Message from the Principal
Welcome to the new term at Preston High School.
I would like to begin by thanking our students, families and staff for the warm welcome I have received as I commence in the role of Principal. Over recent weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet many members of our school community, and what has stood out immediately is the strong identity, pride and sense of purpose that exists across the school.
Preston High School has established a reputation for high-quality teaching, strong student relationships and a commitment to ensuring every young person is known, supported and challenged. My focus is not on wholesale change, but on building on these foundations with clarity, consistency and disciplined improvement. Our task is to preserve what makes Preston High School special while continuing to strengthen opportunities for every student to thrive.
This work is guided by our school values of Excellence, Inclusion and Community.
Excellence means maintaining high expectations for learning growth, behaviour and engagement. We want every student to make meaningful progress and to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future success.
Inclusion means ensuring every student experiences belonging while also being appropriately supported and challenged. High expectations and inclusion are not competing priorities; they go hand in hand. True excellence is achieved when every student has access to opportunities that help them reach their potential.
Community recognises the importance of strong partnerships between students, staff, families and the wider Preston community. Families are essential partners in learning, and we value the trust and support you provide every day.
Throughout this term, our key priority remains learner growth. Every decision we make should help us better understand our students and support their progress. We will continue to strengthen collaborative teaching practices, support staff development and refine the systems that help our growing school remain focused, organised and responsive.
The term began with an important opportunity for our community to come together at a Smoking Ceremony in recognition of NAIDOC Week and to acknowledge the rich cultures, histories and enduring connection to Country of First Nations peoples. There is also much to look forward to throughout the term.
Students will be engaging in a range of learning experiences, enhancement and club opportunities, excursions, sporting events and student leadership activities. We will continue to support pathway planning across all year levels, helping students and families understand future options and make informed decisions about their next steps.
One of the highlights of the term has undoubtedly been our school production. The enthusiasm, commitment and talent already being demonstrated by our students and staff have been inspiring. School productions are a wonderful example of our values in action, bringing together excellence, inclusion and community spirit.
This term also provides an opportunity to welcome several new staff members to Preston High School. Our new colleagues will bring a range of expertise, experience and fresh perspectives that will strengthen our learning community. Please help us welcome the following staff to Preston High School:
- Haylee Downes - English and Humanities
- Adam Al-Salihi - English and Humanities
- Alice McCarthy - Maths and Science
- Nimisha Sarin - Maths and Science
- Claire McCormack - Health and PE
- Luca Allen - Health and PE
Kelly Ye - VCE Chinese
As planning for our future facilities and campus development continues, our focus will remain firmly on ensuring that any new spaces enhance learning, wellbeing and the culture that defines Preston High School. The new campus must strengthen our educational model and support the relationships, learning experiences and sense of belonging that are central to student success.
As a school community, we share a common goal: supporting every student to grow, contribute and succeed. I look forward to working alongside students, families, staff and community partners throughout the term and to celebrating the achievements that lie ahead.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Preston High School. Together, we will continue to build a school that combines high expectations with genuine care, where every student is known, challenged, included and encouraged to achieve their best.
Mark Natoli
Principal