Principal Report

50 Years of Service: Thank-You and Farewell to Mr Wilson

Apart from his first year after University, Michael Wilson has spent his entire career at Norwood Secondary College. We consider ourselves very fortunate that he chose this school, remaining loyal to the Norwood community for 50 years. 

As a Humanities teacher, Mr Wilson has inspired many students to explore History and Geography. Mr Wilson is also a languages teacher, specialising in Latin and French, in addition to being an English teacher. He has always been an incredibly positive teacher, who takes a genuine interest in all of his students. As a teacher, he will be well remembered by so many.

Outside of the classroom, Mr Wilson has gone above and beyond. Long after the bell has rung, you will often see him in the middle of the oval coaching and training students for cricket and football. Our regular success at State level can often be attributed to his talent for taking a group of enthusiastic students and turning them into a champion team. We have won so many State Titles under his guidance but his mantra has always been about all students 'having a go' and teaching sportsmanship above all else. It is obvious really why we named the College oval the Wilson Oval. 

Beyond the school gates, Mr Wilson has been a reliable teacher on 27 Central Australia trips! Such a huge commitment has seen him give up a large part of his school holidays to ensure students experience such a valuable trip. At the same time, he has promoted the Royal Flying Doctor's Service, encouraging our school community to donate to this worthy cause. 

To say that he will be missed is an understatement but it is time for Mr Wilson to enjoy the retirement that he so deserves. His 50 years of service to public education ends on the last day of this term but his legacy will go on. On this day, our students will farewell him with a special cricket match to honour all that he has done for our school. 

On behalf of the Norwood community, past and present, we thank you Mr Wilson.

Staffing Changes

• This term we welcomed Janelle Pandit (English/Humanities) to the College as a replacement for Sarah Pike.

• As the term concludes, we farewell the following Education Support Staff: Jennie Kam (Quicksmart Numeracy) and Frances Dyson who has not only supported students in the classroom but has contributed her costuming expertise in several Norwood productions. 

• Sarah Tattersall (Quicksmart Numeracy) is returning after a period of leave.

• Farewell to Jane Arnold, our highly regarded Business Manager, who has held this important role at the College for 17 years. On behalf of the College, we acknowledge not only Jane's commitment and loyalty to the school but the high level of expertise that she has brought to the role. We wish her well on her travels.

End of Term

As the term rapidly comes to an end, I'd like to thank all of our staff for their care and professionalism towards our students. It has been a very successful start to the year. Our new Year 7 students are settled and an important part of our school community. I am looking forward to our Pancake Breakfast next week as we celebrate Term 1 with our Year 7 families.

I am heartened every time I walk through the VCE study spaces to see students studying before, during and after school. Our newest facilities are a great asset to our students and provide them with the study environment that they deserve.

We are particularly proud of all of our students. Again our student attendance data is tracking exceptionally well. It is our hope that all students maintain an attendance rate of at least 90%. As a College, our average attendance rate is currently 93%, something to be really proud of. Thank you to all families for your support in this.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all families and school staff a lovely Easter and Term 1 break. We look forward to seeing everyone back, fresh and recharged, for another engaging term.