From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends of Auburn High School,

As the school year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and learning that has occurred in 2024. We are fortunate to have such exceptional and dedicated staff and student teams guiding our school community. Over the break, I encourage you to enjoy some special time with family and friends and make the most of the festive season and some lovely summer weather. I am looking forward to family Christmas, visiting the MCG for the cricket, Rod Laver for the tennis, and some recreational golf and tennis. 

Congratulations to our VCE and IB students for their achievements this year. Our IB students received their results this week with every student receiving their IB diploma. This is no mean feat and this is the result of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Students have not only mastered rigorous academic content, but they have honed skills in critical thinking, research, and time management that will serve them well throughout life. By undertaking the IB program, these students have gained a global perspective, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to approach challenges with an open mind and determination. The IB staff, and the school have already begun planning for 2025 with the lessons learned in our first full cycle of our first IB cohort. Student, parent and staff feedback is critical in this and all parties will have a voice in the feedback cycle.

I wish to acknowledge the incredible contributions of two of our staff who are leaving us to join other schools. Michael Truman, and David Felbel have both been here for eight years. Beginning as graduates and leaving us as experienced teachers and educational leaders. Michael has filled the roles of Learning Area Leader for English, VCE English teacher, literacy leader, and a teacher and mentor to young people and staff alike. David is a maths and accounting teacher who has also been a Year Level Leader for Year 10. David helped introduce Financial Literacy into our program and has been a successful baseball coach of our teams. Both Michael and David will be missed in the classroom, in the corridors, and in our staff room. On behalf of the school, I would like to thank you. 

Two of our tutors are leaving us as well. Kate Kennedy and Ros Mountain are not returning in 2025 to pursue other interests and I would like to thank them for their commitment and engagement of students over the last couple of years. The tutoring assistance provided by both these women was powerful in building the skills and knowledge of our students. 

Four of our staff are having 2025 sabbaticals. Jesse Weymouth, Jacob Bevacqua, Brock McDonald, and Sam Tolomei are all taking a year’s leave to take a break from teaching and explore other adventures. We thank them for their service, wish them all the best, and can’t wait to see them back at Auburn High in 2026. 

Over the last 15 months we have employed 28 new staff. This has been a very busy time in the growth of the school and we will welcome new staff in 2025. Induction days have been held and the staff have met their new teams. It is exciting for new staff to join us and I will announce specific staff in the new year. 

The school will reopen for staff on January 28th, year 7 and 12 students on the 29th, and all students will be back on deck (remember school shoes!!) on January 30th.

Wishing you all the best,

Ross Pritchard

Principal