From the Principal

Introducing Our New Student House Structure – 2026

Last year I wrote and introduced to families our new team structure for 2026. In this newsletter I wish to reintroduce this structure as we have had many new families join us as of the beginning of this year.

At Yarrabing Secondary College, we continually look for ways to enhance the support we provide to our students. Following a review of our 2025 structure, we are pleased to share that from 2026 we will be introducing a new Vertical House Team model.

Rather than having a single coordinator for each year level, students will become part of one of four House Teams. Each House will include approximately two classes from Years 7, 8 and 9, creating a vertical structure that connects students across year levels. Every House will be supported by a dedicated group of 8–10 core teachers and coordinators who will guide and support students throughout their journey at Yarrabing.

This approach is designed to foster strong, long-term relationships between students, staff, and families. With a consistent team supporting them over multiple years, students will be well known by their teachers, their progress will be closely monitored, and support will be more personalised and consistent. Research shows that vertical house structures in larger schools help strengthen students’ sense of belonging, connection, and engagement.

An additional benefit of this model is the opportunity for students from different year levels to collaborate in team-based activities. This will encourage mentoring, teamwork, and stronger connections across the school. Families will also benefit from having a clear and consistent point of contact, and wherever possible, siblings will be placed within the same House.

At this stage of our journey, each House has been named after their nominated colour. Hence, we have students allocated to the Blue, Green, Red and Yellow teams. 

Each House has a House Leader and two Student Coordinators as part of their Leadership team, who oversee the day to day running of their classes. Given this strong connection to their students, they are the college staff who are in the best position to assist any of our families with any questions, concerns or issues that may arise. Please feel free to contact them as your first point of communication.

It is with immense pleasure that I introduce the various House Leaders to you for 2026:

My experience in working in this way over many years provides me with the confidence that this new structure will strengthen our College community and ensure every student feels known, supported, and valued. In 2026, students and staff will also have the exciting opportunity to create a team identity for the four Houses, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter at Yarrabing Secondary College.

John Mitsinikos

College Principal