Principal's Report

March 2026

Dear Collingwood College Community,

We would like to begin by acknowledging that this newsletter is later than usual. Over the past few weeks, our community has been deeply affected by the loss of Hugo Robertshawe. This has been a significant time for reflection, care and support across our school, and we appreciate the understanding and compassion shown by our community. The morning tea for staff put on by families was such an example of the care within our school community.

We would like to share some reflections, updates and key priorities as we continue working together to make 2026 a meaningful year of learning, connection and growth for every student.

Principal Reflection

It has been a joy to begin the year back in the classroom, teaching a weekly session in our Kitchen Garden Program alongside Annie-Rose, who is replacing Desley this term.

This experience has provided a valuable opportunity to connect directly with our primary students, work alongside our dedicated staff and volunteers, and stay closely connected to the learning experiences happening across the school. Highlights so far include seed collecting, maintaining the garden spaces, pizza making and hearing students reflect on their learning and growing enthusiasm for gardening.

We are also seeing strong interest from families in upcoming working bees, which speaks to the strength of our community connection.

Community & Events

We have had a strong start to the year with a number of community events and milestones:

Our Pizza Night was a wonderful success, bringing together families and staff. Thank you to all of our volunteers who made the evening possible.
Our Secondary Swimming Sports, held in partnership with Fitzroy High School, saw excellent participation and school spirit from our students.
The Wurun Senior Campus Welcome Evening provided valuable information and connection for families beginning their senior school journey.
Our Community Morning Tea, led by our Community Liaison Officers, created a welcoming space for families to connect and access support.
Our Iftar Dinner was such a warm, delisous coming togther of our school community. We were joined that evening by Gabrielle de Vietri - State Member of Parliament for Richmond.

Teaching & Learning

A major focus remains the implementation of the IB MYP in Years 7–9. This work reflects years of commitment from our staff and leadership team.

We are pleased to share that our final verification visit will take place on 26–27 March. This is an important milestone in becoming an authorised IB World School, and we look forward to sharing more with the community following this process.

Aligned with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0, we are continuing to strengthen:

Explicit teaching practices
Student engagement strategies
A shared Collingwood Learning Model across the school

This work supports consistency and high-quality learning experiences for all students.

School Website

We are currently redeveloping our school website to better reflect our programs, values and community. Further updates will be shared soon. We plan to use the website more electively for communications with families and important school dates.

Building & Grounds Update

Significant progress continues across our facilities:

The roof project is nearing completion, with final works underway.
Restoration of the Dolls House is progressing in consultation with Heritage Victoria.
The top floor of the main building remains closed while structural investigations continue. We are working closely with the Victorian School Building Authority and have implemented alternative arrangements, including additional computer lab spaces.
Planning is underway for Science program delivery, including use of alternative spaces and partnerships. Year 10 Students are heading to Wurun each firnight to complete their pracitcal Science lessons.
The Theatre refurbishment has started which involves temporary changes to access in the back oval area. Students in the seoncdary school are able to use addtiona spaces in the school during lunchtime and recess.

We thank students, staff and families for their flexibility and support during these ongoing works. These upgrades will make our facilities state of art for our students in their furutre

Open Day & Tours

As members of our school community we would like to invite you to attend our 2026 Open Day on Tuesday 31st March. Open Day showcases all the educational programs at our school for prospective families but also for current families who are about to transition from primary to secondary school or Year 10 to Wurun Senior Campus. We strongly recommend you visit to see the different parts of our school and the educational opportunities they offer our students. Tours run throughout Open Day at both Collingwood College and Wurun Senior Campus. It's never too early to see the next chapter in your child's education. Bookings can be made on our website. www.collingwood.vic.edu.au

If you are unable to attend this day we offer tours of Collingwood College on select Sundays each term. Lucy Marshall, Wurun Senior Campus Principal gives tours of Wurun every second Friday morning and gives a comprehensive overview of our senior pathway programs and outcomes for students.

Further Information Nights about our specific learning programs - MYP, Secondary Steiner and VCE - will be held in Term 2. Details to be communicated later in the term.

