Macleod College Newsletter

Principal's Report

Awards Night & Year 12 Graduation Thursday 12th December

'The Centre' Ivanhoe

Welcome students, parents, staff and community members to the Macleod College 2024 celebration evening.  I would also like to acknowledge our Member for Jagajaga the Honourable Kate Thwaites and thank her for joining us here tonight.

 

2024 has been a very successful year for our school. We had our whole school performance review in term 1 which occurs every 4 years. Four external reviewers spent four days looking at our NAPLAN and VCE results along with staff, student and parent satisfaction survey data. They also ran focus groups involving a cross section of our school community. The final report was very positive and identified the great work and gains that the College had made. In particular in the area of student learning growth where student academic achievements were identified as being well above expect levels.

The reviewers were also impressed with our strong sense of community underpinned by our College values that created a unique and welcoming environment.

 

This positive endorsement of the school by the reviewers was echoed a few months later when Macleod College received The Age newspaper “Best Government school in the North Award” The Age looked at and tracked school performance over a 10 year period and presents this award to the school that has demonstrated significant and consistent improvement over that time. 

 

Both of these external groups reaffirm something that we all know - Macleod College is a wonderful school and it is a wonderful school because it is made of wonderful people. Each and every one of us contributes in some way to this rich tapestry and as the principal I have much to be thankful for. 

 

We have a hardworking, committed and talented staff who bring with them an amazing amount of expertise, professionalism, dedication and compassion.

A number of staff are leaving us this year and I would like to acknowledge their contributions who collectively leave with 105 years of service to the school between them

  • Clancy Lambourn

  • Talina Ellis

  • Stacey Tsalikidis 

  • Matt Bentley

  • Anna Collins

  • Tammie Hoang: 21 years

  • Bill Corbett: 28 years

  • Greta Kechayas: 35 years

Thank you to all of the staff for your support, hard work and commitment to our school. 

 

I would like to thank our amazing parents and friends of Macleod College who provide hours and hours of support through attendance at school functions, fundraising activities or agreeing to serve on committees. I would like to thank the members of the College Council and in particular Anna Hacker our Council President for her ongoing support and considered advice. 

 

The achievements of our students are too many to mention. They have excelled in the classroom, on the sporting fields and on the stage. The 2024 school production of Grease was a highlight and a real testament to the creativity, talent and hard work of everyone involved.  The student body has approached every task with energy and vigour and have made Macleod College the vibrant, enjoyable and caring school that I am very proud to be principal of. 

 

Tonight is a night of great recognition and celebration, particularly for the graduating class of 2024. I would like to congratulate the Year 12 class of 2024 for their outstanding VCE results. I have been tracking our results since 2001 and this year’s results are the best that we have had in that period of time.

 

Tonight signals the end of their school life and I am sure some of them will be experiencing some contradictory feelings such as loss, confusion, sadness, excitement and joy. 

 

Life is no dress rehearsal, every moment is precious so take hold of it and make the most of every opportunity; 

  • You have the capacity to direct your own life; use the tools of love, compassion, humility, respect, and trust to shape your journey; don’t settle for less than your integrity dictates

  • Be hopeful and optimistic and be willing to accept adversity as a challenge but never be afraid to seek advice; 

  • Be courageous and set yourself many personal and professional goals,

  • Develop a sense of justice towards others and always be true to the values you hold dear

I hope that as you take your place in our society you have learned what it means to be a responsible and respectful person and that you always remember our school motto…..hold fast…be thou a wall of bronze…..that is… be bright, firm, strong and be able to bend under adversity without breaking.

 

I wish the 2024 Year 12 class much success and happiness.

 

In closing I hope that everyone has a relaxing, enjoyable and safe break and I look forward to working with you in the new year.