LEADERSHIP TEAM

Principal’s Report

As we come to the end of another remarkable year at Red Cliffs Secondary College, I am filled with great pride in what our community has achieved together.  2025 has been a year defined by growth, collaboration, and continued commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Our achievements both large and small, reflect the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the unwavering support of our families.

Throughout the year, our improvement data gathered from students, staff, and parents has shown sustained growth across majority of the key focus areas. These results highlight the strength of our shared vision and the collective effort that exists within our school community. It is incredibly encouraging to see consistent gains in student engagement, wellbeing, and academic progress, reinforcing the impact of our strategic work and the nurturing environment we have created.

This year we continued to deepen our work around our new instructional model, aligning it closely with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0.  Staff have embraced ongoing professional learning, reflective practice, and collaboration, ensuring that teaching remains consistent, evidence-based, and responsive to student needs. This alignment has created a powerful framework that supports high-quality instruction in every classroom, and we are already seeing the positive impact on student outcomes and confidence.

Our student leadership and wellbeing teams have played a vital role in shaping our school culture throughout the year. They have planned and delivered a range of engaging events and activities that strengthened student voice, encouraged peer leadership, and built connections across year levels. One of the standout celebrations this year was the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, an event that brought our community together to honour First Nations culture, history, and achievements. The week was filled with meaningful learning experiences and opportunities for reflection, highlighting our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and cultural understanding.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Ben Nicholson as our new Principal, commencing at the start of the school year in 2026.  His appointment marks an important new chapter for our school.  We look forward to the experience, fresh perspective, and strategic leadership he will bring, and we are confident that he will continue to guide us on a positive and forward-focused path.

Stepping into the role of Acting Principal mid-year has been an incredible privilege. The opportunity to work more closely with the leadership team, staff, students, and families has been both rewarding and inspiring.  I have enjoyed deepening relationships across the community, partnering with local organisations and businesses, and supporting staff as they continue to refine their practice. Throughout this time, I have seen firsthand the passion and professionalism that drives our staff every day, and the resilience, curiosity, and kindness demonstrated by our students.

As we reflect on the achievements of the year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our entire school community. To our students, thank you for your enthusiasm, your willingness to learn, and the joy you bring to our school. To our staff, your commitment to each student’s success and wellbeing is remarkable, and your collective effort is what makes our school such a vibrant place to work and learn. To our families and community partners, your support and trust continue to make a significant difference, and we value the strong relationships that form the backbone of our school.

2025 has been a year of progress, connection, and shared success. I congratulate everyone on what we have achieved together and look forward to an exciting year ahead as we continue to build on our strong foundations.

Mr. Josh Willersdorf

Acting Principal