstrating great attitude, resilience, and engagement with the learning activities.  The camp provided an excellent opportunity for our Year 12 students to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and prepare for the demands of their final year.  Staff that attended provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the students' maturity, teamwork, and willingness to embrace challenges.  A special thank you to the Year 12 team for their efforts in organising such a meaningful experience.

Next week, our Year 7 students will embark on their camp, a significant milestone in their transition to secondary school.  This experience plays a crucial role in fostering friendships, strengthening team skills, and helping students establish a sense of belonging within their cohort.  The camp will also reinforce our College values of Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence.

Meanwhile, this week will be a busy one, with several key events taking place, including our Year 7 BBQ, Swimming Sports, and visits from local primary schools. These events contribute to our vibrant school culture and offer valuable opportunities for students to connect with their peers and the wider community.

Exciting Facility Upgrades

Several upgrades are underway to enhance our learning environment. These include classroom improvements, ramp installations, and new furniture to create more modern and accessible spaces.  Additional work will continue throughout the term and during the next holiday period. These enhancements align with our ongoing commitment to providing students with a high-quality learning environment.

Staffing Updates – Welcome to Our New Team Members

We are excited to welcome several new staff members to our teaching and support teams. Their expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly enrich the learning experiences of our students:

• Claire Delaney (Psychology/Maths)
• Paul Mullaney (English)
• David Tod (Digital Technologies)
• Ada Hatton (Education Support)
• Poppy Strickland (Education Support)
• Dilara Gumus (P.E.)
• Mike Huang (Maths)
• Hannah Dalgliesh (Maths)
• Jordan Kiely (Music)
• Amy Brieksteeg (Music)

Leadership Staff for 2025

I’d like to introduce the key personnel leading various areas of the college this year:

• Principal – Sam Luck
• Assistant Principal Senior School – Rebecca Taylor
• Assistant Principal Middle School – Shona McEnaney
• Assistant Principal Junior School – Reg Byrne
• Business Manager – Karen Baker
• Senior School Coordinator – Kirk Briggs
• Middle School Coordinator – Tara Librio
• Junior School Coordinator – Brigette Gilmour
• Teaching and Learning Leader – Eva Dean
• Transition and Community Engagement Leader – Kim Faulkner
• Inclusive Practices Learning Specialist – Hayley Freeman
• Learning Specialist Literacy – Kellie Voss / Megan Mooney Taylor
• Professional Learning and Growth – Marc Westgarth
• Learning Specialist Numeracy – Admon Sheba
• Wellbeing Coordinator – Vanessa Caruso
• Attendance Officer – Sue Hamer

With such a strong start, we are eager to maintain this positive momentum throughout the year.  We appreciate the support of our students, staff, and families in making Diamond Valley College a thriving learning environment. Stay tuned for more updates in upcoming newsletters!

Sam Luck 

Principal