Principal's Report

Building for the Future at Woodmans Hill Secondary College 

Capital Works, Learning Goals & Student Wellbeing 

Capital Works Begin – Important Parking Changes 

We are excited to share that our Capital Works Building Program is about to begin at Woodmans Hill Secondary College. Our construction partners, H Troon, will be onsite shortly, with temporary fencing being installed across the building site this week. 

From Friday 30 May, the staff car park entrance near the REC Centre will be closed to all parent vehicles, AT ALL TIMES. This area will serve as the designated construction site access and must remain clear at all times for safety and operational reasons. 

We understand traffic congestion has increased, especially during peak drop-off and pick-up times, as our school and neighbouring schools (Caledonian Primary and St Francis Xavier) continue to grow. To assist families, we’ve provided a map showing alternative drop-off/pick-up zones, including Scott’s Parade near Russell Square, offering a 5–10 minute walk to school. Please ensure students use the Fussell Street pedestrian crossing for safe access. 

We thank our families for your support and understanding during this exciting time of growth. 

Strategic Planning for Student Success 

In addition to our physical improvements, we are pleased to share our new 2025–2029 School Strategic Plan (SSP). This four-year plan outlines the school’s vision and goals, supported each year by a detailed Annual Implementation Plan (AIP). 

The Strategic Plan focuses on two major goals: 

Goal 1: To improve student learning 

Goal 2: To improve student wellbeing 

Goal 1: To Improve Student Learning 

Targets: 

Target 1.1 By 2029, increase the 2024 percentage of Year 9 students at the NAPLAN Exceeding and Strong proficiency levels: 

Reading from 58% to 65% 

Writing from 51% to 60% By 2029, increase the 2024 percentage of Year 9 students at the NAPLAN Exceeding proficiency level: 

Numeracy from 3% to 6% 

Target 1.2 Placeholder target to be confirmed when data available (anticipated 2025) By 2029, increase the 2025 percentage of Year 5 students making NAPLAN Benchmark Growth: 

Reading from xx% to xx% 

Numeracy from xx% to xx% 

Target 1.3 By 2029, increase or maintain 2024 VCE outcomes: 

VCE and VCE VM completion rates from 91% to 95% 

the VCE all study score mean from 27.59 to 29 

the percentage of students receiving an English study score of 37 or more at 18% 

Target 1.4 By 2029, increase the 2024 percentage of Years 7 to 10 students at or above age expected levels (Teacher Judgement, Victorian Curriculum): 

Reading and Viewing from 52% to 63% 

Writing from 54% to 63% 

Mathematics 2.0 (202x) from xx% to xx% (Placeholder to be confirmed when data available, anticipated to be 2025) 

Target 1.5 By 2029, maintain or increase the 2024 percentage positive endorsement of Year 7 to 12 students to the student Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS): 

Teacher-student relations domain – High expectations for success at 72% 

Effective teaching practice for cognitive engagement domain – Effective teaching time factor: 

“The feedback that my teachers give helps me to understand how to improve” from 54% to 60% 

Target 1.6 By 2029, increase the 2024 percentage positive endorsement on the School Staff Survey: 

School Climate module – Collective responsibility from 58% to 70% 

Key Improvement Strategies (KIS): How we will do this 

Continue to build a culture of high expectations for both staff and students. 

Further embed a culture of professional learning and collaboration. 

Further develop, document and embed a teaching and learning practice that reflects the needs of all students. 

Goal 2: To Improve Student Wellbeing 

Targets: 

Target 2.1 By 2029, increase the 2024 percentage positive endorsement of Year 7 to 12 students on the AtoSS: 

Social engagement domain: 

School connectedness (Sense of connectedness) from 43% to 47% 

Sense of confidence from 53% to 57% 

Safety domain: 

Respect for diversity from 37% to 42% 

Target 2.2 By 2029, decrease the 2024 percentage of students with 20 or more absence days from 62% to 55%. 

Key Improvement Strategies (KIS): How we will do this 

Strengthen a school-wide strategy to support students’ sense of confidence and connectedness. 

Further embed a multi-tiered system of support that enhances student wellbeing, engagement and inclusion. 

Looking Ahead 

This is a time of real growth and transformation for Woodmans Hill Secondary College. From new facilities to long-term learning and wellbeing goals, we are working together to ensure that every student is safe, connected and supported to achieve success. 

Thank you for being an important part of our school community.