Principal's Message-

Amadeo Ferra

Mikayla Williamson selected first round in the AFLW Draft!

I’m sure many of you were watching the AFLW Draft last night and were just as excited as I was to hear Mikayla’s name being read out when the Hawthorn FC selected her with their first pick. The Hawks are going to realise in time what we’ve known throughout her schooling and that is Mikayla is a fantastic all-round person. Whatever she commits to, she gives it her all and the results take care of themselves. She is a credit to her family who have raised her, the coaches and teachers along the way who have helped her develop and we still haven’t seen the best of her. We are incredibly proud of here and on behalf of the McClelland College community, we wish Mikayla all the best in her AFLW career.

McClelland College Early Learning and Childcare Centre!

On Tuesday the 5th of December, the Minister for Children announced that the Victorian Government will be delivering an Early Learning and Childcare Centre at McClelland College, to open in 2026. The new centre will help meet local demand and provide necessary kindergarten and childcare places for the community. It is one of 50 centres that forms part of Victoria’s $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reform, that together with Free Kinder, the transitioning of Four-Year-Old Kindergarten to Pre-Prep and the continued roll out of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten will give Victorian children the best start in life. Planning and design for the new early learning and childcare centre, (which will be located at the front corner of the school in front of Hands on Learning) will commence shortly. I have been advised by the Department that the school will be represented throughout the project and will play a key role in helping to guide the facility’s planning and design. This will help to ensure that the school’s interests are being incorporated into all relevant decision-making.

I understand that you may have questions about this project. In the first instance, please find attached an FAQ document which has been provided by the Department. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact the school and we can forward them to the Department for response. Alternatively, you may direct queries to the VSBA on 1800 896 950 or email vsba@education.vic.gov.au.

A personal announcement

It is with mixed emotions that I share some significant news with you all today. After 17 years of dedicated service to McClelland College, I am embarking on a new professional journey. A new opportunity has been presented to me and it is one I felt I wanted to explore knowing the school is in an excellent position for a new principal to lead McClelland College into the future.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of being part of this incredible community, witnessing the growth and success of our students and the unwavering commitment of our staff. The decision to step into a new role as a Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL) which I have been provisionally appointed to, was not an easy one, particularly considering the strong bonds I have formed with so many of you. However, I am confident that this transition will open doors for me to continue supporting a larger number of schools at a system level.

During my time at McClelland, I have seen the remarkable dedication of our staff, the passion of our students, and the support of our parents. These qualities have made McClelland College a truly special place, and I am proud to have been a part of it.

I am pleased to share that Donna Geritz (an experienced Assistant Principal from Westernport SC) has been appointed Acting Principal for Term 1, ensuring a smooth transition for the College. The department will then advertise the substantive position, allowing for a comprehensive selection process to identify the next leader who will guide McClelland College into the future.

I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering commitment to our shared values of Community, Ownership and Growth which helps us ensure our students reach their potential. I am confident that McClelland will continue to thrive under the exceptional leadership team and dedicated staff that we have in place.

As my own journey takes me into a new chapter, I carry with me the fond memories and experiences shared with you all. I do not doubt that McClelland College will continue to be a beacon of excellence, and I look forward to hearing about the continued success of our students (including two of my own so I will return for Parent Teacher Interviews and other events!) and the College as a whole.

McClelland College is a phenomenal school and I will be forever a supporter. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Principal, and I wish everyone connected with McClelland nothing but continued success.

Sincerely,

Amadeo Ferra

Principal