CEO's Update

Seasons of growth at MITS 

At the start of this school year, we introduced new MITS place names, which use the names of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung seasons, reflecting the seasons of growth that young people go through as they come to MITS.  We’ve developed these names through research and contemplation, and then consultation with and guidance from Uncle Colin and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.   

The signage for each house includes a description of the season, and encourages us all – students, staff, families and visitors – to reflect on our connection to this Country.  What is happening in the landscape?  What hare the practices and customs of Wurundjeri people in each season?  And what might be the significance of the season for us as we work on Wurundjeri land, in pursuit of, or support of, education and growth?  

The place names are included below.  They are: 

• Biderap (January – February) – hot and dry 
• Waring (April – July) - wombat 
• Guling (August) – native orchid 
• Poorneet (September – October) – tadpole  
• Buarth Gurru (November) – grass flowering 
• Garrawang (December) – kangaroo apple 

In was a great pleasure to welcome Uncle Colin – on a hot Biderap evening – to MITS to lead our traditional start of year Welcome to Country and Smoking, followed by an all student dinner.  We are grateful for Uncle Colin’s welcome, and his continuing support of MITS and our students. 

A growth milestone 

In 2026, MITS is celebrating 10 years of Confident Learners, Proud Communities and Strong Futures.  Since 2016, nearly 270 young people have come to MITS from the Top End of the NT and from Regional Victoria, each pursuing their unique aspirations and passions through a Melbourne opportunity.  From five graduating cohorts, we celebrate 31 students who have completed Year 12 in Melbourne, with many more completing school closer to home, or forging their own success pathways. 

We kicked off our 10 Year celebrations with our annual MITS Family BBQ at Liz and Rick’s farm in Tuerong.  The day was filled with typical Melbourne birthday activities organised by Lia and our boarding teams, including pinata, pass the parcel and of course cake!  It was a vibrant reflection of our community, and we particularly enjoyed welcoming new Victorian families to MITS. 

Our 2026 leaders 

At our Graduation Dinner in late 2025, we were delighted to announce our 2026 MITS Captains, Lailani Bransden (from Lake Tyers, in Year 12 at Star of the Sea), and Keira Manning (from Jabiru, in Year 12 at MLC). 

Both students have demonstrated strong leadership grounded in care for others, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to community.  As Captains, Lailani and Keira will play an important role in representing student voice, supporting younger students, and helping to shape a positive and inclusive culture across the school.  We thank them for stepping forward to lead and look forward to the example they will set throughout the year. 

We also congratulate our Biderap (Senior Girls) Captains Tenielle McGuire (from Adelaide River, attending Star of the Sea), and Katelyn Austin (from Batchelor, attending Camberwell Girls’ Grammar School), and Garrawang (Senior Fellas) Captain Mara Lovett-Murray (from Heywood, attending Brighton Grammar School). 

In our school program, we congratulate Year 8 Captains Yalarna Young (from Elliott) and Tobias Verdon (from Wiseleigh), and Year 7 Captains Darius Johns (from Borroloola) and Dermilie McGorm-Tipungwuti (from Pirlangimpi).  Each of these students has been recognised by their peers and staff for their responsibility, resilience, and willingness to contribute to the life of the school. 

Congratulations to Deputy CEO Lia Bartholomew 

I am thrilled to announce that MITS Executive Member Lia Bartholomew has stepped into the new role of Deputy CEO (Students) from the commencement of the 2026 school year.  Lia has been with MITS for over four years, joining us in 2022 as Wellbeing Manager, and soon moving to become Head of Boarding and Wellbeing.  Through her time at MITS Lia has role modelled deep care for students, a keen focus on student and family voice and self-determination, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do. 

In the newly created role of Deputy CEO (Students), Lia oversees all student operations across School, Boarding and Wellbeing.  This broad focus demonstrates our commitment to ensuring students enjoy a seamless and strongly supported experience through every week, and through every year at MITS. 

We also congratulate other continuing staff who are stepping into new roles at MITS: 

• Johnny Short (Head of Strategy, joins Executive) 
• Michael Barnhoorn (Head of School) 
• Rylie Charles (Assistant Head of Boarding) 
• Taylor Bailey (Senior Girls Manager) 
• Chloe Lane (Senior Fellas Manager) 
• Trish Apiti (Assistant Manager, Year 7) 
• Tom Conron (Assistant Manager, Senior Fellas (ongoing)) 
• Jane Rodriguez (Assistant Manager, Senior Girls) 
• Sally Cunningham Kale (Development Manager) 

Child Safety 

As we always do, this year we renew our commitment to child safety at MITS, in particular as we care for young First Nations people.  At the start of this year, all MITS families will have received (by email, text message or both) current copies of our MITS School and Boarding Handbook, including information on our Child Safety Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct.  As part of our start of year processes, all staff and directors have been requested to reconfirm their commitment to child safety at MITS through our Child Safety Code of Conduct. 

If you have questions regarding our Child Safety Policy, or if you ever have a child safety concern, you are encouraged to contact your relevant House Manager, Head of Wellbeing Emma Puddy, or a Member of the Executive Team. 

We are excited for the year ahead: for the seasons of growth that students will experience, and for the changes that we will witness in them.  We thank each member of our MITS community for joining us in 2026 – whether as student, parents, staff, Pathways School, volunteer or supporter – and look forward to sharing our seasons of growth with you in the coming months. 

By Edward Tudor