New Staff

Fraser Stuart joins us as our new 7–12 Health and Physical Education Learning Area Leader and teacher. Fraser is an experienced Health and PE leader who has recently relocated from Queensland. He is very excited to begin at Collingwood College and is looking forward to meeting his new classes.

Sam Luo has commenced as our new Daily Organiser and Timetabler. He will take over the daily organisation role from Monday. We extend our sincere thanks to Melissa La Rose and Fitzroy High School for their support during this transition period.

Please join us in making Sam and Fraser feel welcome.

Honouring Hugo Robertshawe

Over recent weeks, our community has come together to honour the life and contribution of Hugo Robertshawe.

Hugo joined our community at the beginning of Term 4, 2024. Initially, Hugo was covering Term 4 for one of our PE staff members but he soon was able to establish himself with students as a kind, knowledgeable and caring teacher who wanted students to enjoy and learn in his subjects of Physical Education and Science. He applied to stay at the school in 2025 and offered his time to become the Year 9 coordinator.

As the Year 9 Coordinator, Hugo’s caring strengths were on display daily. He listened carefully to all, he was diligent and responded to concerns and became a mentor for our Year 9s. He was committed, holistically caring for students and supportive of and for all. Our students cared for Hugo and loved his routines, many would share in his love for smoothies in the morning! He fostered a love for activity and encouraged many to keep exploring the outdoors, particularly on bikes. Hugo was part of many camps in his short time at Collingwood - surf, Great Ocean Walk and others. Again, this was Hugo’s passions of which he enjoyed sharing with staff and students.

Before joining us at Collingwood, Hugo was working towards establishing himself as a winemaker. His love for science was on show in this endeavour. He loved the outdoors and took his dog - Flochi - to explore many beaches, forests or mountains. We will miss Hugo and his steady influence on all of us and the community.

We invite our community to join us for the Ride for Hugo on Sunday 29 March, as a way of coming together to honour his memory.

We also share the following reflection from Sarina, which captures the impact Hugo had on so many -

Dear Hugo’s Friends, Family, and the School Community,

It is with deep sadness that I write this message. The loss of Hugo is something I am still trying to process. He was more than a teacher to me - he was a mentor, a guide, and someone who made me feel truly seen and supported.

Hugo had a rare and remarkable gift: he genuinely cared. Every morning he would ask how we were and sincerely wait for the answer. He made sure each student felt okay, not only academically but emotionally. In an environment where students can sometimes feel invisible, Hugo made us feel valued and important.

Last year, he kindly agreed to become my mentor. That meant more to me than I can fully express. Knowing that he believed in me enough to take on that role gave me confidence and strength, especially during challenging times.

I will always smile when I remember giving him a piece of chocolate everyday and how he would laugh and say, “At this rate, I’m going to gain weight!” His humour was warm and effortless. He had a special way of making everyone laugh bringing light into the classroom.

I will never forget his birthday - 30 August - a date that will always remain in my heart. I will always remember the smoothie he used to make every morning in his office, and how he would jokingly say he had a banana tree. These small moments, which once seemed ordinary, have now become some of my most treasured memories.

There was a time when I was going through very difficult personal circumstances and was not feeling okay at all. Hugo spent the entire day at school supporting me. He did not overlook my struggles. He stayed patient, present and compassionate. In that moment, he showed me what true support looks like. He made me feel safe when I was lost.

Science classes with Hugo were some of the best hours of my life. He made learning exciting and meaningful. He didn’t just teach lessons, he inspired us to think, to question and to believe in ourselves.

One sentence he once told me during a difficult time has stayed with me ever since: “Kill them with kindness.” Those words deeply shaped the way I respond to challenges. It was not just advice - it was a reflection of who he was as a person.

Hugo’s kindness, humour, patience and unwavering support touched my life in ways I will never forget. I feel incredibly grateful to have been his student and mentee. His impact will stay with me forever.

With deepest sympathy and heartfelt gratitude,

Sarina H

We are incredibly proud of the strength, care and connection within our community during this time.

Thank you for your continued support as we move forward together into the remainder of Term 1.

Kind Regards,

Angela Watters & Chris Millard

Principals